Dear friends,

Happy Thanksgiving to you and to your family.

Of course, it goes without saying that there is much for which we can be thankful in New Orleans, and, yes, in City Council District D. (there he goes.) :-)

There are some streets under construction, with comprehensive work being done - drain line, sewer line, and surface repairs and replacements, and some disruption ... and there are many, many blocks where construction has been completed. The coming $25 million investment by Terviva in an Inner-Harbor Navigational Canal manufacturing facility, with its new jobs, is welcome. 'The $5 million new Canseco's grocery store, the new, very active, Desire-Florida Multi-Purpose Center, with new ballet and other classes, 'the funded and soon to break ground Ninth Ward Stadium, and new restaurants on Elysian Fields, Paris Avenue, and Bayou Road, and more.

I pass over a pothole or two or three, see missing street signs, and dislike seeing blight and overgrown lots, especially in the midst of a shortage of fully compliant, nice, reasonable rental units. Violent crime is ridiculous and unacceptable. All of those are given.

However, eighteen District D organizations recently received grants from the City and will do 2024 special projects in their neighborhoods. Extra Space Storage, Good Time Sushi, Edward Hynes Charter School, and the Masonic Hall and other construction projects are well underway and/or near completion. Scores of new homes are under construction across all parts of the District.

An ongoing, long-term renewal push, led by our District D office and strongly supported by Code Enforcement, Sanitation, Safety and Permits, and Public Works, has resulted in many demolitions of long-standing blighted properties, cleanups of illegal dumps, replacement of scores of previously not working street lights, and the towing of many abandoned automobiles and trailers. The New Orleans Police Department is attracting officers from other jurisdictions, recently conducting its first lateral transfer ceremony in over 25 years.

District D's George Washington Carver Senior High School and John F. Kennedy High High School are identified as among the top ten improved high schools in the State, as per the State of Louisiana Department of Education. SUNO's new Bachelor's degree program in Cybersecurity is attracting many students and great interest. Dillard University has started construction on its new student resident and activity center on St. Anthony at the Voscoville marker, and the University of New Orleans recently hosted 300 students who sought information on the renewables industry study and career opportunities.

I know. Who knew? That's just relatively recent news. There are ongoing challenges. However, there are enough positive developments and great people to allow for an enthusiastic expression of thanks to the residents of our city who are doing the right thing and making ours a better city. Thank you.

Cheer for the Saints, who are technically in first place in the NFC South, on their way to the playoffs. But what's up with being just 5-5? Win! Go Tulane, the nation's newest football powerhouse. :-)

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your family, and enjoy your surroundings.

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.

NOPD GRADUATES FIRST LATERAL ACADEMY CLASS IN 25 YEARS

The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has achieved a historic milestone by graduating the first lateral class in 25 years.

The graduation of the three officers is a pivotal moment for the NOPD, highlighting its dedication to bolstering its ranks with experienced professionals.

Laterals are officers from other law enforcement agencies that transfer to NOPD. The graduating officers successfully completed a specialized, abbreviated 10-week police academy training program with a curriculum geared toward their skill level. Collectively, they bring over 50 years of knowledge and experience to the department, enriching the force with their diverse backgrounds and proven track records in law enforcement.

• Officer Pierce Henderson, a native of Louisiana, served with the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office for 12 years.
• Officer William Roniger, also from Louisiana, served with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office for one year and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for 19 years.
• Officer Jane Morrison, originally from Illinois, served six years with the South Elgin Police Department and ten years with the Kane County Sheriff's Office before moving to Louisiana and serving two years with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

Good news: The construction of the new Edward Hynes Charter School on the campus of the University of New Orleans, located on Leon C. Simon Drive, is progressing well. We appreciate the investment. For more information, visit www.Hynesschool.com.

Thanksgiving brings appreciation for the families and investors demonstrating confidence in the future of our city and City Council District D. Single-family homes and well-built, thoughtful investments that respect the character of the neighborhoods contribute to the encouraging and motivating number of new housing starts throughout District D. The city owes you, and will deliver, enhanced public safety and stronger infrastructure.

BLIGHT REDUCTION IN DISTRICT D

The ongoing effort to clear public streets of vehicles without license plates and/or abandoned ones contributes to the safety of our communities. We acknowledge that criminals may remove license plates and abandon stolen vehicles, and both the Department of Public Works and the New Orleans Police Department actively work to reunite owners with missing vehicles by cross-referencing VIN numbers for identification. If necessary, please file a claim/report for missing vehicles.

Thanks to the Department of Public Works, Roadwork NOLA, and the Sewerage and Water Board for bringing this business at 3143 North Rocheblave back into commerce.

STREET RECONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

Street work is underway in numerous locations throughout District D, and many blocks have already been completed. While serious street work in our settling city may seem never-ending, the infrastructure is gradually becoming more stable.

Gentilly Woods

Pontchartrain Park

Seventh Ward South

Pine Village

Oak Park - Perlita - During

Oak Park - Perlita - After

SEWERAGE AND WATERBOARD UPDATES

On Sunday afternoon, amid televised sports, turkey distributions, and more, Sewerage and Water Board work crews were actively engaged in street work, replacing old sewer line tie-ins with new ones at multiple locations in Gentilly Terrace. There is much more to be done, but some long-overdue work is finally underway throughout District D and the city. The issues at hand include drivers colliding with fire hydrants (which happens more often than one would think), underground leaks caused by droughts and surface settling, as well as collapsing and worn sewer and water lines. I encourage individuals to consider joining these crews as Utilities Maintenance Technicians III, which come with retirement and health benefits. Whenever I see these dedicated workers on the job, I make sure to show my appreciation.

If interested, refer to swbno.org/careers.

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.

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SAFETY PREPARATIONS, TRAFFIC IMPACTS AHEAD OF BAYOU CLASSIC WEEKEND

The City of New Orleans will host the 50th Annual Bayou Classic from November 23 - 25, 2023. Preparations are underway for hosting the parade, the football game, and other events related to Bayou Classic.

The public is encouraged to be patient and prepared for heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the event areas around downtown and the French Quarter by making transportation arrangements accordingly. Bayou Classic events are expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to New Orleans from Thursday, November 23, through Saturday, November 25.

Bayou Classic Parade Route

The Bayou Classic Parade will roll on Thursday, Nov. 23, at 3 p.m.:

• The parade begins at the Caesars Superdome at Poydras Street and Loyola Avenue 
• Travels down Poydras Street to South Peters Street
• Turn left on South Peters Street to Canal Street
• Turn left on Canal Street to St. Charles Avenue
• Turn left on St. Charles Avenue to Poydras Street
• Turn right on Poydras Street to Loyola Avenue

No-Parking Zones (Parade)

No-parking zones will be in effect on the following streets on Thursday, Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

• On both sides of Poydras St, between South Claiborne Avenue and South Peters St
• On both sides of South Peters St, between Poydras Street and Canal St
• On both sides of Canal Street, between South Peters St and St. Charles Ave
• On both sides of St. Charles Ave, between Canal St and Poydras St
• On both sides of Loyola Ave, between Poydras St and Common St

Check here for additional details.

BAYOU CLASSIC EVENT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY'S WILCOX ACADEMY GRAND OPENING RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27

DILLARD UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY RELATIONS NEWS

Dillard University Community Relations News

Check out Dillard University's “Communiversity Garden” at Bethany United Methodist Church. If you’re interested in volunteering with the Dillard University gardening program to address food insecurities, don't hesitate to contact Nick Harris at nharris@dillard.edu

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.

THANKSGIVING FIRE SAFETY

Below are some tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe this Thanksgiving:

Turkey Fryers: Deep-fried turkeys are a food favorite in New Orleans.

Unfortunately, there are some dangers inherent to deep-frying, especially for

those inexperienced in this technique.

Here's why using a deep fryer can be dangerous:

• Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil from the cooking pot.
• If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames, causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
• Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. This, too, may result in an extensive fire.
• With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid, and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.

Click here for more safety information.

49^TH ANNUAL OPSO THANKSGIVING MEAL AND CONCERT

ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOVEMBER 23

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SIGN UP

TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION AIDS PARALYZED RETIRED NOPD OFFICER

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has presented a major gift to retired NOPD Officer John Passaro, who was injured in the line of duty ten years ago.

On November 13, 2023, a ribbon cutting was held at Passaro's Slidell home to mark the completion of work done by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to upgrade his home with smart technology and pay off his mortgage.

Passaro was shot in the line of duty in 2013 after answering a call for a robbery in progress at a business in the Fifth District. Passaro, a three-year veteran of the force at the time, was paralyzed from the waist down and has limited use of his left hand and arm. He medically retired from the force in 2015.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

DAVID BATISTE SR. PRESENTS: TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN OF BLUES ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

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

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

THE IDEA VILLAGE PRESENTS: PITCH NIGHT ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30

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

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

The first NOPD Lateral Academy graduation class in over 25 years is a significant achievement. Congratulations to the entire New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Mayor Cantrell, the New Orleans City Council, and other partners. Confidence in the role and work of the NOPD in enhancing public safety in our city is increasing in the midst of these challenging times. For more information, visit joinnopd.org.

The Bayou Classic celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. I extend my gratitude to the Southern University Jaguar and Grambling University Tiger families for their outstanding educational achievements and their significant contributions to our city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana in general, especially through this Classic event.

A fantastic turnout at the Gentilly Terrace and Gardens Association meeting! Congratulations to the newly elected officers and board members. Additionally, a special congratulations and heartfelt thanks for applying for the Department of Parks and Parkways Tree Planting grant.

St. Augustine High School has a new historical marker. Click here for the history of the high school located in City Council District D.  

If this is your first time viewing this newsletter, click here to subscribe. You can also email councildistrictd@nola.gov or call our office at (504) 658-1040.