Dear friends,

This week, the Department of Public Works (DPW) and RoadworkNOLA cut the ribbon celebrating the completion of many blocks of comprehensive street repair work in the Bayou St. John and DeSaix communities. A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official joined Mayor Cantrell and representatives of the Sewerage and Water Board in celebrating the completion of work that, among other facts, included the use of pipe bursting technology that allowed new water lines to be installed without major disruption to residents. 

Thank you to the motivation and work of, among others, Ron Spooner of the Sewerage and Water Board and Joe Threat, Interim Director of the Department of Public Works. There are others hard at work. The new surfaces, such as now that exist on DeSaix Boulevard and at the intersection of Roger Williams Drive and Tensas Street, and nearby, cover a network that includes enhanced infrastructure that will make the neighborhood less prone to flooding and will make the streets and infrastructure such as sewer lines less prone to near term repairs. 

Next week, I will join Mayor Cantrell, the DPW, Roadwork NOLA team, Sewerage and Water Board, FEMA, private contractors and community members at another site in District D to celebrate many additional blocks of completed repairs. Yes, there have been significant disruptions, and the patience of neighbors and drivers has been appreciated. However, there have also been many successful completions - hundreds of blocks - of comprehensive repairs that included sewer and water lines replacements, new curbs, new asphalt and cement surfaces, and more. 

Each couple of weeks I attend either an Office of Neighborhood Engagement and Roadwork NOLA sponsored community meeting that provides information on new street construction or a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of a repair / enhancement project. There will never be an end to the need for significant street repair in our city because our streets sink each year, and  because other factors, inclusive of damage caused by storms, such as hurricanes, play a role. The fact remains that there are scores of blocks in DIstrict D alone that have been rebuilt and the work continues to make our communities more attractive and resilient. 

The New Orleans Police Department commenced with its 200th Recruitment class this week, launching from the Training Academy located on Paris Avenue in DIstrict D. Thank you, in advance, to the recruits who are willing to take on the challenge of police work in the interest of serving our city's residents and visitors. (https://joinnopd.org/home/)  

Thank you to Nathaniel Fields and the staff of the Office of Homeless Services and Strategies for the changes that are taking place resulting from his motivated leadership and the commitment of his staff. The closure of the 'Tchoupitoulas corridor' homeless encampment resulting from combined efforts of getting people who have troubles into safer surroundings while cleaning up public areas has worked well, with much more to do.  

Very often, I visit the 1100 and 1200 blocks of North Claiborne in historic Treme and am reminded of the many challenges and unsafe conditions there. Visible are the discarded needles, a tragedy made possible by drug dealers who ply their trades and prey on the suffering of vulnerable people in need. Those children who await school buses that pick up nearby in the morning or that drop off are advised / warned by their parents and guardians to not cross the street into the encampment and to wait in silence. Nearby Treme residents avoid walking or socializing under the bridge. This is unfortunate, because the cemented areas were intended to be reserved for parking for Avenue businesses and possible community activity. Treme is a historic community that suffered significant losses with the running of the interstate highway through what was once a thriving stretch of businesses. This historic community deserves the full support of government.

It is good that change is coming to our city's residents who find themselves in unhoused settings. How did it ever get so bad? This question that can be debated ad infinitum, but the answers lie in rejecting both rhetoric and any justifying of past failures. The closing of the Tchoupitoulas corridor encampment was always an exercisable opinion, as is the pending, long overdue closing of the Claiborne encampment. The delivery of relief to both the unhoused people and to those who reside in the surrounding community - residents who deserve so much better - are welcome changes. 

The start of last Tuesday morning's cleanup of the Claiborne Avenue homeless encampment found United States Marshals, at 7 a.m, arresting a murder suspect who was hiding in the encampment. Good work, US Marshals, working with NOPD, but the successful apprehension of the suspect adds emphasis to the need for change. 

See below the good news of a new childcare facility on SUNO's campus, a new restaurant on historic  Bayou Road, scores of new homes under construction in multiple District D communities, the Forensic Science student whose aspiration is to join the New Orleans Police Department,  the success of Bayou Classic week, holiday season activities, and more. 

This week, a refrain from comment relative to the Saints. We lost to the Falcons - the Dirty Birds - after making it into the red zone multiple times without a touchdown. However, there are three consecutive home games on the horizon. Victories in each of the three games could propel the Saints into playoff contention. Go Green Wave! Win that American Athletic Conference championship. 

Have a good weekend!

Sincerely,

Councilman Eugene J. Green, Jr. 

CITY AND NOPD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There are over 350 vacant positions at City Hall. All positions offer health and retirement benefits, and all pay well above minimum wage. To learn more about open positions and apply, please click here.

In addition, over 250 of the unfilled city positions are within the New Orleans Police Department. One can join the NOPD as young as 20 years old, and there are few restrictions on older applicants. Apply, and take the civil service examination. Visit joinnopd.org.

Over $20,000 in Recruitment Incentives await those who join the NOPD from other departments across the state! There are also guaranteed pay raises and other excellent benefits.

Click here to view the NOPD 3rd District September Newsletter.

LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

NEWS FROM THE DECEMBER 1 COUNCIL MEETING

The City Council approved the 2024 Executive Budget. The $1.5 billion 2024 budget prioritizes public safety, quality of life, and blight reduction.

Please click here to read more.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

Witnessing the ongoing new home construction in the Eighth Ward is fantastic. City Council District D is attracting millions of dollars in investments to construct new homes. These families recognize the city's commitment to enhancing infrastructure, which is evident in street repairs, demolitions of blighted properties, removal of abandoned vehicles, and support for businesses by the city and our District D office. This comprehensive approach will persist to improve the community further.

ABANDONED VEHICLE REMOVAL IN DISTRICT D

The Department of Public Works (DPW) collaborates effectively with our District D office, addressing numerous instances of abandoned and looted automobiles identified by our office on public streets within District D and our City. DPW has successfully removed scores of these vehicles in 2023. With hope, the perpetrators of criminal activity and neglect in our communities will cease their negative actions over time. To report abandoned vehicles, visit nola311.org and submit your request. For quicker assistance, include the registration number and a photo and send them to pierce.huff@nola.gov.

CLAIBORNE AVE. ENHANCEMENTS



It's promising to witness the revitalization of the area under the Interstate 10 Highway on Claiborne Avenue. This space is vital for businesses' parking needs and serves as a communal area for nearby communities, fostering recreational activities and various uses, including spaces for children to enjoy. It's long overdue for this area to be accessed for such purposes, spanning at least from St. Louis Street to St. Bernard Avenue.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: TEMPORARY LANE SHIFTS EXTENDED FOR ALLEN STREET AND PLEASURE STREET

Department of Public Works (DPW) construction contractor Barriere Construction Company, LLC, is continuing to implement a series of lane shifts to accommodate roadway restoration work in the Dillard neighborhood until Friday, Dec. 1. Construction is underway, and the latest update is as follows: 

• The 1800-1900 blocks of Pleasure Street will have limited access to vehicular traffic
• There will be alternating lane shifts on the northbound travel lanes on the 3300 block of Allen Street to manage traffic; one lane will remain open for all vehicular traffic (see map). 

Please click here for more information.

AT&T INVESTMENTS IN DISTRICT D: 1494 WAKEFIELD PLACE, NEW ORLEANS, LA

AT&T has expanded its fiber optic network in parts of District D to over 600 new customer locations, giving more customers access to super-fast internet speeds up to 5GIGs. You can sign up to be notified when AT&T Fiber is available at your address through att.com/notifyme.

More constituents living near Mirabeau Wetlands may now be able to access this fiber service.

AT&T participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP provides eligible households with a benefit of up to $30 a month (up to $75 a month on qualifying Tribal lands to reduce the cost of internet service), which can be applied to AT&T Fiber, where available. Or use it toward Access from AT&T, offering speeds up to 100Mbps for $0 after the ACP benefit is applied. After confirming ACP eligibility, those who qualify can go to att.com/getacp, visit their local AT&T store, or call AT&T at 866-986-0963 to sign up for service. Have your ACP application ID handy.

Thank you to Eric Jones, Regional Director - External Affairs - AT&T Louisiana.

SOUL REFORESTATION UPDATES IN DISTRICT D

DISTRICT D SPOTLIGHT

Blair Dottin-Haley, an alum of District D's St. Augustine High School, delivered a powerful rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" to kick off the 50th Annual Bayou Classic. His performance was so inspiring that he was invited to repeat the honor in 2024. Click here to listen to Blair's historic rendition.

ST.AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY POP UP SHOP ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

MOW TO OWN LAND WORKSHOP ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5

AMERIHEALTH PRESENTS: COCOA WITH SANTA EXTRAVAGANZA ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

2023 WEST END CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

NOPD NOW ACCEPTING TOY DONATIONS THROUGH DECEMBER 15 FOR 3RD DISTRICT TOY DRIVE

CHARMAINE NEVILLE: 2ND ANNUAL NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT PONTILLY COFFEE ON DECEMBER 16

ZULU BALL 2024

District D's iconic Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club has announced the date of its spectacular Mardi Gras Ball, which will take place on Friday, February 9. Twelfth Night, marking the start of the Mardi Gras season, is Saturday, January 6, 2024. The George Rainey Lundi Gras Celebration is set for Monday, February 12, and Mardi Gras Day falls on Tuesday, February 13. For more information, visit https://www.kreweofzulu.com/.

UPCOMING ST. ANTHONY ACTIVITIES IN DISTRICT D

NOLA BALLET ASSOCIATION: TUITION-FREE DANCE CLASSES

The NOLA Ballet Association offers free classes at the Desire - Florida Multi-Purpose Center. Call (504) 522-0996 or visit NOBAdance.com.

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS ESTABLISHES DEPARTMENT OF CODE ENFORCEMENT, ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR

The City of New Orleans announced that the Home Rule Charter Amendment, successfully passed to establish the Department of Code Enforcement, is effective Jan. 1, 2024. The Department also announced the appointment of Anthony Davis as the new Director of Code Enforcement.

Please click here for more information.

POLICE ADVISORY BOARD COMMUNITY MEETING ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

TROMBONE SHORTY FOUNDATION AND GIA MAIONE PRIMA FOUNDATION WITH WARREN EASTON CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL PRESENT ANNUAL "TUNES FOR TOYS" TOY DRIVE AND CONCERT ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST AND TOY GIVEAWAY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM

The Small Business Loan Program is a lending program to assist disaster-impacted small businesses with non-construction expenses. The purpose of this program is to aid in the recovery of small businesses located in eligible areas that were affected by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Ida and/or the May 2021 Severe Storms.

The state will provide program assistance to eligible businesses and/or non-profit organizations through participating non-profit lenders, who will implement and administer a lending program to assist impacted businesses and non-profits. The state will enter into subrecipient agreements with implementing partners including local community development organizations such as non-profits, community development financial institutions, local credit unions and other eligible organizations.

The deadline to complete the program application is December 31, 2023.

Please click here for more information.

CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS: THE NEW ORLEANS HOLIDAY TRADITION FROM NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 30

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE: KIDS NATURE AT NIGHT PROGRAM THROUGH DECEMBER 9

Let your kids explore Audubon Zoo after hours and discover the wonders of Nature at Night. Your wild child will enjoy an up-close animal encounter, pizza party, animal-themed activities, and a fun flashlight tour of the Zoo. Register online today!

NOLA TREE PROJECT PRESENTS UPCOMING BIG TREESY GIVEAWAYS

CLICK THE IMAGE TO LEARN MORE

Saturday, December 9, 2023 - 8:30 am - 11:30 am

The City of New Orleans Department of Parks & Parkways - 200 Warrington Dr., New Orleans, LA 70122

Saturday, January 20, 2024 - 8:30 am - 12 noon

Louisiana Nature Center - 11000 Lake Forest Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70128

Saturday, February 24, 2024 - 8:30 am - 12 noon

Southern Food and Beverage Museum - 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113

Saturday, March 2, 2024 - 9:00 am - 12 noon

St. Roch Community Church & Center - 1738 St. Roch Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117

DELGADO INTRODUCES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY

HHS ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY INNOVATOR CHALLENGE

The HHS announced a new Environmental Justice Community Innovator Challenge funding opportunity. This Challenge aims to engage local problem solvers on community-level solutions that advance environmental justice and health equity.

The Challenge has two phases, with a total of $1,000,000 to be awarded. All eligible entries will be evaluated, and separate awards will be given for each phase. Participants will have access to a technical assistance opportunity in each phase of the Challenge.

• Phase 1 will focus on design of concept or development of approach. Entries for Phase 1 will be accepted from September 18, 2023, until January 30, 2024. Up to 12 submissions may be selected to each receive a prize of up to $25,000.
• Phase 2 will focus on small-scale testing or implementation.  Up to 10 submissions may be selected to each receive a minimum prize of $70,000.

Click here to view an overview of the Challenge, including the judging criteria, rules, and entry submission requirements.

ONGOING FREE ENVIRONMENTAL WORKER TRAINING

CLICK THE IMAGE TO LEARN MORE

FEEA'S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NOW OPEN

It's National Scholarship Month, and FEEA's 2024 Scholarship Program launches today with the opening of our application period. Students can start an application anytime and must submit it no later than our deadline: Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 3:00 pm EDT.

Eligible students are:

• Children or step-children of federal employees. Students may be high school seniors or already in college and must be under age 25 and unmarried. (Grandchildren are eligible for NARFE and BIG-sponsored scholarships only)
• Spouses of federal employees
• Federal employees

All students must:

• Have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
• Be in or entering a degree-granting program at an accredited institution;
• Be a full-time student (only feds may be part-time) and;
• Federal employee sponsors must have at least three years of service by the application deadline.

Visit our website at feea.org/scholarships for complete program information, downloadable program instructions, and a link to the application.

TOOLBANK DISASTER SERVICES INFORMATION SHEET

Congratulations to The Friends of the Lafitte Greenway for securing a substantial grant through the Greater New Orleans Foundation 100-Year Challenge initiative. This grant marks the beginning of the efforts to construct a new water plaza and introduce other enhancements to the Greenway. Councilman Green, alongside State Representative Alonzo Knox, joined Board members and supporters of The Friends in celebrating this achievement.

Congratulations to Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) on the grand opening of the SUNO Early Learning Center! This achievement stems from establishing a public-private partnership with the Wilcox Academy of Early Learning. The center will play a vital role in providing childcare services to students, faculty, and the wider public. Located at 6400 SUNO Knights Drive, SUNO has recently introduced various resources, including the Southern University at New Orleans Museum of Art (SUNOMA), Bachelor's Degree programs in Nursing and Cybersecurity, a new on-campus medical clinic, and a violence response simulator designed for community and law enforcement education. For more information, visit SUNO.edu.

Rev. Clayton Godvine Johnson has been appointed as the new Pastor of the 117-year-old Pentecost Baptist Church situated on Harrison Avenue in the Pilotland community. This appointment was made in collaboration with Rev. Dr. Samuel Gibbs, Jr., President of the First District Missionary Baptist Association.

More great news! Congratulations to Shermond Esteen, Jr., the new owner of Nonno's Cajun Cuisine and Pastries at 2517 historic Bayou Road. We appreciate your investment and enthusiasm. Visit their website at https://www.nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com/.

SEWERAGE & WATERBOARD COMMISSION CONTACT INFORMATION

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