Kenner, Louisiana

Kenner (historically French: Cannes-Brûlées)[4] is the seventh-largest city in the U.S. State of Louisiana following New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles and Bossier City. It is the largest city in Jefferson Parish and the largest incorporated suburban city of New Orleans. The population was 66,702 at the 2010 census.

Kenner, Louisiana

Cannes-Brûlées
City
City of Kenner
Kenner's old "Rivertown" area
Seal
Motto(s): 
America's City; Everything's Right Here
Location of Kenner in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Location of Louisiana in the United States
Coordinates: 30°00′35″N 90°15′02″W[1]
Country United States
State Louisiana
ParishJefferson
FoundedMarch 2, 1855
Incorporated1867
ReincorporatedApril 1, 1873
ReincorporatedDecember 13, 1913
Government
 • MayorBen Zahn (R)
Area
 • Total15.11 sq mi (39.14 km2)
 • Land14.88 sq mi (38.54 km2)
 • Water0.23 sq mi (0.60 km2)  00.7%
Elevation3 ft (0.9 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total66,702
 • Estimate 
(2019)[3]
66,340
 • RankJE: 1st
LA: 7th
 • Density4,458.03/sq mi (1,721.28/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code(s)504
FIPS code22-39475
Websitekenner.la.us

History

Originally inhabited by the Tchoupitoulas Indians,[5] the area along the Mississippi River was the first land in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area on which Europeans set foot. René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle landed there in 1682. In 1855, Kenner was founded by Minor Kenner on land that consisted of three plantation properties that had been purchased by the Kenner family. At the time, all land north of what is now Airline Highway was swampland.

In Kenner on May 10, 1870, "Gypsy" Jem Mace defeated Tom Allen for the heavyweight championship of the bare-knuckle boxing era; a monument marks the spot near the river end of Williams Boulevard.

During 1915–1931, a New Orleans streetcar line operated between New Orleans and Kenner. The line ran between the intersection of Rampart and Canal in New Orleans and the intersection of Williams Blvd and Jefferson Hwy in Kenner.

Kenner's growth began in the late 1950s when developers began subdividing, draining and filling the swampland in the northern half of the city. During the 1960s, the construction of Interstate 10 and improvements to Veterans Memorial Highway aided the rapid development of Kenner as a suburb of New Orleans.

In 1982, Pan Am Flight 759 crashed in a residential area of Kenner when a microburst forced it down.[6] Eight people on the ground were killed, as were all 145 people aboard the aircraft. Six houses were completely destroyed and five more substantially damaged.

On September 5, 2018, Mayor E. Ben Zahn III circulated a memo banning the use of Nike products or the Nike logo "for use or delivery to any City of Kenner Recreating facility" ostensibly as a reaction to the decision by Nike to feature Colin Kaepernick in its advertising after his decision to kneel during the playing of the US national anthem at NFL games to protest inequality and police brutality. On September 12, Mayor Zahn reversed the ban after political and legal criticism, stating that it "placed Kenner in a false and unflattering light on the national stage."[7][8][9][10][11]

Geography

Kenner's coordinates are 30°0′35″N 90°15′2″W (30.009610, −90.250585)[12] and has an elevation of 0 ft (0 m).[13]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.2 square miles (39 km2), of which 15.1 square miles (39 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (0.7%) is water.

Kenner is located on the west side of the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner metro area, in Jefferson Parish. Its boundaries are Lake Pontchartrain to the north, the Mississippi River to the south, the unincorporated areas of Metairie and River Ridge to the east, and St. Charles Parish to the west.

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
1880970—
1890953−1.8%
19001,25331.5%
19201,882—
19302,44029.6%
19402,375−2.7%
19505,535133.1%
196017,037207.8%
197029,85875.3%
198066,382122.3%
199072,0338.5%
200070,517−2.1%
201066,702−5.4%
Est. 201966,340[3]−0.5%
U.S. Decennial Census

2013

As of 2013[14] there were 66,975 living in Kenner, down from 70,517 people in 2000. The population density was 4,486.0 people per square mile. There were 28,076 housing units. The racial makeup of the city was 48.8% White, 24.0% African American, 22.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Native American, 3.7% Asian, 3.80% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races.

2000

As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 70,517 people, 25,652 households, and 18,469 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,798.3/km2 (4,659.0/mi2). There were 27,378 housing units at an average density of 698.2/km2 (1,808.8/mi2). The racial makeup of the city was 68.12% White, 22.55% African American, 0.40% Native American, 2.84% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 3.80% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. 13.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 25,652 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.9% were married couples living together, 16.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 23.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the city the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,946, and the median income for a family was $45,866. Males had a median income of $34,964 versus $24,051 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,615. 13.6% of the population and 11.0% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.7% of those under the age of 18 and 12.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Ethnic groups
See also: Hondurans in New Orleans

As of 2010, Hispanics and Latinos made up 22% of Kenner's population. Of the 20 U.S. Census Bureau tracts in Kenner, 12 of them have Hispanic populations of 15% or more. One of those census tracts has the highest number of Hispanic and Latino people in all of Louisiana. By 2011, many business catering to Hispanics and Latinos had opened in Kenner.

A portion of north Kenner is called "Little Honduras." Kenner's Hispanic Resource Center offers English as a second language classes and after school programs.[15]

Places of interest
The Pontchartrain Center
Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner
Treasure Chest Casino

Kenner is home to the following:

  • A. J. Muss Bertolino Playground – The playground includes Muss Bertolino Stadium that is used for high school football games, lacrosse, soccer and includes a running track. Muss Bertolino Gymnasium used for basketball and volleyball is also located in the playground along with a baseball park.[16][17]
  • Chateau Golf and Country Club — one of only three golf courses located in East Jefferson (the East Bank of Jefferson Parish).
  • Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex - 22 court sand volleyball complex located just south of the Pontchartrain Center in Laketown. It is the largest man-made sand complex in the United States. Before opening in Kenner, Coconut Beach existed for 25 years in the West End neighborhood of New Orleans before the site was appropriated for an Army Corps of Engineers flood control project.[18]
  • The Esplanade Mall – Opened in 1983, it is one of the two largest malls located in East Jefferson (the East Bank of Jefferson Parish).
  • Laketown – A park built where Williams Boulevard hits Lake Pontchartrain. It features a boat launch, two piers, pavilions, a jogging/biking path, and a concession stand and bait house.
  • Louis Armstrong International Airport – New Orleans' international airport.
  • Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner – one of the major hospitals in the New Orleans metro area.
  • Pontchartrain Center – Opened in 1991, it is the second-largest convention center in the New Orleans metro area.
  • Rivertown – The historic district located along the original main street of Old Kenner—where Williams Boulevard hits the Mississippi River. It features numerous museums, shops, and cultural resources. Highlights include the Rivertown Repertory Theatre, Kenner's Heritage Park, the Kenner Planetarium & MegaDome Cinema and the Rivertown Science Center (sponsored by Freeport McMoran), two fine dining establishments, and a cafe. Rivertown's Toy Train Museum closed in 2009.[19]
  • Treasure Chest Casino – Docked where Williams Boulevard hits Lake Pontchartrain, it is the only casino located in East Jefferson (the East Bank of Jefferson Parish).

Government
The lighthouse concession stand at Kenner's Laketown development; construction of fishing pier in rear.

The current mayor of Kenner is former Jefferson Parish councilman E. Ben Zahn III.

Kenner is represented in the Louisiana House of Representatives by the Republican attorney Tom Willmott. The state senator is Republican Danny Martiny, a former state House member. Martiny's predecessor in the House is Kernan "Skip" Hand, a retired district court judge from Kenner. Martiny's predecessor in the state Senate, Metairie attorney Art Lentini, also resides in Kenner. Kenner is part of Louisiana's 1st Congressional district, presently represented in the U.S. House by Steve Scalise.

The United States Postal Service operates two post offices.[20] They are the Kenner Post Office and the North Kenner Post Office.[21][22]

Economy

At one time L'Express Airlines had its headquarters in Kenner.[23]

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Kenner is served by the Jefferson Parish Public School System.[24]

The only high school in Kenner is Alfred Bonnabel High School, which is located on the border between Metairie and Kenner. Most areas are zoned to Bonnabel. Some areas are zoned to East Jefferson High School and Grace King High School, both in Metairie.[25] Theodore Roosevelt Middle School is the sole middle school in Kenner. In addition to Roosevelt, middle schools serving sections of Kenner include Adams Middle and Harris Middle in Metairie and Riverdale Middle in Jefferson.[26]

Elementary Schools include:[27]

  • A.C. Alexander Elementary School
  • John James Audubon Elementary School
  • Chateau Estates Elementary School
  • John Clancy Elementary School
  • Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School
  • Walter Schneckenberger Elementary School
  • Washington Elementary School
  • Granville T. Woods Elementary
  • Kenner Discovery Health Science Academy (Public Charter)

In regards to the advanced studies academies, students are zoned to Airline Park Academy.[28]

Private schools include:

  • First Baptist Christian School
  • Our Lady of Perpetual Help School - Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans - The school, the parish school of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, opened in 1928. In 1951 an annex to the school opened. Another building with classrooms and a gymnasium was dedicated in 1956, and the current school building was dedicated in 1961. The Mercy Center, which houses school offices and a library, gymnasium, and a dedicated room for music classes, was dedicated in August 2004.[29]
  • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School - New Orleans archdiocese
  • Islamic School of Greater New Orleans (ISGNO) - K-8[30]

Library and planetarium
North Kenner Library

Jefferson Parish Library operates the North Kenner Library.[31]

Kenner also has the Louis J. Roussel, Jr., Laser Planetarium, named for the New Orleans businessman and political kingmaker Louis J. Roussel, Jr..[32]

Media
See also: Media of New Orleans

The Kenner Star is Kenner's free monthly community newspaper.[33] Kenner is served primarily by New Orleans-based media outlets.

Transportation
Kenner Post Office with LA 49 / Williams Blvd. in foreground

Buses

Public transportation in the city is operated by The Jefferson Parish Department of Transit Administration which operates Jefferson Transit. Jefferson Transit provides service to points in Kenner, Metairie and New Orleans as well as other locations in incorporated and unincorporated Jefferson Parish.[34]

Roads

Kenner is served by Interstate 10, which travels east–west through the city. Traveling westbound from the city line there are exits at Power Blvd., LA 49 (Williams Blvd.)/32nd St. - New Orleans Int'l Airport, and Loyola Dr.

In addition the interstate, U.S. 61 (generally signed as Airline Dr.) travels east–west through the southern end of the city. LA 49 (signed as Williams Blvd.) is the city's primary north–south corridor.

Airport

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY), the main commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area, is located within the city limits, just south of Interstate 10. It serves as a major tax-revenue generator for the city.

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References
  1. "Kenner, Louisiana". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. June 4, 1980. Retrieved 2007-12-12.
  2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  3. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  4. Jim Davis (1997). "History of Kenner". East Jefferson Parish. Archived from the original on 14 February 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  5. "Kenner". Tourist Link. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  6. "1982: Pan Am Flight 759 crashes in Kenner". Nola. 25 December 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  7. "Nike purchases banned for Kenner recreation programs". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
  8. Team, WDSU Digital (2018-09-09). "Kenner mayor faces backlash for memo banning Nike product purchases for city booster clubs". WDSU. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
  9. "Memo indicates Kenner mayor has banned Nike products for city booster clubs". WWL. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
  10. "Alleged Kenner ban on Nike circulating on social media - KATC.com". KATC.com. 2018-09-09. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
  11. "Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn rescinds Nike ban - nola.com". nola.com. 2018-09-12. Retrieved 2018-09-13.
  12. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Archived from the original on 2002-05-27. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  13. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  14. "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2014-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-11.,
  15. "Hispanic population booms in Kenner and elsewhere in New Orleans area" (Archive). The Times-Picayune. June 15, 2011. Retrieved on September 7, 2015.
  16. "Muss Bertolino Field". crescentcitysports.com. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  17. "Louisiana high school football schedule". mcla.com. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  18. WDSU (9 May 2012). "Coconut Beach Moving to Kenner". WDSU. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
  19. Ross, Bob. "Economy shutters Kenner's Toy Train Museum." New Orleans Time-Picayune. October 12, 2009. Retrieved on March 7, 2010.
  20. "Contact Us." City of Kenner. Retrieved on September 28, 2010.
  21. "Post Office Location – KENNER." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on September 27, 2010.
  22. "Post Office Location – NORTH KENNER." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on September 28, 2010.
  23. "World Airline Directory." Flight International. March 27 – April 2, 1991. 99. "Head Office: 1919 Veterans Blvd., Suite 400 Kenner, LA 70062, USA:"
  24. "Council District Map" (Archive). City of Kenner. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  25. "High School Districts 2012-2013 East Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana." (Archive) Jefferson Parish Public School System. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  26. "Middle School Districts 2012-2013 East Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana" (Archive) Jefferson Parish Public School System. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  27. "Elementary School Districts 2012-2013 East Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana" (Archive). Jefferson Parish Public School System. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  28. "East Bank Advanced Studies Attendance Zones" (Archive). Jefferson Parish Public School System. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.
  29. "History". Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  30. "Uniform Policy 2019-2020" (PDF). Islamic School of Greater New Orleans. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  31. "North Kenner Library." Jefferson Parish Library. Retrieved on September 29, 2010.
  32. "Kenner's Rivertown". Experience Jefferson. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  33. Kenner Star.
  34. Jefferson Transit.
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