31 Flavors of Blight

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BlightStat 31

February 9, 2012

This was the 31st BlightStat meeting to which the public was invited.
The city continues to march toward its goal of the removal of 10,000 blighted properties within three years. It is estimated that over 40,000 blighted properties were in New Orleans in 2006.

Mr. Oliver Wise moderated the meeting.

Mr. Wise quipped about the change from bi-weekly to monthly meetings and that the report produced this month is the first data for 2012.

Ms. Williams will be changing departments and Mr. Kray will be replacing her.

Ms. Denise Ross introduced the Code for America team. Code for America representatives Ms. Alex Pandel, Mr. Amir Reavis-Bey, Mr. Eddie Tejeda, and Ms. Serena Wales produced a slide show.

Code for America worked in Boston on education last year. They made an easy to use application. 26 fellows are working with 8 cities.

The focus in New Orleans is blight, open data, and 311. The goal is to have active collaboration between city staff, neighborhood leaders, non-profits, community members and the tech community. The Code for America team can be reached at neworleans@codeforamerica.org

Mr. Kopplin thanked the Code for America team for their contribution to the city. Jeff Hebert indicated that the Code for America team is here due to problems found during the BlightStat meetings.

Mr. Square indicated that citizens are very happy that the Code for America team is here. Mr. Kopplin indicated that New Orleans would be a great place for them to stay permanently.

On Code for America’s website, the situation is described as follows:
“The City of New Orleans wants to partner with Code for America to support and further legitimize the invaluable role neighborhood stakeholders continue to play in community revitalization. By developing a light-weight application to allow community stakeholders to submit bulk information to the city about their neighborhood, view existing relevant city data, and receive status for each of the on-going issues in their neighborhood, they will be better able to advocate and support their neighborhoods.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CITY’s NEW and IMPROVED BLIGHTSTAT PRESENTATION.

Major portions of the presentation have undergone a redesign to focus on quality and timeliness of the steps in the process

Ms. Basco continued the meeting. During January…
reinspections were high due to better property-owner compliance which requires reinspections.

Ms. Basco indicated posting of hearings should increase over time.

Mr. Lessinger indicated the “Inspections by Type and Result” slide better shows the inspection to to posting of hearing process. He thanked Mr. Kray for his work on producing the new format for the presentation.

Mr. Square indicated that some undercounting may be occurring.

Ms. Basco indicated that the majority of the complaints are over the 30 day mark.

Mr. Wise explained the “Timeliness of Inspections” slide. The goal is to have all inspections done within 30 days and to have no inspections that exceed the service level agreement.

Mr. Kopplin and Mr. Wise further discussed the parameters of the powerpoint slide. Mr. Kray clarified the details of the information.

Ms. Basco indicated the priority is on the older inspections while continuing to work incoming complaints.

Ms. Basco indicated that the city is “rockin” concerning the hearings process.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that performance is important but just as important is “Did we do it when we said we would do it?”

Ms. Tammie Jackson reviewed the “Hearings Outcomes” slide. She indicated that better communication has produced improved results.

Ms. Jackson further stated that “yes, 6 years later there are people who are still working through the Road Home process”.

Mr. Kopplin and Ms. Jackson discussed the details of the Road Home program with Ms. Illarmo clarifying how many are still working through the Road Home program. It ranges from 60 – 78 still working through the process.

A representative from the Road Home program asked for help from citizens locating people who have not used their grants from the Road Home program to refurbish their property.

Mr. Wise indicated “the reset – no inspection numbers are still troubling”. He inquired, “What’s going on?” Ms. Basco indicated she did have an answer today but would look into it.

Mr. Hebert said that is not an indication of poor performance of Ms. Basco’s department but that reinspections are a problem.

Mr. Lessinger indicated that Mr. Kray has produced a presentation which better indicates what is going on.

Mr. Kray does not have a way to pull out all of the reinspections from the current system. Mr. Wise said that should become an “action item”.

Mr. Wise asked about what is happening with resets. Ms. Illarmo indicated that some cases do go on for a long time. Ms. Illarmo went through the hearings process in response to a question from Mr. Kopplin.

A discussion ensued about how the new graphics are presented.

Mr. Kray made an analogy of meetings-clients vs. hearings.

Ms. Illarmo discussed resets and that Mr. Kray has produced a valuable tool to help fight blight. More and easier to access information is being produced.

Ms. Illarmo said there will be fewer hearings in February for a variety of reasons (Mardi Gras for one) but a “big push” will be on the agenda for March.

Mr. Carrere discussed demolitions. Significant process has been made particularly in New Orleans East.

Mr. Hebert indicated the townhouses in New Orleans East produce a multitude of issues. Mr. Hebert indicated “the state is committed”. He added that commercial properties have a lot of issues that need to be solved before the buildings can be demolished.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that the City is continuing to negotiate with FEMA. A good working relationship has been established.

The FEMA rep reviewed the “New Orleans FEMA Demolitions” slide. Mr. Kopplin inquired about properties denied by NCDC/HDLC. Those properties then go before the City Council for review.

Mr. Kopplin asked for a report on how many are HDLC denials and NCDC denials and how many have gone before the City Council.

NCDC demolition denials can’t be appealed. They just die for one year.

In just over a year 2,728 demolitons have been completed.

Mr. Keith Ferrouillet discussed the interim nuisance abatement program. Call 658-2526 but INAP can only cut a specific lot once. Citizens in the 9th Ward are doing the “maintenance cuts” once INAP cuts the tall grass on a particular lot.

Mr. Kopplin inquired about the current grass cutting contract which expires March 28th. A request for proposal will go out for a contract that will replace the current non-performing contractor.

Ms. Basco indicated only 1 FEMA trailer remains.
That trailer should be removed soon. Initially there were 18,000 FEMA trailers in the City of New Orleans after hurricane Katrina.

Mr. Granderson indicated that the law department continues to work diligently on the lien foreclosure process. 57 of 144 files were approved for the lien foreclosure process during the past month.

138 properties set for sale. 62 went to auction but no one bid on them. They will be offered again at a future sheriff’s sale for a lower amount. 13 stopped due to “noticing issues”. All owners (heirs, entities, etc.) have to be notified once a property is scheduled to go to a sherrif’s sale.

There will be Sheriff Sales on February 16, February 23 and a large sale on March 6th. This info is updated at data.nola.gov

Mr. Hebert indicated LLT properties are being transferred to the City of New Orleans.

Mr. Lawlor of the Office of Community Development thanked Ms. Rosalind Peychaud for her assistance with the soft-second program.

Mr. Kopplin stated that citizens are demanding results. Mr. Kopplin wants to make sure the process from blighted property to property in commerce gets smoother with time.

Mr. Hebert indicated he and Mr. Lawlor are working together to continue the fight against blight.

The meeting was then opened up for questions from the audience of about 50 people. TV news crews were present at this meeting.

It is clear that enforcement of laws related to blighted properties will be more aggressive in 2012. The Mayor’s directive to have 10,000 blighted properties eradicated in three years remains on track.

BlightStat 32 will be held on March 8, 2012. The meetings are on the 8th floor of City Hall in the Homeland Security Conference Room.

You can review reports on all of the previous BlightStat Meetings in the links below:
Blight Sweep in 9th Ward: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/blighted-beginnings/
BLIGHTSTAT ONE: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/bi-weekly-blight-business/
BLIGHTSTAT TWO:https://fsjna.org/2010/11/keeping-our-eyes-on-the-prize/
BLIGHTSTAT THREE: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/what-gets-measured-gets-managed/
BLIGHTSTAT FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/blight-busting/
2010 Year End Update: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/year-end-update-from-the-landrieu-administration/
BLIGHTSTAT FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/the-5th-dimension-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/a-sixth-sense-for-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/the-7-heavens-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/8-by-ya-mommas/
BLIGHTSTAT NINE: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-9/
BLIGHTSTAT TEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-10/
BLIGHTSTAT ELEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-11/
BLIGHTSTAT TWELVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-12/
Mayor’s State of the City Address: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/one-city-that-shares-one-fate/
BLIGHTSTAT THIRTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-13/
BLIGHTSTAT FOURTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-14/
BLIGHTSTAT FIFTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-15/
CITY GETS REPORT CARD: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/city-gets-report-card/
BLIGHTSTAT SIXTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-16/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVENTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-17/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-18
BLIGHTSTAT NINETEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-19/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-20/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-ONE: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-turns-21/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-TWO: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-22/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-THREE: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-23/
FIGHT BLIGHT RIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/fight-blight-right/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-24/
CITIZENS PARTICIPATE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/citizens-participate-in-new-orleans/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-25/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/11/blightstat-turns-one
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-SEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/11/27-meetings-about-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-EIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/12/blightstat-28/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-NINE: https://fsjna.org/2011/12/blightstat-moving-to-monthly-meetings/
BLIGHTSTAT THIRTY: https://fsjna.org/2012/01/armageddon-has-arrived-for-blighted-property-owners/
BLIGHTSTAT 31:https://fsjna.org/2012/02/31-flavors-of-blight/

It’s a Wonderful Life!

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inspired by Brenda London
In the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the character George Bailey is shown how things in his town might have been different had he never been born.

The quaint town of Bedford Falls gets transformed into an anything-goes commercial enterprise called Pottersville.

My wife reminded me that “It’s a Wonderful Life” here in Faubourg St. John. One can easily draw comparisons between Bedford Falls and Faubourg St. John especially when zoning issues come up.

Zoning issues are by their very nature, contentious. A developer wants variances to do what they want and the neighborhood association wants to protect the interests of the residents.

Which begs the question: What if the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association had never been born? The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association has been around in one form or another since the 1920’s. The association was officially registered with the State of Louisiana in 1977.

In 1978, the Fair Grounds wanted to build a barn next to homes near their property. The smell alone from the barn would have negatively impacted the quality of life for those residents not to mention the runoff during rainstorms. The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association represented the neighbors’ interests and the barn was not built. You can read all about it in the Times Picayune’s
articles below:
Click here to read the article in the June 15, 1978 issue of the Times Picayune.
Click here to read the article in the June 20, 1978 issue of the Times Picayune.
Click here to read the article in the October 31, 1978 issue of the Times Picayune.
Click here to read the article in the November 18, 1978 issue of the Times Picayune.

In 1979, the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association took issue with the parking problems associated with Jazz Fest. The fight continued for years. The result was that Faubourg St. John has a security patrol paid for by the Fair Grounds that operates 24 hours each day. While parking during Jazz Fest is still an issue, imagine what it would be like if the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association had never been born?
Click here to read the April 7, 1979 article in the Times Picayune.
Click here to read the April 20, 1979 article in the Times Picayune.

In 1980, the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association addressed a zoning issue on Esplanade Avenue.
Click here to read the December 22, 1980 article in the Times Picayune.

In 1981, the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association continued to protect its interests and the Fair Grounds agreed to provide better sanitation and security.
Click here to read the May 1, 1981 article in the Times Picayune.

In 1983, the Fair Grounds wanted night racing. If the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association had not been around we would very likely have horse racing well into the wee hours of the morning right now.
Click here to view the December 4, 1983 article in the Times Picayune.
Click here to read the December 11, 1983 article in the Times Picayune.

An April 6, 1984 article in the Times Picayune details an incident where a former Mayor of New Orleans almost came to blows with a Faubourg St. John representative over night racing at the Fair Grounds. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.

1984: Night Racing and Off Track Betting
January 19, 1984 article in the Times Picayune concerning night racing.
February 8, 1984 article in the Times Picayune concerning off-track betting.
February 23, 1984 articles in the Times Picayune concerning night racing.
March 6, 1984 article in the Times Picayune concerning night racing.
April 6, 1984 article in the Times Picayune concerning altercation between Mayor Dutch Morial and FSJNA representative Alvin Bordelon over night racing.
April 7, 1984 article in the Baton Rouge Advocate concerning altercation between Mayor Dutch Morial and FSJNA representative Alvin Bordelon over night racing.
April 7, 1984 article in the Mobile Register concerning altercation between Mayor Dutch Morial and FSJNA representative Alvin Bordelon over night racing.
April 9, 1984 article in the Times Picayune concerning the neighborhood celebration of the end of the racing season. The party also included a demonstration against night racing. That’s Nelson Savoie with the peace sign and Warren Guidry next to him. Warren got a permit way ahead of the start of racing season for a block party on Mystery St. for the last day of racing. This essentially blocked entry to VIPs accustomed to using the Mystery St. gate. It called attention to the disregard for the neighborhood by the Fairgrounds. Nelson’s brother Sterling, brought his band, started up, police came, the permit was declared legitimate and neighbors who had been afraid of the Fairgrounds joined the party. Nelson’s brother played music under a tent in the driveway at 1509 Mystery St. There was great media coverage. The Fairgrounds had just hired a consultant to determine why they were doing so poorly and the number one issue was public relations. The notoriety of our actions brought the Fairgrounds to the table for the first time and an ordinance was the outcome.
April 19, 1984 article in the Times Picayune concerning night racing.
May 25, 1984 editorial in the Times Picayune stating night racing is unfair to the neighborhood.
November 16, 1984 article in the Times Picayune noting changes in the racing season.

In the link below check out the 1986 article about Zack’s yogurt. It would have been located where Santa Fe restaurant is today… https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.167/end.894.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Zoning-ZacksYogurt-1986dec9.pdf

The yogurt shop was originally approved by the City but the decision was overturned in Civil District Court.

Just one year later in 1987, Whole Foods proposed making the property where Santa Fe restaurant is today into an eight car parking lot. Please visit the link below to read more about it: https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.167/end.894.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Zoning-Giovannis-1987july18.pdf

Imagine how different that area would look today if the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association had never been born.

The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association was also busy watching out for you in 1988:
April 7, 1988 article in the Westbank News section of the Times Picayune concerning off-track betting.
April 7, 1988 article in the Metro section of the Times Picayune concerning off-track betting.
April 20, 1988 article in the Times Picayune noting resolution of issues with Faubourg St. John.“Leaders of the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association say they are pleased with the Fair Grounds’ agreement to reduce night outdoor lighting, provide free on-site parking and take other steps to avoid disrupting nearby residents.”

It’s easy to forget all the great things the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association has done through the years to prevent our “Bedford Falls” from becoming “Pottersville”.

Think about Voodoo on the Bayou, the annual fundraiser that was held each year for 25 years! And, how ’bout the association’s work to keep Faubourg St. John in the same council district as the Fair Grounds and like-minded neighborhoods?

What about all the home tours done during the 80’s and 90’s? And, what about all the abandoned cars the association has worked to get out of the neighborhood?

1992: Remember Christmas in October? Faubourg St. John neighbors painted and fixed several houses occupied by the elderly.

2008: Who could forget all the time, work, and money neighbors put into making the childrens’ play area at Stallings Playground what it is today?

Your neighborhood association has worked tirelessly for decades to keep fast-food outlets from locating here. All that is done by your neighbors who take care of things because they care. It isn’t about the money ’cause we all do this for no remuneration.

Noticed graffiti or bandit signs lately? That stuff doesn’t get removed by itself. The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association makes it happen!

There are so many more things the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association has done for the area. What do you remember? Send it to info@fsjna.org

Bourbon Street is the classic example of “Pottersville”. It was once populated by Jazz Clubs. Would you want to live on Bourbon Street now?

Those that live in Faubourg St. John know that it much more resembles “Bedford Falls”. The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association’s mission is to keep it that way.

FAUBOURG ST. JOHN
“Where Big Dreams Grow!”

Blight Attracts Burnt

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On Monday, February 6, 2012 at 1:38 pm 3rd District Quality of Life Officer, Patrick Smith wrote: “Sir,
The vehicle was towed by Bill’s Car Crushers on 2/6/12.”
Respectfully,
P/O IV Patrick M. Smith | New Orleans Police Department |
Third District/Quality of Life | Office-504-658-6198 |
Cell-504-444-7514 | email: pmsmith@nola.gov

photos and article by Laura Rapp Boucher
Neighbors and I found a burnt out car at the end of our street which is at Verna and St.Vincent streets.

The car looks to be an act of arson and it looks to have damaged the house near where the fire took place. It’s been there at least two weeks.

I am worried this could become a dumping ground for stolen cars or other crimes because it is a quiet area where these things never happen.

photo of 1549 Verna by Charlie London
article below by Charlie London

This house at 1549 Verna is owned by the heirs of Edward A. Lambert. The house has been “demolished by neglect” for almost a decade. It’s my understanding that Mr. Lambert was an electrician who once ran wires from his house to the stage at one of the early Jazz Fests so that the “show could go on”.

Unfortunately, the heirs to this home have decided to slowly demolish it by neglecting it year after year. And now, the property has attracted someone who believes this is a good place to burn a car. Why? Because it is obvious that the property owner doesn’t care.

This house has been repeatedly featured in blight articles at FSJNA dot ORG and I reported it to the city. The city took action and levied fines. You can see a PDF with information about 1549 Verna from August 31, 2010 by clicking here.

What is it going to take to get rid of this problem? A new owner.

And, it appears we may have that in real estate salesman Tommy Crane.

Mr. Crane would like to take the photo you see above and transform it into a place we can all be proud of. As you can see from his architect’s rendering, the new house will seemlessly integrate into the neighborhood due to its thoughtful planning and style.

Criminals see blighted homes, bandit signs, and unkempt areas as an invitation.

Mr. Crane has the resources and a plan to make this blight go away. He would like our support for approval to remove this blighted building. Let’s work together to prevent more blight and more crime in this area.

Here is a statement from Mr. Crane on his intentions for the property:

“I have an agreement to buy the property from the heirs subject to getting a demo permit. I have submitted an application for such with HDLC and my understanding is that there will be a hearing on Feb 9, 2012. I wanted to bring this to your attention and am happy to meet in person to discuss my plans for the property.

To give a brief summation, my intentions are to build a raised center hall with approx 2500 to 2800 sq ft. The bulk of the sq ft would be on a main level with a 40 ft wide and 8 ft deep porch overlooking the Fairgrounds. There would be 2 bedrooms and a bath under roof in attic and ground level garages below entering from the side on Private St. My architect is drawing preliminary sketches which I will be happy to pass along. My goal would be to have a property that looks as if it has always been there and not appear to be a new home. I do not anticipate any variances will be needed or required.”

Tommy Crane
504-723-8504
CLICK HERE TO VIEW Mr. Crane’s plans for 1549 Verna.
***

Many thanks to Dean Burridge for first reporting the burned car on January 27th and for meeting with Mr. Crane about 1549 Verna.

***
March 13, 2011: 1549 Verna in the link below…
https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-9/

November 18, 2011: 1549 Verna in the link below…

Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize

1549 Verna in the blight page at FSJNAdotORG:
https://fsjna.org/steps-to-stomp-out-blight/

Click here to see 1549 Verna on March 31, 2010.

Armageddon has Arrived for Blight in New Orleans

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by Charlie London
Blightstat #30
January 12, 2012

The thirtieth BlightStat meeting (that the public was invited to) was held today. This was the first meeting since the change from bi-weekly meetings to monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month. Visit the link below for a calendar showing all of the BlightStat meetings for 2012.
https://fsjna.org/steps-to-stomp-out-blight/

Click here to view a PDF of the City’s
January 12, 2012 BlightStat presentation.

Oliver Wise, the Director of Performance and Accountability for New Orleans generally moderates the meetings but is out on paternity leave due to the birth of his daughter on January 5th. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wise!

Mr. Jeff Hebert began the meeting with announcements, the most notable being that Code for America is to arrive in February.


Ms. Denise Ross continued the meeting indicating that once again New Orleans has been blessed with help from the “best and brightest”. You may remember that New Orleans was the recipient of a “Smarter Cities Grant” from IBM last year. Ms. Ross said Code for America will analyze the City’s information systems and learn how New Orleans’ neighborhoods track blight. Code for America will bring this information back to San Francisco to build applications to further the blight effort in New Orleans. Ms. Ross said the City’s goal is to deliver value to its citizens. An aggressive implementation target for the Code for America applications has been set for December, 2012.

Ms. Ross gushed with the information that twenty cities applied for the Code for America help and New Orleans was one of five to get it. And, because New Orleans has such an aggressive BlightStat program, there will be four “fellows” from Code for America arriving to help us.
The other winning cities will only receive three “fellows”.

On Code for America’s website, the situation is described as follows:
“The City of New Orleans wants to partner with Code for America to support and further legitimize the invaluable role neighborhood stakeholders continue to play in community revitalization. By developing a light-weight application to allow community stakeholders to submit bulk information to the city about their neighborhood, view existing relevant city data, and receive status for each of the on-going issues in their neighborhood, they will be better able to advocate and support their neighborhoods.”

The meeting continued with each department’s director commenting on the powerpoint slide that affected their department:

INSPECTIONS
532 inspections for period ending Dec 31. 20% above inspections goal. Inspections backlog remains and age of inspections has increased slightly but the backlog is down overall. The goal is to have all inspections done within 30 days of assignment.

HEARINGS
Ms. Illarmo reviewe the hearings slide which indicated that the backlog has been reduced by 340 cases. The backlog continues to be aggressively addressed. The goal remains unmet but Mr. Kopplin indicated it is clear that the City is in a turn-around period. The number of cases held continues to rise while the backlog continues to be reduced. Ms. Tammy Johnson indicated that fewer fines will be waived and that blight liens will be enforced. Judgements will be recorded.

Ms. Illarmo indicated that 666 blight hearings per month is the goal.
It’s armageddon for blight in New Orleans!

DEMOLITIONS
Ms. Basco said 11 FEMA demolitions and 8 strategic demolitions were done over the last month. SHPO, NCDC, and HDLC approvals slow the process. Councilmembers have requested that properties be sold at Sheriff Sales rather than demolished. Unfortunately, most of the properties that are so bad that they need to be demolished don’t ordinarily sell at a Sheriff Sale. Mr. Hebert indicated about 1500 buildings were demolished last year. (2200 units)

Mr. Kray reminded the audience that demolitions are listed at data.nola.gov. The “Demolition & Salvage by Program” slide indicated there is much work being done in New Orleans East. This is great especially if blight is cleared along the I-10 corridor as it is the first area people see in New Orleans as they travel from the east on I-10.

Mr. Will McGowan indicated that 11 demolitions were done over the last month with 14 demolitions done so far in January. There are 32 “selective salvage” properties in the works. FEMA funded demolitions will eventually end. Mr. Kopplin warned that the City needs to have a backup plan when the funding ends.

Mr. Lessinger indicated the 9th Ward lot clearing program continues.

Ms. Basco indicated only 1 FEMA trailer remains.

Ms. Sylvain-Lear indicated the Sanitation Department continues to fight illegal dumping. Over 3,000 illegally dumped tires have been removed. Sanitation Rangers continue to check manifests at tire shops to make sure that tires are being disposed of properly. Mr. Kopplin indicated that the work Sanitation Rangers do with the Quality of Life Officers is the backbone of the blight fight. Ms. Sylvain-Lear asked that neighborhoods continue to report bandit signs as they are beginning to pop up again but instead of major thoroughfares are deep within neighborhoods. Call 311 or write to sanitation@nola.gov.

Mr. Kopplin announced Quality of Life Stat will begin January 26th.

SHERIFF SALES
Mr. Granderson indicated lien foreclosures continue. Filing fees have increased in 2012.
Sheriff Sales coming up are Jan 19 | Jan 26 | Feb 2 | Feb 9. Sheriff Sales are done each Thursday at noon in the lobby of the Civil District Court building which are generally bank foreclosures. The Tuesday sales are blight removal sales. Mr. Granderson mentioned data.nola.gov and indicated that information on Sheriff sales is up to date as of yesterday.

LLT/NORA inventory remains constant with 24 closings for the month of December.

Mr. Square indicated the new and improved 311 call system will be launched March 26th. Code Enforcement is the number one call to 311.

It is clear that enforcement of laws related to blighted properties will be more aggressive in 2012. The Mayor’s directive to have 10,000 blighted properties eradicated in three years remains on track.

BlightStat 31 will be held on February 9, 2012. The meetings are on the 8th floor of City Hall in the Homeland Security Conference Room.

You can review reports on all of the previous BlightStat Meetings in the links below:
Blight Sweep in 9th Ward: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/blighted-beginnings/
BLIGHTSTAT ONE: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/bi-weekly-blight-business/
BLIGHTSTAT TWO:https://fsjna.org/2010/11/keeping-our-eyes-on-the-prize/
BLIGHTSTAT THREE: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/what-gets-measured-gets-managed/
BLIGHTSTAT FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/blight-busting/
2010 Year End Update: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/year-end-update-from-the-landrieu-administration/
BLIGHTSTAT FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/the-5th-dimension-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/a-sixth-sense-for-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/the-7-heavens-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/8-by-ya-mommas/
BLIGHTSTAT NINE: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-9/
BLIGHTSTAT TEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-10/
BLIGHTSTAT ELEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-11/
BLIGHTSTAT TWELVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-12/
Mayor’s State of the City Address: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/one-city-that-shares-one-fate/
BLIGHTSTAT THIRTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-13/
BLIGHTSTAT FOURTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-14/
BLIGHTSTAT FIFTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-15/
CITY GETS REPORT CARD: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/city-gets-report-card/
BLIGHTSTAT SIXTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-16/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVENTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-17/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-18
BLIGHTSTAT NINETEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-19/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-20/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-ONE: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-turns-21/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-TWO: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-22/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-THREE: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-23/
FIGHT BLIGHT RIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/fight-blight-right/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-24/
CITIZENS PARTICIPATE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/citizens-participate-in-new-orleans/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-25/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/11/blightstat-turns-one
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-SEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/11/27-meetings-about-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-EIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/12/blightstat-28/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-NINE: https://fsjna.org/2011/12/blightstat-moving-to-monthly-meetings/
BLIGHTSTAT THIRTY: https://fsjna.org/2012/01/armageddon-has-arrived-for-blighted-property-owners/

Dec 6: SHERIFF SALE

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from the Neighborhood Engagement Office of the City of New Orleans
http://data.nola.gov/Administrative-Data/Sheriff-s-Sales-Writs-Filed-Code-Lien-Foreclosure-/4zwn-3fms

NEARLY 50 PROPERTIES TO BE AUCTIONED IN DECEMBER


Part of Strategy to Reduce 10,000 Blighted Properties in 3 Years

NEW ORLEANS, LA—In keeping with Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s commitment to eradicate 10,000 blighted or vacant properties by 2014, 46 blighted properties will be sold at a Sheriff sale auction on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. The auction will take place at 12 noon in the first floor lobby of the Civil District Court.

The Landrieu administration has prioritized code lien foreclosure Sheriff sale auctions in its blight eradication strategy as it is the most cost-effective way to seize and then return blighted properties back into commerce. Unlike tax sales and sales of adjudicated properties, Sheriff sales have no redemptive period..

The starting bid for each property is generally two-thirds of its appraised value. Upon successfully bidding on the property, the successful bidder must immediately provide the Sheriff’s office ten percent (10%) of the purchase price paid in cash, money order, cashiers or certified check (no personal checks are accepted), plus their name, address, phone number, marital status and social security number.

“We continue to make great progress in our fight against blight by auctioning off these blighted properties,” said Mayor Landrieu. “Sheriff’s sales are really important tool for us in both bringing properties back into commerce and for collecting blight liens.”

It has been just over one year since Mayor Landrieu announced a new, aggressive blight strategy aimed at reducing blighted properties by 10,000 by 2014. Since then, the City has conducted 28,024 inspections, demolished 2,280 blighted units, moved over 1000 properties to code lien foreclosure, and collected over $1.5 million in blight liens and fines. The City has also held 28 BlightStat performance management meetings.

For more questions about the Sheriff Sale process and photos of the properties (when available), please visit www.civilsheriff.com.

Please visit the link below for more information:
http://data.nola.gov/Administrative-Data/Sheriff-s-Sales-Writs-Filed-Code-Lien-Foreclosure-/4zwn-3fms

The following properties will be auctioned on December 6:
3820 Alfred | 2700 Robert | 3613 S. Saratoga | 2435-37 Iberville |
2528 Upperline | 2209 Feliciana | 2710 St. Anthony | 14109 Explores |
218 S. Gayoso | 2459-61 Gladiolus | 1220 Delery | 2333 S. Roman | 2655 Prentiss | 6927 Foch | 1900 Franklin | 1563 N. Rocheblave |
1625 Congress | 2817 Cherry | 4809 Werner | 2482 Behrman |
3614-16 N. Derbigny | 6000 Franklin | 7034 Canal | 1331 Socrates |
601-03 Homer | 3420 Piedmont | 1305 Socrates | 2013 Clouet |
7332 Beaconfield | 5314 Baccich | 4000 Mithra | 1341-43 Flood |
4674 Werner | 1736-38 Independence | 1929 Governor Nicholls |
5173 Lakeview | 2501 St. Claude | 5105-07 St. Claude |
5165 Lakeview | 5467 Dauphine | 1921 Governor Nicholls | 4942 Bright |
432-34 Hay | 8835 Colapissa | 1322 Gallier | 2438-40 St. Roch

27 Meetings about Blight

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by Charlie London

This was the 27th meeting since the city began inviting the public to attend the BlightStat meetings.

NOTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 17, 2011 BLIGHTSTAT MEETING ARE BELOW:

Mr. Oliver Wise began the meeting with introductions and announcements. Deputy Mayor Kopplin was unable to attend due to a meeting with the State Bond Commission in Baton Rouge. He was there to ask for and received permission to refinance the City’s debt by selling new bonds.

Mr. Hebert began the meeting with an overview of the Blight Strategy begun in August, 2010.

Process Improvements
– consolidated code enforcement – 5 offices to one

Created a data management system to improve outcomes and support strategy development for programs.

Established BlightStat to manage performance of blight strategy.

Prioritized Sheriff’s Sales as the primary tool for disposition of blighted properties.

Developed new programs targeting blighted properties and lots.

Increased collaboration with NORA to focus interventions strategically.

Sheriff sales are making a difference.

43,755 blight properties. 25,662 inspections
15,413 inquiries 5,326 hearings 1,743 lots cleared 687 properties brought in to compliance due to inspections. 3,214 blighted units eradicated in the first year.

Interdepartment collaboration. Revenue collection up 90%. $791,406 fines collected in 2009. $1,346,631 fines collected in 2011.

0 Sheriff sales in 2009 | 68 in 2010 | 1,002 in 2011

Revenue collected from lien foreclosures $648,610 in liens – zero before

154 properties demolished in 2009. 523 properties demolished in 2010. 1,349 properties demolished in 2011.

Clearing nuisance lots – zero in 2009 for lots cut
5 years no lots cut – huge backlog. Lots were cited previously but there was no program to cut lots.

873 cut in 2010 – New program started April, 2010.
During 2011, 359 lots were cut as part of the lot cutting program in the 9th Ward with an additional 917 lots cut throughout the city.

Executable Judgments
1200 executable.

22,000 housing code inspections.
Entire city covered.

Fight the Blight Initiative – 5th one coming up in Dec.

Partnerships – collaborating with neighborhoods and city agencies for greater impact.

Large scale apartment demolitions.

10341 Plainfield – great before and after photo.
Higgins Gate getting cleaned up in Algiers now.
Successful property auctions in Lakeview.

Eradication of 10,000 blighted properties is the goal. 3,214 done with 6,786 to go to meet goal. Even with the ambitious goal of eradicating 10,000 blighted properties within three years, there will be at least 30,000 more properties needing attention. It is a herculean task.

INSPECTIONS
Ms. Basco continued the meeting and noted that inspections continue with 668 done this bi-weekly period. Inspections backlog is increasing slightly due to a focus on hearings.

Mr. Wise commented that Code Enforcement has made remarkable progress since February.

Inspections process is smoother now that inspectors have been assigned districts. There are also people to replace them when someone is out which keeps the process moving.

Mr. Kray inquired about data on inspections by district and inspector. Ms. Basco indicated that would be a great thing to have.

Ms. Illarmo continued the meeting with a discussion of the hearings backlog which has been reduced by 421 cases this bi-weekly period. Ms. Illarmo and “Tammy” continue to work hard to keep cases moving. Ms. Illarmo has put in lots of nights and weekends.

Mr. Wise asked about the time period between inspections and when hearings are scheduled. That time can vary due to several variables. The goal is 30 days.

337 hearings done this bi-weekly period with 413 scheduled for the next two weeks. Highest ever!

20% compliance, 36% guilty judgments, resets down due to increased focus. There were 67% of cases reset in Nov 2010. That has been reduced to 13% this period. BlightStat meetings and community input drove this success.

Mr. Square indicated IBM pushed to have the BlightStat meetings reach a wider audience. He suggested information by neighborhoods be available to make the information more meaningful to individuals.

Ms. Basco indicated that is the goal to have information that is meaningful to individuals.
Mr. Bayas stressed the importance of having meaningful information for neighborhoods.

Quality of Life “STAT” meeting was brought up.
The program is still in development and is not currently open to the public.

Mr. Carrere continued the meeting. He indicated that there were 6 emergency demolitions over the last two weeks. They are working on demolition of a large complex near the high rise bridge on I-10 in New Orleans East. 111 properties in the pipeline but the contractor is current on the properties given to them.

Mr. Lessinger indicated that is why contractors and others are invited to BlightStat meetings to make sure everyone is aware of the importance of blight removal.

Eleven FEMA demolitions were done over the past two weeks. 101 properties salvaged to date.

INAP – Keith Ferrouillet said 20 lots were cut and 4 complied after warning.

Mr. Lessinger said there is a pilot program in the 9th Ward for cutting lots due to the large number of properties needing attention in that area. Mr. Hebert indicated that http://data.nola.gov has a map of lots being cut. Neighbors, ex-offenders, and re-entry folks are cutting the lots.

Mr. Hebert indicated his frustration with dumping. After lots are cleared of tall grass and debris, more dumping occurs.

Only 5 FEMA trailers still remain. They should be gone soon.

Ms. C.S. Lear indicated that the Sanitation Department has been working more in the 9th Ward.
Dumping continues to be a major problem. Inspecting tire shops for proper documentation continues to be the focus.

Tire dumping is a nation-wide problem. The Sanitation Department is getting info from many state and federal sources that indicated tires are a problem everywhere. A unique stamp for each tire shop is a possible solution.

Mr. Gray discussed the legal issues concerning properties going up at the Sheriff sales. He discussed the results and problems associated with Sheriff sales.

Sheriff Sales will take place December 6th and 15th then again January 10th, 19th and 26th and February 2nd, 2012.

Mr. Lessinger is going to receive a list of properties from Mr. Kray on all the properties that did not sell with a copy to Mr. Hebert.

Ms. Breaux indicated some of the owners are waiting for grant money from the state. The law department has met with several owners to stress the importance of repairing properties.

Mr. Bayas indicated that the PRC had a great training program for the Sheriff sales. The City is looking into a similar program.

Ms. Wilkerson indicated that many people bid on properties based on the community they are in. She suggested selling properties strategically by area.

Mr. Gray indicated over a million dollars has been collected so far this year due to the lien foreclosure process. Code Lien Foreclosures are listed at http://data.nola.gov

Ms. Wilkerson indicated 13 NORA/LLT closings happened. Rehab financing is sparce with no program to help people to rehabilitate homes.

There will be an auction in January for LLT/NORA properties. Hundreds of properties will be available.

Mr. Square said the City won a grant from Code for America. The City does not have a good way to retrieve batch information from individuals and neighborhoods. The grant will bring in smart folks (programmers) who can help resolve this problem.

The Code for America program will focus on solving tech problems for the City. Work should commence in January, 2012. More about Code for America at
http://codeforamerica.org/

Mr. Hebert indicated that city funds are limited so grants are a focus. The City of New Orleans beat out 20 other cities for the Code for America grant.

Mr. Square indicated IBM’s Smarter Cities report will be coming out soon with a set of recommendations that the City will have to figure out how to fund.

The Green Project has a contract to remove architectural details and other salvageable items from properties before they are demolished.

An “alternatives to demolition” meeting was held with all consulting parties for FEMA demolitions.

Mr. Square indicated a new computer system is a priority and is currently being reviewed. The new system should be up and running by October, 2012.

Questions from the audience were answered and the meeting adjourned.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CITY’s
November 17, 2011 BlightStat Presentation

At the first BlightStat meeting, Mayor Landrieu spoke about the hearing process noting that, “Continuances should be the exception rather than the rule.”

There’s been much progress toward that end over the last year. New hearing officers have been hired, case managers have been assigned, and the case review process has been streamlined. All in an effort to get properties adjudicated and if necessary, moved to Sheriff’s sale. Read more about that first BlightStat meeting in the link below:
https://fsjna.org/2010/11/bi-weekly-blight-business/

You can review my reports on all of the previous BlightStat Meetings in the links below:
Blight Sweep in 9th Ward: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/blighted-beginnings/
BLIGHTSTAT ONE: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/bi-weekly-blight-business/
BLIGHTSTAT TWO:https://fsjna.org/2010/11/keeping-our-eyes-on-the-prize/
BLIGHTSTAT THREE: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/what-gets-measured-gets-managed/
BLIGHTSTAT FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/blight-busting/
2010 Year End Update: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/year-end-update-from-the-landrieu-administration/
BLIGHTSTAT FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/the-5th-dimension-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/a-sixth-sense-for-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/the-7-heavens-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/8-by-ya-mommas/
BLIGHTSTAT NINE: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-9/
BLIGHTSTAT TEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-10/
BLIGHTSTAT ELEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-11/
BLIGHTSTAT TWELVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-12/
Mayor’s State of the City Address: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/one-city-that-shares-one-fate/
BLIGHTSTAT THIRTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-13/
BLIGHTSTAT FOURTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-14/
BLIGHTSTAT FIFTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-15/
CITY GETS REPORT CARD: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/city-gets-report-card/
BLIGHTSTAT SIXTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-16/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVENTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-17/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-18
BLIGHTSTAT NINETEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-19/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-20/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-ONE: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-turns-21/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-TWO: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-22/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-THREE: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-23/
FIGHT BLIGHT RIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/fight-blight-right/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-24/
CITIZENS PARTICIPATE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/citizens-participate-in-new-orleans/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-25/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/11/blightstat-turns-one

BlightStat Turns Out One Year of Meetings

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by Charlie London

It’s been one year since the city invited the public to attend the BlightStat meetings. Today’s meeting was the 26th BlightStat meeting that the public was invited to attend.

At the first BlightStat meeting, Mayor Landrieu spoke about the hearing process noting that, “Continuances should be the exception rather than the rule.”

There’s been much progress toward that end over the last year. New hearing officers have been hired, case managers have been assigned, and the case review process has been streamlined. All in an effort to get properties adjudicated and if necessary, moved to Sheriff’s sale. Read more about that first BlightStat meeting in the link below:
https://fsjna.org/2010/11/bi-weekly-blight-business/

Mr. Kopplin noted that I was likely the only one who has made it to all of the BlightStat meetings so far. You can review my reports on all of the previous BlightStat Meetings in the links below:
Blight Sweep in 9th Ward: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/blighted-beginnings/
BLIGHTSTAT ONE: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/bi-weekly-blight-business/
BLIGHTSTAT TWO:https://fsjna.org/2010/11/keeping-our-eyes-on-the-prize/
BLIGHTSTAT THREE: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/what-gets-measured-gets-managed/
BLIGHTSTAT FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/blight-busting/
2010 Year End Update: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/year-end-update-from-the-landrieu-administration/
BLIGHTSTAT FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/the-5th-dimension-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/a-sixth-sense-for-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/the-7-heavens-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/8-by-ya-mommas/
BLIGHTSTAT NINE: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-9/
BLIGHTSTAT TEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-10/
BLIGHTSTAT ELEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-11/
BLIGHTSTAT TWELVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-12/
Mayor’s State of the City Address: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/one-city-that-shares-one-fate/
BLIGHTSTAT THIRTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-13/
BLIGHTSTAT FOURTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-14/
BLIGHTSTAT FIFTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-15/
CITY GETS REPORT CARD: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/city-gets-report-card/
BLIGHTSTAT SIXTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-16/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVENTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-17/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-18
BLIGHTSTAT NINETEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-19/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-20/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-ONE: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-turns-21/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-TWO: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-22/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-THREE: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-23/
FIGHT BLIGHT RIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/fight-blight-right/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-24/
CITIZENS PARTICIPATE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/citizens-participate-in-new-orleans/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-25/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/11/blightstat-turns-one

NOTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 3, 2011 BLIGHTSTAT MEETING ARE BELOW:


CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CITY’S NOVEMBER 3, 2011
BLIGHTSTAT PRESENTATION

Mr. Oliver Wise began the meeting with introductions and announcements. He announced the one year anniversary of the BlightStat meetings and presented buttermilk drops to those in attendance.

Mr. Hebert introduced Ken Grossman who is working with the City because of a grant from HUD. Mr. Hebert also introduced Allison Plyer of the Community Data Center who began the meeting.

She discussed the new report which is available at gnodc.org. Please visit the link below to read her report:
http://www.gnocdc.org/HousingDevelopmentAndAbandonment/index.html

Ms. Plyer presented the following facts: New Orleans peak population was in 1960. Between 1960 and 1980 suburban development expanded while historic neighborhoods in New Orleans experienced abandonment.

The “sliver by the river” experienced growth in the 1990’s. After Hurricane Katrina singles are attracted to downtown living but more households move out than move in. Westbank gains households.

Mr. Kopplin asked about the depopulation of New Orleans. Ms. Plyer indicated that while population does fluctuate, overall population in New Orleans is down. Large growth is happening in St. Tammany Parish and other areas north of Lake Ponchartrain.

Ms. Plyer stated that the “baby boom” generation is getting older and there will be a “demographic tidal wave” of elderly in the next few years. She indicated that the city may want to pursue measures to keep elderly in their New Orleans homes.

Mr. Kopplin discussed redevelopment programs for vacant housing like the soft-second program. He indicated that rehab of vacant housing is the focus of the Landrieu administration.

Mr. Hebert indicated that many people want larger homes and are moving to suburbia to get them.

Ms. Bascos introduced “Tammy” who will be working on hearings with Ms. Illarmo.

Inspections continue to exceed goals with 22,000 inspections done this year and 469 inspections during this bi-weekly period.

Ms. Bascos continued with a discussion of the inspections backlog with Mr. Wise inquiring about the time it takes between a call for an inspection and when the inspection takes place. The goal of having the inspection take place within 5 days is not currently happening.

Inspectors have specific areas to cover now and that seems to be working well.

Ms. Illarmo continued the meeting stating that 352 hearings were done during the last two weeks with 315 hearings set for the next two weeks.

Mr. Kopplin asked what the plan is to close the gap. Mr. Hebert indicated that Ms. Illarmo is working nights and weekends to keep things moving.

Mr. Lessinger indicated that “Tammy” will be focusing on higher level management of the blight cases. This was in response to Mr. Kopplin’s question on what is to be done to “close the gap”.

Mr. Hebert indicated that the Case Management system is a problem with getting blight cases adjudicated.

Mr. Kopplin discussed with Ms. Illarmo about the churning of re-inspections due to case resets and indicated that 26 hearing officers have been hired and the process needs to move along efficiently.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that the hearings backlog should disappear by December 31, 2011. He also indicated that he wants citizens to be able to call up on January 1, 2012 and be able to find out information about blighted properties easily.

Mr. Kopplin stated, “Don’t submarine our goals” when referring to the backlog of blight cases.

Mr. Wise indicated the backlog is down to 1600 from 2200. Mr. Wise indicated that hearings productivity has increased while Mr. Kopplin expressed his gratitude for that.

Mr. Hebert indicated that “undesirable resets” of blight hearings has gone down from 67% last November to 23% this November.

Mr. Carrere discussed the “Total Demolitions by Program” slide. He indicated that a large apartment complex that sat languishing due to some procedural errors has been cleaned up.

Mr. Kopplin continued with a discussion of the problems encountered with demolition contractors.

The FEMA representative indicated FEMA funded demolitions are moving along. He indicated that during 2008 and 2009, people were not renovating properties but many more are now due to increased enforcement via blight hearings.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that the HDLC has a new booklet on how to properly and inexpensively rehab historic properties. The city is getting contractors to use the HDLC guidelines when doing rehab on historic properties for the small rental program. Please visit the link below to learn more about the Historic District Landmarks Commission guidelines for proper restoration:
http://www.nola.gov/RESIDENTS/HDLC/Guidelines/Guidelines/

Mr. Keith Ferrouillet of INAP indicated the contractor has equipment issues so not many lots were cut this bi-weekly period.

Mr. David Lessinger indicated 12 people have been hired under the Job 1 program several of which are ex-offenders to perform grass cutting in the 9th Ward area. Over 100 lots have been cut already.

Ms. Lear indicated 3 front-end loaders are damaged and need repair. She once again asked citizens to immediately report dumping. Citations are being issued.

Mr. Hebert indicated that tire dumping is a huge problem. He said he saw a boat in the middle of one street and the boat was filled with tires.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that he would like greater emphasis on catching violators or solving the problem. It’s not individuals but small tire shops that are doing most of the dumping.

Tires are recycled through LDEQ via COLT. Learn more about the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and tire recycling by visiting the link below:
http://www.deq.state.la.us/portal/DIVISIONS/FinancialServices/WasteTires.aspx

Mr. Wise indicated that a lot more Sheriff Sales happened over the last two weeks.

Mr. Granderson said many of these properties were re-sales that did not sell at the first auction so the asking price was lowered.

Mr. Granderson said that Mr. Ryan Berni will be sending out a press release about the upcoming Sheriff sales.

Mr. Kopplin asked how many properties are scheduled for sale. Mr. Granderson indicated that goals for the year will not likely be met.

Mr. Kopplin put pressure on Mr. Granderson to get contractors that help with the Sheriff sale process to produce results the City is paying for… namely that blighted property sales increase significantly before the end of this year.

Mr. Kopplin requested an email blast be sent out with links to properties for sale to make it easy for people to find properties they may be interested in.

Ms. Wilkerson reviewed the stats on NORA properties and announced that another auction is coming up this Saturday.

Mr. Hebert said the City has learned from other cities what enforcement mechanisms work in different situations.

Mr. Kopplin indicated he is “deeply uncomfortable” with differential enforcement based on how an area is affected by blight.

BlightStat 23

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by Charlie London

BlightStat meetings will take place on the 8th Floor in the Homeland Security Conference room at City Hall until further notice. This was the 23rd BlightStat meeting to which the public was invited to attend.

The City continues to march toward its goal of eradicating 10,000 blighted properties within three years. City departments that can help with this process meet every two weeks for a “BlightStat” meeting.

Goals have been set for each department and a presentation is made at each meeting to show how each department is doing toward meeting those goals.

Click HERE for the City’s September 22, 2011
BlightStat presentation


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

NOTES FROM THE September 22, 2011
BLIGHTSTAT MEETING ARE BELOW

Mr Wise began the meeting with introductions. Mr. Hebert announced the Fight the Blight event taking place throughout the city this Saturday, September 24th from 10 am to 1 pm. More in the link below:
http://business.fsjna.org/2011/08/help-fight-blight-september-24th/
Mr. Hebert also welcomed Councilmember Palmer who attended today’s BlightStat meeting.

Mr. Wise announced that New Orleans received a Challenge Grant from IBM. The IBM team was introduced. An IBM representative introduced the team which hails from all over the country and the world. He stated that the team will be working with the City of New Orleans to analyze data and processes to help the City improve. More about the IBM Smarter Cities program can be found in the link below:
http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/us/en/smarter_cities/overview/index.html

Mr. Kopplin recognized the Strategic Partnerships group from the City that helped make this grant a reality. This is one of 8 grants given by IBM throughout the country.

Mr. Square said this grant is timely as the City is looking to move forward.

Mr. Kopplin announced that the Bureau of Governmental Research wanted to award the City for its BlightStat efforts but Mr. Wise is married to someone who works at the Bureau of Governmental Research.

Mr. Kopplin introduced Brian Lawlor who is a new employee. He recently worked for the State of New York.

A Chief of the New Orleans Fire Department was present and will be present at future BlightStat meetings.

Ms. Bosco of Code Enforcement once again reviewed the backlog as they have at every meeting. She indicated that the backlog is steadily dropping. The Code Enforcement inspections are down but they have already met their goal for the year and have assigned inspectors additional duties to help move the entire blight remediation process along.

Mr. Square indicated that the Code Enforcement Department has made incredible progress on the backlog and asked how long it takes for an inspection once blighted property is reported. Ms. Bosco replied that it is generally 48 to 72 hours.

Mr. Hebert indicated that the system is designed to get information in but the system is not user-friendly when trying to get the information back out in a usable format. He indicated that frustration is rising from both City employees and the public about the computer system.

Ms. Ross indicated the features that she would like to see the system be able to do. Every status in the blight pipeline needs to be “live” so that the workflow can proceed smoothly. She indicated Justin Kray, the Technology Lead in the Office of Performance and Accountability has done a great job collating information with the tools at hand. Mr. Wise reviewed the computer system process from inspector to report.

Mr. Hebert indicated we may not need 7 people for 311 intake calls if the reporting process is going to be on the website.

Mr. Square indicated his team is here and has been diligently working on fixing the Accela problems but have been unable to get the system to work as it should. Mr. Square further noted that his entire team was sitting in the back row of the room.

Mr. Reid indicated that the response time for his Department is good despite the problems with Accela.

Ms. Bosco said the City has been divided into 16 areas where an inspector is responsible for the entire process for each blighted home within that area. This is to make the inspectors more accountable and take ownership of the process.

Ms. Illarmo indicated that hearings are up this bi-weekly period. Most were FEMA cases of which most are complete. She indicated 272 more cases were added recently.

Mr. Wise discussed the 30 day “noticing” period before cases go to adjudication.

Ms. Illarmo indicated that some recently noticing letters did not go out on the 20th because the City’s mailroom was “changing out a machine”.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that this is unacceptable and that the mail room should have warned all departments before performing the machine upgrade so that alternative mail options could have been arranged. Mr. Kopplin indicated a meeting will take place with mail room staff so that this does not happen again.

Mr. Hebert went to the City of Baltimore recently and indicated that the City of Baltimore may be willing to help the City of New Orleans with some computer programs.

Mr. Wise asked Ms. Illarmo about improvements in the process. Ms. Illarmo indicated that the City Attorneys were extremely helpful with research to move cases along. Case research is the main focus for properties going to Sherrif Sale.

Ms. Bosco indicated that her Case Managers are unable to do case research 3 days of each week due to other responsibilities.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that there may not be enough resources allocated to getting cases to adjudication hearings.

Ms. Bosco indicated that the Case Managers are doing a good job but are overly cautious which slows the process.

Mr. Kopplin asked if we need paralegals to get legal notices out for Sherrif Sale or what do we need to do? What is the plan?

Mr. Hebert indicated that there is a snafu with the Bar Association members donating time.Ms. Breaux indicated that lawyers can’t volunteer their time to municipalities due to a potential conflict of interest according to the Attorney General. If a work-around is unable to be found for this issue, it will eliminate a significant source of help for the city.

Ms. Illarmo indicated that resets are up this period due to more re-inspections. Ms. Bosco indicated the computer system is causing manual viewing of files. Mr. Kopplin indicated that the problem needs to be solved as resets prolong the process and frustrate citizens.

Mr. Square indicated that Accela needs to sit down with the Code Enforcement Department and fix the problems. Mr. Kopplin concurred.

Mr. Carrere indicated steady progress on demolitions but “eminent danger of collapse” cases are a priority. Mr. Carrere indicated that utility disconnects can slow the process of demolitions. The recent tropical disturbance put Entergy’s resources elsewhere.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that the City will monitor Entergy’s disconnect performance and make phone calls to Entergy’s management if necessary. Mr. Kopplin indicated that the City may want to investigate modifying the current contract and pay the current 500 dollars for a disconnect if done in two weeks and 100 dollars if not.

Mr. Carrere reviewed the strategic demolition process indicating that historic review slows the process of getting demolitions done. Some demolitions are being appealed. Mr. Wise indicated we review the process to eliminate roadblocks to progress.

Ms. Bosco said that coincidentally several demolitions will take place this Saturday during the Fight the Blight event.

Mr. Wolcott indicated a FEMA demolition on Arthur Street will also take place Saturday during the Fight the Blight event. 111 guilty judgements so far for FEMA properties. He indicated that the threat of demolition often brings the property into compliance.

Mr. Hebert indicated that getting the property to demolition or compliance is as much of a reimbursable cost from FEMA as other FEMA reimbursements. He indicated that in Terrebonne Parish the demolition process moves quicker. New Orleans has a unique process.

Mr. Wolcott indicated that private property demolitions are more labor intensive.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that we may want to consider what works in other areas to shorten the process. Mr. Hebert indicated that it’s a comparison of urban vs. rural and that what works in a rural environment may not work here.

Mr. Ferrouillet indicated the grass cutting contractor is not meeting the terms of the contract. Mr. Kopplin indicated that the City is taking action to protect its interests.

Mr. Wise indicated that the contractor should be invited to the BlightStat meetings to explain the lack of progress.

Mr. Hebert discussed the Federal jobs bill. As part of that bill, jobs will be created to cut grass where needed. Mr. Kopplin suggested citizens write to their congressmen to support the Federal jobs bill so we can get the grass cut in New Orleans.

Ms. Lear indicated that fencing is also an issue because dumping occurs on unfenced properties.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that nine FEMA trailers still need to be removed. Mr. Kopplin said rigorous enforcement has been the norm for the past year.

Ms. Lear said illegal dumping is up but the Sanitation Department is working hard to go after illegal dumpers and is working with volunteers to clean up areas. The City has removed and transported 11,950 dumped tires to date.

871 illegal signs removed this period and the City Attorney is following up on the summons issued to violators.

Mr. Kopplin indicated the amnesty for illegal signs is over. The City is aggressively eradicating sign pollution through enforcement.

Mr. Granderson indicated 3 properties will be up for Sheriff sale today. Two large Sheiff sales are coming soon. 32 auctions on Oct 18 and 20 on November 1st.

Mr. Gray reviewed the code lien foreclosures slide. 3 properties were put up for sale for 2/3 of the appraised value but did not sell. They will be put up for sale again at a lower value.

Mr. Granderson indicated that 200 curators have been appointed to move the Sheriff Sale process along.

Mr. Gray indicated that 62 properties had their liens paid due to the threat of Sheriff Sale.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that the City has the potential to collect millions of dollars in liens.

Mr. Gray indicated that approximately 475 properties are being prepared for Sheriff Sale.

Ms. Breaux indicated that the Law Department is working all angles to get the job done. She indicated that slow payments from the City continue to be an issue. Mr. Kopplin indicated he and Ms. Breaux will meet “off line” about that.

Ms. Wilkerson review total NORA closings. Some properties are being held for the Iberville development. Mr. Hebert and Mr. Kopplin discussed the universe of properties that the state requires the City to process.

Ms. Wilkerson indicated 117 properties sold at the recent NORA auction. None of the properties had a reserve. She indicated that the auction produced a nice increase in sale prices over assessed values. The focus was on properties with structures for this auction.

Mr. Wise reviewed the NORA auction slide also noting that many of the properties sold for more than the appraised value.

Mr. Hebert indicated that he was present at the auction and that most of the Lakeview lots sold for more that $100,000.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that the marketing for NORA properties was great.
Mr. Hebert indicated that the auction companies get a handsome piece of the action so therefore it is in their best interest to market the properties aggressively.

Ms. Wilkerson indicated that all of the Westbank properties sold for less than the appraised value.

Mr. Hebert indicated that there has been a population shift away from Algiers. He and Councilmember Palmer toured the Westbank recently.

Ms. Wilkerson said there is another NORA sale coming up in October and that there will be more frequent sales.

Mr. Bryan Lawlor said a plan is being devised for the City to acquire and dispose of problem NORA properties.

Questions from the audience were answered and the meeting adjourned.

***

BLIGHTSTAT MEETING (every 2 weeks)
WHO: Key blight policy and code enforcement staff

WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2011
8:00-9:30 AM CST

WHERE: The Homeland Security Conference room on the 8th floor at City Hall

BlightStat Meetings
Nov 4, 2010 | Nov 18, 2010 | Dec 2, 2010 | Dec 16, 2010
| Jan 13, 2011 | Jan 27, 2011 | Feb 10, 2011 | Feb 24, 2011 |
Mar 10, 2011 | March 29, 2011 | April 7, 2011 | April 21, 2011 | May 5, 2011 | May 19, 2011| | June 2, 2011 | June 16, 2011 | June 30, 2011 | July 14, 2011 | July 28, 2011 | August 11, 2011 | August 25, 2011 | September 8, 2011 | September 22, 2011 |

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

For other Quality of Life issues you may contact the Community Coordinator (CoCo) Officers below:

1st Police District at (504) 658-6010, or email Sgt. Kenny Temple at ktemple@nola.gov
2nd Police District at (504) 658-6020, or email Sgt. Ernie Joseph at ejoseph@nola.gov
6th Police District at (504) 658-6060, or email Sgt. Yolanda Jenkins at ymjenkins@nola.gov
8th Police District at (504) 658-6080, or email Sgt. Jonette Williams at jrwilliams@nola.gov.

For all other complaints call: (504) 658-4000 and follow the prompts. If you get unacceptable results after contacting the numbers from above please email info@fsjna.org with all the info and we’ll follow up.

Your Opportunity to Help Fight Blight

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Four times a year, the Mayor’s office of ServeNOLA convenes resident volunteers, non-profit organizations, and City Agencies to spend half a day working side by side to clean-up and revitalize specific neighborhoods throughout the city. This event, known as “Fight the Blight,” is a fun way to get involved and make a difference in your neighborhood.

The next Fight the Blight day will be on September 24th at 9:00am. We would love to have you come out and volunteer again. This season’s Fight the Blight will be happening in the following locations:
1. Orleans Avenue Corridor: Claiborne to Broad, Orleans Ave. to Dumaine St.
2. Samuel Square Playground, Napoleon Ave @ South Saratoga
3. Stallings Center Playground, 4300 St. Claude Ave @ Lesseps=20
4. Digby Park, 6600 Virgilian Street @ S. Laverne=20
5. Kerry Curley Playground, 4851 Camelot Street @ Dwyer=20

If you are ready to sign up to volunteer, CLICK HERE ! If you would like more information on how you can demonstrate your civic pride and be part of the fun, call our office at (504) 658-4974 or email us at: servenola@nola.gov

Jeff Hennigan
Manager of Community Affairs | ServeNOLA
Office of Mayor Mitch Landrieu | City of New Orleans
1300 Perdido Street | Suite 8W03 | New Orleans, LA 70112
504-658-4974 (o) | 504-222-4379 (c) =20
jdhennigan@nola.gov | www.nola.gov

Neighbor Makes News

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Tania Dall / Eyewitness News

NEW ORLEANS – They’re not hard to spot — advertisements sit next to chunks of old torn paper, cluttering utility poles.

"It’s just something that got under my skin and there didn’t seem to be any reason for it, especially in a city like New Orleans, which is so historic and beautiful," Faubourg St. John resident Steve Mardon said.

The Mid-City resident has taken down thousands of signs, in a personal battle to clean up city streets.

"Basically go down to Home Depot, get yourself a PVC pipe and put a screw through it and you can go up and yank them down."

He’s not alone. Councilwoman Stacy Head recently helped revise a city ordinance cracking down on the illegal signs that she says are spiraling out of control.

"The tax services, the free cell phones, the dental work, the tree cutting, the house leveling and raising, we really need to get rid of those," she said. Head said signs also deter potential future commercial development in certain neighborhoods.

The city is now sending a $10 removal invoice to any person or business listed on the illegal sign. If found guilty, additional fines of $25 to $50 could follow.

"The law has been very clear for a long time that these bandit signs that create lots of visual clutter, particularly in neighborhoods that have shown a lot of disinvestment in the past. They detract from the quality of life,” she said.

An epidemic is how Johnnie Young describes the illegal dumping that’s plagued his block and the Lower 9th Ward since Hurricane Katrina.

“Look on that corner. They have tires over there in the big old push, over here they’ve got a pile, over there," Young said. “People are trying to come back. Unfortunately, when they come back and drive by and see this, it’s become an eyesore, and that’s detrimental for the people who want to come back."

No dumping signs haven’t stopped offenders from off-loading their unwanted junk. But the city says it’s cracking down.

Violators caught littering or illegally dumping face fines of $150 to $5,000 per infraction – a promise Young hopes the city will keep.

"I’m like, this I’d rather see and not be satisfied to believe it.”

 

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BlightStat 22

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by Charlie London

It’s Your Right to Fight Blight


This was the 22nd BlightStat meeting to which the public was invited to attend.

The City continues to march toward its goal of eradicating 10,000 blighted properties within three years. City departments that can help with this process meet every two weeks for a “BlightStat” meeting.

Goals have been set for each department and a presentation is made at each meeting to show how each department is doing toward meeting those goals.

CLICK HERE to view a PDF of the City’s BlightStat Presentation

BottomLineStat was announced as a new Landrieu administration initiative and is designed to “ensure that departments are held accountable for cutting unnecessary expenses and staying on budget.” It said city departments have been ordered to eliminate unnecessary services, reorganize their operations to make them more efficient, and invest in programs that yield long-term value.

ReqtoCheckStat was also announced and is described as an effort to improve the performance and speed of the city’s contracting system. Mr. Wise indicated the Office of Performance and Accountability has designed a program to review the entire process of contracting out services such as picking up trash, paving streets and rebuilding libraries.

Mr. Kopplin described ReqToCheck as the process of requisition to check for vendors. He indicated the initiative is aimed at a contract or procurement that is stalled. He believes ReqToCheckStat should save the city money as vendors get paid faster and therefore bid lower because the cost of delayed payments won’t be factored into bids.

Data.Nola.Gov was mentioned as a new data sharing platform and that
Seattle uses same platform. Mr. Square said the Department of Information Technology and Innovation “soft-launched” data.nola.gov, a new online program to provide “high-value, frequently requested data” to the public but presently is is mainly for GIS users. City performance data will eventually be put on this website. Eventually people will be able to make their own GEOCODE maps. Raw data right now.

Mr Hebert announced the National Vacant Properties Conference will be held in New Orleans next summer. People can find out more at Communityprogress.net

Mr. Andy Koppel – Inspections down but goal for the year has been met. Emphasis is on hearings. Inspection staff is being used for data entry and title research to help hearings move faster.
JPHebert – targets to be re-adjusted next year.

Ms. Bosco with Code Enforcement indicated that while inspections are down, inspectors are being assigned duties to move the hearings process along faster.

Mr. Square discussed the complaint that much data for inspections is done manually because Accela can’t do automatic reports.

Mr. Hebert – asked the audience if there are any areas that have not been covered. The completed inspections map indicates the entire city is being covered.

Ms. Kristin Illarmo noted that the number of hearings has improved in part due to the increased speed of Accela. Ms. Illarmo said research on the next cases will be the priority over the next few weeks so the number of hearing will go down. Only a few cases have been set for the first week of October so that research can be done on the next 1,700 cases.

Mr. Hebert strongly advised that all of the cases need to be adjudicated and suggested bar association volunteers to help out. Looking for long term internships as well so that the backlog goes away. Asked Brenda Breaux to meet with Mr. Hebert and Ms. Illarmo tomorrow to find ways to move the process along.

Ms. Illarmo noted that guilty cases are up but compliance is down a bit. She also noted that some hearing officers are levying lighter fines on buildings that will be demolished by FEMA. But, the owners did not know FEMA was going to return to do demolitions so the owners should have been fully fined. Other owners have stepped up and fixed their properties.

Code Enforcement liens were discussed. An analysis was done on fines collected. Mr. Wise indicated there is a relatively high collection rate.

Ms. Illarmo indicated the present backlog report is not really useful as it does not reflect the volume of work being done.

Mr. Hebert asked about the magnitude of unrepresented work.
Ms. Illarmo responded that Accela is the problem.
Mr. Wise asked Justin for an overview of how the report is calculated.
A discussion ensued between Justin and Ms. Illarmo about the backlog definitions for the report.

Mr. Hebert suggested that the report be eliminated until the problems are worked out.
Mr. Wise suggested more help from Accela is needed.
Mr. Square indicated the Accela team was here recently but Ms. Illarmo countered that the Accela team could not even help with basic functionality issues.

Mr. Wise asked the IT team for more information about the problem indicating that the Mayor has made it clear that the backlog will be eliminated by the end of the year.

Ms. Square indicated they will do the best they can with the resources available.

Mr. Wise indicated that the prudent course may be to find out what Accela can do and asked for a report on that for the next BlightStat meeting.

Ms. Bosco indicated additional demolition sites have been identified and are currently going through the utility cutoff process. She indicated that demolitions should increase over time.

Mr. Hebert indicated 86 strategic demolitions have gone through the process but materials are being salvage when possible.

Mr. Russell Callahan indicated more case files are needed and that he, his staff and Ms. Illarmo are working toward that end. Mr. Kopplin and Ms. Breaux discussed file management issues.

Mr. Carrere indicated that the contractor is working diligently to eliminate buildings in danger of collapse.

Mr. Kopplin reviewed the strategic demolition process slide.
Mr. Wolcott reviewed the FEMA demolition process slide. He said that the process is moving along better now and there have been 61 guilty judgements. FEMA has begun the selective salvage process.
Mr. Hebert indicated the selective salvage process is a separate project worksheet.

Mr. Wolcott indicated three crews are out working this week which has not happened before.

Mr. Wise reviewed the demolitions map which indicates that demolitions are being done throughout the city.

Mr. Paul May indicated 12 FEMA trailers are left. All 12 have a judgement against them and the City is waiting for FEMA to remove them. Most of the remaining FEMA trailers are in Council Districts D and E. Mr. Wise indicated that housing options are available for the remaining 12 FEMA trailer occupants.

Ms. Sylvain-Lear discussed illegal dumping. The Sanitation Department is continuing to focus on removing bandit signs, tires dumped, and tire stores without manifests. Mr. Kopplin congratulated the Sanitation Department on their great work.

Ms. Breaux indicated that the Law Department is strongly enforcing the sign issues. Ms. Sylvain-Lear indicated she is receiving reports of wheel barrow loads of cement and other materials being dumped into storm drains. Ms. Lear asked for help from the public on identifying these situations.

Mr. Hebert indicated that serious legal action will be taken soon against commercial properties that ignore the law.

Mr. Granderson noted that there are upcoming Lien Foreclosure auctions coming up in October and November. He indicated that checks for curators are slow to arrive. Mr. Kopplin indicated that is a “jump on my table” issue and that checks can be cut immediately if necessary.

Ms. Breaux indicated that Miles and Tyler are working diligently and that the issue of slow checks is being addressed and that there is an emphasis on getting problem properties to Sheriff Sale. Mr. Gray (Tyler) indicated that once a property goes to Sheriff Sale that the phone rings off the hook of people wanting to pay off blight liens.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that the 2012 city budget is being reduced by three million dollars.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that there about 1,000 properties with writs. 167 have been sold or the fines paid. He indicated it is important to get the properties to Sheriff Sale because many of the property owners only pay their fines when it goes to Sherrif Sale.

Ms. Joyce Wilkerson reviewed the total NORA closings. 46 closings were done this bi-weekly period which is above the goal of 35. Sale this Saturday at UNO by Gilmore Auctions. No reserve for this sale. Everyone is invited to attend. Another auction will take place in October.

Audience questions were answered and the meeting adjourned.
***

BLIGHTSTAT MEETING (every 2 weeks)
WHO: Key blight policy and code enforcement staff

WHEN: Thursday, September 22, 2011
8:00-9:30 AM CST

WHERE: 1340 Poydras Street
9TH Floor—City Planning Conference Room
New Orleans, LA 70117

BlightStat Meetings
Nov 4, 2010 | Nov 18, 2010 | Dec 2, 2010 | Dec 16, 2010
| Jan 13, 2011 | Jan 27, 2011 | Feb 10, 2011 | Feb 24, 2011 |
Mar 10, 2011 | March 29, 2011 | April 7, 2011 | April 21, 2011 | May 5, 2011 | May 19, 2011| | June 2, 2011 | June 16, 2011 | June 30, 2011 | July 14, 2011 | July 28, 2011 | August 11, 2011 | August 25, 2011 | September 8, 2011 |

Keep New Orleans Beautiful

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http://katrinafilm.com/public/wordpress/?p=2397

You may remember on August 25th that Charlie’s Neighborhood
News broke the news that the “Day of Reckoning” for bandit signs
would be here on September 12th. Below is the city’s press
release that came out today…

On September 12th the City of New Orleans will begin aggressively fining those who insist on placing signs on public property. To learn more about bandit signs and how you can help fight blight, please visit the link below:
http://business.fsjna.org/steps-to-stomp-out-blight/

The New Orleans City Council recently passed legislation that prohibits the placement of signs on public streets, sidewalks, and neutral grounds is part of a city-wide effort improve the quality of life in the New Orleans for locals and visitors alike.

In an effort to allow businesses and individuals time to remove any signs already on public property before incurring fines and penalties, we strongly encourage the removal of any signs erected or posted or those which list your band or business name/venue, phone numbers or addresses. This amnesty program runs between Monday, August 29th and Friday, September 9, 2011.

Starting on Monday, September 12th, the City will use its resources to enforce the existing City Code (Section 134) which prohibits the placement of signs, placards, posters or other advertisement on public right-of-way such as on neutral grounds, parks, playgrounds or the area between the sidewalk and the curb unless written consent is granted by the City. This includes a prohibition of such items on utility poles, light standards, street signs, parking meters and trees. Any unlawful posting will be removed and disposed. According to this law, it is also unlawful to distribute or cause to be distributed, any commercial product samples, commercial advertising brochures, leaflets, pamphlets or commercial literature of any kind on the streets and sidewalks of the City.

We are mindful that cultural businesses may host musical groups, have gallery openings or other such events that require advertising. However, the law requires that you keep signs off of public property and do not distribute fliers on public streets and sidewalks. Alternative forms of free or low-cost advertising such as social media, local resources such radio stations, publications, on-line listings, phone applications, etc. are also encouraged.

Section 134 of the City Code also provides for penalties associated with violations, “the existence of any illegal sign on the public right-of-way constitutes prima face evidence that any individual or entity depicted or advertised on an illegal sign caused, authorized, allowed, or is allowing the placement or posting of the signs on public property and is in violation of this section.” Violation of this section is punishable by a fine of not more than $25.00 per sign, per violation and/or community service. If the violation involves the posting of signs on trees, the fine is $50.00 per sign and/or community service. The Code also authorizes the Department of Sanitation or Parks and Parkways “to invoice any individual or entity depicted or advertised on the illegal sign for the cost of removal of the sign”.

CITY TO LAUNCH BEAUTIFICATION CAMPAIGN

Focus on Removing Litter and Bandit Signs to Begin September 12th

NEW ORLEANS, LA-Today, the City announced that on Monday, September 12, 2011, the Department of Sanitation will begin stronger enforcement of
City quality-of-life laws regarding littering, illegal dumping, and
signs or posters posted unlawfully on public rights of way, commonly
referred to as “bandit signs.” The City Code has been amended in regard
to some of these provisions as recently as June 2011.

City law specifically prohibits the placement of any sign, placard,
poster or other advertisement on public rights-of-way including on
neutral grounds, parks, playgrounds, trees, utility poles, light
fixtures, street signs, and parking meters. It also provides guidelines
related to the collection and disposal of solid waste and specifies
penalties and fines for littering and illegal dumping.

“Removing litter and bandit signs across the City is a beautification
effort that will improve our quality of life,” said Mayor Mitch
Landrieu. “Over the next 18 months, we have an unprecedented series of
national and international events that will showcase New Orleans, so it
is critical that we put our best foot forward as our City takes center
stage.”

The City will institute an amnesty period from Monday, August 29th
through Friday, September 9th. Individuals and businesses who have
dumped trash illegally, littered, or posted bandit signs should utilize
this time period to remove them. During the amnesty period the City will
not issue fines.

At the conclusion of the amnesty period, teams of City employees will be
dispatched throughout the City to photograph, count, log, remove and
dispose of bandit signs and litter. Any bandit sign will be removed,
disposed of, and the owner will receive a fine of $25 per sign, or $50
per sign if attached to a tree. Community service is possible for repeat
offenders. Fines for littering and illegal dumping range from $150 to
$5,000, with the possibility of community service and jail time for
repeat offenders. These penalties are determined by the City’s Municipal
Court.

City Council President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, “We are all
very excited and proud to show our City in its best light. In order to
make the next 18 months and beyond as spectacular as possible, we will
all have to commit to strong enforcement – from top to bottom.”

“I look forward to this aggressive enforcement of nuisance laws,” said
District B Councilmember Stacy Head. “Eradication of these signs will
reduce litter and visual clutter and improve livability in all
neighborhoods, particularly in areas like Central City that has been
plagued with these signs.”

“This increased effort to enforce these quality of life issues will be
beneficial not only to our visitors, but to our residents who live and
work in our communities on a daily basis,” said District C Councilmember
Kristin Gisleson Palmer. “The French Quarter, Marigny and other historic
areas, are especially impacted. With greater enforcement, we will
uphold the beauty and unique nature of these important neighborhoods.”

District D Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said, “Keeping our
neighborhoods neat and clean is important to our quality of life. The
residents of District D look forward to the results of this push by the
administration to fight litter, illegal dumping, and nuisance signs.”

Political and campaign signs may be posted 48 hours prior to an election
and remain for 48 hours after the closing of the polls for the election.
Realtors may post signs 24 hours before and after an open house takes
place.

For more information or questions about bandit signs or littering and
dumping fines, please contact the Department of Sanitation at
sanitation@nola.gov or call (504) 658-3800.