Dear friends,

Thank you to the Special Operations Division of the New Orleans Police Department who this week successfully responded to two incidents, arresting persons, without injury, who refused to submit to arrest, who barricaded themselves in properties, one of whom threatened responding officers, and who were threats to their neighbors. See below for more information on one incident.

One might be surprised at the regularity with which SOD responds to such incidents. I have been present - very much behind the caution tape - at calls that involved SOD officers being shot at, rescuing a 9-month-old baby, evacuating nearby residents, escorting people living near the scene to their homes for needed medicine, and more. Thank you, NOPD SOD, for comforting family members, and for apprehending their disturbed relatives without injury on many occasions, and providing safety to nearby community residents

When I see members of the NOPD, I thank them for their service in these challenging times and circumstances. It is so good to see the increased number of new recruits, the slowing of the resignation numbers, and the decline in the violent crime rate resulting from, among other factors, some enhanced constitutional policing.

Good news is that the Shell Corporation will construct a new office tower on the river, consolidating 800 of its Gulf of Mexico operations division jobs at that site. The new River District will include hundreds of new apartments, businesses, and attractive resources.

That news goes well with the great news of many new houses under construction and new and expanding businesses here in District D that are the result of local investors responding to the stability and long-term viability of many of our neighbors. Millions of dollars are being invested in District D by local folks creating locally owned businesses - Canseco Grocery’s $5 million grocery store on Filmore, new restaurants opened and to come on Elysian Fields and Bayou Road, and Downman Road, a new daycare academy in the Upper Ninth Ward, a new construction headquarters on Johnny Jackson Blvd. in Desire, and more.

Our District D office appreciates the investments. We will share more information and photos over the coming weeks of new and expanding businesses, new homes and churches under construction, and completed and completed street jobs.

If you have a reasonable proposal for investment in District D, our office will support it.

We are still in hurricane season. Remember to have a plan both in case of evacuation or staying in place.

The Saints one-point victory in the first game makes one thing clear - this is a playoff year! We have to get ready with a great year to have the Saints as the host team for the 2025 Super Bowl.

Sincerely,

Councilman Eugene J. Green, Jr. 

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

The new home construction in District D is putting many people to work and will lead to more families and businesses to meet their needs.

Upper Ninth Ward

Upper Ninth Ward

Eighth Ward

Gentilly Terrace

There is much under construction, and there have been some completed jobs.

Foy Street / Touro - at Norman Mayer

Pine Village

Vuscoville

Pontchartrain Park

ILLEGAL DUMPING IN DISTRICT D

Scores of abandoned vehicles have been recently removed from the public streets of District D. The vehicles should be operable and have a license plate. Consider donating abandoned vehicles to salvage yards that will mostly tow them at no charge.

Thank you to the team of Sanitation Workers who clean up under the elevated expressways and make it possible for the public to enjoy the areas. It would help for the users under I-610 at St. Bernard to support and participate in such efforts.

STREET WORK REPAIRS IN DISTRICT D

Good work is being done at the up-ramp to Interstate 10 at Elysian Fields. Thousands of drivers pass by here each day and our office appreciates the work. Thanks, DOTD.

The Department of Public Works recently replaced five knocked-down light poles between Allen Street and Franklin Avenue alone—big problems on Downman, among other streets. Good work. However, the ongoing problem is that some people are driving while intoxicated and/or significantly above the posted speed limit. The vast majority of people use common sense when driving. Thank you to the vast majority of us.

NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC BELT RAILROAD COMPLETES RAILYARD EXPANSION PROJECT

The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad has completed an expansion project that will further increase throughput in the New Orleans rail gateway.

The newly constructed France Road Railyard is located along the Industrial Canal in New Orleans. According to a news release, the expansion will improve efficiencies and increase NOPB’s capacity to switch, interchange and store rail cars. It can now accommodate an additional 220 storage cars.

Click here for information on this good news business development.

CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN

It is good to see construction at the new Edward Hynes Elementary Charier School site on Leon C. Simon Blvd. on the University of New Orleans campus.

SEPTEMBER NEW ORLEANS CRIME BULLETIN

CLICK THE IMAGE TO REGISTER

SUNO AND THE SUNO FOUNDATION TO HOST ITS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Southern University at New Orleans and the SUNO Foundation will sponsor its annual Worship for a Cause scholarship fundraiser at New Home Family Worship Center located at 1616 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Bishop Samuel Blakes, Alumnus of SUNO, will deliver the word. We invite all religious affiliations, alum members, friends of SUNO, political supporters, students, faculty and staff, and administration to come together to support the University's scholarship fund on a day of prayer.

BUNNY FRIEND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BOOK FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

CONGRATULATIONS: VAN NESS FELDMAN ADDS KEA SHERMAN IN NEW ORLEANS, EXPANDING LOUISIANA TEAM

Van Ness Feldman is pleased to announce today that Kea Sherman has joined the firm as Policy Counsel. Based in New Orleans, Ms. Sherman will focus on issues related to energy infrastructure, coastal resiliency, ports, waterways, and the transition to clean energy. This addition expands the firm's presence in Louisiana and bolsters our capability to support clients in the Gulf South, from Mobile to Houston, on issues including the transition of the energy economy. The addition of a New Orleans location follows the recent opening of offices in Baton Rouge and Houston by Van Ness Feldman, a long-standing leader in providing energy and environmental regulatory and lobbying services in Washington, DC.

OFFICE OF HOUSING POLICY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 2024 SUPER NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)

The City of New Orleans, through the Office of Housing Policy and Community Development (OCD), announces the availability of funds for community-based, not-for-profit, profit, and faith-based organizations that implement programs addressing housing and supportive needs for Orleans Parish residents. All organizations applying for 2024 funding are required to submit a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Application. The Registry must be submitted by organizations that have not previously done business with the city. It is the first step in ensuring the applicant meets minimum eligibility requirements for federal grant funds. Certification on the Registry does not guarantee funding of the program.

Registry and NOFA applications are available beginning on the City’s website.

Please click here for more information.

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.

ART IN THE PARK EVENT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

NOMTRCB AND GNOPCA 2023 RODENT AND WILDLIFE ACADEMY FROM SEPTEMBER 19 - 21

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

COMMUNITY YOUTH DAY AT SAM BONART PARK ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Councilmember Eugene Green, Adolph Bynum, Horace Bynum, Reynold Verret, and Ruston Henry at the African American Pharmacy Exhibit Opening.

Thousands of John F. Kennedy Senior High School graduates gathered for the school’s annual alumni reunion. Thank you for your positive contributions to our city and region to the thousands of Kennedy Cougars. John F. Kennedy Senior High School is located on Paris Avenue in District D. 

Congratulations to the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Treme, Rev. Dr. Calvin Mitchell, Sr., Pastor, as the Senior Saints Ministry celebrated its 20th Anniversary. 

The New Orleans City Council, at its Regular Meeting, recognized Natasha Robin, broadcast journalist with WVUE Fox 8 TV, for her twenty-eight-year career with the station. Robin, who is retiring, is an Emmy and Regional Murrow award-winning reporter. Natasha was born and raised in Chalmette. Her family owns Rocky & Carlo’s Restaurant and Bar.

Commendations to members of the New Orleans Police Department, Special Operations Division. ‘Another SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) ‘roll’ on Tuesday, lasting many hours. NOPD members responded to multiple 911 calls for service due to disturbances initiated by a subject at various nearby sites. Officers responding to a specific address were threatened by the subject at the site, who then retreated into the property. NOPD special operations personnel secured the safety of the surrounding community with strategic officer placements, engaged in negotiations with the subject, breached the front door when needed, and secured the peaceful surrender hours later of the subject. During the incident, officers escorted a nearby resident to her home for medicine. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, as was the SPCA, were present for the entire episode after learning that the subject had two dogs. An NOPD carpentry division staff member boarded up and secured the location at 11:00 pm, following the 10:15 pm execution by NOPD of a search warrant, which turned up a weapon. Thank you, NOPD, for the patience and execution, without injury, of the operation. The family of the mentally challenged individual, now in custody but also receiving needed medication, appreciates your work.

Councilman Green discussed the benefits of more single family home investment with Oji Alexander and David Schmit of People's Housing Plus (PH+), which is a New Orleans affordable housing developer.

Councilman Green meets Jeremy Geary, Principal, L. B. Landry High School, at the football game, Landry versus District D’s St. Augustine High School.

Distribution of hurricane supplies at Mount Zion Baptist Church. Councilman Greens joins Michael Carey, leader of the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association, and students from Dillard University who assisted with the distribution - Daiton Bourque, Jacob Bush, and Dontrel Wilright. Be sure to have both an evacuation and stay-in-place plan.

District D welcomed the new Foundation Academy in the Upper Ninth Ward. Councilman Green’s office secured City Council support in a land use matter that facilitated the opening of this new business.

Council District D includes many parks, five schools of higher education, eight high schools, stable neighborhoods, and daily sunsets over Lakeshore Drive.