The New Orleans City Council voted 7-0 Thursday to override Mayor LaToya Cantrell's veto of $20 million to redevelop the vacant Charity Hospital building.
The $20 million expenditure was part of an agreement with Tulane for the university to relinquish its claim on a share of the Wisner Trust, which owns vast tracts of land that include Port Fourchon, a valuable energy hub.
In her veto, Cantrell called the legislation "another attempt by the City Council to usurp executive authority" and said the council's ordinance risked "depriving funding from multiple projects impacting the quality of life for New Orleanians."
All seven council members criticized that logic.
"I would argue, members, economic development, particularly for a sick building in an under-utilized corridor, is quality of life," said Councilmember Joe Giarrusso.
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