Govt

by

NEW ORLEANS CITY HALL PHONE AND EMAIL DIRECTORY
blightSTATUSonestop

Animals & Pest Control

Nuisance wildlife removal
Mosquito Control Board

Elections & Voting

Registrar of Voters
Early Voting Sites

The Louisiana Secretary of State manages all elections-related information, from elections and voter registration information to statistics and educational materials. For answers to these questions, please visit the
Louisiana Secretary of State’s GeauxVote website.

Festivals, Parades & Celebrations

Mardi Gras concession stand, special event parking lot, reviewing stand and bracing permits

Health & Human Services

Health Department
Clinic locations
Dental clinics
WIC Program
Healthy Start
HIV Services
Find civil service jobs
Find unclassified jobs

Libraries & Museums

New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans Public Library

Parks, Trees & Neutral Grounds

Jackson Square booking and photography
City Parks rentals
Gallier Hall rental
Tree trimming and removal
Permit to plant a tree between the sidewalk and curb

Recreation

City Park
Audubon Park
New Orleans Recreation Development Commission
Movies in the Park
Golf: City Park Golf Course
Joseph M. Bartholomew, Sr. Municipal Golf Course
Audubon Park Golf Course

Public Safety

Police Department
Fire Department
Emergency Medical Services
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
NOLA Ready

Property Taxes

To pay your property taxes online, you will need your tax bill number. Search for your Real Estate bill number by visiting the Assessor’s website or call (504) 658-1712. If you need your Business Personal Property Tax number call (504) 658-1350.
New Orleans Online Property Tax Payment

Public Works & Utilties

Garbage collection schedule by area
Request recycling service
Recycling pickup schedule
Report illegal dumping
Electricity (Entergy)
Water and Gas (Sewer & Water Board)

Traffic & Transportation

Brake Tag inspections
Parking
Pay tickets
Disputing parking tickets or camera violations
Residential parking permits
Establish a residential parking program
Requests for meter or paystation space rentals\removals
Permits
Street closure
Dumpster placement
Construction zone
Driveway or curb cut
Oversized load
Vendor zone
Taxi & For Hire Vehicles
Complaints
Driver’s permit
Tour guide permit
Pedicab policies
In Order To Register For A Curbside Recycling Cart, You Must Contact The Sanitation Department By:
Completing a Recycling Registration Card,
Mailing or bringing the card to the
Department of Sanitation, City Hall
1300 Perdido Street, Room 1W03, N.O., LA 70112
OR
Faxing the card to (504) 658-3801
OR
Registering Online At
http://recycle.nola.gov/
OR
Calling us at (504) 658-3800

 

City of New Orleans Government Directory

To report blighted property please call (504) 658-4300/4301 or email Jonathan Solis at jasolis@nola.gov

To report an abandoned car or illegal parking please call (504) 658-8290/8291 or email Zepporiah Edmonds at zedmonds@nola.gov

To report a street light outage please call (504) 658-8080

To report a pot hole please call (504) 658-8000 or email Nguyen Phan at ndphan@nola.gov

HISTORIC DISTRICTS LANDMARKS COMMISSION

 

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Louisiana State Alcohol Commission

Bobby Jindal Governor 225-342-8006

Troy Hebert Commissioner 225-925-4041

Jessica Stern Attorney 225-925-4607

Lynn Musumeche Attorney I 225-925-6345

 

City of New Orleans

Mayor Mitch Landrieu Mayor of New Orleans 504-658-4945

Jared Munster Dir Safety and Permits 504-658-7100

Edward Horan Zoning Administrator 504-658-7125

Larry Hesdorffer Dir Vieux Carre Commission Staff 504-658-1420

Charles Berg Vieux Carre Building Plans Examiner 504-658-1420

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CLICK HERE FOR A KID’s GUIDE TO FAMOUS U.S. LANDMARKS

Many thanks to Mia of Ms. Bowen’s 5th grade class at the Mason Learning Center for finding this valuable resource about famous landmarks in the United States.

***

THOMAS

The Library of Congress Internet Legislative Information System. Updated daily, it provides a searchable database for information about all bills passed in the 107th and 108th Congress, bills pending in Congress, and House and Senate floor speeches and debates recorded daily in the Congressional Record.

Federal Departments, Bureaus, Agencies

A comprehensive list of links to the homepages of federal organizations, from the CIA and the Social Security Administration to the Department of Commerce and the White House.

FedWorld Information Network

A searchable database of federal information.

Government Printing Office

Provides free, searchable electronic access to a wealth of important information published by the federal government. The information provided on this site is the official version of government documents.

The White House

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. Senate

Library of Congress

Federal Judiciary

Get the latest updates on the U.S. court system.

FirstGov.gov

research all federal websites from a single site.

www.KnowYourOptions.com

Options to Prevent Foreclosure by Fannie Mae

www.PreventLoanScams.org

How to Avoid Loan Modification Scams by Fannie Mae

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Do You Know What Happened on This Date in History?

Fun and Educational Links

Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government
Learn how your U.S. Government works, about its history and your civic responsibilities by reading these pages and playing the games on this site.

Whitehousekids.gov

Visit the White House’s official page for kids and learn about president, his responsibilities and the history of the office.

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Kid’s News

Read news just for kids at the Washington Post Kid’s Post Page.

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First Gov for Kids

The federal government’s portal for fun, educational and safe sites for kids.

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CIA’s Homepage for Kids

Learn what it takes to be a spy, read about the history of the CIA and try on spy disguises.

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National Zoo

Meet the animals that live at our national zoo.

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NASA Just for Kids

Learn about our missions to space, new technologies and the history of our space program.

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National Children’s Museum

Take a tour of the National Children’s Museum.

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EPA’s Explorers’ Club

Learn about the environment and what you can do to protect it.

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Smithsonian Kids’ Castle

The Smithsonian’s official site for kids includes games and learning material about the things that kids are interested in.

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The Congressional Award

The Congressional Award is a public partnership created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America’s youth. The Congressional Award provides a unique opportunity for young people to set and achieve personally challenging goals that build character and foster community service, personal development, and citizenship.

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Thank you to Michelle Peng at educatorlabs.org for sending in the links below:

 

American Government [ushistory.org]
http://www.ushistory.org/gov/

Building & Rebuilding the White House
http://www.improvenet.com/a/story-of-building-and-rebuilding-white-house

U.S. Currency | Youth Education
http://www.newmoney.gov/education_resources/youth.aspx

The History of Money and Credit
http://www.mortgagecalculator.org/helpful-advice/history-of-money.php

TreasuryDirect KIDS – Teaching Kids About Debt
https://www.treasurydirect.gov/kids/kids.htm

Talking About Money with Kids
http://blog.kanetix.ca/how-not-to-raise-a-money-moron/

Government Systems | Articles and Resources
http://educatorlabs.org/resources/listing-category/government-systems/

 

Bi-weekly Blight Business

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Article and photos by Charlie London

Mayor Landrieu invited the public to attend the first bi-weekly meeting where all of the departments that have anything to do with blight get together to discuss their progress and ways to improve.

One of the noteworthy quotes from Mayor Landrieu concerns the number of continuances that are allowed when a blighted property owner is brought to the administration hearing. Mayor Landrieu stated, “Continuances should be the exception rather than the rule.”

The Departments concerning health code violations (overgrown lots) and code enforcement are being merged. The 20 inspectors in the new department will be trained to be certified to do all inspections concerning blighted properties and lots.

The goal of the new department is 12 inspections per day per inspector. The overall goal is 1600 inspections per month for buildings and 400 inspections per month for lots.

Targeting blighted schools, parks and the properties surrounding them is a major priority. Fixing schools and parks will encourage development in those areas.

Mayor Landrieu spoke of the importance of measuring progress and stressed the economic development potential of removing blight and rebuilding our city.

Rental and commericial properties will also be a priority for code enforcement. The city intends to pursue an aggressive, relentless enforcement strategy. It is time for owners of blighted property to take personal responsibility.

The Mayor also stated that all FEMA trailers will be gone by January 1st, 2011.

He encouraged city departments and the public to have constructive engagement not destructive interaction.

The city intends to focus on code enforcement as the key tool for fighting blight.

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Check out the video above and view several city properties contributing to the blight problem in New Orleans.

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New Orleans Mayor Landrieu strives for better communication in blight discussions
by Ben Myers
Dolan Media Newswires

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Citizens caught a glimpse of policymaking in action Nov. 4 at the city’s first BlightStat meeting, a biweekly public gathering where city officials dissect new performance metrics that track blight eradication efforts.

They were also presented with a mayor who, while admitting that he felt “argumentative,” frequently pushed members of his administration and citizens to speak each other’s language.

“I want people to test the information that comes out of your mouth,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “Don’t just say something and not have a basis for it.”

The statement came after Landrieu took exception to Charlie London’s characterization that city-owned historic properties are “being demolished by neglect.” London, part of the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association, further urged the administration to use citizen volunteers as property inspectors.

“Excellent point,” replied Chief Administrative Officer Andy Kopplin, before Landrieu cut him off.

“Excellent, but not necessarily accurate,” Landrieu said. “Let’s clarify what we’re talking about.”

Landrieu told those in attendance that city-owned properties are his administration’s first priority in addressing blight, adding that historic structures must be rehabbed or taken down according to preservation protocols. He then turned to his staff, seated around tables in front of the room. London indeed made an excellent point about private volunteers, Landrieu said, “So the question is, with our inspections, can we use Charlie and other people to help us?”

Jeff Hebert, Landrieu’s new blight policy chief, replied that the city could take certain information about blighted properties from private citizens.

“That’s not what he asked,” Landrieu said, before Hebert could finish his sentence. “He asked whether our citizens can be inspectors. That’s the question he asked. So let’s answer that question.”

Brenda Breaux, chief deputy City attorney, followed with an explanation that city law excludes citizens from being inspectors because the city relies on inspection information in court hearings. Landrieu then beseeched his staff to distill the essence of London’s suggestion. There may be constitutional limits on citizen inspections, but “it’s possible for private citizens to assist government,” Landrieu said, noting the New Orleans Police Department’s citizen reserves.

“It ought not just be limited to just, ‘Send us information,'” the mayor added, instructing administration members to investigate the legal boundaries.

Landrieu also played interpreter in a discussion about handling citizen complaints via computer so that the appropriate city department addresses them. One hurdle is the way former Mayor Ray Nagin’s administration installed Accella, the city’s central software system, Chief Information Officer Allen Square said.

The installation “was probably not the most optimal configuration for these departments to work in,” Square said, which was met with a brusque interjection by Landrieu. “Nobody knows what that means,” he said. “Say what you mean directly.”

Square attempted to rephrase, with step-by-step coaching from Landrieu, who eventually took over for his IT director. Accella is not the problem, Landrieu said, but it has been used in a way where “nobody could talk to anybody” within various departments. City employees are now “transitioning from misusing the piece of equipment to using it appropriately,” he added.

Square, sounding relieved, replied with a genuine punch line that earned laughter on both ends of the room.

“That’s exactly what I was trying to say,” he said.
***

2552 St. Philip is just one of the historic city-owned properties being demolished by neglect…

Restoring City-owned historic properties would create anchors of positive development throughout New Orleans and give a big boost to our restoration efforts.
More in the links below:

http://katrinafilm.wordpress.com/2009/05/29/donation-of-city-property/

http://katrinafilm.wordpress.com/2009/05/28/581/

http://katrinafilm.wordpress.com/2009/04/28/2552-st-philip-street/

http://katrinafilm.com/Map2552StPhilip.jpg

Blighted Beginnings

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Article and photos by Charlie London

UPDATE FROM Nov 18 Blight Stat meeting:

Mayor Landrieu organized a blight sweep in the five block radius around Bunny Friend playground and William Franz school. Agencies participating were Code Enforcement, Environmental Health, Safety and Permits, NORD, and NOPD Quality of Life Officers.

The sweep produced 131 structures cited, 18 lots cited, 6 lots cleared, and one demolition.

Katherine Prevost – 9th Ward activist, City Services Director Ann Duplessis, District D Councilmember Cynthia Morrell, and Winston Reid of Code Enforcement celebrate the new aggressive blight eradication plan in New Orleans at the photo opportunity today on Desire Street in New Orleans. Photo by Charlie London

Click here to learn how you can help fight blight.
****************************************************


New Orleans’ Mayor Mitch Landrieu entered office with many formidable tasks. One of those tasks is to step up efforts to eradicate blight. With 60,000 blighted properties in New Orleans, that’s no small feat.

In a photo opportunity today, the Mayor, Councilmember Morrell, and Winston Reid, the Director of Code Enforcement announced that the city has dedicated funds to eradicating blight.

Winston Reid should be commended for his efforts to date. With only 12 inspectors for 60,000 blighted properties under the previous administration, Code Enforcement’s ability to fight blight was severely limited.

Mr Reid described the situation this way, “It was like being handed a BB gun to ward of a herd of charging elephants”.

As of November 1, 2010, Mayor Landrieu has promised the people of New Orleans that Mr. Reid will be armed with more than a “BB gun” to fight off the herd of blighted properties we have in New Orleans.

ONE TEAM. ONE VOICE. ONE FIGHT. ONE CITY.



Brandon Banks -neighbor, along with Katherine Prevost – 9th Ward activist, and Mayor Landrieu review Ms. Prevosts records on the blighted property next to Brandon Banks pictured in the background.

***************************************************

“I’ve held community meetings in every council district and have visited nearly every neighborhood since taking office and one thing is clear– residents have been ready for this city to get serious about addressing blight,” Landrieu said. “It threatens our safety, the value of our homes and our quality of life. When we announced our comprehensive strategy in September, we put owners of blighted property on notice to get into compliance. We’re here today to tell you that today is the day. Get your properties into compliance.”

“This is a great opportunity for the residents of the Bunny Friend neighborhood, which comprises both Districts C and D,” said District D Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell. “There is a tremendous amount of rebuilding going on in the area and the sweep will certainly enhance this development.”

“Blight eradication is one of the most important steps we can take toward reducing our city’s crime rate and making our streets and neighborhoods safer,” said City Council Vice President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson. “Removing blighted properties from our neighborhoods is also key to bringing people home to New Orleans, to invest in both residential and commercial property.”

In keeping with Mayor Landrieu’s commitment to place-based development, many code enforcement sweeps will be targeted within a five-block radius of open schools, playgrounds, and high-traffic commercial corridors. Mayor Landrieu’s goal is to inspect over 1600 properties per month.

Mayor Landrieu has committed approximately $16 million in his 2011 budget proposal, which is subject to City Council approval, to fight blight.

In addition to aggressive enforcement and inspections, the City has committed to utilizing Sheriffs sales for property disposition since they are the most cost-effective tools for seizing blighted properties and returning them to commerce. The City is in the process of coordinating blight-tracking information systems housed in various city departments. Deputy CAO Ann Duplessis is in the process of consolidating the two departments which oversee blight enforcement—Code Enforcement and Environmental Health—into a unified, streamlined Code Enforcement & Hearings Bureau. Mayor Landrieu also hired a Director of Blight Policy & Neighborhood Revitalization to oversee all blight strategy development. Additionally, the city will convene monthly CitiStat accountability meetings with key staff, which will be open to the public, to monitor progress in meeting citywide blight goals. The first BlightStat meeting will be held at 8AM on Thursday, November 4, at City Hall.

Based on new data from the U.S. Postal Service and Greater New Orleans Community Data Center, it is estimated that there are an estimated 58,000 blighted and/or vacant addresses in New Orleans today. This estimate—which accounts for the highest percentage of blighted property in the country– includes both residential and commercial property.

“We must continue to reduce blighted properties at a steady pace to spur economic growth and provide neighborhood stability,” concluded Landrieu. “It’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to successfully tackle the level of blight we have in New Orleans. We know our strategy will help catalyze neighborhood revitalization and economic development across our beloved city, and we are asking all New Orleanians to join us in this effort.”

Bounty on the Bayou

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Halloween in Faubourg St. John.
Click here for a newsletter
by Richard Angelico

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FAUBOURG ST. JOHN GIVES A BOO FOR KIDS
Thursday, November 04, 2010 Roberta Grove (Times Picayune)
New Orleans is a great town for costuming, and Halloween definitely rivals Mardi Gras when it comes to the locals’ display of creativity.

One of the best places to see the costumes on parade is at the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association’s family-friendly Halloween party. The streets along Fortier Park on Esplanade Avenue become pedestrian-only zones so children can enjoy the holiday in a safe environment. Not only was the park beautifully decorated, but residents whose houses surround the park went all out with Halloween-themed decorations that made the area come alive.

The group’s annual Halloween bash took place a bit earlier than usual this year due the Saints’ home game against the Steelers. Although I did hear a few complaints from some of the children that it wasn’t yet dark enough for trick-or-treating, most of the youth seemed to enjoy the festivities just fine. They took part in games and activities as the adults met their friends and neighbors to enjoy the holiday.

I noticed a definite increase in the number of families who attended this year’s bash. Some heard about the event from friends and others just happened by. One thing was certain: Everyone who experienced FSJNA’s Halloween will want to be back next year.

For information on the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association, visit www.fsjna.org.
******************************************


Photo of Jane McEachin by Kerry McEachin

PHOTOS BY RICHARD ANGELICO

2nd Line Against Crime

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Tonight’s Parade of Peace was an overwhelming success.

Hundreds walked with 1st District N.O.P.D. officers and many more
came out of their homes to see what was happening.

Two bands showed up. The Warren Easton High School band led
the charge and the Young Pinstripes followed the crowd.

The two bands got together for an impromptu performance after the
walk while participants danced. Smiles were abundant.

The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association was well represented
with 7 members joining the march. In attendance were Ali James,
Dean Burridge, Pushpa Ramaiah, Mike Luke, Jim Danner, and Brenda
and Charlie London.

The Parade of Peace turned into a 2nd Line Against Crime. If you missed this 2nd Line Against Crime, you really missed a good one!

The Parade of Peace was an opportunity to bring diverse interests together walking toward a common goal – peace in our city.

The community sent a clear message that the 7th Ward supports the N.O.P.D. 1st District’s work to make New Orleans a more peaceful place.


Photos and video by Charlie London

NOPD+Newsletter+November+5,+2010

NOLA Gondola

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A recent visitor to New Orleans posted the video above on YouTube. CLICK HERE to learn more about NOLA GONDOLA.

You can read more about NOLA Gondola and it’s owner Robert in the link below:
http://www.nolagondola.com/aboutus.html

The rides begin at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, until dusk. It costs $15.00 per person for a 20 minute tour and $59.00 for the 40 minute Romanza Tour for two. The “Gondamore Pour Deux” is a 60 minute private cruise for two, with live music. Complimentary baskets of cheese and crackers are provided, along with warm blankets ice, ice buckets,and wine glasses. You must provide your own beverages, and reservations are recommended.

New Bylaws Approved

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At tonight’s General Membership meeting several important issues were discussed. The big issue on the agenda was the vote on the proposed bylaws put forth by Mary-jo Webster and her team of dedicated professionals. Click here to read the bylaws approved by a unanimous approval of the General Membership on September 15, 2010

Pictured above is Bobby Wozniak at the FSJNA Board meeting held Monday, September 13th. Everyone was invited but few turned out, likely due to the big General Membership meeting on the 15th.

You may be sorry that you missed that meeting as Bobby explained that exciting developments may be happening soon in our neighborhood. If you missed the meeting, sorry I can’t tell you about it. I’ve been sworn to secrecy. However, stay tuned to fsjna.org to see how this exciting mystery unfolds!

Still Standing

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December 13, 2010
Hi Charlie,
Here’s the last word on “Still Standing.” Last week, over several days, Orleans Shoring moved the piece from City Park to its new home at The House on Bayou Road, a former b&b which has been purchased by the Joan Mitchell Foundation for an arts center. We finalized the move over the weekend. Here’s a link for the new address —
http://www.houseonbayouroad.com/
Shannon and I want to thank you for your efforts on behalf of keeping Still Standing in the park. The support that came from you and others was truly appreciated and heartwarming. It meant a lot to us.

Fortunately, even though we didn’t prevail, we’ve found as a happy solution/resolution as we could have hoped for, and the piece looks very pretty where it is. It’s not exactly public any more, but at least it still exists.

We’d like to also extend our thanks to the people who wrote in support of keeping “Still Standing” in the park. I can tell you that eventhough it didn’t work out, it became clear to us that their voices still made quite an impression, and in that sense they were heard.

It’s clear that your website represents an example of the internet functioning at its best — bringing together an interactive community of people who care about their neighborhood. Thanks for including us in your discussion for a little while. Take care,
Erik & Shannon

***

Still Standing – Hansen from Arts New Orleans on Vimeo.

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“Still Standing” by Shannon Landis Hansen is a celebration of the resolve, resolution, and restorative powers inside the people of New Orleans.

It is a monument to our resiliency, perspicacity, and love of life. There is a movement afoot to have this testament to our tenacity removed.

Please let our City Park officials know we want this monument to remain “Still Standing”. Write a short note to info@fsjna.org expressing your support to save this monument to us.
Or, if you prefer to express your opinion by phone, please call Bob Becker at (504) 482-4888 and ask that this monument remain “Still Standing”.
*************************************************

Photos by Charlie London
*************************************************

COMMENTS

To Whom It May Concern,
I was away when Katrina hit but came home whenever I could to try and make a difference. On one of my extended stays, I went to the park and encountered this artwork. I wept for 15 minutes because of its healing power. It would be a great loss to lose this artwork,
Pamela Marquis
***********
This sculpture is a testament to the creative spirit in New Orleans, still
alive after Hurricane Katrina. Please don’t let it be removed!
Many thanks from a City Park-loving neighbor…
Mary Degnan
***********
Remarkable folk art. Truly remarkable.
Foolish to remove it. Truly foolish.
Let it stand.
Roger Hahn
***********
I live on Grand Route St. John and walk the park often. I always stop to look at this unique landmark and always seem to find something I’ve never noticed before. Please save this beautiful, unique and amazing piece of art.
Sincerely,
Janelle Dayton
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Please keep Shannon Landis’s wonderful sculpture permanently in the park. I and my family love it, and it lifts my spirits each time I pass it on my daily morning run.
Randy Bates
member Friends of City Park
***********
I’m not sure why anyone would want this monument removed. I remember the first time I saw it close up. I was riding my bike past and stopped to look. I was fascinated by all of the small pieces of people’s lives that had been gathered up and recycled into art. I stayed there a very long time just to look at each individual part. I was reminded of the many pieces of my life that had been lost in Lakeview and it somehow gave me comfort and strength. I’m asking that this monument not be removed, but left to stay as a reminder to us all of the determination of the citizens of NOLA.
Thank you.
elaine gootee
***********
I am just writing to express my fondness for this unusual art piece. It would be a shame to remove it. I teach at Delgado so pass it frequently. Like the park itself, each time I look at it I see something new and wonderful.
Beth Lasky, JD CPA
Instructor, Delgado Community College
***********
To Whom It May Concern,
Please add my voice to those neighborhood residents who would like to see the sculpture “Still Standing” remain in its present position in City Park. We hope that the trustees of the park will underwrite the insurance and upkeep of this important monument.
Yours,
Cynthia Scott
***********
Dear City Park Officials,
I wanted to put forth my support towards the monument and art work “Still Standing” created by Shannon Landis Hansen. As a work of art and testimony honoring the city of New Orleans, “Still Standing” should remain on the grounds as a beacon of hope.
Thank you for your time,
— Kristen Gremillion
***********
Still Standing is a delightful and inspiring piece of sculpture. If it is to be moved it should be placed in the sculpture garden where it will be better protected. Tina and I love the artwork and watched it being constructed.
Best regards,
Howard and Tina Mielke
***********
This note is to express support for the sculpture “Still Standing” I oppose any effort to have it removed-it is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Sincerely
Jane Hill
***********
I took great pleasure in watching the construction process unfold as Still Standing” by Shannon Landis Hansen took shape over a period of weeks and months. I love the sculpture. I walk by it on a daily basis and look forward to seeing it in its current location.
I would like to take part in any effort to keep the sculpture in place.
Bill Coskrey
***********
I LOVE the sculpture. It is fun and witty, and breathtakingly beautiful. If there is no place in City Park for it (hard to imagine!), maybe we could put it in one of our pocket parks. It is true that beauty and art is in the eye of the beholder.
Pat Fowler
***********
I think the sculpture is wonderful. I work in the park and often see people coming up to it and being happy that it’s there. When I founded the Mid City Art Market I knew that art was a matter of individual taste and it can be tough to determine “good” or “bad” public art especially.
Sundance Morgan
***********
I walk in the park and past “Still Standing” every morning. I watched its progress as it was erected a few years ago and still enjoy seeing it daily. I also see many people local and tourist a like stop to take it in and enjoy it. It has been a welcome addition to the park for me and I would hate to see go.
Rachel Smith
***********
We didn’t know the title of this piece, but it is sort of a little
shrine that we stop by when we walk through the park. Now that the weather is getting better, out walking will increase and we look
forward to visiting all our favorite bits of City Park. Please
preserve this piece. I like it, my grandkids find it interesting, and
I think it belongs in the diversity of my favorite park! It speaks to
our spirit!
Vivien Michals
***********
This extraordinary monument not only represents the resilience and hope of New Orleanians after Katrina, but is an especially poignant testament to the determination of City Park officials and hundreds of volunteers to rebuild the Park better than it was before the flood. There is no more appropriate spot in the city for such a wonderful work of art. Please have the good sense to keep it here.
James S. Hank
***********
Please keep the “Still Standing” monument in City Park up. It is a lovely piece of art and testament to our struggles.
Thank you,
Sarah Marcello
***********
Please leave the sculpture, Still Standing, in City Park. It says so much to so many.
Sara Fanelli
***********
I am writing to express my support for the permanent retention of the “Still Standing” artwork in City Park in New Orleans. I live on N. White St. in Faubourg St. John, and I pass “Still Standing” nearly every day as I walk my dogs in the park. It is a beautiful work of art and a loving tribute, and should be kept as a permanent fixture in the Park.
John McGowan-Hartmann, Ph.D
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Film, Theater and Communication Arts
University of New Orleans
***********
It is with great sadness that I hear that City Park is planning to remove the sculpture/monument titled “Still Standing.” I would like to add my voice to those voices that oppose this action. I live in New Orleans for almost two decades, and I am a regular user of City Park. “Still Standing” is a fitting memorial to Katrina: it is a good sculpture, but it also fits nicely in its environment. I encourage you to change your decision and keep “Still Standing” where it belongs: in that wonderful corner of City Park.
Thank you for your consideration,
Laszlo Fulop
Assistant Professor
Department of Film, Theatre, and Communication Arts
The University of New Orleans
***********
Why would people want to remove such an inspirational & whimsical beauty that makes so many people so happy? City Park is the perfect location. It’s beautiful! I would be thrilled to have it in my front yard! Why don’t they? Please reconsider. It is truly a heartfelt masterpiece & we should be proud to have it in our neighborhood. Sincerely, Susan Gibeault
***********
I live almost directly across the street from the sculpture. You can see it from my living room. I have had guests who see it when they come to visit. Many have crossed the street for a closer look. All have remarked that it is a powerful work of art – especially those who were living in the city during Katrina. All of my neighbors have stated that they like the sculpture and that it adds to the ambience of the neighborhood. It would be a shame if it is removed.
Phil Costa
***********
Please don’t remove this beautiful, inspiring, piece of artwork. Every time i stop and look at it i see something new and it makes me happy. It should be allowed to stay and make other people happy. It is a monument to the perseverance of people during and after hurricane katrina that we all can relate to. Amanda Flood
***********
Dear City Park Officials,
Please make an effort to keep ‘Still Standing’ in the park. It is a wonderful piece and should continue be in a prominent location so that many can continue to enjoy it.
Hamp Overton
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This is a vote in FAVOR of keeping the Still Standing sculpture in City Park. We had looked at it very closely (and with pleasure) without knowing it had any connection with Katrina, and would be for keeping it, whatever its inspiration.
David and Kathy Fischer
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Absolutely love this piece, whenever we have out of town guests, a visit to this is always included after the Sculpture Garden. It is a very mesmerizing, whimsical, and thoughtful work of art and I find something new about it each time I see it. Please save it!
Frank Pizzi
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Invitation to Vote

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Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association members are cordially invited to attend the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association’s General Membership Meeting on September 15th at the Fairgrounds Racetrack. The meeting will commence at 6 pm http://business.fsjna.org/about/bylaws/

FSJNA members are requested to vote on the proposed changes to FSJNA’s bylaws. http://business.fsjna.org/about/bylaws/

Mary-jo Webster and her team have spent countless hours, given many opportunities for review, and made changes based on member input to the proposed bylaws. http://business.fsjna.org/about/bylaws/

FSJNA members are strongly urged to review the proposed bylaws and Mary-jo’s outline of the changes in the link below.
http://business.fsjna.org/about/bylaws/

As it is in federal, state, and local elections… those who do not
keep themselves informed or take the time to vote become subject to the choices of those who do. http://business.fsjna.org/about/bylaws/

So, if you believe your opinion is important, take the time to review the proposed bylaws then VOTE at the General Membership Meeting on September 15th at 6 pm to be held at the Fairgrounds Racetrack.
http://business.fsjna.org/about/bylaws/

Get Involved

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Robert Thompson sent in this interesting idea he received from a friend.
Please read below to learn more about a unique way to slow down traffic in your neighborhood while adding to its unique character at the same time…

Who wants to help make this happen?

It is a community demonstration project that has taken over an intersection in an effort to slow down traffic and re-establish community. Each corner of the small intersection has something interesting – one corner has a community board, another has a tea station with cups and tea-bags and a perpetual (solar) hot water dispenser. There is a book station (leave a book, pick up a book) and people leave things like mounds of extra fruit from their yard – or other bounty they want to share. The intersection is brightly painted in amazing colors (to encourage cars to slow down & cyclists to stop) and then – the crowning jewel (we have always felt) is the play house on the corner. It is made of recycled building materials and natural things (sticks!) and other odds and ends – (an old wooden ironing board is a bench!) There are toy boxes and a book / reading area. People leave toys and you can take a toy home if you like (and bring back another.) It is so much fun and it is just a magnet for young children.