fight

Fight Blight Saturday

April 17, 2013 by Charlie London

GRAFFITI PROGRAM – Our InitiativeKnowing that graffiti adversely affects public perception, architectural significance and the general quality of life in the French Quarter, the FQBA has stepped up to initiate a community, business and citizen-based action plan to eradicate graffiti from the Vieux Carre. Partners in this initiative are resident groups French Quarter Citizens and Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents & Associates, Inc. “World’s Best Graffiti Removal System” has proven effective and is accepted by the Vieux Carre Commission (VCC).
Removal Methods
First, try using soap and water and a soft brush. If this does not work, use a VCC approved removal product that is appropriate for the surface. The “World’s best graffiti removal system” has been tested and determined safe on historical buildings, a permit is not required for small jobs. In many instances, you can use a graffiti removal product rather than paint.

NOTE:
PERMIT REQUIRED
You must have a permit from the Vieux Carre Commission Office to use chemicals or paint to remove graffiti. Applications for permits can be picked up in person at 334 Royal Street or downloaded off of:
http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx

WHAT IS GRAFFITI?

Graffiti is writing, drawings or symbols applied to any surface without the permission of the owner. To create graffiti, vandals use a variety of materials such as automotive car paint, spray paint, crayons and permanent ink. Vandals also etch surfaces as another way to destroy property.

Art or Graffiti?

The difference between art and graffiti is that art is done on property with permission of the property owner. Art is a creative and productive form of expression, whereas graffiti is a crime.

Why should I care about graffiti?

Graffiti is an act of vandalism. Not only is it unattractive, but it also lowers property values and encourages other types of crime in neighborhoods. By promptly removing graffiti, property owners can send a message to the people responsible for graffiti.

GRAFFITI PREVENTION TIPS

1. Maintain upkeep. An exterior appearance that suggests apathy and neglect attracts vandals.

2. Remove quickly. Studies show that removal within 24 to 48 hours results in a nearly zero rate of reoccurrence.

3. Control access.

•Add or improve outside lighting to promote natural surveillance.
•Limit access to roofs by moving dumpsters away from walls and covering drain pipes.
•Incorporate shrubs, thorny plants, and vines to restrict vandal access.
4. Step up security.

•Employ graffiti resistant materials or coatings on a chronically hit wall.
•Do not allow a “legal wall,” or an area that permits graffiti, at your business; they are largely ineffective and may draw more graffiti vandals to the area.
•Organize a “Business Watch” with nearby merchants to keep tabs on a business area.
•Install some type of security camera.
•Employ security personnel to monitor property.
5. Work with the community.

•Inform VC-GAP and the city when graffiti appears on your property.
•Refrain from using graffiti images in ads or promoting graffiti in any way.
•Print graffiti prevention messages on bags, sales flyers, tray liners, book covers, calendars, and other promotional
items.
JOIN THE FIGHT!

Step 1: Record

If you see a graffiti crime in progress, please contact the New Orleans Police Department immediately at 504-822-1111. Please provide a complete description of the perpetrators and/or vehicles involved, including license plate numbers. Photograph the graffiti using a color camera (digital).

NEVER APPROACH OR CONFRONT THE VANDALS YOURSELF.

Step 2: Report

Graffiti vandalism is a crime. Report graffiti to New Orleans Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersgno.org or call the non-emergency number at 504-822-1111. Upload a photo of the tagging. Please keep copies of each photograph for your personal records. These photographs help the police identify local graffiti hot spots.

Step 3: Remove

Property and business owners understand that promptly removing graffiti reduces the chances of recurrence. Also, the sooner you remove graffiti, the easier it is to clean the damaged surface.

Be a Blight Czar

November 30, 2012 by Charlie London

You can be the “Blight Czar”
for your neighborhood right at your computer.

Go to http://blightstatus.nola.gov and enter the name of any street in your area to see what’s been done about that blighted house down the block.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Maybe it wasn’t reported yet.
Click here –> http://blightstatus.nola.gov/pages/help
and
here –> https://fsjna.org/links/steps-to-stomp-out-blight/ to find out what to do.

DON’T BE “THAT GUY”
Lots of folks say they don’t have time. Someone else will do it. Well, those “someone elses” also have jobs, kids and are pressed for time. It’s up to YOU to take action to make your neighborhood better. Don’t be “that guy” that says he’s too busy.

People love to say, “there isn’t much blight in Faubourg St. John”. Why do you think that is? It’s not just because it is a great place to live and most folks are proud to live here, blight is reported and followed-up until it is gone.

Below are some examples of what you’ll find if you search at http://blightstatus.nola.gov You won’t just find the maps below but links on the addressess on the maps where you can click to find out more information. The arrows on the map are not the exact location but the general area. When you visit http://blightstatus.nola.gov and enter in a street, you will get exact addresses to click on for more information.

Check out the number of blighted property reports in Faubourg St. John on St. Ann Street alone!
2713 st ann street
2717 st ann street
2722 st ann street
2723 st ann street
2726 st ann street
2730 st ann street
2741 st ann street
2743 st ann street
2746 st ann street
2750 st ann street
2751 st ann street
2753 st ann street
2754 st ann street
2755 st ann street
2800 st ann street
2801 st ann street
2804 st ann street
2809 st ann street
2816 st ann street
2821 st ann street
2824 st ann street
2832 st ann street
2912 st ann street
2920 st ann street
2921 st ann street
2931 st ann street
2936 st ann street
3007 st ann street
3009 st ann street
3027 st ann street
3030 st ann street
3034 st ann street
3035 st ann street
3038 st ann street
3042 st ann street
3053 st ann street
3062 st ann street
3108 st ann street
3110 st ann street
3118 st ann street
3205 st ann street
3219 st ann street
3229 st ann street
3303 st ann street

BlightStatus Arrives

October 11, 2012 by Charlie London

Click here to view the City’s presentation at today’s BlightStat meeting.
<a href="http://blightstatus.nola.gov/">MAYOR LANDRIEU, CODE FOR AMERICA TO UNVEIL NEW TECHNOLOGY TO TRACK BLIGHTED PROPERTIES</a>

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MAYOR LANDRIEU, CODE FOR AMERICA TO UNVEIL NEW TECHNOLOGY TO TRACK BLIGHTED PROPERTIES

NEW ORLEANS, LA—October 11, 2012 | Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Code for America (CFA) will announce the launch of BlightStatus, a new interactive tool for residents to track the progress of blighted properties within the code Enforcement system in New Orleans.

Nearly two years ago, Mayor Landrieu announced a new, aggressive blight strategy aimed at reducing the blight count in New Orleans by 10,000 properties by 2014. A recent study released by The Greater New Orleans Community Data Center showed that blighted properties have been reduced by approximately 8,000 addresses since 2010. The study attributed the reduction in part to the focused efforts of City agencies to bring properties into compliance.

Neighborhood groups and engaged citizens have always been a crucial partner in the city’s fight against blight, and now, with the launch of BlightStatus, they will have access to previously inaccessible City data about the status of blighted properties. Easy access to this information will reduce barriers to participation in public blight hearings, and improve the quality of the interactions between the City and the community in the common goal of blight eradication.

WHO: Mayor Mitch Landrieu
Deputy Mayor Andy Kopplin
City officials
Code for America team

WHAT: Launch of BlightStatus, a new interactive tool for residents to track the progress of blighted
properties within the Code Enforcement system in New Orleans

WHEN: Thursday, October 11, 2012
1:00 PM

WHERE: 1708 St. Roch Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70117

###

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Follow the Mayor:

BlightSTATUS makes it simple for residents to find out what’s going on with blighted properties in their community – no long waits on the telephone or visits to City Hall required.
A great example of government transparency at work, BlightSTATUS pulls up-to-date property information directly from the City’s official records, providing a single, comprehensive and authoritiative view to the public for the very first time.

Write to neworleans@codeforamerica.org for more information.

http://blightstatus.nola.gov/

For decades residents have asked for easy access to information on the status of blighted buildings, and now we’re delivering. BlightStatus is a new interactive online tool for residents to track the progress of blighted properties within the Code Enforcement system in New Orleans.

Anyone with an Internet connection can visit http://blightstatus.nola.gov to:

•search for any property to view its case history in a clear and simple format;
•create a “watchlist” to track the progress of multiple properties;
•receive email alerts whenever a property on your “watchlist” moves forward in the blight process;
•analyze blight citywide or down to the block level using interactive maps and charts; and
•learn more about the blight process itself at the Help Center
Reducing blight citywide is a top priority of my administration. Blight threatens our safety, the value of our homes, our quality of life and our environment. Nearly two years ago, we announced a new, aggressive blight strategy aimed at reducing the blight count in New Orleans by 10,000 properties by 2014. A recent study released by The Greater New Orleans Community Data Center showed that blighted properties have been reduced by approximately 8,000 addresses since 2010. The study attributed the reduction in part to the focused efforts of City agencies to bring properties into compliance by prioritizing aggressive code enforcement and code lien foreclosure sales.

Recently, the City’s blight strategy was named a 2012 Bright Idea in Government by Harvard University’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, and was awarded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary’s Award at the 2012 Council on Philanthropy Conference for its public-philanthropic partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) and the Center for Community Progress (CCP).

This is a major step forward in reducing barriers to public participation in blight hearings, and improving the quality of the interactions between the City and the community in the common goal of eliminating blight.

Sincerely,
Mitchell J. Landrieu
Mayor
City of New Orleans

The Interrupters

February 16, 2012 by Charlie London

sent in by the City of New Orleans

In case you missed it, the award-winning documentary “The Interrupters” aired last night on PBS. The film centers on the successful “Ceasefire” program in Chicago where the goal was to interrupt the cycle of retaliatory violence.

The City of New Orleans is implementing the “Ceasefire” program now. As the project moves forward, it will employ “interrupters” who are either ex-offenders or individuals on the ground, to reach members of the community who are most likely to shoot or be shot. These individuals will intervene when there is the potential for violence to arise, mediate high-risk conflict situations and prevent retaliatory violence.

In September of 2011, Mayor Mitch Landrieu held a Crime Action Summit where he dedicated $250,000 to the “Ceasefire” program in New Orleans.

Click here to watch “The Interrupters” documentary.

It’s a Wonderful Life!

February 6, 2012 by Charlie London

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.

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://fsjna.org/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://fsjna.org/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!”

Dec 6: SHERIFF SALE

December 4, 2011 by Charlie London

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

BlightStat 22

September 8, 2011 by Charlie London

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

September 6, 2011 by Charlie London

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.

Help Fight Blight September 24th

August 25, 2011 by Charlie London

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

You can be the “Blight Czar” for your neighborhood right at your computer.