NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Some businesses along Decatur Street are seeing improved visibility and foot traffic after construction fencing was removed from part of the corridor, but others say conditions remain unchanged as Sewerage and Water Board infrastructure work continues.
Howard Smith, who lives above a bar on Decatur Street, said construction has blocked his view since September 2025. Three weeks ago, fencing around the project on his block came down.
“I see the people coming by and they’re even interested in the street. They’re coming more and more and more. The business is picking up a little bit,” Smith said.
Trey Monaghan, with Molly’s at the Market in the 1100 block of Decatur, said the fence removal is a positive development heading into a busy stretch of events.
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“We’ve got Satchmo Fest, we still have Red Dress Run, Dirty Linen and I think all of that will be very impactful to us,” Monaghan said.
Satchmo Summer Fest kicks off this weekend at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
Despite the improvement in his block, Monaghan said the summer months, combined with ongoing construction, continue to affect business.
“We’re down anywhere from 12 to 25 percent. On big events we’re down 50 percent. I would say, cut all of those numbers in half since the fence has came down,” he said.
Further down the block, near Decatur and St. Philip, fencing remains in place. Vines have begun to climb the fence and cover signs for businesses in the area.
Christina Marullo, whose family owns the French Market Restaurant, said her father-in-law has lost nearly $1.5 million since August. The restaurant is now closed Monday through Wednesday due to slow business. Marullo said the Sewerage and Water Board is not complying with a court order to improve access for businesses on her block.
A Sewerage and Water Board spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment about Marullo’s statement. The agency anticipates construction to end by fall.
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