Dear friends,

Our District D Office is pleased to work with Winston Reid and other City staffers at the Office of Code Enforcement as we continue demolishing long-blighted properties. It is difficult to perform demolitions of privately owned properties. Demolition is the last resort.

Also, it is difficult to demolish properties physically. There are gas line concerns that must be addressed, there is the concern of the demolition impact on adjacent properties, the large amount of debris must be properly removed and disposed of, and the property must be graded after.

It is rewarding to see new properties being built on some of the lots on which demolitions have taken place after the owners have paid the assessed fines at an Act of Sale or secured a building permit.

Hundreds of blighted properties in certain communities have been marginalized over decades by terrible government policies that created negative social conditions and a disincentive for business investment. The demolitions are but one part of my plan to make certain communities in District D as attractive to family living as are the great communities in other parts of the District.

You see it. Activity in District D - the scores of new homes under construction, and new expanding and coming businesses - restaurants, storage facility, grocery store, hair salon, juice bar, architecture firm, new Hynes School on Leon C. Simon, newly constructed and renovated church campuses on Elysian Fields and Paris, AutoZone distribution facility on Chef, the coming Terviva manufacturing facility on the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal, and more.

Yes, but what about the ongoing street construction? It might be time for some area residents to come together and invest in the businesses that they want to see ... while navigating the streets under construction until they are complete. If you want to build a house or to start a business, go here: https://onestopapp.nola.gov/.

Thank you to the residents who have turned out for the many recent public activities in District D - the Mayor's budget meeting and the Resilience District meeting at McDonogh 35 High School, the Public Safety-focused Neighborhood Engagement meeting, and Bug Fest at the Mosquito and Rodent Control building on Leon C. Simon, and the so very well attended and successful Night Out Against Crime at the Milne Recreation Center.

In addition to the aforementioned events, there are other opportunities to meet with representatives of City Chartered Departments. Of course, there is Saturday's Neighborhood Summit, and there are Office Hours in District D at the Norman Mayer library. See the flyers below. Facebook and NextDoor posts are fine, but not in comparison to the sharing of information and getting concerns addressed with face-to-face interaction.

Thank you to the Lake Oaks Civic Association for the Steak Night activity celebrating the service of our law enforcement community first responders - the men and women of both the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Levee District Police. Also, congratulations and thanks to the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association and others for the success of the Gentilly Fest, attended by tens of thousands of people and supported by scores of vendors and sponsors. A portion of the proceeds of that festival are dedicated to supporting the work of the NOPD. Look for photos of both events next week.

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.

LOWER MISSISSIPPI SALTWATER INTRUSION

Water in Orleans Parish remains safe to drink and use for all purposes. For more information at this time, visit https://emergency.la.gov/ 

As a result of the historic drought throughout the Mississippi River Valley, the rate of freshwater flowing down the Mississippi River has been dramatically low, allowing an intrusion of saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico to make its way upriver. Plaquemines Parish has already been affected by the intrusion, and other parishes are projected to be impacted over the next month including St. Bernard Parish, Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish.

Please visit ready.nola.gov for more information.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

NEWS FROM THE OCTOBER 19 COUNCIL MEETING

Councilmember Green sponsored or co-sponsored the following legislation that

was passed at yesterday's Regular City Council meeting:

Councilman Green moved for Motion No. 23-497 to approve the confirmation of Interim Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick as the permanent superintendent of the New Orleans Department of Police. 

Ordinance Cal. No. 34,431 authorizes the Fourth Amendment to a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of New Orleans and the University of New Orleans. The CEA relates to the restoration of the City's infrastructure damaged as a result of Hurricane Katrina, including roads, the stormwater drainage system, water distribution lines, sanitary sewer collection lines, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps, all in furtherance of the Joint Infrastructure Recovery Request (JIRR) Program.

Motion No. M-23-483 adds the Council President as a signatory for the contract in which the Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board is compensated for acting as a consultant and providing product testing services for the BASF Corporation. 

Please click here for more information.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

We appreciate the investments in new home construction in District D by private sector investors and future residents. Thank you for your optimistic perspective on achieving an improved quality of life in our District's communities.

BLIGHT REMOVAL IN DISTRICT D

Councilman Green and the District D office express deep appreciation for the diligent efforts of the Office of Code Enforcement, with special acknowledgment to Winston Reid. This blighted structure in the Seventh Ward - South served as an eyesore and an illegal dumping ground for tires and various other debris. Eliminating blight can be challenging when property owners are uncooperative, but the City's commitment to this work is invaluable. Our communities and taxpayers deserve a cleaner and more pleasant environment.

After

Even if the abandoned vehicle is on private property, it can still be towed after contacting the owner. To get rid of unwanted vehicles, consider contacting salvage or towing firms. Alternatively, efforts can be made to make these vehicles operable. The city does not wish to dispose of many vehicles, but community safety and quality of life are paramount.

STREETWORK REPAIRS IN DISTRICT D

A significant amount of street repair work is underway throughout Council District D. We sincerely appreciate the residents' patience as they endure these temporary disruptions. Numerous projects are near completion, delivering highly favorable outcomes such as smoother streets, enhanced community aesthetics, and reduced potential for flooding.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! NO DREAM LEFT DEFERRED PRESENTS: BACK IN THE DAY, AT THE CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND CULTURAL JUSTICE

THE OFFICE OF WOMEN'S HEALTH AND COMMUNITY HEALTH PRESENTS: LISTEN TO H.E.R. TOWN HALL SERIES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 23

AMERIHEALTH CARE FEST ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26

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Join AmeriHealth Louisiana at the American Caritas Louisiana Wellness and Opportunity Center: 3155 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70122.

AUTO ZONE OPEN HOUSE ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26

CMP PRESENTS 4TH ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

THE POWER OF NATURE CAREER DAY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

NORD HALLOWEEN 2023 EVENTS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office is in search of volunteers to provide assistance for the Thanksgiving Day feast.

For more information on how to volunteer and to register, visit the OPSO mobile app or click here.

TREME FESTIVAL ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

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CITY OF NEW ORLEANS BECOMES FIRST CERTIFIED WELCOMING CITY IN LOUISIANA

The City of New Orleans announced that Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, has designated New Orleans as a Certified Welcoming place and is the first city in the State of Louisiana to achieve this designation.

Certified Welcoming is a formal designation by Welcoming America for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social and economic life in their communities. With a Certified Welcoming designation, communities distinguish their local efforts, build a competitive advantage and gain access to opportunities to share their welcoming practices on a regional, national and global stage.

Click here to read more.

CONGRATULATIONS: ETHAN ASHLEY SELECTED AS ONE OF NATION'S OUTSTANDING RISING LEADERS

New Orleans School Board Member Ethan Ashley was selected as one of 19 leaders from across the country to join the NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), a selective national network of state and local elected officials with about 200 members, with Honorary Co-Chairs U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. 

Ashley joins the group at a time when state and local leaders are on the frontlines of responding to economic issues around the cost of living and the changing nature of work, as well as challenges caused by climate change, racial inequities, threats to our democracy, and emerging technologies. At a moment when unprecedented federal resources are flowing to states, counties, and cities from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, NewDEALers are supporting each other in thinking big and sharing model policies and programs, including through in-person and virtual convenings. 

Click here to learn more about Ashley and the NewDEAL.

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS RECEIVES $2 MILLION GRANT FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR THE COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM

The City of New Orleans and its Health Department (NOHD) are pleased to announce the award of a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to support a Community Violence Intervention Program (CVIP) with community, academic, and civic partners. The grant will enable NOHD to expand its services to more individuals affected by violence, trauma, and abuse.

“This $2 million grant from the Department of Justice directly speaks to my administration’s commitment to think more holistically about public safety, treating it as a matter of public health and ensuring those impacted by violence have the supportive services they need,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Building off our work and commitment to keep our people safe, the implementation of the Community Violence Intervention Program with this federal funding will allow us to better equip our communities with the necessary tools needed to unite them towards one common goal and aid the New Orleans Police Department in stopping incidents of violence. We will continue to leverage these much-needed resources to further protect our city, address root causes of violence, and promote a safer New Orleans.”

BAYOU PHOENIX PRESENTS: FORMER SIX FLAGS GROUND LEASE SIGNING KICK-OFF PRESENTATION AND RECEPTION ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25

MAYOR'S OFFICE OF YOUTH AND FAMILIES ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR 4TH "MAYOR FOR A DAY" ESSAY CONTEST

The City of New Orleans and the Mayor's Office of Youth and Families (OYF) announced they are still accepting submissions for the 4th “Mayor for a Day” essay contest. OYF began accepting applications on Monday, October 2; the deadline for essay submissions is Monday, October 30.

Interested applicants are invited to submit an essay detailing how they would improve New Orleans if they were Mayor for the day. Three winners will be selected, representing three different age groups. Each winner will be sworn in as "Deputy Mayor" and get a chance to shadow Mayor LaToya Cantrell for an entire day. Only one entry per applicant will be honored. 

To enter and for additional information, please visit OYF's website.

HOW NEW ORLEANS HAS ACCOMPLISHED TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE

The article below mentions important facts that are worth sharing. The author, Mr. Frank Rabalais, is a resident of Gentilly.

GOV. EDWARDS ANNOUNCES $500 MILLION PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY HUBS TO IMPROVE ENERGY RESILIENCE

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the State of Louisiana was awarded a $250 million Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, coupled with a $250 million match from state partners, to invest in grid technologies and establish “resilience hubs” where communities can access electricity and other vital services during times of natural disaster. 

Led by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Hubs for Resilient Energy Operations (HERO) initiative will create community resilience hubs, places within a community powered by clean energy sources, like solar panels.

The HERO initiative’s project team is made up of partners from across government, utilities, non-profit organizations, and universities committed to improving community resilience. Each hub will be located in a critical facility or at a community-identified shelter and will consist of a clean energy source, long-duration energy storage, and grid technologies to improve emergency response operations. Locations for the hubs were selected by identifying a subset of communities in the state that are most vulnerable to extended outages based on income levels, flooding risk, and building loss risk. 

HERO will help solidify Louisiana’s position as a leader in the global energy transition, as well as advance the goals established by the State of Louisiana Interagency Work Group. The work group was established in 2022 to strategize efforts to increase energy resilience and build sustainable grid infrastructure.

FLOOD PROTECTION AUTHORITY-EAST QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

The October 1, 2023 edition of the Flood Protection Authority-East’s quarterly newsletter is attached. The Flood Protection Authority-East will bring news about New Orleans's critical, state-of-the-art flood defense system and the team that manages, operates, and maintains that system through future newsletters and other publications.

Click here to view the newsletter.

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY

The City of New Orleans has released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for community-based organizations to develop programs that promote economic mobility.

The Economic Mobility in Motion: Moving New Orleanians Forward project is funded by $5 million of the City of New Orleans’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. Through ARPA, the City of New Orleans has committed $194 million to fund priority projects that meet the needs of residents, strengthen the local social safety net, and build a safer, healthier community for the future. The deadline to apply for the available funding is Tuesday, November 21. A virtual information session will be held for interested applicants on Wednesday, November 1. 

Click here to read more.

For further information and updates on the City's ARPA investments and initiatives, please visit the official website at nola.gov/arpa/.

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

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THE WALK TO SAVE BLACK MEN'S LIVES ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

PRAAM ROSENWALD SCHOOL OPENING ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

CITY PARK MASTER PLAN ONLINE SURVEY

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The last day to take the City Park Master Planning survey is October 23rd. If you haven't taken it already, please do! And if you have taken it, thank you!

Click here. to take the survey.

NOCHE DE MUERTOS AT THE NOLA JAZZ MUSEUM ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3

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AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE: KIDS NATURE AT NIGHT PROGRAM FROM OCTOBER 6 - 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!

DELGADO INTRODUCES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY

In ONE SEMESTER, you can earn a CERTIFICATE of Technical Studies (C.T.S.) in Motor Vehicle Technology while gaining work experience through a PAID INTERNSHIP! The deadline to apply is December 11, 2023.

Complete these four steps to see if you qualify:

1. Contact Donald Davenport at 504.671.6191 or ddaven@dcc.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss program details.
2. Apply for admission to Delgado Community College.
3. Apply for financial aid.
4. Participate in the employment interview process, meet all applicable employment requirements, and be accepted for employment by a sponsoring dealer.

HHS ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY INNOVATOR CHALLENGE

The HHS announces 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. This effort is part of HHS’ broader work to support disadvantaged communities and Tribes facing the brunt of environmental injustices, including health harms due to climate change.

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.

Phase 1 of the Challenge is now open! The deadline for submissions is January 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Click here to view an overview of the Challenge, including the judging criteria, rules, and entry submission requirements.

TOOLBANK DISASTER SERVICES INFORMATION SHEET

Councilman Green extends his gratitude to both the outgoing and newly elected leadership board members of the New Orleans Regional AIDS Planning Council. The council's mission is to establish and sustain a comprehensive care system for individuals living with HIV in the New Orleans area, one that is accessible, responsive, culturally sensitive, and of the highest quality to ensure that all those with HIV can live with dignity. If you or someone you know requires assistance, please visit https://norapc.org/.

White Linen Night featured a gathering of District D's St. Augustine High School residents and graduates, including Ruston Henry, a pharmacist and the owner of H & W Drug Store, and Tyrone Hughes, a member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame.

Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond presided over the Archdiocesan Annual Mass for Victims and Survivors of Crime, emphasizing the importance of remembering and supporting crime victims. Crime should never be tolerated or considered inevitable in our city. The event was attended by representatives from the Mayor's Office, City Council, Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, United States Attorney, District Attorney's Office, New Orleans Family Justice Center, Silence Is Violence, and Crimestoppers.

A remarkable number of residents and supporters from Pilotland and the surrounding areas gathered to participate in a discussion regarding the upcoming construction at the Willie Hall Playground. The Office of Resilience and Sustainability delivered the presentation. We sincerely thank all the residents for their keen interest in this significant resilience project.

The New Orleans City Council proudly recognized John Renthrope, the Founder and CEO of Cajun Fire Brewing. A native of New Orleans East and a distinguished graduate of District D's St. Augustine High School, John is one of the few Black-owned craft beer manufacturers in the United States. You can find more about his endeavors at https://qrco.de/bcjnKP. We deeply appreciate John's investment and dedication, with Councilmember at Large Helena Moreno joining in the appreciation.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Krewe of ALLA for their generous support of our first responders through a fundraising event at Mardi Gras World. Everyone enjoyed a fantastic time. Don't forget, Twelfth Day falls on January 6, 2024, marking the official commencement of the Carnival Season. Visitors, we encourage you to secure your reservations without delay.

On Wednesday evening, along Lakeshore Drive on the South Shore of Lake Pontchartrain in City Council District D, New Orleans.

TIPS FROM LSPCA ON COYOTE SIGHTING

While a coyote sighting is certainly scary, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals that exist in nature.

There are measures that individuals can take to reduce the appeal of a location to

coyotes:

• Pick up any food that is left outside. Coyotes will be attracted to human-associated food such as pet food, unsecured compost or trash, and fallen fruit in yards.
• Do not leave any standing water outside. Water can be as alluring as food, so remove water bowls set outside for pets and make watering cans unavailable.
• Pets are a normal part of an urban landscape. Coyotes may consider pets as prey or competitors within their territory. Free-roaming pets may attract coyotes into neighborhoods, especially cats and sometimes small dogs. The best way to minimize pets' risk is not to leave them outside unattended.

It’s not an emergency. In the same way that animals like squirrels and alligators exist in nature within our urban community, coyotes are wild animals. However, if a human life is being threatened by a companion or wild animal, residents should call 911 immediately.

People who feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes might prey on the cats. These concerns are well founded, as coyotes will be attracted to the outdoor pet food. We recommend feeding cats only during the day and at a set time—and pick up any leftovers immediately, this will help with both rodents and coyotes. Small, unattended dogs may also be seen as potential prey for coyotes. It is important to either keep dogs on a leash shorter than 6 feet when outdoors or to stay within 6 feet of them when outside.