City Removes Dead Tree

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City takes action on dead tree at 3309 Grand Route Saint John. February 15, 2016
City takes action on dead tree at 3309 Grand Route Saint John. February 15, 2016

On February 8, 2016, the dead tree at 3309 Grand Route Saint John once again relieved itself of branches.  This time one of the branches shattered the glass sunroof of the resident’s vehicle.

The City was contacted via 311 and the tree was removed on February 15, 2016.

Many thanks to 311, Anne MacDonald of Parks and Parkways, The Parks and Parkway crew, and Mary Cunningham in the District A office of the City Council for their quick action to resolve this hazardous situation.

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December 18, 2015

treedown2015dec18The tree in front of 3309 Grand Route Saint John has been dying for quite some time. Recently, small parts of the tree have been falling on cars parked under or near the tree. This morning, a large branch ended up in the street.

I called 311 and within 30 minutes, Chief Urban Forester Bob Richards with the City of New Orleansbobrichards-bw-2015dec18 drove up in a white City pickup truck. He hopped out, grabbed the chain saw he brought with him and within just a few minutes had the pieces of the large branch loaded up in the truck.

Bob said he’ll be sending in a work order for the rest of the tree since it is clearly dead and poses a hazard to citizens. Many thanks to 311 and Bob Richards for their quick action on this hazardous situation.

This situation drives home the importance of planting the correct tree between the sidewalk and the street.

Please consider the trees in the list below when considering a tree to plant between the sidewalk and the street:

PLANTTHIS

The most important consideration in planting trees and shrubs is the planting depth. Don’t plant too deep! Plant all trees and shrubs about one inch above the surface of the existing soil. No dirt should be placed on top of the existing roots and nursery soil so as to not smother the root system. Mulch well, leaving a two inch gap around the caliper(s) of the plant.For the most efficient use of water, construct an earthen berm two to three inches high around the drip zone area of the plant after planting. Water in well after planting!

PLANT IT LOW, IT WON’T GROW | PLANT IT HIGH, IT WON’T DIE

Want more information on what to plant between the sidewalk and the street?
Contact Parkway Partners at:
Phone: (504) 620-2224
Fax: (504) 620-2225
info@parkwaypartnersnola.org

The Department of Parks and Parkways maintains all City trees. These include trees on public property such as neutral grounds and in parks, and trees between the sidewalk and street.

Employees at the Department of Parks and Parkways perform an enormous number of tasks to maintain and upgrade public green spaces, and to re-green and beautify New Orleans. These include:

Tree Trimming, Planting & Removal
Permitting Work on Public Trees
Mowing, Edging, Weeding, Trimming and Planting on Neutral Grounds
Maintaining equipment and facilities in Parkways parks
Annual Tree Sale
Work closely with neighborhood groups and volunteer groups both local and from out of town

The Parkways team consists of licensed arborists, licensed horticulturalists, golf course professionals, licensed landscape architects, grounds keeping specialists and the hard-working arboreal and grounds maintenance teams.

How to Make an Attractive City

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attractivecities

We’ve grown good at making many things in the modern world – but strangely the art of making attractive cities has been lost. Here are some key principles for how to make attractive cities once again.

1) Not too chaotic, not too ordered
2) Visible life
3) Compact
4) Orientation and mystery
5) Scale
6) Make it local

Want to know more? Check out the 14 minute video below.

YOU WILL BE JUDGED MAY 8th

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Faubourg-St-John

Cleanest City Challenge Judging May 8

To get ready for the Cleanest City Challenge final judging next week, residents are encouraged to form Adopt-A-Block groups and pick up litter regularly in their neighborhoods. Talk to merchants about sponsoring their blocks and activities.    Clean the curb on your block and clean the catch basins of leaves & debris.   Involve churches, schools, businesses and organizations.   Help is especially needed from Carrollton businesses (and homeowners) from I-10 exit to Orleans Avenue.  To help or share suggestions, contact ccnola1@gmail.com

http://keepneworleansbeautiful.com/2014/04/30/199/

What Gets Measured Gets Managed

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cityofnologo-web

City releases year-end ResultsNOLA performance report featuring citywide outcomes

On March 21, the City released its 2013 year-end ResultsNOLA performance report.  For the past three years, the quarterly reports have focused on the direct results of City government operations, primarily with measures of timeliness, such as fire department response times, and outputs, such as potholes filled.  However, the year-end report shifts focus to the big picture, end results that the City hopes to achieve, for example, fewer structure fires, improved street conditions, fewer murders, more jobs, and less blight.  For the first time, the City reported on a wide variety of citywide outcomes, from the number of fatal traffic accidents to life expectancy, commute times, median income, and education levels.  These outcome measures are supplemented by the City’s related operational measures, so that readers can assess the impact of City services on outcomes.  The report examines trends to evaluate whether outcomes have improved or deteriorated over the past several years.  To provide a clearer frame of reference for assessing the city’s condition, the report includes comparisons to similar jurisdictions, such as Baton Rouge, Atlanta, and Miami.  The report also includes third-party survey results on the views of New Orleans citizens on quality of life and satisfaction with City services, such as trash pickup and parks and recreation.

The addition of citywide goals and outcomes follows a series of other 2013 report improvements.  To allow users to relate individual employee performance to organizational performance, and to recognize and motivate employees, the reports now feature recipients of the Mayor’s Outstanding Employee Awards.  To facilitate assessments of the resources used to produce the results reported, the City added information on the City resources budgeted for each included organization.  Further, the City expanded the report beyond line departments to include other organizations that received an appropriation from the City, including criminal justice agencies.

The report shows that City organizations met or exceeded a majority of performance targets, and nearly three quarters of the citywide outcomes reported are positively trending.  Among other highlights:

  • homicides were down more than 19 percent in 2013, compared to 2012, and the number of murders was the lowest in nearly 30 years, though some other crimes ticked up;
  • the City exceeded Mayor Landrieu’s goal of reducing the blight count in New Orleans by 10,000 units by 2014;
  • the number of fires decreased substantially in 2011, compared to 2010, and remained relatively consistent in 2012 and 2013; and
  • the city’s unemployment rate has steadily fallen since 2010, and was lower than the average in comparable jurisdictions in 2013.

In addition to accomplishments, the report identifies challenges facing the City in achieving its mission, goals, and objectives.  All ResultsNOLA reports are available on the Office of Performance and Accountability website.

City Exceeds Blight Target
A blighted home on Verna Street. photo by Charlie London
A blighted home on Verna Street. photo by Charlie London

 

At the January BlightSTAT meeting, the City announced that it surpassed Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s goal of reducing the blight count in New Orleans by 10,000 by 2014.  In September 2010, Mayor Landrieu announced a comprehensive blight strategy that prioritized data-driven decision-making, new legal tools for encouraging compliance from property owners, and converting problem properties into opportunities for homeownership. To manage the implementation of the strategy, the Administration created BlightSTAT, a series of public meetings where City leaders and managers review performance results and use the data to identify what is working, what is not working, and what adjustments need to be made to improve performance.  According to a survey conducted by Dr. Peter Yaukey of the University of New Orleans, Mayor Landrieu’s blight reduction goal was achieved by April 2013.

BlightSTAT meetings are held the second Thursday of every month in the 8th Floor Homeland Security Conference Room in City Hall.  Additional information on BlightSTAT, and reports from past meetings, are available on the Office of Performance and Accountability website.

Mayor announces recipients of fourth quarter Outstanding Employee Awards

In conjunction with the release of the year-end ResultsNOLA report, the City announced the fourth quarter recipients of the Mayor’s Outstanding Employee Awards.  The program, launched in 2013, recognizes employees who demonstrate a commitment to City values and exemplary contributions to organization-wide goals.  The fourth quarter recipients, featured in the ResultsNOLA report, are Detective Robert Barrere (NOPD), Loretta Boutin (ITI), Emanuel Boutte (OCD), Sergeant Edward Delery (NOPD), Rebecca Houtman (Safety and Permits), Djuana Johnson (NORDC), and Milan Le (Finance).  Both citizens and City employees can nominate individuals for the award by completing an online form.

City launches Perform initiative to create measureable goals for every City team

In conjunction with the Service and Innovation Team, Office of Performance and Accountability (OPA) staff began working with departments to develop measurable goals for each City team that align to the City’s strategic framework. The initial cohort of departments participating in the Perform initiative includes Code Enforcement, Health, and the Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board. OPA plans to work with additional departments in 2014.

 

Happy New Year

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FSJ-2014-Fireworks

Fireworks over Bayou St. John ring in 2014.

 


FSJ1-fireworks-2014FSJ3-fireworks-2014FSJ2-fireworks-2014
photos above by Charlie London.

Mayor Landrieu offers New Year’s greetings
and highlights a successful 2013


January
Improvements to the city’s infrastructure kicked off 2013 with the unveiling of more than $300 million in improvements at the Louis Armstrong International Airport and the opening of the $45 million Loyola Avenue street car line. The projects were another example of building back better than before by leveraging federal, state and local partnerships.    

HEADLINES

Construction begins on restoration of historic Circle Food Store

City breaks ground on new NOFD Engine 31 Alba Road Fire Station in Venetian Isles

City begins demolition on former Rosenwald Center in the B.W. Cooper neighborhood

 

Delivering on his commitment to build a full service hospital in New Orleans East, Mayor Landrieu announced the start of construction on an 80 bed acute care hospital at the site of the former Methodist Hospital.  The $130 million project, which is expected to open in spring of 2014, will restore full-service healthcare to residents in New Orleans East.

February
New Orleans shined brightly on the world stage as the city hosted Super Bowl XLVII in the middle of the 2013 Carnival Season. The weeklong celebration wrapped an unprecedented run of major events hosted in the city and showed the world that New Orleans is back and better than ever before. With an estimated $480 million economic impact, Super Bowl XLVII was a major success for the city’s local economy, but it also left a lasting legacy in our city’s neighborhoods with the Super Saturday of Service. More than 800 volunteers turned out to improve five NORDC playgrounds including, Lyons Center, Pontchartrain Park, Harrell Stadium, Hunter’s Field and Kingswood Playspot. The project totaled $5 million in improvements, including bench building, tree planting, landscaping and painting.  

 

HEADLINES

Video: NOLA FOR LIFE Midnight Basketball Season 3 Kick-Off

City breaks ground on Juvenile Justice Center

March

The City broke ground on a series of major projects in the historic Lower Ninth Ward, including the new $19 million Andrew P. Sanchez Community Center and Pool and the $4.1 million NOFD Engine 22 and 39 Fire Station which are both located at the intersection of North Claiborne Avenue and Caffin Street. Both of these new buildings will be symbols of this community’s rebirth following the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. Construction also began on $44.9 million in neighborhood street repairs in the Lower Ninth Ward as part of the FEMA funded Recovery Roads Program.  


As part of a continuing effort to improve customer service at City Hall, the City launched the One Stop Shop for permitting. Through the One Stop Shop, information on all permits, licenses, and City Planning Commission actions is now available at one single place. This streamlined the customer service experience and is cutting permit processing times in half.



The City awarded 100 new Certificates of Public Necessity and Convenience (CPNC) to taxicab drivers and companies to give drivers who have not previously held CPNCs a chance to get one. This has created income opportunities for taxicab drivers to become small business entrepreneurs.

April

Building on recent improvements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Mayor Landrieu announced plans to build a brand new state-of-the-art airport terminal on the north side of current airport property. Creating a new, modern airport is integral to the city’s success as a world-class travel destination and hub for commerce. Construction is expected to start in 2014.

HEADLINES

Video: GE Capital Technology Center opens in Central Business District

Video: New Orleans welcomes NCAA Final Four

Video: City reopens newly renovated Treme Center

City breaks ground on Stallings St. Claude Center and Pool

Kicking off a string of exciting economic development announcements throughout the city, Walmart broke ground on a new store at the former Lakeland Medical Center site at the Southwest corner of I-10 and Bullard Avenue. Once completed, the new store will provide jobs and access to fresh food to the New Orleans East community. The state-of-the-art store is expected to open in mid-2014.
Over 250 volunteers participated in the first NOLA FOR LIFE Day in 2013 at McDonogh Playground in Algiers. With support from City departments and over 50 local organizations, we built benches, cut overgrown lots, painted trash cans, planted trees and much more. 

May

Representing some of the best that our city, state and country have to offer, the New Orleans Police Department Recruit Class #169 started training at the NOPD Training Academy. Class #169 was the second recruit class hired since Superintendent Serpas was appointed by Mayor Landrieu that had to meet higher standards to be accepted as NOPD recruits. Forty percent of Class #169 has a military background, and seventy percent has a degree, including 17 Bachelor’s degrees, 3 associate degrees and one master’s degree.

HEADLINES

MAG Unit Investigation leads to most sweeping street gang indictment in New Orleans history

Video: Harrell Stadium gets Super Bowl XLVII turf

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes begins filming in New Orleans

NOLA Pay It Forward Fund activated for victims of Oklahoma Tornado

 

Construction began on the ReFresh Project on Broad Street, a 60,000 square-foot development that will include a new Whole Foods Market, Liberty’s Kitchen full-service café and commercial kitchen, and the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine at Tulane University. With help from the City’s Fresh Food Retailer Initiative, the project will serve an anchor for economic development in the Broad Street commercial corridor and deliver much needed, high quality fresh foods and groceries to underserved communities in the area.

June

 


The City kicked off the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission’s 2013 summer programming season by reopening the Lyons Center in the East Riverside neighborhood. Shuttered since Hurricane Katrina, the Lyons Center underwent a $4.9 million renovation that included a new gym floor, new wood stage and theater equipment and repaired bleacher seating. The state-of-the-art facility is another example of a successful public-private partnership as Chevron provided $115,000 donation for a new dance studio and $100,000 donation for a new computer lab in the center. The NFL Foundation donated $25,000 toward the computer lab as well.

HEADLINES

Multi-Agency Gang Unit Investigation nets sweeping indictment of twenty defendants

City breaks ground on new Joseph M. Bartholomew, Sr. Golf Course Club House

City celebrates completion of New Orleans East streetscape project

 

Sending a strong signal that the City is serious about equity and shared prosperity, Mayor Landrieu joined City Council members and business leaders to sign into law an ordinance that significantly reformed the City’s disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) program to improve fairness and consistency and strengthen compliance with City’s overall 35% DBE participation goal for public contracts. The reforms strengthen program reporting and compliance requirements, streamline various processes and create penalties for non-compliance. The improvements greatly enhance the City’s ability to hold contractors accountable for meeting the overall 35% DBE participation goal for public contracts, as established by an ordinance passed in 2010. 


Serving as a mix of public safety and public art, the City unveiled the installation of Evacuspots in partnership with Evacuteer.org and the Arts Council of New Orleans. The new 14-foot stainless steel sculptures clearly identify City-Assisted Evacuation pick-up points where citizens without their own transportation would report to in the event the City calls for a mandatory evacuation. The iconic artwork was installed at 17 neighborhood pick-up points across the city as part of the City-Assisted Evacuation plan.


July

 

Mayor Landrieu joined Stirling Properties to celebrate the grand opening of Mid-City Market, located at North Carrollton Avenue and Bienville Street. The 108,763 square-foot shopping center, anchored by a 54,390 square-foot Winn-Dixie, represents one the of the most significant retail developments in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. Mid-City Market is a result of over $40 million in private investment. The shopping center created over 500 new jobs in the area. 


HEADLINES

Chief Tim McConnell named 11th Superintendent of New Orleans Fire Department

Over 270 volunteers participated in fourth NOLA FOR LIFE Day in the Gert Town neighborhood

106-year-old Cita Hubbell Library reopened after $1.3 million renovation

In an effort to educate the community on Mayor Landrieu’s NOLA FOR LIFE strategy and show how the City is collectively providing support to young boys and men in New Orleans, the City introduced NOLA FOR LIFE programming on New Orleans Access Television (NOA-TV), Cox Channel 99. The NOLA FOR LIFE channel provides in-depth information about the strategy and highlights the incredible work already in progress throughout our city. The City hopes that seeing and hearing the stories of our community will encourage everyone to get involved in reducing the city’s murder rate. Content also airs on the current government and education channels 6 and 8. 

 August

 

Kicking off the 2014 budgeting for outcomes process, Mayor Landrieu held a community meeting in each council district to hear directly from residents about their budget priorities. Hundreds of residents attended the meeting which aim to produce a more citizen-driven budget and to ensure improved government performance and accountability. A national best practice, the Budgeting for Outcomes system encourages city agencies to invest public resources based on the end result the City wants to achieve.


September

 


The retail boom continued as Costco opened its first Louisiana warehouse at North Carrollton Avenue and Palmetto Street. The new store created 200 new jobs with 65% of them employing New Orleans residents. The global retailer is expected to generate a $21 million direct fiscal impact to the City over a 10-year period. Walmart also broke ground on a new store where the Gentilly Woods Shopping Mall stood vacant and blighted since Hurricane Katrina. The new store at 4301 Chef Menteur Highway will create an estimated 300 jobs and bring access to fresh food and low-priced shopping to the Gentilly community.

HEADLINES

City, partner agencies house 244 chronically homeless individuals

Dr. Mario Garner named CEO of New Orleans East Hospital

Construction begins on $200 million South Market District

Mayor Landrieu, City and State officials, Canal Street Development Corporation, and ACE Theatrical Group celebrated the reopening of the historic Saenger at 1111 Canal Street after a $52 million renovation. The building, shuttered since suffering significantly damaged after Hurricane Katrina, was the focus of complex redevelopment through a public-private partnership between the City of New Orleans, Canal Street Development Corporation, and ACE Theatrical Group. With the Saenger’s opening, and  the recent restorations of the Joy, Civic theaters, New Orleans stands poised to attract more residents and visitors downtown for live performances.

New Orleans received top honors at the 2013 World Travel Awards for excellence in sports tourism, beating out leading travel and sports tourism destinations such as Chicago, Las Vegas, New York City, San Francisco and Toronto. This is the first time New Orleans has received the award since its inception in 2010. The recognition comes after New Orleans hosted an unprecedented series of sporting events in 2012 and 2013, including the 78th Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl, the 2012 Allstate BCS National Football Championship, 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, 2013 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four and Super Bowl XLVII, one of the most watched television events and highly rated events in sports history. Last year, New Orleans received the World Travel Market’s World Tourism Award for outstanding accomplishments in tourism industry.


October

 

More than 1,000 job seekers and dozens of employers, community partners and industry professionals from across the city participated in the first NOLA FOR LIFE Jobs & Opportunity Expo. The Expo was specifically designed to connect young New Orleanians between the ages of 16 to 30 to viable employment opportunities and essential resources within the community. The four-hour event featured on-site interviews for over 350 current job vacancies, job readiness workshops and networking with industry professionals. The Expo also offered a resource fair with connections to social services, including on-the-spot wardrobe assistance for more than 100 people.

 

HEADLINES

Mayor Landrieu launches new STAT program to measure customer service at City Hall

City reaches agreement on two sanitation contracts

Over 125 volunteers participated in the fifth NOLA FOR LIFE Day at St. Roch Park. Volunteers canvassed the surrounding area and installed energy efficient light bulbs, installed smoke detectors, painted trash cans, benches and light poles, picked up litter, planted and distributed trees to neighbors, cleaned catch basins, installed bike racks and installed three basketball goals. 
Mayor Landrieu announced the launch of CustomerServiceSTAT to review keyperformance results related to customer service. Monthly CustomerServiceSTAT meetings will focus on citywide topics that are frequent sources of City interactions with the public, with an initial emphasis on NOLA311 calls, permitting and licensing, and land use. At each CustomerServiceSTAT meeting, City leaders and managers will review and assess progress achieved, overall trend data, and the likelihood of meeting performance targets. For programs at risk of not meeting targets, leaders and managers identify prospects and tactics for performance improvement, and make adjustments to operational plans as needed.


November

 

The New Orleans City Council unanimously approved the passage of the City’s 2014 Capital and General Fund budgets, totaling $247 million and $504 million respectively. The 2014 budget will pay for five recruit classes to put 150 new police officers on the streets. The capital budget funds 100 new police cars on top of the 100 cars funded in 2013. NOPD, NOFD and EMS all received increases over their 2013 budgets. The budget also prioritized NORDC again, adding nearly another $1 million on top of their 2013 budget. To combat blight, more funds were allocated for new inspectors and title research staff to help speed up the blight eradication process.

 

HEADLINES

City breaks ground on new NORDC headquarters

NOLA Pay it Forward fund activated for victims of typhoon

LCMC signs non-binding letter of intent for operation of New Orleans East Hospital

23 members of Recruit Class #169 graduated from the New Orleans Police Department’s Training Academy.  Class #169 is the second recruit class that had to meet the higher standards of having at least 60 hours of college credits, or the equivalent of two years of full service in the military.

Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced that the City of New Orleans’ $52.3 million “soft second” mortgage homebuyer assistance initiative’s Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program has now issued 500 commitments totaling over $27 million. In total, 437 home purchases by first time homebuyers have been completed through the program. 


December

 

The New Orleans City Civil Service Commission approved a new policy that will “ban the box” that requires applicants to disclose prior convictions on initial job forms, and will establish new guidelines for screening candidates before a final hiring decision is made. Proposed by the Landrieu Administration, the new policy is designed to remove obstacles that might prevent qualified ex-offenders from attaining or retaining quality jobs.

 

HEADLINES

Mayor Landrieu announces comprehensive workforce reentry initiative

City reopens Wisner Playground following park improvements

The Rockefeller Foundation announced New Orleans has been selected to join the 100 Resilient Cities Network. New Orleans was one of nearly 400 cities across six continents to apply. As part of the 100 Resilient Cities Network, the City of New Orleans will receive support to hire a Chief Resilience Officer, create a resilience strategy, and receive access to tools, technical support, and resources for implementing a comprehensive resilience plan.

Reducing the number of murders on the streets of our city is Mayor Landrieu’s top priority, and we are making progress. The statistics show that the number of murders in New Orleans is the lowest in over 30 years. But more work needs to be done. That’s why every day we are working hard to implement NOLA FOR LIFE, our comprehensive murder reductio

City Property Auction December 13th

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2552stPhilip-300x240Mayor’s Office Announces It Will Auction Five Properties, Friday, December 13

On Friday, December 13, the City of New Orleans will auction five city-owned properties in the City Hall Council Chambers at 10:00 a.m. The Department of Property Management through the Division of Real Estate and Records will conduct the auction. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. 

The order of the auction is 2552 St. Philip Street, 6038 St. Claude Avenue, 7450 Paris Road, 801 Rosedale Drive, and 4131 Elysian Fields Avenue. These properties are owned and were previously used by the city but have been determined to be “no longer needed for public purposes.” The Home Rule Charter requires that the properties be sold at public auction instead of sold privately.To view the full press release from the mayor’s office, click here.

To learn more about the city-owned properties being auctioned and the city’s property auction process, click here.

Properties for sale

2552 St. Philip Street

Property is to be auctioned of as part of a multi-property auction to be held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall.

Open House

FRIDAY, NOV 22  and FRIDAY, DEC 6, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
NOTE: No one under 18 allowed. All parties will be required to sign a waiver of liability and I.D. is required.

Additional Information

12-218-St-Philip-Report
2552-St-Philip-St-info
CPC-staff-report-2552-St-Philip

6038 St. Claude Avenue

Property is to be auctioned of as part of a multi-property auction to be held on Friday 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall.

Open House

FRIDAY, NOV 22  and FRIDAY, DEC 6, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
NOTE: No one under 18 allowed. All parties will be required to sign a waiver of liability and I.D. is required.

Additional Information

Appraisal-6038-St-Claude-Ave-New-Orleans-LA-2012
6038-St-Claude-Ave-info
6038-St-Claude-Avenue-sale-ordinance
CPC-staff-report-6035-St-Claude

7450 Paris Road

Property is to be auctioned of as part of a multi-property auction to be held on July 31, 2013, 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

This property will not have an Open House

Please contact Real Estate and Records (504) 658-3615 to set up a viewing.

Additional Information

12-224-report
7450-Paris-Road-info
7450-Paris-Road-sale-ordinance
CPC-staff-report-7540-Paris-Road

801 Rosedale Drive

Property is to be auctioned of as part of a multi-property auction to be held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall.

Open House

FRIDAY, NOV 22  and FRIDAY, DEC 6, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
NOTE: No one under 18 allowed. All parties will be required to sign a waiver of liability and I.D. is required.

Additional Information

Appraisal-801-Rosedale-Dr-New-Orleans-LA
801-Rosedale-Dr-info
CPC-staff-report-801-Rosedale

4131 Elysian Fields Avenue

Property is to be auctioned of as part of a multi-property auction to be held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall.

Open House

FRIDAY, NOV 22  and FRIDAY, DEC 6, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
NOTE: No one under 18 allowed. All parties will be required to sign a waiver of liability and I.D. is required.

Additional Information

4131-Elysian-Fields-info
Appraisal-Report-Former-Fire-Station-4131-Elysian-Fields-New-Orleans-LA
signed-ordinance
CPC-staff-report

Sales process for city-owned property

The City may sell (through public auction) immovable property (real estate) that is no longer needed for public purpose. These particular auctions are different than the Sheriff’s auctions or NORA’s auctions. The process for bringing property any city owned property to auction is lengthy. The steps are as follows:

  1. The Department of Property Management, through the Division of Real Estate and Records, locates property that the City is not using. A constituent may bring a request regarding a particular property to the Division and request that it be sold at public auction.
  2. If the property is deemed saleable, the requested sale is presented to the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) for review, comments, and recommendations. If any city department may determine that the property is still needed for public use then the sale will not move forward.
  3. If approved by PAC, the requested sale is then submitted to the City Planning Commission (CPC) for approval or denial. CPC may deny, approve, or conditionally approve the auction of a property. CPC may place provisos on the sale of the property, which will require that certain terms and/or obligations are met prior to or as part of the sale.
  4. If the sale is approved or conditionally approved with provisos, the property is appraised to determine fair market value.
  5. After a value is determined, the auction of the property must be approved by the City Council. An ordinance containing the property description, appraised value, and any provisos set by the CPC is introduced to the City Council.
  6. If the Ordinance is passed and approved by the Mayor, an auction date and time is set and an advertisement runs in the Times Picayune Newspaper three times over a span of thirty days. The property may have an “open house” during this period.
  7. At least thirty days after the ordinance has been signed by the Mayor, the property auction is held. The starting bid is the fair market value of the property. Auctions are held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
  8. A winning bidder must deposit 10% of the winning bid amount with the Real Estate and Records Division (Room 5W06) within one (1) hour of the completion of the auction. The deposit must be in cash, certified check, or money order and is NON-REFUNDABLE. If a deposit is not timely made, the property is offered to the second highest bidder.
  9. The act of sale is sent to the City Law Department for review and signature. The purchaser typically has 120 days to coordinate with the Law Department to complete the sale. If there is a proviso attached to the property sale by the CPC, it will become part of the act of sale. The remainder of the payment, as well as costs associated with promogulation of the ordinance and advertising are all due at the signing of the act of sale.

FAQs

Is this the same property auction as NORA or the Sheriff’s Auction?

No. These are properties that are owned and were used by the City but are determined “no longer needed for public purpose.”

My non-profit/special interest needs property. Can the City donate property?

In accordance with Article 7, Section 14 of the Louisiana Constitution, the City cannot donate non-housing property. This office generally does not sell housing.

Why does the City use public auctions instead of private sales?

The Home Rule Charter requires that property be sold at public auction, with very limited exceptions.

If a property is not zoned the same as the rest of the neighborhood, can I get it changed?

Generally the property zoning can be changed to make a property consistent with the surrounding neighborhood through application to the City Planning Commission. Please contact the Planning Commission for further information.

What are the additional costs that are added to the winning bid price?

Additional costs, over the winning bid must be paid to complete the sale. These costs include: appraisal, Clerk of Court costs, City Notary fees, possible resubdivision fees and other possible costs.

If I win the auction, how much do I need to deposit and when?

10% of the bid price is due in cash, money order, or certified funds within one hour of the auction’s completion.

What form of currency does the deposit need to be in?

Cash, certified check, or money order ONLY

What happens if I do not deposit the funds with Real Estate and Records within one hour?

The property will be offered to the second highest bidder.

 Is the deposit refundable?

The deposit is NOT refundable. It is considered an earnest payment.

What are the requirements for purchase, other than money?

The City of New Orleans cannot contract with convicted felons or any party that owes taxes to the City of New Orleans.

Also, required paperwork will be distributed to the winning bidder. It includes a tax clearance affidavit, vendor registration form, and other required information. All documents must be completed prior to the Act of Sale date.

Can anybody bid at the auction and buy this property?

Some property sales have restrictions that prevent everyone from bidding at auction.  For example, a parcel that is too small to allow for construction may only be available to neighboring property owners, who would be required to “resubdivide” the parcel into their existing parcels. City Planning Commission sets the restrictions for property sales (Home Rule Charter Section 6-306). Also, City of New Orleans’ employees and their immediate families are not permitted to contract with the City.

How long does it take to complete the transfer of the property?

Depending on when the Division of Real Estate and Records receives the appropriate paperwork from the purchaser, a transfer may take place within three months.

How long do I have to complete the sale?

120 days

Are there private sales of city property?

The City may sell non-housing property to other governmental entities through private sale for fair market value. Other limited exceptions exist.

How is the starting bid set?

The starting bid is set at fair market value.

There is City-owned property that I am interested in purchasing. Who do I contact?

The Division only sells property that is owned by  the City and no longer needed for public purpose. Contact Real Estate and Records at (504) 658-3615.

What are the rehabilitation requirements for the properties?

The following terms shall be in the Act of Sale:

Purchaser of the Property on this ___ day of ______________, 2013, hereby agrees to maintain, renovate, develop, and improve the Property within the time frame and terms below. All work done upon the Property shall be in accordance with the requirements of the New Orleans City Code and the New Orleans Building Code, including any applicable historic district provisions.  Purchase of the Property is subject to the following additional conditions:

a)         Within sixty (60) days of recordation of Act of Sale, Purchaser shall clean, repair, secure, or otherwise remove the conditions of blight upon the property.

b)         Within eighteen (18) months from recordation of Act of Sale, Purchaser shall obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of Safety and Permits.

If, in the determination of the Department of Property Management through a recommendation of the Department of Safety and Permits and/or the Department of Code Enforcement, purchaser has failed to comply with any condition set forth above, it shall notify the Purchaser and if Purchaser fails to correct said violations within 30 days, sale of the Property shall be dissolved of right, title shall revert to the City of New Orleans, and all sums previously paid by Purchaser, including the Purchase price, shall be forfeited by Purchaser and retained by the City of New Orleans as liquidated damages.  Purchaser expressly waives formal demand, notice of default, citation and legal delays, consents to summary procedure, and confesses judgment rescinding and dissolving sale, reverting title, and forfeiting all sums previously paid.

Once the conditions set forth hereinabove have been satisfied, the City of New Orleans shall execute such documents as are necessary to release this right of reversion from title.

The City of New Orleans hereby agrees that it shall subordinate the right of transfer set forth above in favor of Purchaser’s construction lender and, for that purpose, does hereby consent and agree  to execute all reasonable documents, including an Act of Subrogation to subordinate the City of New Orleans’ interest in the Property to Purchaser’s construction  lender.

 

SMART GROWTH

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smart-growthClick on the logo for more information about SMART GROWTH. Smart Growth America and Global Green USA are soliciting applications for technical assistance, which is available under grants EPA awarded to these two organizations through the Office of Sustainable Communities’ Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities grant program. (Listen to the November 6 webinar about both offerings.)  

Global Green USA’s technical assistance is based on the LEED for Neighborhood Development standard, which provides a nationally recognized method for creating neighborhoods that are walkable, bikeable, resource-efficient, and equitable. At the conclusion of the assistance, the team will provide recommendations for both physical and policy changes that can enhance neighborhood sustainability.

View the application. Applications are due to Global Green by Friday December 20, 2013, 6 PM PST (3 PM EST).  

Smart Growth America is offering 12 different technical assistance workshops:

  • Implementing smart growth 101
  • Planning for economic and fiscal health
  • Regional planning for small communities
  • Sustainable land use code audit
  • Smart growth zoning codes for small cities
  • Complete streets
  • Walkability workshop/audit
  • Transportation performance measurement
  • Parking audit
  • Implementing transit-oriented development 101
  • Cool planning: local strategies to slow climate change
  • Using LEED-ND to accelerate the development of sustainable communities

View the application. Applications are due to Smart Growth America by Friday, December 6, 2013, 5:00 PM EST.

Additional assistance may be available from EPA and other grantees in 2014.

 

City Removes Tree

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tree-removed-2013july16

A neighbor in the 3200 block of Grand Route Saint John called the City of New Orleans about a dead tree in front of their home.

The tree was dead and full of bees. The City came out and determined that the tree needed to be removed. The Parks and Parkways Department will help with trees on City property. This tree was between the sidewalk and the street. The area between the sidewalk and the street belongs to the City of New Orleans.

The Department of Parks and Parkways encourages tree planting by citizens, but requires citizens to get a free Tree Planting Permit to plant a tree between the sidewalk and curb. Citizens also need to submit plans for the trees and/or shrubs they intend to plant on public property.

For full information and a permit application, see the Tree Planting Permit page from the City of New Orleans Permit & Licenses department. Depending on the location planting location, citizens may also need a Sidewalk Cut Permit.

If you need to contact the City of New Orleans please visit the link below:
https://fsjna.org/contact/federal-government-links/

stump1-3200grsj-2013july16stump-3200grsj-2013july16

Many thanks to the City workers
who did a great job!


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Entergy came out after the tree was removed
to make sure all the utilities were safe.


tree-removed-2013july16

City workers left the area clean.

Bastille Day Celebration

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toussaint-photobyToryTaylor-2013july13

Allen Toussaint at the 2013 Bastille Day Celebration in Faubourg St. John. photo by Tory Taylor.

Bastille Day Celebration
in Faubourg St. John.
photos below by Laura London

click on any thumbnail for a better view


bastille2013poster1
Norbert Slama and Raphael Bas (Manouche Musette) will perform from 5 – 7 and Johnny J and the Hitmen from 7 – 9. Cynthia Scott will sing the Marseillaise at 5:30. Ukulele Jake will perform at the Bastille Day Celebration too!

Come on out from 5 pm to 9 pm on Saturday, July 13th and enjoy the Bastille Day Celebration in Faubourg St. John. Generously brought to you by the Faubourg St. John Merchants Association.

(3100 block of Ponce de Leon just off Esplanade)

Please join us for the annual Faubourg St. John Merchants Association Block Party on Ponce de Leon Street between Esplanade and North Lopez.

 

Saturday, July 13, 2013 | 5 PM – 9 PM | Le Marseillaise will be sung by Cynthia Scott

 

Come dance in the street at our annual Bal Populaire! | Local merchants will sell food and beverages on the street. | Art market with local artists | Children’s activities and fun for the whole family! | This event is sponsored by the Faubourg St John Merchants:

Cafe Degas | Fair Grinds Coffee Shop | Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association | Maple Street Book Stores | Nonna Mia | Pal’s Lounge | Santa Fe Restaurant | Swirl Wines

In addition to a cool art market and great kids’ table there will be plenty of food, drink and dancing in the street at the Bastille Day Celebration in the 3100 block of Ponce de Leon on Saturday, July 13th from 5 pm until 9 pm. Plan to join the fun! It’s free!


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Norbert Slama and Raphael Bas will perform at the Bastille Day Celebration in Faubourg St. John on Saturday, July 13, 2013. More soon!

Johnny J will perform at the Bastille Day Celebration in Faubourg St. John on Saturday, July 13, 2013.

BlightStat Revisited

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by Charlie London
blightstat-revisited
I took a new job about six months ago that no longer allows me to attend the BlightStat meetings on a regular basis as I once did. It was great to see the movers-and-shakers again today that keep fighting blight in our city.

The folks pictured above are the unsung heroes that, like you,
are passionate about moving New Orleans forward.

The Code Enforcement Department continues to lead the pack with over 1,000 inspections each month. The new land asset management application is far superior to the old computer system. The Code Enforcement Department was heralded for their continued vigilance in the fight against blight.

The Technology Department noted that while the virtual private network used by the inspectors is not providing the service expected, one of the features negotiated for the current technology contract allows for unlimited technical support. The problem is being worked on as you read this.

If you haven’t taken the time to check out data.nola.gov … you should. Surf around data.nola.gov and you’ll be amazed at the information you’ll find. The City of New Orleans Technology Department is working hard to dispel any misconceptions that New Orleans might be behind the times.

The Law Department also uses the land management asset application.

new-lot-next-door

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority has a new lot next door program which will be released soon. Expect a press release from the City soon! NORA will be using online expressions of interest in properties for the new lot next door program. Those expressions of interest will be collected this May through August. The program will soon be available at NORAWORKS.org Properties will be sold at market value from September through December of this year.

The BlightStat team continues raise expectations and lead the nation in an idea that was developed right here in New Orleans. The results of their efforts will be felt for generations to come as New Orleans rises once again to become the “Queen of the South”.

Keep the faith… you’ll see.

***
April 12, 2013

NORA releases list of properties for expanded Lot Next Door Program

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and City Council is pleased to announce the release of the list of properties for the amended Lot Next Door Ordinance. The City Council adopted Ordinance 29,397 on February 21 and the Mayor signed it into law on February 25, 2013.

Beginning today, NORA will publish the list of available properties in The Times-Picayune. The list is also available on NORA’s website www.noraworks.org and at data.nola.gov, the City’s official data catalog.

Eligible Lot Next Door buyers MUST notify NORA of its intent to purchase a Lot Next Door property by completing an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. The EOI form will be available on NORA’s website www.noraworks.org beginning May 1, 2013 until August 1, 2013. The deadline to complete an expression of interest (EOI) form is August 1, 2013. Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee a purchase.

In order to be considered for the Lot Next Door Program you must share a common boundary to an eligible Lot Next Door Property and meet all other eligibility requirements. For more information regarding qualifications and eligibility please visit NORA’s website www.noraworks.org and click on the Lot Next Door tab or contact the Lot Next Door Program Office at 504.658.4422.

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The New Orleans City Council voted Thursday to authorize demolition of several dozen blighted and dilapidated buildings throughout the city owned by the Housing Authority of New Orleans. The list includes properties in all five council districts.

HANO had requested permission to demolish all the buildings.

Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell originally filed a motion to allow demolition of several properties in District D, but other members then asked to add HANO properties in their districts as well — “hitching our wagons to yours,” as council President Stacy Head told Hedge-Morrell.

The final list comprises:

District A: 1715, 1723, 1727 and 1735 Cambronne St.; 1738-40 Gen. Ogden St.; 2115-17 St. Ann St.; and 8718-20 Willow St.

District B: 2331-33 Annunciation St.; 1421-23-25 and 5312 Constance St.; and 2118-20-22 Danneel St.

District C: 1815-21 Ptolemy St.; 1500-14, 1508-14, 1524-30 and 1532-38 Hendee St.; 1814-20 Lawrence St.; 717 De Armas St.; 2427 Ursulines Ave.; 1916 Roman St.; 1927 Mandeville St.; 2522 N. Rampart St.; 1814-20 Bayou Road; 2023 N. Robertson St.; 1319 Montegut St.; 600, 601, 615, 616-20 and 621 France St.; 4100-14 and 4200 Royal St.; 1112 N. Rocheblave St.; and 4319 Chartres St.

District D: 2500, 2501, 2524, 2525, 2600, 2601, 2624 and 2625 Bartholomew St.; 2123-29 Painters St.; and 3013 Mandeville St.

District E: 1501-03, 1505-07, 1509-11 and 1515 Benton St. and 4727 Ray Ave.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/04/city_council_approves_demoliti.html#incart_river

City to Recycle Christmas Trees

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30trwindsortreeMayor Mitch Landrieu announced that the City will continue its program of recycling Christmas trees in an effort to promote the restoration of Louisiana’s wetlands and to assist in the protection of the Louisiana coastline.

“New Orleans is earning a great reputation as an eco-friendly city, and this service is one of the ways our citizens can help protect and restore our environment,” Mayor Landrieu said.”Together, we can save thousands of trees from being thrown out to waste and also provide critical support to help preserve our wetlands.”

Orleans Parish residents can recycle their Christmas trees by placing them curbside on their regularly scheduled collection days January 10, 11 and 12.

The trees must be natural, with all ornaments, tinsel, lights and tree stands removed. Flocked and artificial trees will not be collected, and trees should not be placed on the neutral grounds. Trees should not be placed in plastic bags.

The City’s Department of Sanitation, Office of Coastal and Environmental Affairs and the Materials Management Group are making possible the effort to collect, sort, and bundle the trees, which will be placed in selected coastal zones.

This project is funded by the general fund budget of the Office of Coastal and Environmental Affairs at a cost of approximately $9,000.

Residents seeking more information should contact the Office of Coastal and Environmental Affairs at (504) 658-4071.