MAYOR LANDRIEU PROVIDES END OF THE YEAR UPDATE

ON SUCCESSFUL 2014 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Today, Mayor Landrieu recorded the 2014 progress in completing construction and breaking ground on new facility and capital improvement projects citywide. In 2014, the City completed twenty-three priority facilities with a total investment of over $88.8 million. Since May 2010, the Landrieu Administration has completed 136 capital improvement projects across New Orleans totaling $223 million.

"Since taking office, my administration has committed every day to rebuilding New Orleans by prioritizing that our essential public facilities like libraries, community centers, parks, playgrounds, and police and fire stations not just be rebuilt, but built back better than before." Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. "As New Orleans approaches our 300th birthday in 2018, our goal is to build a city for ages and we will not rest until this l recovery reaches every neighborhood across our city."

The Mayor's Committed Projects, prioritized to redevelop public facilities and infrastructure destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, serve as anchors for the community, stimulate private investment, enhance economic development, and elevate quality of life and safety for residents. The Landrieu administration has met with FEMA 635 times since May 2010 which has produced $884 million in additional FEMA funding to rebuild and repair public facilities and roads.

Mayor Landrieu added, "We are maximizing FEMA recovery and other public sector dollars and attracting support from corporate and philanthropic champions that are equally committed to New Orleans' future. With each completed capital project, our city grows stronger and there is still so much more to look forward to in 2015 and beyond."

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Successes Achieved in 2014

Twenty-three projects were completed in 2014. Total funding investment of these projects was $88.8 million. Highlights include New Orleans Juvenile Justice Center (Youth Study Center) in St. Bernard Area, NORDC Headquarters at Milne Boys Home in Milneburg, NOPD Fifth District Police Station in St. Claude, New Orleans Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art Storage Warehouse, Joseph Bartholomew Club House in Pontchartrain Park, NOFD Engine 39 in Lower Ninth Ward, Joe W. Brown Park CDBG Enhancements (West Side) in Read Blvd. East, NOFD Engine 31 in Lake Catherine, and Gernon Brown Recreation Center in City Park.

Looking Forward to 2015

In 2015, the City is scheduled to commence construction on 20 projects with a total investment of $78.6 million. Highlights include the new Sanchez Center and Natatorium in Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans Juvenile Justice Center (Juvenile Justice Complex) in St. Bernard Area, New Orleans Coroner's Complex and EMS Headquarters in B.W. Cooper, Rosenwald Center in B.W. Cooper, Stallings St. Claude Community Center, Carrollton Hollygrove Senior Center, Milne Boys Home Gymnasium in Milneburg, NOPD Police Stables in City Park, and renovations to NOPD Third District Police Station in the Fairgrounds and Latter Library in Uptown.

The following capital improvement projects were completed in 2014:

New Orleans Juvenile Justice Center (Youth Study Center)

District D - St. Bernard Area

Scope: This project scopes includes replacement of the Youth Study Center with a capacity for 40 beds and the development of Juvenile Court facilities within a common campus. This center will house various supportive juvenile services.

Total Funding: $32,566,000

Milne Boys Home Phase I

District D - Milneburg

Scope: Hurricane Katrina Renovations of the historic Gentilly Facility with multiple buildings. Phase I work includes interior demolition, securing and conditioning of the North and South Cottages and the Administration Building.

Total Funding: $9,274,657

NOPD Fifth District Police Station

District D - St. Claude

Scope: Construction of a new two story, 16,000 SF police station for the 5th District.

Total Funding: $7,219,052

City Marks Opening of New NOPD Fifth District Police Station

New Orleans Museum of Art Storage Warehouse

District B - Gert Town

Scope: Renovation of 950 South Rendon Street for secure Art Storage Warehouse for the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Total Funding: $6,706,922

Joseph Bartholomew Club House, Cart Storage, & Community Classroom

District D - Pontchartrain Park

Scope: Construction of new 8500 SF Clubhouse to include a concessions area, dining and communal space, an administrative office, restrooms, pro-shop, and storage for golf cart and equipment, as well as a computer equipped classroom with seating for 50.

Total Funding: $4,642,959

City Celebrates Joseph Bartholomew Club House Ribbon Cutting

NOFD Engine 39

District E - Lower Ninth Ward

Scope: Replacement of the two previous facilities with a single three bay, two-story facility at the FEMA approved estimated size of 8,863 square feet.

Total Funding: $4,304,677

City Celebrates NOFD Engine 39 Ribbon Cutting

Joe W. Brown Park CDBG Enhancements (West Side)

District E - Read Blvd. East

Scope: Joe Brown Park is located in New Orleans East along the Read Boulevard corridor between Lake Forrest Blvd and Dwyer Rd. It is approximately 223 Acres and is one of three regional parks operated by the city of New Orleans. Joe Brown has large and diverse natural features for a broad range of recreational uses including walking, jogging, cycling, fishing, boating, picnicking, ballgames, pet-walking, swimming, tennis and skating. Enhancement to Joe Brown Park renovation projects in New Orleans East include improved entry signage, aesthetic fencing along the perimeter of park, way-finding and signage within the park, improvements to the system of paths and walkways and improved play areas and landscaping.

Total Funding: $4,207,336

NOFD Engine 31 Alba Rd.

District E - Lake Catherine

Scope: Replacement of the previous facility with a two bay, two story facility at the FEMA approved estimated size of 7,500 square feet.

Total Funding: $3,483,797

St. Roch Market

District C - St. Roch

Scope: Repair of the existing 8,600 SF facility to bring it back to a pre-Katrina state. Repairs include roofing replacement, exterior masonry repair and tuck-pointing. Complete restoration of the interior, including but are not limited to the interior floating slab replacement, roof replacement, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems replacement.  All of the finishes and flooring in the entire facility have to be replaced. Replacement of storefront doors and windows and interior doors and the replacement of 6 walk in coolers.

Total Funding: $3,380,540

City Announces Plans for Redevelopment of Historic St. Roch Market

Parks & Parkways Phase III - Multiple Buildings

District D - Dillard

Scope: Repairs, restoration and renovation of Administration, Annex and Tree Division Buildings. Replacement of Head house and Main Greenhouse; repair and restoration of remaining two Greenhouses, Carpenters Shed and EMD Building.

Total Funding: $2,795,690

Gallier Hall HVAC Repairs

District B - Central Business District

Scope: Repairs to the HVAC system at Gallier Hall.  Alternates include Exterior Stone repointing, Exterior plaster repair and Acrylic coating, and Window glazing and painting.

Total Funding: $2,681,140

Cemeteries Phase I A - Site Improvements

District s A & B - Citywide

Scope: Repair and reconstruction of masonry walls, roofs and interior repairs, repair or replacement of windows, and fencing repairs to citywide cemetery facilities that include: Carrollton 1&2, Holt, Lafayette 1&2, and Valence.

Total Funding: $2,267,876

Gernon Brown Recreation Center

District A - City Park

Scope: Repairs to an existing NORD gymnasium including a gym space and multipurpose room.

Total Funding: $2,107,080

City Celebrates Gernon Brown Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting

Criminal District Court Phase I - Roof Repairs

District B - Mid-City

Scope: Complete Roof Replacement, Waterproofing Coatings at selected masonry locations, Defunct HVAC Equipment removal and related repairs.

Total Funding: $1,822,589

Municipal Traffic Court - Flood Proofing

District B - Mid-City

Scope: Exterior flood protection and installation of a flood gate.

Total Funding: $839,552

Florida Avenue Transfer Station

District D - St. Roch

Scope: The scope of work includes the replacement of two push pits, structural repairs, and electrical repairs.

Total Funding: $696,040

Municipal Auditorium Phase I A - Permanent Pump Replacement

District C - Treme-Lafitte

Scope: Placement of a permanent sump pump in the Municipal Auditorium basement.

Total Funding: $678,275

NOPD Sixth District Police Station

District B - Central City

Scope: The scope of work will include analyzing the HVAC for potential repairs, removing and replacing all air handlers, chillers, controls, dampers and all required components for heating and air conditioning, pipe inspection and repairs, evaluate the condensate, and analyzed the chill water flow and  water treatment in the chiller through the condensate.

Total Funding: $500,231

NOFD Engine 10 Morrison Rd.

District E - Little Woods

Scope: Renovation of the Morrison Avenue Fire Station No. 10, including equipment bay and living quarters for firemen. Repair damaged sections of roof, replace and elevate condensers, clean and paint doors, and provide exhaust fan.

Total Funding: $466,390

NOFD Engine 26 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy.

District B - Mid-City

Scope: Repairs to engine bay equipment and living quarters. Interior and exterior architectural repairs. Repair of fire alarm system and minor mechanical/electrical repairs.

Total Funding: $418,602

Cemeteries Phase I B - Cottages

Districts A & B - Citywide

Scope: Repairs to the cottages at Carrollton 1 & 2, Holt, and Valence cemeteries.

Total Funding: $408,732

Di Benedetto Playground

District E - Read Blvd East

Scope: Playground repairs. CDBG Improvements: New park layout, new playground equipment and park amenities.

Total Funding: $313,735

Impound Lot Cashier Office Upgrades

District B - Central Business District

Scope: New exterior paint, interior flooring, new HVAC system, interior painting and cashiers counter modifications to meet ADA requirement; new ADA ramp and automatic door installation.

Total Funding: $34,612

MAYOR LANDRIEU TOUTS 2014 SUCCESS IN TOURISM, SPECIAL EVENTS, FILM

NEW ORLEANS, LA- Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu noted the tremendous success of the cultural economy and tourism sectors in 2014 as the city hosted record-breaking, world-class events, received global tourism accolades, attracted major film projects, and continued improvements to the permitting process for special event organizers.

In the first half of 2014, the New Orleans' tourism industry boasted nearly 5.1 million visitors with an estimated $3.86 billion in visitor spending. Visitation in 2014 was 2% more than the same period in 2013, according to data from the University of New Orleans (UNO) Hospitality Research Center. Tourism officials expect numbers for the second half of 2014 to be strong.

"Year after year, New Orleans proves to be one of the best places in the world to live, to visit and to conduct business. One of the reasons our economy continues to grow is due to our continued focus on creating opportunities for our cultural economy to thrive. We are thrilled that our artisans, musicians, culinary and creative professionals are being recognized across the globe," Mayor Landrieu said noting the city's hosting of over 400 festivals, events, parades and markets this year.

At the start of 2014, New Orleans hosted the 2014 NBA All Star Weekend bringing more than $106 million in economic impact and international publicity to the city, according to a study by the UNO Hospitality Research Center. That same study found that visitors spent an average of $904 during their mid-February trip to New Orleans resulting in $3.2 million in tax revenue for the New Orleans region. Similarly, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) officials reported that WrestleMania XXX generated a record-breaking $142.2 million in economic impact for the city. This past April, a crowd of 75,167 fans from all 50 states and 36 countries attended WWE's pop-culture extravaganza, making it the highest-grossing entertainment event at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) said, "2014 was a very strong year for New Orleans' tourism industry. The NBA All-Star Game, WWE WrestleMania XXX, a packed festival season and consistent convention business are only a few highlights of the year. New Orleans continues to win global travel and tourism accolades, and we look forward to a successful 2015 for the city's largest and most important economic driver - the tourism industry."

"2014 marked the culmination of an unprecedented run of world-class major sporting events in New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. The legacy of these events, including WWE's WrestleMania XXX and the NBA All Star Weekend, is deeply rooted in the Mayor's office, as his administration played a major role in reinventing how the City engages and hosts these major economic drivers. From one stop permitting, to special event communications, to playing an unprecedented active role in the Host Committees, our city has never been a more friendly place for major events to do business." said Jay Cicero, President/CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. 

Major film projects and local workforce development

Louisiana is the number one producer of feature films in the country and New Orleans is the flagship location. 2014 year-end projections show an estimated $509 million in direct spending for 60 tax credit projects in New Orleans-an increase of over $100 million from last year. There were also 193 non-tax credit projects that contributed in over $9 million in spending. Non-tax credit projects are also up by over $3 million from last year.

The city saw its largest film productions of the year over the summer of 2014, as Jurassic World and Terminator: Genisys filmed at locations across New Orleans. Together, the productions spent an estimated $168 million locally.

Other notable film projects produced in the city that premiered in theaters and on television in 2014 included NCIS: New Orleans, True Detective, American Horror Story: Freak Show, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and 22 Jump Street.

As part of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy, Film New Orleans partnered with local organizations to produce low- cost or no- cost film industry workforce training programs for individuals interested in working in New Orleans burgeoning film industry. With the number of productions in the New Orleans region steadily climbing, the City continued work to meet the increased demand for locals to fill jobs in the industry. In 2014, the City partnered with local film industry businesses, New Orleans Video Access Center, Jefferson Parish, Ashe Cultural Center and the UNO Foundation, to produce 4 workforce training programs which trained a total of 125 individuals from the New Orleans region for jobs in the film industry.

The State of Louisiana, through the Motion Picture Tax Credit program, incentivizes productions to hire locals for their productions so the City assesses the needs of the industry and produces training programs to help fill the gaps in industry employment.

"We're proud of the work we have done to ensure the success and sustainability of our city's cultural economy. Through strong workforce development and job trainings, we are proving to production companies and special event organizers from across the world that New Orleans is a place that can meet all their needs," said Scott Hutcheson, Advisor to the Mayor for Cultural Economy.

In addition to film industry trainings, the Office of Cultural Economy developed 11 other educational and workforce development programs in 2014 in the areas of digital arts & crafts, culinary arts, design, entertainment, literary arts & humanities, historic preservation and traditional culture bearers. Programming ranged from experiential workshops and job trainings to industry panel presentations.

New Orleans was also chosen by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the 16th site for Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child, a program that creates a long-range arts education plan for students in grades K-8. The Kennedy Center will fund the program with the assistance of local organizations like the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy.

High Marks on Tourism

As our city continues to be a model for the nation, we see visitation and important visitation spending increase," said Mark Romig, President and CEO of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC). "Tourism and economic development go hand in hand and we continue to grow a stronger economy for all citizens and demonstrate that we are national leaders in resiliency and revitalization."

In 2014, New Orleans received both national and global accolades:

*             Rough Guides named New Orleans one of the Top 10 Cities to visit in 2015, December 2014.

*             New Orleans was named the number one U.S. City for Food by Thrillist.com, December 2014.

*             Destination Weddings & Honeymoons named New Orleans one of the top 20 "Best Wedding Destinations of 2015," December 2014.

*             ConventionSouth magazine named New Orleans the "Most Meeting Friendly" destination in the southern United States, as voted by readers, December 2014.

*             New Orleans was named number seven in GOOD Magazine's 2014 GOOD City Index, which ranks cities by their inspiring nature and possibility, November 2014.

*             New Orleans was named the Best Home Port in North America by Cruise Critic in their 2014 US Editors' Pick Awards, November 2014.

*             New Orleans won top honors in Travel + Leisure's America's Favorite Cities list, ranking number one in the "Festivals," "Notable Restaurants," "Historical Sites" categories and more, October 2014.

*             Conde Nast Traveler named New Orleans one of the Top 25 Cities in the World, one of only five U.S. cities to make the list, October 2014.

*             Men's Health Magazine named New Orleans the seventh Friendliest City in America, September 2014.

*             ConventionSouth Magazine named New Orleans one of the South's Top 10 Music Cities for Meetings and Events based on reader and fan votes, August 2014.

*             New Orleans was named the Best Culinary Destination in the small domestic category by Saveur Magazine, August 2014.

*             Cvent named New Orleans one of the Top 10 Meeting Destinations in the United States, August 2014

*             Business Facilities Magazine ranked New Orleans the 5th best city for Economic Growth Potential and Louisiana the number one Best Business Climate in the USA, August 2014

*             New Orleans was named the 5th Friendliest City in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler, August 2014

*             Travel + Leisure readers named New Orleans a World's Best City, one of only two American cities to make the list, July 2014

*             Thrillist.com ranks Louisiana the fourth best state in the U.S. for its signature food and drinks, July 2014

*             New Orleans was voted one of the Best Convention Cities, selected by readers of USA Today and 10Best, June 2014

*             Travel & Teach named New Orleans one of its Top 10 Emerging Student Destinations, May 2014.

*             Travel + Leisure readers name New Orleans America's Best City for Night Owls, May 2014

*             Travel + Leisure readers name New Orleans America's Best City for Girlfriend Getaways, May 2014

*             Forbes recognized New Orleans as one of America's New Brainpower Cities, April 2014

*             Conde Nast Traveler names New Orleans the fifth the Best American Cities for Foodies, April 2014

*             The city of New Orleans is the fifth most popular travel destination in the United States in TripAdvisor's 6th annual Travelers' Choice Awards for Destinations. The Big Easy moves up five spots from last year's No. 10 finish in the poll, April 2014

*             Coastal Living magazine included a visit to New Orleans as one of "Six Trips That Will Change Your Life", February 2014

*             Glamour magazine named New Orleans as a Top 10 Bachelorette Party Destinations in 2014, January 2014

*             In the January issue of Food & Wine, the magazine polled its readers for their picks. The "clear favorite" for top dining city was New Orleans, January 2014

*             Australia's Flight Centre named New Orleans as one of their Top Destinations 2014. New Orleans is the only city in the United States to make this list, January 2014

*             New Orleans ranked 3rd on Lonely Planet's Best in the US 2015 list, December 2014

Special event permitting process easier than ever before

Through the One Stop Shop, which acts as a single point of entry to City departments that issue event permits and licenses, the City provides special event organizers with seamless customer service that minimizes wait times and visits to City Hall for permits related to events. In 2014, the One Stop Shop collected over $750,000 in revenue and processed over 2,360 applications in coordination with 17 City agencies reviewing and approving documents to ensure both citizen interests and departmental missions were properly met. This year, the One Stop Shop also incorporated all district Council offices into reviews of alcohol related events to provide a seamless experience.

"Since starting the One Stop Shop in 2013, the City has received overwhelmingly positive reviews of the improved application process for special events," said Ava Rogers, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. "We remain committed to providing people who wish to host events in New Orleans with the best service possible."

Looking forward to 2015

In 2015, New Orleans will host the 2015 Sugar Bowl in January and the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National. Annual events including Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, ESSENCE Festival and French Quarter Festival are anticipating record number of attendees in the coming year.

12-30-14

12-30-14

 

Help the animals at the Louisiana SPCA find a home for the holidays.  Adoption fees will be reduced to $12  through the end of 2014!  The reduced fee will apply to adult cats, adult dogs and kittens adopted at the Louisiana SPCA (1700 Mardi Gras Blvd) and at all off-site adoptions during this time.  Call 368-5191 or visit la-spca.org for more information. 

 

Louisiana SPCA

1700 Mardi Gras Blvd.

 

December  30th

LA/SPCA Animal Celebration Winter Camp, open to children 7-10 years old, is a camp offered over winter break.  The program is designed to teach young people about the LA/SPCA and general animal care topics.  Children will be introduced to services the shelter offers, safety with animals, pet handling and care, grooming skills, and responsible pet ownership.  Registration is $65 per day.  There's a 12 camper maximum.  Pre-registration is required, please call 368-5191, ext. 207 or e-mail [email protected].  For more info visit la-spca.org

 

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12-30-14

• 12-30-14
• Closed:  12/31
   

• CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS IS OPEN NIGHTLY UNTIL JANUARY 3

   

   
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• Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park, through Saturday, January 3rd, Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park remains one of the most beautiful holiday light exhibits in the country, attracting over 122,000 people in 2010. Walk through the Botanical Garden, Storyland, a children's theme park, and Carousel Gardens, an amusement ride area aglow with holiday magic! Nightly musical entertainment and a full service cafe featuring our famous hot-buttered rum! The Holiday mini train ride through the Park and the antique carousel are a can't-miss during the season! There is nightly musical entertainment and a ...

  Where: City Park

  When: Sun thru Thurs: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Fri & Sat evenings: 6:00 - 11:00; Closed: 12/31

  Who: Everyone - made for families!

  How: Click here to buy tickets online and avoid the lines! Remember to print your ticket and bring it with you! Note: if you buy tickets online, you must bring a legible, full page hard copy of them with you to the gate.

  Cost: Admission: $8.00 per person, Children under three get in FREE! Rides: $3.00 per single ride ticket, $17.00 per unlimited ride band. Train rides are $4.

  For more info: To learn more visit celebrationintheoaks.com, call Julie at 504-483-9415 or stop by the Park Administration office at 1 Palm Drive

  http://neworleanscitypark.com/celebration-in-the-oaks/buy-tickets-here

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  How: Click here to buy tickets online and avoid the lines! Remember to print your ticket and bring it with you! Note: if you buy tickets online, you must bring a legible, full page hard copy of them with you to the gate.

   

• http://friendsofcitypark.com/shop.htm

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Saturday and Sunday:10am - 5pm

Monday through Friday 10am - 7pm

8301 Olive St., New Orleans, LA

Cash, Credit, Debit, EBT, or Check  

What's in the Box?

Tuesday, December 30th through Thursday, January 1st

Can't make it to the market?

Get home delivery!*

- Cabbage (Fekete Farm, Hungarian Settlement, LA; Glaser's Produce, New Roads, LA)

- Tangerines (Star Nursery, Nelle Chasse, LA)

- Kale OR Mustards (Various Farmers)

- Satsuma (Jacob Alford Farm, Plaquemines, LA)

- Broccoli (Glaser's Produce, New Roads, LA)

- Turnip Greens (Fekete Farm, Hungarian Settlement, LA)

- Salad Mix (Parish Produce, New Orleans, LA; 2 Acre Farm, Marrero, LA)

- Cauliflower (Glaser's Produce, New Roads, LA)

- Brussels Sprouts OR Carrots (Fekete Farm, Hungarian Settlement, LA)

- LA 146 Sweet Potatoes (Up To Grow Good, Cottonport, LA)

*Home Delivery customers will receive an additional email in the event of delivery substitutions.

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 301 Dauphine in the Chateau Lemoyne Hotel