Dear friends,

Thank you to the many members of the public who attended the Mayor's Neighborhood Engagement Office Summit last Saturday. The City Department leaders and representatives were present and available, providing access to information and resources.

It has been quite a month of successful activity in District D - the well-attended Night Out Against Crime at the Milne Recreation Center, the BugFest at the Mosquito and Rodent Control Board campus on Leon C. Simon Boulevard, the super successful Gentilly Fest, held in historic Pontchartrain Park, and the fast-growing Fried Chicken Festival on Lakeshore Drive.

The Office of Resilience and Sustainability conducted a well-attended update at McDonogh 35 High School on work to come at Willie Hall playground with an update on the delayed - but coming relatively soon - Gentilly Development District project. St. Augustine High School installed a historical marker at its campus, where it was founded in 1951. The Department of Public Works with Neighborhood Engagement sponsored a well-attended meeting at Brother Martin High School, at which an update was given on area street work now underway.

Dillard University hosted its second annual very informative Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon, and the University of New Orleans hosted the U.N.C.F Walkathon on its campus. There's still more to come.

Happy 66th Anniversary to Bethany United Methodist Church, and happy 67th Anniversary to Southern University at New Orleans, located in Pontchartrain Park. Happy 30th Anniversary to Bishop Darryl S. Brister of Beacon Light International Cathedral located at Mirabeau and St. Anthony Avenues, and happy 10th Anniversary to Rev. Jonathan Everett of Rock of Ages Baptist Church of North Tonti Street in the Seventh Ward, whose membership has grown at such a pace that the congregation now worships in the McDonogh 35 auditorium.

More next week. We haven't even touched on the Halloween activities and other activities taking place this coming weekend. Auto Zone opened on Thursday a new 44,000-square-foot regional distribution center. SUNO is hosting the graduating exercises of the New Orleans Police Department Academy class and a number of activities in support of its Homecoming Week, including Saturday's return after 20 years of the neighborhood Homecoming Parade (starting tomorrow at 9 a.m. at SUNO). There's Dr. Chanel Payne's Truck or Treat at McDonogh 35 and other child-friendly activities.

How can it get any better? Well, in November, a couple of long-running specific block street repair projects will be completed, Dillard University will have its Homecoming activities, the 50th annual Bayou Classic will be in town, with activities involving SUNO, The Beach Business Park will introduce students to its campus and to the wind industry, and there will be other activity.

The theme? There is great activity taking place in Council District D. Follow this newsletter for updates, and know that the District's high schools, its universities, its government sector, and its private citizens are playing a role in providing opportunities to share resources and information, and are building an enhanced quality of life here. Thank you for your work, your investment, and for the recreation opportunities. More next week. The month is not over.

Have a good weekend. Happy Halloween. Go Green Wave. Get it together, Saints, please ... and Go 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.

The fire in New Orleans East cannot be immediately extinguished; it requires heavy rainfall, which is not anticipated in the current weather forecast. A collaborative effort is underway, with support from various agencies: the Sewerage and Water Board has deployed pumps, the New Orleans Fire Department has provided hoses and trucks, and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has brought in bulldozers and is creating fire lines, with personnel actively involved.

Significant quantities of water, tens of thousands of gallons, are being pumped onto hot spots from nearby canals, leading to some progress. However, the fire has impacted over 100 acres, and a substantial portion of it is subterranean. Masks are available for those in need.

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.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D



It is highly encouraging to witness the ongoing construction activity in the St. Roch Bend community. The City is actively backing these investments through a combination of demolitions and lot remediation. Moreover, illegal dumping beneath the nearby Interstate 610 has significantly reduced. As part of the long-term St. Roch Bend community enhancement plan, we are also planning future street repairs and bolstering Code Enforcement for the betterment of the neighborhood.

BLIGHT REDUCTION IN DISTRICT D

It is our firm belief that our neighbors should not have to endure the effects of severe blight. The process of eliminating property blight can be intricate, but we greatly value the patience and dedication of the Office of the City Attorney and the Office of Code Enforcement. Their hard work is instrumental in reducing blight, not only in Gentilly Heights East but also throughout the communities in our city.

STREET RECONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

Amidst ongoing street reconstruction projects, a dedicated team under the leadership of Interim Director of Public Works Joseph Threat convenes on-site to orchestrate the collaboration between private contractors and various agencies working together to advance the project. These agencies include the Sewerage and Water Board, the Department of Public Works, the Office of Supplier Diversity, Roadworks NOLA, and others.

The scope of these projects, exemplified by those at Prentiss and Franklin Avenues, encompasses replacing decades-old, worn underground cast iron pipes with more durable and environmentally friendly materials and several other important enhancements.

Then, numerous projects are being finalized, enhancing community safety by reducing the risk of flooding and decreasing the need for certain street repairs.

SUNO CELEBRATES HOMECOMING WEEK

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

BISHOP DARRYL S. BRISTER 30 YEARS PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

BETHANY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 66TH ANNIVERSARY ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

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

NORD HALLOWEEN 2023 EVENTS

NEW ORLEANS SLOW INTERNET CHALLENGE

The New Orleans Slow Internet Challenge is an opportunity to report slow internet service by challenging the government’s Federal Communications Commission map of internet services nationwide.  

If enough people participate, federal money will be used to improve the internet in your home and our city.

The deadline to report is November 1, 2023!

Please click here for more information.

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.

PLEASANT VALLY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH TRUNK OR TREAT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

FIRST OFFENSE SIMPLE POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA EXPUNGEMENT CLINIC ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

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.

HOLLYGROVE - DIXON NEIGHBORHOOD ANNUAL HARVEST FEST ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31

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.

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

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR TICKETS

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/.

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!

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

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

SUNO is amid a vibrant Homecoming Week, featuring a packed schedule of activities, including the highly anticipated return of the Homecoming Parade after a two-decade absence, The Bash, and many other exciting events. Councilman Green was privileged to serve as the Guest Speaker at the Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Inauguration ceremony for Student Government Association (SGA) President Dana M. Bailey. Vice President Oscar V. Poydras III was also installed alongside the 2023 SUNO Homecoming Court members during this ceremony.

The Urban League of Louisiana has inaugurated its new Technology Hub located at 4640 Canal Street. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Urban League and AT&T for their support in making this initiative a reality. The kickoff celebration included distinguished guests such as former New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial, who now serves as the President of the National Urban League, City Council-At-Large Member J. P. Morrell, City Councilmember Joe Giarrusso from District A, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, and various other attendees.

Happy Halloween from a couple of Gentilly Terrace / District D homeowners.

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.