Dear friends,

The New Orleans City Council has approved the appointment of a new Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department. This week, Anne Kirkpatrick was sworn in by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Thank you, superintendent, for your interest in serving the citizens of New Orleans. 

The members of the New Orleans Police Department conduct thousands of constitutionally sound arrests each year after responding to tens of thousands of calls for service and incidents. They conduct investigations, are available as needed in legal and prosecution-related proceedings, conduct special operations, and more. 

However, the entire criminal justice system must work in the interest of protecting people from becoming victims of crime. The District Attorney prosecutes, and the Judges of Criminal and Juvenile Court and Magistrates, the Sheriff's Office, and the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center, as well as probation and parole professionals, play a role in reducing crime. Mental health providers and social service providers also play a role. Those who oversee incarceration and in-house rehabilitation efforts also play a role. 

The members of the NOPD are the first responders. However, there are other responders to crime, and their actions and resources play, collectively, a much more important role in making our community safer. We can all support and question professionals and elected officials in the law enforcement and criminal justice system to make progress on their commitment to reducing crime and enhancing the safety of citizens. We can write, send emails, follow on websites and social media, and invite them and their representatives to community meetings. 

Congratulations and thank you to the many residents who have participated in recent District D public meetings and opportunities to meet with City Department and Office representatives. Each week, many issues of public concern are successfully addressed by our District D office staff. However, there is nothing quite like being able to meet with representatives of specific Departments and Offices to have any concerns addressed. 

Thank you to the staff of Mayor Cantrell and the Office of Neighborhood Engagement for sponsoring multiple recent opportunities to address constituent concerns directly. Note also that District D Neighborhood Engagement representatives are available Monday through Wednesday of each week for direct consultation at the Norman Mayer library. See the District D Office Hours flyer below. 

Thank you to those who offered 'Trunk or Treat' and organized trick-or-treating opportunities leading up to Halloween Night. Thank you to those who provided successful festivals in District D during the busy month of October: The National Fried Chicken Festival, Gentilly Festival, Bug Fest, Fall Festival, and more. 

Happy 70th Birthday to Andre Menzies, entrepreneur and an Officer with the New Orleans Police Department for over four decades and a longtime District D resident. 'Regret that I missed your birthday party due to another activity, but I know everyone had a good time. Thank you for your commitment to our city. 

During this year, various City government agencies have filled hundreds of previously vacant positions. The Civil Service Department reports that there has been an increase of 55 percent in the volume of City job applications completed in 2023 versus 2022. All City jobs offer retirement benefits and health benefits. View the opportunities, apply now, and share the link, nola.gov/jobs/. 

Tulane football has a 7-1 record and is ranked in the top 25 in the nation. The Pelicans are 4-1, having won their last game missing two top players, Ingram and Williamson. What's up with this 4-4 record thing, Saints? Win this weekend. Go Green Wave, Pels, and Saints!

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.

WETLANDS FIRE, SMOKE AND DENSE FOG IMPACTING GREATER NEW ORLEANS AREA

Is it smoke, or is it dense fog? Either way, here’s what you need to know about your morning and evening commute this week.

Individuals impacted by wildfire smoke can obtain free masks at the following locations:

• N.O. East Regional Library
• Joe Brown Recreation Center
• Sanchez Multi-Service Center
• Algiers Regional Library

Go to ready.nola.gov for more information and tips.

LOWER MISSISSIPPI SALTWATER INTRUSION

Water in Orleans Parish remains safe to drink and use for all purposes. For more information at this time, visit 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 NOVEMBER 2 COUNCIL MEETING

Councilmember Green sponsored or co-sponsored the following legislation that

was passed at yesterday's Regular City Council meeting:

Ordinance Cal No. 34,445 establishes the New Orleans Housing Trust Fund that will be used to preserve and rehabilitate affordable rental units, subsidies to support home ownership sustainability and increase the production of affordable rental units.  

Motion No. M-23-513 approves an amendment to create a single, uniform Code Enforcement Department.  

Resolution No. R-23-518 Authorizes and approves the assignment of the contract for Building 9 Metal Roof Repairs at the Louis Armstrong International Airport to TEH Enterprise, LLC. 

Please click here for more information.

In addition, during a recent meeting, the City Council celebrated the life and work of Gwendolyn Midlo Hall, whose research and publications revolutionized historians' understanding of slavery. Larry Lehmann, Dr. Hall's nephew, and Molly Mitchell, The Director of the Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies, which is located on the campus of the University of New Orleans, in City Council District D, accepted a Proclamation celebrating Dr. Hall's remarkable life and accomplishments. Click the image below to watch a video about Dr. Gwendolyn Midlo.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

Thank you to and welcome to the new homeowners and families that are making District D home. There is much to be done, but significant work is in progress on the infrastructure that will enhance your investment and justify your decision to move into one of the many nice communities of District D. 

Gentilly Heights East 

Gentilly

Oak Park 

Milneberg

BLIGHT REDUCTION IN DISTRICT D

Should you see that an irresponsible, destructive party has left an abandoned vehicle on a public street near you, file a concern at nola311.org. Then, send the 311 registration number, with a photo, to pierce.huff@nola.gov. Thank you to the City's Department of Public Works for the towing of scores of abandoned vehicles. It is not so easy a task as just towing. Also involved is social work explaining to some why junked vehicles on public property, even in front of their homes, is a negative.

Indian Village

There are hundreds of blighted properties in certain areas of District D alone. The reasons differ from property to property: lack of family interest in doing successions, properties too far gone for reasonable cost renovation, maintenance costs, lack of investor interest due to location, owners who just don't care, and more. Thank you to the Office of Code Enforcement, Winston Reid, and team members, for the continued work in removing blight from some communities and making the sites safer. Whatever the reason, there is no justification for imposing blight on neighbors and communities. 

Before

After

STREET RECONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

The disruption during comprehensive street work is a challenge. Many blocks are being completed, making them less prone to flooding and less prone to near-term repairs. In addition, communities are made more attractive. 

STREET RENAMING IN DISTRICT D

A new street name, SUNO Knights Drive, created a special intersection in historic Pontchartrain Park. SUNO Knights Drive was created by Ordinance of the City Council at the request of Councilman Green. Dr. Emmett W. Bashful is the first Chancellor of SUNO, serving for nearly three decades.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE AT 1200 NORTH BROAD STREET

Beginning Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7 a.m., one travel lane in the 1200 block of North Broad Street will be closed to vehicular traffic to begin roadway restoration. The remaining portion of the roadway in the 1200 block of North Broad Street will continue to be operational during the construction.

Both vehicular travel lanes will reopen to vehicular traffic by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6. This work is part of the $23 million Bayou St. John, Fairgrounds, Seventh Ward Group B project awarded to Barriere Construction. Please click here for more information.

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.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY EXTENDED: TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES ON FRANKLIN AVENUE AT NORTH VILLERE STREET

Beginning Monday, Nov. 6, at 7 a.m. Department of Public Works (DPW) construction contractor, Command Construction Industries, LLC, will be performing sewer repairs on North Villere Street that will require a closure to river-bound travel lanes on Franklin Avenue in order to accommodate oversized construction vehicles. 

During this time, river-bound parking and travel lanes on Franklin Avenue will be subject to intermittent closures between North Robertson and Urquhart Streets. The street will re-open to traffic each day at 5:30 p.m. (see map). The road is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, Nov. 7.  

NORD COMMISSION MOVIES IN THE PARK TONIGHT, NOVEMBER 3

INSPIRE NOLA OPEN HOUSE ON NOVEMBER 4

CLICK THE IMAGE TO REGISTER

ST. AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE ON NOVEMBER 6

9TH WARD STADIUM COMMUNITY MEETING ON NOVEMBER 9 & 16

ASIA BAPTIST CHURCH 100TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON NOVEMBER 12

TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR SENIORS ON NOVEMBER 14

THANKSGIVING DAY 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.

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

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR TICKETS

SWAMP FETE AT AUDUBON ZOO ON NOVEMBER 4

Celebrate South Louisiana culture during Swamp Fête at Audubon Zoo! Cajun and Zydeco music, dancing, a Cajun menu served in the Cypress Knee Café, and native Louisiana animals highlight this family-fun event at the Zoo on November 4 from 10 am to 5 pm. Swamp Fête is included with Zoo admission or Audubon Nature Institute Membership. Please click here for more information.

CITY-WIDE JOB FAIR AND INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY DAY ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

CLICK THE IMAGE TO REGISTER

APPLICATIONS OPEN: NEW ORLEANS RECREATION AND CULTURE FUND

The New Orleans City Council has established the New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund to provide funding to support nonprofit community organizations, youth recreation organizations, and culture-bearer organizations that contribute substantially to the well-being, development, and growth of the New Orleans community.

Nonprofit community organizations, youth recreation organizations and culture bearer organizations are eligible. Organizations must be tax-exempt 501c3, located in Orleans Parish, in existence for at least 3 years, and in good standing with the IRS. Grant applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on November 17, 2023. Please click here to learn more and apply.

HOW CAN WE MOVE OUR NIGHTTIME WORKERS FORWARD? TAKE THE SURVEY

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SHARE YOUR RESPONSES

NEW ORLEANS RECEIVES $3.9 MILLION GRANT FROM EPA FOR EXPANSION OF RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING SERVICES AND EDUCATION

The City of New Orleans joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance, Congressman Troy Carter Sr., Sanitation Director Matt Torri, Vice President of Grants and Community Development of The Recycling Partnership Rob Taylor, and Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development Executive Director Arthur Johnson to announce the City’s $3.9 million grant from the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Communities (SWIFR) program from EPA.

This grant will go towards expanding the City’s residential recycling program, as well as recycling outreach and education efforts and developing a Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) to guide the City's future waste diversion efforts. Please click here for more information.

NEW ORLEANS ANNOUNCES LSU OFFSHORE WIND CONSORTIUM SECURES EDA TECH HUB DESIGNATION TO ELEVATE LOUISIANA ENERGY LEADERSHIP

The City of New Orleans joined President Biden and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in announcing a Louisiana State University (LSU)-led consortium, Gulf Louisiana Offshore Wind (GLOW) Propeller, as one of only 31 newly designated Tech Hubs positioned to revitalize American manufacturing, create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security within a decade. LSU’s GLOW Propeller was selected from hundreds of applicants from 48 states.  

GLOW Propeller will support talent and technology development for offshore wind energy production in Louisiana, bolstering the state’s leadership role in traditional and emerging renewable energy production. Please click here to read more.

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. Click here to learn more.

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!

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE ON NOVEMBER 18

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS & DRYADES YMCA HOLIDAY FOOD GIVEAWAY ON NOVEMBER 21

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.

TOOLBANK DISASTER SERVICES INFORMATION SHEET

Over 1,200 residents attended the Neighborhood Summit that took place on Saturday, October 21. Departments and Offices of Public Works, Roadwork NOLA, NOPD, Safety and Permits, Parks and Parkways, and others were in attendance, available to converse and share resources and valuable information. Congratulations to the 18 neighborhood and community organizations from District D that applied for and were awarded grants for neighborhood enhancement projects. Thank you, Neighborhood Engagement, for the organizing of this successful event.

Councilman Green with Melvin and Mary Morris at the 2023 Congressional Medal of Honor Convention at the World War ll Museum. Mr. Morris is the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor in recognition of his meritorious service in the United States Army. Thank you, Mr. Morris, for your service. Councilman Green serves as a member of the Convention Host Committee.

Congratulations to long-time Gentilly Terrace resident Attorney Marlin Gusman, selected as the 2023 Jesuit High School Alumnus of The Year. Gusman, father of two children and grandfather to six children, is the former Sheriff of Orleans Parish, past City Councilman for District D, and the former City Chief Administrative Officer under Mayor Marc H. Morial.

Great to see over 4,000 students gathered at the Xavier Convocation Center for the NOLA Love Student Rally. It was a successful event that served to inspire students to appreciate themselves and the role of education in creating opportunities for growth in New Orleans. With Councilmember at Large Helena Moreno, Councilmember Freddie King, District C, State Senator Gary Carter, State Representative Alonzo Knox, State Representative Delisha Boyd, Orleans Parish School Board Member Leila Eames, Inspire NOLA CEO Jamar McNeely, Orleans Parish School Board President Olin Parker, Civil Rights Legend Ruby Bridges, Essence Chief Executive Officer Caroline A. Wanga, and others.

Congratulations on the successful run on Harold Clark's Back In The Day, performed at the iconic Andre Cailloux Center on Bayou Road, District D.

Councilman Green with renowned Chef Emeril Lagarde, celebrating the opening of Emeril's Brasserie restaurant at Harrah's Casino New Orleans.

Councilman Green with the new President / Chancellor of the University of New Orleans Dr. Kathy Johnson, and Rebecca Conwell, CEO, the Beach Research Park and UNO Foundation.

Councilman Green with Cleveland Spears, Founder of the National Fried Chicken Festival and CEO of Spears Consulting Group. An October of festivals in District D included the successful National Fried Chicken Festival that took place on scenic Lakeshore Drive on Lake Pontchartrain.

Thank you to CMP Educational Services for sharing with our community at your fourth annual Trunk or Treat at McDonogh 35 High School. It was a fine day for support of education and providing treats for so many appreciative children. Good job, Dr. Chanel Payne, CMP Founder.

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.