Tammy Jackson

BlightStat 37

September 13, 2012 by Charlie London

by Charlie London

The Landrieu administration currently has a goal
of removing 10,000 “units” of blight in 4 years.
Units are individual apartments/condos or lots with blight.

Much of the precipitous drop in blight since 2005 has been individual homeowners refurbishing their homes. The City has instituted a much lauded BlightStat program that has done a tremendous job with few resources.

And, there is where the problem is… few resources. When crime is rampant, infrastructure is crumbling and the city struggles to keep the streetlights working, should blighted properties be a main emphasis where significant resources are allocated?

If so, are you willing to pay more taxes to make that happen? I am. I’d like to suggest a specific blight tax be implemented to help get blight removed from New Orleans. And, with that increased tax, I’d like to see an ordinance passed that says something like, “any property blighted since 2005 will have action taken on it by the City of New Orleans, regardless.” This would include blighted property that has people living in it. Why? Because 7 years is long enough for anyone to decide what to do with their property. Blight is holding back New Orleans. Blight contributes to crime and scares off potential investors… those investors bring jobs.

While the the city’s goal of removing 10,000 blighted properties in 4 years is laudable, the chart above shows over 35,000 properties that still need attention. You do the math.
10,000 blighted properties removed in 4 years. 35,000 total…

That means it will be 15 to 20 years before the CURRENT inventory of blighted properties is removed. Meanwhile, future hurricanes and irresponsible owners will contribute further to the number of blighted properties in New Orleans.

So, do we ignore the problem and complain that the city isn’t doing enough or do we step up and demand that a Blight tax be implemented and that it be spent specifically on blight reduction?

And, how ’bout an ordinance that makes it easier for the city to rid New Orleans of blight? Is it fair for the responsible citizen to live next to blight just because? How long should the irresponsible owner be given to do something about their blighted property… 7, 10, 20 years?
I don’t think so.

Quite frankly, the city is doing the best they can with what they’ve got. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough manpower to get the job done… specifically on the legal end. Click here to read my thoughts about this in a previous BlightStat report. The city can get the properties inspected timely but the adjudication process is slow and laborious. Yes, we should protect the owner’s property rights. But, how long should property owners be allowed to affect your quality of life… 7, 10, 20 years? I don’t think so.

In the link below please find the city’s latest presentation on blight reduction in New Orleans:

A PDF of the City’s September 13, 2012 BLIGHTSTAT presentation.

Click on the chart above or visit the link below to view the Greater New Orleans Data Center’ report on the progress of the BLIGHT fight in New Orleans:

The Greater New Orleans Data Center’s Report on Blight in New Orleans.

BlightStat 36

August 9, 2012 by Charlie London

photos and article by Charlie London

BlightStat 36 | August 9, 2012

Mr. Oliver Wise, Director of the Office of Performance and Accountability, began the meeting with introductions and announcements. No meeting last month due to the implementation of the new city computer system known as LAMA(Land Management). Cameras from MSNBC were rolling. This was the 36th meeting to which the public was invited.

Dr. Allison Plyer of the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center gave a presentation on growth in New Orleans neighborhoods.

Between 2010 and 2011, both Census population estimates and U.S. Postal Service households receiving mail grew by roughly 5 percent. From 2011 to 2012, U.S. Postal Service households grew another 2.5 percent.

Dr. Plyer indicated the New Orleans metro economy has weathered the recession relatively well. As jobs increase so will the number of people returning to the city. Among all metro area parishes, Orleans experienced the largest gain in households receiving mail over the last year.

Fully 66 out of 72 New Orleans neighborhoods gained active residential addresses since 2010. About half of all neighborhoods have recovered over 90 percent of their households since the Federal Flood. The gain of more than 12,300 active residential addresses receiving mail since 2010 may indicate that a large number of homes have been renovated and re-occupied over the last 2 years.

Mr. Andy Kopplin asked about how the numbers presented relate to blight. Dr. Plyer indicated that the numbers indicate that houses are getting rehabilitated. She indicated that her general theory is that stronger code enforcement has given people incentive to rehabilitate their property.

blightstat-crowd2012aug9 — It was a full house for BlightStat 36!

A question from the audience indicated that blighted commercial properties are not being addressed so that services such as grocery stores can replace those blighted commercial properties.

Mr. Kopplin and Mr. Hebert focused on the city’s efforts at removing large apartment complexes. Mr. Kopplin said the city’s legal team is working to get blighted strip malls removed or rehabilitated so that services can be provided to the returning populace.

lama-implementation2012aug9 — Jen Cecil introduces the new computer system for the City of New Orleans.

125 users were trained on the new LAMA software. The input from these users was used to tweak the software to make it even more user friendly.

Website content will be revamped. Permits and code enforcement cases will be easier to find. City departments are being interconnected. Website content is the main focus with an emphasis on easy to find comprehensive information.

The return on investment will be recouped within 3 years. Accela cost the city $300,000 per year. The LAMA system will cost about $70,000 per year and will be more efficient which will produce even more cost savings over time.

Ms. Pura Bascos sang the praises of the new system because it helps Code Enforcement find addresses for properties that do not have an address.

The LAMA system will go “live” on the public website sometime in September, 2012.

Mr. Allen Square indicated that the 311 system will eventually be integrated into the LAMA system.

The assessor is also being integrated into the LAMA system.

The LAMA number given at the time of a 311 call will be used by all departments accessing the system. So, a citizen that calls 311 can follow the process with the same number all the way up to the blight eradication hearing.

http://data.nola.gov will have a plethora of information available to the public starting in September, 2012.

Ms. Pura Bascos continued the meeting with a discussion of inspections. Inspections this period were not up the the usual high number. Vacations and computer system training slowed productivity somewhat. Fewer hearings were scheduled due to the implementation of the LAMA system.

Ms. Bascos introduced John Hagan who will be concentrating on title abstracts.

Mr. Carrere indicated that demolitions exceeded targeted expectations for this reporting period. He said the contractors are running out of buildings to demolish due to the entire process slowing down due to the implementation of the city’s new LAMA computer system.

The Bayou St. John property cost the property owner $150,000 to demolish the property. Consistent action from the city got the property demolished. The city’s enforcement of laws gave the owner the needed incentive to demolish the property.

There were 21 FEMA demolitions which consisted of 40 units. There are approximately 50 demolitions to go consisting of 160 units. The city has requested thousands more properties to be demolished by FEMA. Due to the many disasters that have happened recently around the country, the amount of money available is dwindling.

Mr. Wise indicated that 414 properties that were threatened with demolition were rehabilitated. Mr. Wise indicated that there is a 2 to 1 ratio of compliance over non-compliance due to the city’s actions.

Mr. Hebert indicated the city is now paying 25 dollars per lot for routine grass cutting and 175 dollars for lots that have extremely high grass.

Mr. Granderson indicated that the backlog has been eliminated. Fifty-three files were accepted for foreclosure proceedings during this reporting period.

There was some group discussion over the time it takes to get properties adjudicated. The process can take up to 90 days. Demolitions and writs are the slow end of the system.

Mr. Kopplin suggested sending a letter immediately after properties are adjudicated that the city can and will demolish and/or take the property away from owners who refuse to comply.

Mr. David Lessinger reviewed the NORA inventory disposition. 136 units have been rehabilitated or renovated. 245 newly constructed units have been completed.

Noraworks.org has properties for sale online. Citizens can indicate interest on specific properties. This is for serious inquiries only.

Mr. Brian Lawlor of the Office of Community Development indicated that they are working aggressively with non-profits to hold them accountable for the properties given to them.

Mr. Lawlor indicated the Soft Second Program is really making a difference. This program gets first-time home buyers out of rentals and into their own homes. Once applicants have been certified through the lender the process moves along swiftly.

Questions were taken from the audience.
Thirteen inspectors are currently working in zones throughout the city. Code for America is working on a program that will show what city action has been performed on any property on a given street.

Mr. Wise said hearings, historically, have taken a while because hearing managers had poor information. The new LAMA computer system is supposed to alleviate a lot of that problem.

A new lawyer has been hired to look at Chapter 26 and 28 as well as occupied blighted properties.

Call 311 for information about properties or call the Code Enforcement office directly at 658-4346 or go to data.nola.gov
Mr. Kopplin indicated that 311 is the best avenue to acquire information about blighted properties.

American Factfinder is the website for the U.S. Census.

Click here for a PDF of the city’s presentation at the August 9, 2012 BLIGHTSTAT meeting.

The next BlightStat meeting will take place Thursday, September 13th at 8 a.m. in the Homeland Security meeting room on the 8th floor of City Hall.

BlightStat 34

May 10, 2012 by Charlie London

photo and article by Charlie London

The City’s SERVENOLA office will soon be providing a list of volunteer opportunities where you can make a significant difference toward winning the fight against blight. These aren’t cleanup days or media opportunities but real jobs where volunteers can make a difference. Why volunteers? Because the city literally does not have the money to hire more people without raising your taxes.

Click on the graphics below for a larger view

If you live next to a blighted building or an overgrown lot in New Orleans your perception of the fight against blight may not be positive.

But, when you consider that the City of New Orleans’ BlightStat program has received acclaim both nationally and internationally, that may mitigate your frustration a bit.

And, when you consider that Chicago and Philadelphia with tax bases and therefore resources exponentially larger than New Orleans have the same problems curbing blight that may help your mood as well. Chicago, Philadelphia and other cities both large and small are looking to the City of New Orleans in the fight against blight. The City of New Orleans’ perspicacity and initiatives have positioned our city as the clear leader in the fight against blight.

However, if your neighborhood is still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina with blighted housing and overgrown lots in abundance, all those accolades are meaningless. You just want the problem to go away.

I’ve been to all 34 BlightStat meetings since November, 2010 and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that the people at the table in these BlightStat meetings are passionate and purposeful in their desire to have New Orleans continue to grow, prosper and be blight-free.

So, what’s the hold up then? Here’s what I have observed:
There does not appear to be any problem getting properties inspected. In fact, the inspectors have all been assigned to specific districts within the city and are even more efficient than before. Inspections are not the problem.

Cases are being adjudicated as fast as they come in but resets and guilty with conditions have slowed the process somewhat. The City is moving toward more straight out guilty judgments which is reasonable considering owners of blighted property have had 7 years to get their act together. The adjudication process is part of the problem because case management has struggled to keep up with the volume of material coming in from inspectors, and older inspections get stale (hence the reinspections).

Miles Granderson and Tyler Gray are highly competent, motivated and passionate lawyers that are dedicated to finding heirs to dead owners and previous owners that won’t pay taxes or do anything with their property. That takes time. You would be amazed at just how much time that takes.

THERE ARE ONLY 2, yes I said 2 lawyers to do the actual research in order to file writs on thousands of cases.

The goal of these 2 dedicated lawyers is to get 65 cases completely researched and ready for adjudication each month. I dare say a highly staffed private firm would have trouble doing the same considering the amount of research and fact checking that is required to produce a writ.

So, what’s the answer you ask? You, my friend are the answer. If you can help enter information or are a paralegal that can volunteer a few hours each week your service would go a long way toward moving our city forward. At 65 cases each month, we’ll all be dead and gone before the thousands of properties that need it get adjudicated.

So, what’s it going to be? Are you going to be that bitter resident that sits around and grumbles that nothing is happening with blight in your neighborhood? Or, are you going to be that person that gets off the sofa and does something about it? I suggest the latter option will make you a much happier citizen.

The City’s SERVENOLA office will soon be providing a list of volunteer opportunities where you can make a significant difference toward winning the fight against blight. These aren’t cleanup days or media opportunities but real jobs where volunteers can make a difference. Why volunteers? Because the city literally does not have the money to hire more people without raising your taxes.

“But, that’s what I pay taxes for”, you say. That’s right. But, the problem is we have a city built for 600,000 people but only have a population of 343,000. Of that 343,000 only a comparatively small percentage pay property taxes. That is the real problem. There just isn’t enough money to make the things you want to happen… happen. I strongly urge you to consider helping the city help you. Call the city’s law department at 658-9800 to find out how you can help the city help you.

Click here to view a PDF of the full presentation of the 34th BlightStat meeting held on May 10, 2012

This was the 34th BlightStat meeting to which the public was invited.

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 35 will be held on June 14, 2012. The meetings are on the 8th floor of City Hall in the Homeland Security Conference Room.

Below are notes from the May 10, 2011 BlightStat meeting:

BlightStat 34 | May 10, 2012

Mr. Oliver Wise, Director of the Office of Performance and Accountability, began the meeting with introductions.

Mr. Justin Kray was first up with a review of “a look across 2011-2012”. A better mix of judgments, hearings and inspections than before the BlightStat process started. Mr. Kray also works in the Office of Performance & Accountability and is the man who has a lot of technical expertise. One of his duties is to prepare the BlightStat presentation which you can click on below.

Ms. Pura Bascos, Director of Code Enforcement/Safety & Permits, reviewed the “Inspections by Type and Result” slide. Of 377 inspections 66 complied.

Ms. Bascos indicated that more owners are bringing their properties into compliance.

Rules for recording the judgment is the result of the Mennonite case.
You can see a summary of the Mennonite case further along in this post.

Mr. Kray indicated the average time between when an inspection is requested and it is completed is 15 days.

Mr. Wise indicated the “Posting of Judgments” was the most important. Currently the average time is 50 days.

Mr. Andy Kopplin, CAO, indicated that once the backlog is eliminated the numbers will become more positive.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that the graphs show steady work but could be misleading to those that believe faster is better. There are conditions and requirements that have time limitations. Departments are currently working at maximum capacity.

Accela continues to be a thorn in the side of progress. The City is currently working to change the computer system to one that better serves its purpose.

Ms. Bascos indicated that inspection sweeps are becoming unnecessary because inspectors have been assigned to specific districts.

Mr. Hillarie Carrere noted that large apartment complexes may have 300 units but the complex is counted as one.

Ms. Bascos indicated that inspections have been done in every neighborhood in New Orleans.

Mr. Kopplin inquired about files that don’t meet the standards for noticing etc., the files then go back and go through the process again.
This is being done.

Ms. Kristin Illarmo indicated that one month a lot of research is done then the next month a bunch of hearings are done. So the graph will go way up and down. To get a better flow, work has been reassigned so that steady improvement is the result.

Mr. Wise inquired about a large spike on the graph. Ms. Illarmo indicated that was when a huge backlog was eliminated but that it was not a number that could be sustained because of the amount of research required on each property.

One team will do research while the other does hearings to keep the workflow consistent. Ms. Illarmo indicated that they are required to go to the notarial archives to research properties as part of the process. This takes time. Real Estate records are on the 5th floor of City Hall.

Ms. Denise Ross indicated that the real estate records need to be digitized. Currently the records are only available to the public and city employees for two hours each day. Mr. Kopplin indicated that it is a priority that city employees be allowed to research properties more than two hours each day.

Ms. Illarmo indicated the inspectors and case managers are working together and getting better results.

Mr. Kopplin congratulated the inspectors for getting re-inspections done more timely.

Mr. Wise indicated that due to a problem with Accela, inspections were done but were not necessarily entered into the workflow process. The Accela system will be replaced eventually.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that if lack of resources is a barrier to progress then Ms. Illarmo and he should discuss. Apparently that is a problem along with Accela not showing cases in the system properly. Ms. Illarmo indicated she currently has two vacancies in her department. Mr. Kopplin indicated, “let’s get it done”.

Mr. Kray gave praise to Ms. Illarmo for her diligent work. She provides a lot of data to the Office of Performance and Accountability which makes the tracking of data and the production of graphs possible.

Mr. Carrere indicated that strategic demolitions will be down due to noticing and other issues. Ms. Bascos indicated many of the strategic demos are being pushed to Sheriff Sale.

Ms. Kopplin indicated that lack of a clear owner obstructs the process in many cases and can add as much as 6 months to the life of the case. If no one buys it once it gets to the Sheriff Sale then it goes to a Sheriff Sale again. Each property going to Sheriff Sale costs the city 1,500 dollars.

Post-judgment Supervisor Review is the part of the process where it is determined whether a property will be demolished or go to Sheriff Sale as is.

Ms. Brenda Breaux indicated that a data sharing agreement is in the works which will help move things along.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that a request to FEMA has been made to get more Katrina-damaged properties into the demolition pipeline.

FEMA rep – funding ends for the demo program ends June 30th. An extension has been applied for.
INAP contracts expired in mid-March. Ms. Bascos indicated that other resources are being investigated. Paperwork for new contracts to get lots cut have been submitted. Ms. Bascos indicated that she is requesting a pool of contractors to eliminate the problem of one contractor having broken equipment and being unable to complete the project.

Mr. Kopplin stressed the importance of getting the lots cut in the 9th Ward. Ms. Bascos indicated she is the one responsible. Mr. Kopplin indicated he would like to continue the process of getting local people to cut the lots.

Mike of NORA indicated demolishing multi-family units is a problem.
The city has identified 300 slabs from the land trust that will be removed said Mike….

Mr. Miles Granderson reviewed the foreclosure proceedings slide. He indicated that Accela is also a barrier to progress for the foreclosure process. The Accela system will eventually be replaced.

Mr. Granderson indicated that “noticing issues” prevented 8 cases from moving forward. The original goal was 1,000 cases per year but has been reduced to 750 because Mr. Granderson and Mr. Gray are the only two lawyers researching properties and “noticing” owners.

Civilsherrif.com has the Sheriff Sales listed.

Mr. Granderson indicated that proceeds from sales were down because there were no large sale days in April.

Mr. David Lessinger of NORA discussed property inventory disposition. NORA is taking on a bigger role in getting properties transferred.

Mr. Brian Lawlor, Director of the Office of Community Development, indicted the Supernova process is up and running. Rent-to-own program has training for potential home owners. Banks have been responsive to the process.

A few interesting points from BlightStat 33 are below:

Ms. Pura Bascos and Ms. Kristin Illarmo both noted that the city is allowing fewer conditional guilty judgements at the blight adjudication hearings. This is a clear message to blighted property owners that the city has given them plenty of time to get their act together. After 7 years, the city like its residents, is tired of the excuses. Fix your property or sell your property. Don’t like those options? Then the city will take action to protect their interests.

The Law Department appears to be efficient and diligent in their fight against blight. But, with only 2 lawyers to get cases ready for blight court, the situation could be compared to 2 knights swinging swords at the bottom of a well. They may eventually get to the top but it’s going to take a long long time.

Ms. Breaux mentioned that there are only 2 lawyers working on filing writs for code lien foreclosure process (Mr. Tyler Gray & Mr. Miles Granderson).The New Orleans Bar Association has been contacted for lawyers willing to perform pro bono work. Big law firms have been contacted to see if they would be willing to provide a paralegal to help. The Board of Ethics approved the city’s request to ask the public for help. Ms. Brenda Breaux plainly stated that the 2 lawyers working on research are simply overloaded with cases to work on.

Mr. David Lessinger with NORA indicated that a steady consistent stream of information is the goal.

Mr. Jeff Hebert, Director of NORA, indicated that “noticing” issues are the biggest problem nationwide. “Noticing” means notifying the owners or heir of owners that the city is about to take action on their property.

Mr. Wise noted that when the lawyers refer to the “mennonite case” they are referring to Mennonite Board of Missions vs. Adams. A summary of that case is below:
***
Summary of Mennonite Board of Missions v. Adams,
462 U.S. 791 (1983).
Facts

Alfred Jean Moore had executed a mortgage in favor of the Mennonite Board of Missions (P) to secure an obligation. Moore had purchased land from the Mennonite Board of Missions and was responsible for paying taxes. The Board was not aware that Moore had failed to pay taxes. The county moved to sell the property for lack of tax payment.

The county provided proper service according to state law. Notice was posted in the courthouse, the state published an announcement, and sent Moore a certified letter. The Board was not otherwise informed of the county’s efforts to sell the property. The land was later sold to Adams (D). Neither Moore nor the Board attended the sale. Moore continued to pay her obligation to the Board which remained unaware that the land had been sold.

Procedural History
Adams filed for quiet title and summary judgment. The Board contended that it still held title to the land because the tax sale was invalid due to inadequate service of process. The trial court found in favor of Adams and upheld the tax sale statute against the service challenge. Judgment in favor of Adams was affirmed on appeal to the court of appeals and the Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Issue

Is notice by publication and posting sufficient to provide a mortgagee of real property with adequate notice of a proceeding to sell the mortgaged property for nonpayment of taxes?

Holding and Rule (Marshall)

No. A mortgagee whose mortgage would be divested by a tax sale is entitled to personal service of notice of sale by virtue of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The constitution demands that a party receive notice through mail or other means that will ensure actual notice of a proceeding which will adversely affect the interests of any party, provided it is reasonably possible to ascertain the party’s name and address.

The Supreme Court in Mullane v. Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co. held that due process demands that notice must be reasonably calculated to inform interested parties of the pendency of the action and afford an opportunity to present their objections. A mortgagee has a protected property interest and is entitled to notice that is reasonably calculated to apprise of a pending tax sale.

Unless a mortgagee is not reasonably identifiable constructive notice alone is not sufficient. Constructive notice is primarily designed to attract prospective buyers and is unlikely to reach those who do not make special efforts to seek tax sales. Notice to a the property owner who is not in privity with creditors and who has failed to retain the property cannot be surmised provide actual notice to the mortgagee. The use of less reliable forms of notice is not sufficient when an inexpensive and efficient means such as mail is available.
Disposition

Judgment reversed.
Dissent (O’Connor)

Process needs to be tailored to a given situation and circumstances. With the majority holding in this case, the court has set a low-bar standard for process. Notice by mail or other means to establish certain notice is a now a minimum constitutional requirement for any legally protected property interest.

The majority is rejecting earlier cases in which this Court acknowledged the impossibility of establishing a rigid formula as to the kind of notice that must be given, and that “notice will vary with the circumstances and conditions”. Policy considerations of the state override those of process. Due process does not require that the State save a party from its own lack of care when it has acted unreasonably in failing to protect its interests.
***

Mr. Kopplin noted that Chicago and Philadelphia also have significant blight problems. They are much bigger cities but are looking to New Orleans for clues on how to fight blight.

Mr. Lessinger further stated that the largest number of properties are disposed of through the lot-next-door program. The Louisiana Land Trust is working with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority to get properties closed out.

Mr. Brian Lawlor (Office of Community Development) said that an announcement will be made soon about the availability of 7 or 8 million dollars for rehabilitation and renewal of rental properties. The soft-second program is very successful. Mr. Lawler said to look for an announcement about the “SUPERNOVA” program soon.

Mr. Kopplin said the overall goal is to get people to do what they are supposed to do.

Mr. Hebert answered my question about Federal Government involvement (other that FEMA). He indicated that the Federal department of Housing and Urban Development has helped fund the blight eradication process and that the Justice Department is here helping because blight contributes to crime.

BlightStat 32 for You

March 8, 2012 by Charlie London

by Charlie London
This was the 32nd BlightStat meeting to which the public was invited.

BlightStat 32 | March 8, 2012

Mr. Oliver Wise began the meeting by introducing Mr. Anthony Faciane as the new Director of Neighborhood Development.

Mr. Jeff Hebert is now the Executive Director of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority. Mr. David Lessinger now also works with Mr. Hebert at NORA.

Lestin Morgan is now with the Office of Performance and Accountability.

Mr. Wise announced that 1,000 hits were received on information about BlightStat. Slideshows of BlightStat presentations are now appearing on the city’s website.

Kirsten Melberg has been hired to work with the NORA team.

Ms. Pura Bascos began the meeting by reviewing the “Inspections by Type and Result” indicating she was satisfied with the numbers.

Mr. Wise followed up by noting the continued emphasis on compliance.

Ms. Bascos moved on to the “Timeliness of Inspections” slide indicating that continued focus is being maintained on getting inspections done.

Mr. Wise asked, “How do you know what to prioritize?”

Mr. Reid replied that sweeps are part of the process.

Mr. Square indicated that the “Service Level Agreement” notation on the slide should be rephrased as “target” because SLA indicates a guarantee.

Mr. Winston Reid indicated the Hollygrove area has a large concentration of blight. The City is focusing on this area now.

Ms. Illarmo review the “Timeliness of Hearings Process” slide. She indicated that Mardi Gras did not have much of an effect on results.
Mr. Wise inquired if there are any problems getting hearings done.
Ms. Illarmo indicated that research continues to be a challenge but the job is getting done.

Mr. Wise inquired about using Bar Association lawyers for hearings. Ms. Breaux indicated she will be meeting with them soon.

Ms. Illarmo reviewed the “Distribution of Hearings Outcomes” slide.
Mr. Kopplin indicated that was a nice slide.

Mr. Kray indicated he is always trying to make the presentation more clear.

Mr. Wise indicated that there are plenty of “cats and dogs” that still need to be addressed. He was referring to the backlog of hearings.

A discussion ensued about the clarity of slides that present similar but not identical information. Mr. Kopplin indicated the presentation is designed to get folks to remain focused.

Ms. Bascos indicated work continues on all cases. Mr. Reid explained the inspections process. Mr. Kopplin indicated the goal is to get faster.

He continued by noting that previously the focus was on how many. Now the focus is on how quickly inspections and hearings get done.

Mr. Wise indicated that more and more home owners are choosing to get their properties in compliance which indicates the city’s efforts may be working.

Mr. Kray indicated an upcoming hearings calendar is now available at www.data.nola.gov

Mr. Illarmo indicated the calendar will be updated every two weeks on Friday. Mr. Kopplin said, “this is incredibly exciting”.

Ms. Bascos reviewed the “Demolitions by Program” slide.
Ms. Bascos said demolitions were completed in the Gentilly area.

Mr. Will McGowan, FEMA representative, indicated that Cindy Place in New Orleans East, which has been an eyesore next to I-10 for some time, has been removed. Eighteen properties have been salvaged with the architectural elements donated to area non-profits.

Mr. Keith Ferrouillet of the Interim Nuisance Abatement Program reviewed the “lots cut” slide. Mr. Brian Lawlor indicated the “one cut” rule could be circumvented by how the cuts are classified.

Mr. David Lessinger of NORA said a pot of money has been dedicated to cutting lots in the lower 9th Ward. He said most of the lots have been cut now. Over 1200 lots have been cut through February, 2012.

Mr. Lessinger wants this to be a jobs program in addition to removing blight. Mr. Hebert indicated that there are lots needing attention next to properties that have new construction taking place.

Mr. Kopplin said the Quality of Life officers are indicating the “hot spots” of crime activity. He said those areas should be targeted for cleanup from a crime fighting perspective.

All FEMA trailers have been removed. Mr. Kopplin said an article about all the FEMA trailers being removed appeared in the Los Angeles Times but not in the local paper.

Mr. Brian Lawlor indicated that Phoenix of New Orleans is helping the last FEMA trailer resident to find a new place to stay.

Mr. Granderson said 63 of 116 files have been accepted for foreclosure. Mr. Kopplin stressed that any 2011 cases with “noticing” problems need to be addressed.

Mr. Granderson indicated that not all cases can be researched on-line and that two code enforcement people are doing the research that cannot be done on-line.

Mr. Kopplin said that New Orleans’ Sheriff Sale process is the only one of its kind in the country. Ms. Breaux said that the process was challenged legally but the city prevailed. Mr. Hebert asked that the judgment information be sent to members of the City Council.

Mr. Kopplin stressed the importance of getting case files back to code enforcement if the case cannot be adjudicated.

Mr. Kopplin stressed that the focus should be on properties that will sell quickly. Ms. Tammy Jackson indicated that is currently being done.

Mr. Granderson indicated 32 properties are scheduled for Sheriff’s Sale in February. Mr. Kopplin said letters should be sent to judges and lawyers who are not furthering the process. Ms. Breaux indicated this has already been done and that some people have been re-assigned.

Mr. Granderson said 1.6 million dollars have been collected from liens and sales.

Mr. Lessinger talked about properties sold to the State of Louisiana through the Road Home program. He indicated the getting the properties under local control is the goal.

Ms. Kirsten Melberg talked about the soft 2nd program run by Mr. Brian Lawlor and that more and better information will becoming available for NORA properties.

Ms. Melberg indicated that much work is being done on the disposition of State-owned properties in Orleans Parish.

Mr. Lawlor talked about the Office of Community Development.
Rental Housing Program | Homeownership Development Program | Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program

The Rental Housing Program provides affordable rental housing for low to moderate income families. Funds are provided to Not-For-Profit and For-Profit Housing Development Organizations for the acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction and soft development cost associated with developing affordable rental housing.

The Homeownership Development Program provides homeownership opportunities by developing properties through acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of homes that will be sold to low-income families. Not-for-Profit and For-Profit Housing Development Organizations can apply for HOME funds to subsidize the cost of construction, land acquisition, and down payment assistance that will produce a code compliant home.

The Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners to enable them to bring their residences into compliance with the Federal Government’s Housing Quality Standards and the International Residential Code adopted by the City of New Orleans. The program is administered by the Not-for-Profit Housing Organizations and In-House Office of Community Development staff.

Mr. Wise asked which programs were most relevant concerning blight. Mr. Lawlor indicated that the Rental Housing Program and the Homeownership Development Program most affected blight.

Mr. David Lessinger talked about the “Market Value Analysis” for properties in New Orleans. The city can use this data to better target areas for redevelopment. The clerk of Civil District Court holds this information. A meeting with the folks from Civil District Court was held during November of 2011 according to Mr. Allen Square.

Mr. Hebert indicated that 16 Katrina cottages are available. Ms. Kirsten Melberg should be contacted if anyone is interested.

2nd sale properties do have a minimum bid that consists of the total of fines and liens. 1st sale properties have a minimum bid of 2/3 of the appraised value. 2nd sale properties do not have a minimum real estate value bid but do have a minimum big that consists of whatever fines and liens that are currently imposed on the property.

Mr. Kopplin proposed a “mow to own” program where adjacent property owners can acquire a property next to them that they are taking care of. He suggested this process take place after the properties have gone to auction and don’t sell.

Mr. Kopplin indicated the current acquisitive prescription process is not very effective.

Ms. Illarmo answered a question from the audience: 7 case managers, 13 inspectors, 20 case managers that rotate in from various law firms.

Ms. Basco answered a question from the audience: Phone calls and emails are returned by Code Enforcement on Mondays and Fridays.

Ms. Bascos indicated that citizens should use 311 to have information forwarded to the Code Enforcement Department.

There is not an effective enforcement program for blighted properties that are occupied. Mr. Hebert indicated that for the most aggregious blighted properties that are occupied, the Fire Department can make progress where the city can not.

Mr. Hebert answered a question about getting a bill from the State legislature to make the blighted property disposition process faster and smoother. House Bill number 430 is authored by Jared Brossette. CLICK HERE TO READ House BILL 430.

Any residents wanting to comment on HB 430 can send them to
brossettj@legis.la.gov. This bill is requested jointly by the City of NO and NORA. In an effort to reduce the blight, NORA will be able to purchase adjudicated property directly from the City of New Orleans.

Mr. Kopplin suggested getting Gilmore Auctions involved with NORA properties since they’ve done such a good job with Sheriff Sales.

Mr. Hebert talked about http://ownthecrescent.org

BlightStat 33 will be held on April 12, 2012. The meetings are on the 8th floor of City Hall in the Homeland Security Conference Room.

31 Flavors of Blight

February 9, 2012 by Charlie London

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.

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.

The Landrieu administration currently has a goal of removing 10,000 “units” of blight in 4 years. Units are individual apartments/condos or lots with blight.