Dear friends,

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

Congratulations to District D high schools George Washington Senior High School and John F. Kennedy High School for being among the top ten most improved high schools in the State of Louisiana, according to the Louisiana Department of Education. More on this next week. Great news! 

By a favorable vote of the City Council on the Ordinance that I introduced, George Washington Carver Senior High School is now located on a new street at "3059 Carver Rams Way." Thank you to the students, alumni, and administrators of this historic institution, founded in 1958, for your decades of contributions to enhancing the quality of life for so many people.

Thank you to the scores of residents who attended Thursday's public meetings at which more was learned and questions were posed regarding the Ninth Ward Stadium, the Lake Vista Group D RoadworkNOLA street repair projects, and the DeSaix bridge replacement projects. Thank you to the facilitators, including the Stadium development team, the Neighborhood Engagement Office team, Public Works/RoadworkNOLA, the Sewerage and Water Board, and private contractors for facilitating good information sharing. 

Another commendable demolition of a long-blighted structure, particularly affecting low to moderate-income communities. See below for details. Special commendations to the Office of Code Enforcement and Safety and Permits for their outstanding work in Council District D and throughout the city. Their efforts in removing blighted properties not only provide relief to neighbors but also contribute to making the neighborhoods more stable and attractive for investment.

Demolition can be a challenging task in a state that understandably offers many special protections to private property owners. Nevertheless, it is a positive endeavor, both for the reassurance that children and neighbors are safer and for the occasional sight of new construction taking place on or near recently cleared parcels.

A friendly reminder: The City Council, with unanimous support and the Mayor's concurrence, has maintained the automatic rollback of millage rates, preventing any rolling forward. Regardless of your property assessment, there will be no tax increase resulting from City Council-controlled millage activity. While this offers relief to taxpayers, it's important to note that this decision limits relatively large increases in revenues available to the City. Just for a reminder, click here.

It is encouraging to witness the completion of street repair projects in Council District D. Numerous blocks are reaping the benefits of improved and new sewer and drainage infrastructure, leading to a diminished risk of flooding and smoother road surfaces. The effectiveness of the reduced flooding risk is further reinforced by clear storm drains that allow water to flow unobstructed into them.

There are 75,000 storm drains (catch basins) in the City. There is no way that vacuum trucks will get to that many drains, even over multiple years. During the fall season, leaves and pine needles may accumulate on the top of the drain cover. Feel free to help both your community and even your own home by watching for and maybe clearing debris from a storm drain entrance near you. Also, tell the person who cuts lawns to bag the grass and wood trimmings and place the bags out front for regular pickup. 

Click here for everything you need to know about New Orleans catch basins. 

Welcome to New Orleans, the nations of the Southern University Jaguars and the Grambling University Tigers, for the 50th annual Bayou Classic next week! We express gratitude to these two educational institutions for their business and support in our city during this annual event. It's a source of pride for us to host a collection of great events and to share the spirit generated by this special extravaganza. For event information, click here.



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.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

NEWS FROM THE NOVEMBER 16 COUNCIL MEETING

Councilmember Green sponsored or co-sponsored the following legislation that was passed at yesterday's Regular City Council meeting:

Ord. Cal. No. 34,469 to authorize an agreement with Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation for the public purpose of establishing the Claiborne Corridor Cultural Innovation District. The project will include a 19-block transformation of the elevated I-10 expressway along Claiborne Avenue from Canal Street to St. Bernard Avenue in New Orleans. The project will generate life-sustaining social and economic activity in the area, as well as world-class produce and seafood markets, community arts and crafts centers, classrooms, performance and exhibition spaces, and interactive technology displays.

Ord. Cal. No. 34,463, which authorizes an agreement with the US Department of Transportation for a federal funding award from the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding will develop a Comprehensive Safety Plan to address traffic safety on the streets of New Orleans, focusing on fatalities and severe injuries. The Plan will also support other efforts by the City to secure safety funding from the State and other federal programs. 

Ord. Cal. No. 34,475, which waived certain fees around Lemann Park on the Lafitte Greenway in conjunction with the Big Easy Bicycle Fest. 

Councilmember Green recognized and presented proclamations to Reuben J. Detiege, II, the founder of Small Business NOLA, and Felton Jones, Jr., the Roastmaster and Buyer for PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, for their contributions to economic development and support of the business climate in New Orleans.  

Please click here to read more.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

It is worth emphasizing that more homes are under construction in City Council District D alone than in certain nearby parishes. Many individuals believe that the future promises increased public safety and strengthened infrastructure. The investment made by these families is genuinely appreciated.

BLIGHT REDUCTION IN DISTRICT D: 2341 PIETY

Thank you to Winston Reid for supporting residents living near blighted lots and properties. There is substantial progress in developing new houses on blocks that were, until recently, considered unfavorable for development. The recent Piety Street demolition and others we've shared information about send a positive message: Code Enforcement and other stakeholders are committed to neighborhood enhancement. This is promising news for the future.

Before

After

STREET RECONSTRUCTION IN DISTRICT D

Significant work is underway, with jobs being completed. While there is still much to do, the comprehensive efforts translate to fewer near-term repairs and a reduced likelihood of flooding.

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.

PART OF CLAIBORNE AVENUE IS GETTING A MAKEOVER WITH NEW BACKATOWN PLAZA MARKET, EVENT SPACE

The area under the Claiborne Avenue overpass belongs to that community's residents and the City of New Orleans. Residents and owners of businesses deserve that the area will be safer, cleaner, and more accessible to children and adults. It is a historic area, and it is good to see some positive movement on its return to positive community use. 

Click here for more information.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER HIGH SCHOOL THANKSGIVING DRIVE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

ABUNDANT LIFE TABERNACLE COMMUNITY TURKEY GIVEAWAY ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

BAYOU CLASSIC EVENT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

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 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.

DON MARSHALL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL FOUNDATION, TO RETIRE AFTER 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

Don Marshall, Executive Director of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation during a critical span of 20 years beginning in 2004, announced his plan to retire. He will remain in his position with the Foundation while a national search is conducted for his successor and will guide his successor through Jazz Fest, 2024 (April 25 – May 5) to ensure the professional continuity that he and his staff have become known for.

63 YEARS LATER: SCHOOLS PAY HOMAGE TO THE NEW ORLEANS FOUR WHO HELPED DESEGREGATE NOLA SCHOOLS

Nov. 14 is a historic day for New Orleans — 63 years ago, four Black 6-year-old girls, Ruby Bridges, Leona Tate, Tessie Prevost, and Gail Etienne, walked the stairs of all-white schools as angry mobs stood outside in opposition.

As Bridges went to Frantz Elementary, the other three girls, Tate, Etienne, and Prevost, went to McDonogh 19 along St. Claude Avenue. It's a day they said they would never forget.



Click here to view the full story.

RTA TO OFFER FREE RIDES ON ELECTION DAY, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will offer complimentary bus, streetcar, and ferry service on Louisiana’s run-off election day, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, to provide easier access to polling locations. There is no requirement to prove registration; riders can download the Le Pass app to plan their trip to the polls.

In 2020, the RTA Board of Commissioners approved a resolution adopted by the New Orleans City Council to eliminate fares on official election days, underscoring the agency’s priority to create an equitable transit system.

Riders can find their voting location by visiting geauxvote.com. Please also note:

• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is Nov. 17 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters)
• On election day, the polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

HOLIDAY HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

CONGRESSMAN TROY A. CARTER'S 31ST ANNUAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY THANKSGIVING DINNER DRIVE THRU ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

FREE FLU SHOTS ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

ENTERGY ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP TO ADDRESS THE RACIAL WEALTH GAP, EMPOWER HBCU STUDENTS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

Entergy launched a new initiative – The Power of Prosperity – a partnership with Single Stop and Stackwell to support Historically Black College and University, or HBCU, students to ensure their success and position them to build generational wealth. The Power of Prosperity initiative will be free to 1,500 freshmen and first-year transfer students at Dillard University, Southern University at New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana through a $700,000 donation provided by Entergy shareholders to the university partners. The program is being launched as a one-year pilot for HBCUs in Orleans parish, with plans to expand to other HBCUs in Entergy’s service territory in the future.

NOPD RECEIVES LHSC GRANT TO FUND 2024 TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS

The NOPD has received a yearlong grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) that will help to fund high visibility traffic safety enforcement activities in 2024.

The grant, which totals approximately $203,000, is one of multiple grants LHSC offers local law enforcement agencies to aid in reducing fatal and injury vehicle crashes on Louisiana roadways.

This funding will assist NOPD with traffic enforcement programs such as DWI checkpoints, speeding enforcement, seat belt enforcement, bicycle enforcement, and underage drinking enforcement.

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.

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

49^TH ANNUAL OPSO THANKSGIVING MEAL AND CONCERT

ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOVEMBER 23

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SIGN UP

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

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

TOOLBANK DISASTER SERVICES INFORMATION SHEET

Here is the nola.com story about the musical and cultural institution, The St. Augustine High School Purple Knights Marching Band, situated in Council District D. City Councilman Eugene Green proudly served in the Marching 100 and Concert Bands from 1972 to 1976.

Councilman Eugene Green, entrepreneur Winston Burns, St. Augustine High School President Aulston Taylor, and former New Orleans Mayor and President of the National Urban League Marc Morial attended the debut of the Gumbo Coalition film at the New Orleans Film Festival. Congratulations on the successful premiere of this insightful film.

Mrs. Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson joined Councilman Green at the World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention. Mrs. Clarkson, who has an impressive record of service, including time in the Louisiana House of Representatives and multiple tenures totaling twenty years on the New Orleans City Council, currently holds the esteemed position of Honorary Consul for the nation of Lithuania.

Rick Alvendia, one of the founders of the Krewe of the Legion of Mars, leads a group of combat veterans dedicated to honoring past and present military and first responders. The Carnival Season officially begins with Twelfth Night on January 6, 2024, and the Mars rides are scheduled for February 3. A special thank you to the Legion of Mars for supporting veterans in need during the Veterans Day weekend.

The New Orleans City Council recognized Juvenile ( Mr. Terius Gray ) for advocating for New Orleans. Juvenile ("Juvie"), entrepreneur, has been instrumental in helping to shape the New Orleans hip-hop scene and is known worldwide for his musical exploits.

Members of the Office of Neighborhood conduct numerous meetings to offer preparation and ongoing information assistance to residents involved in neighborhood construction projects. During one such session, staff and contractors provide updates on the upcoming commencement of the Filmore South comprehensive road repair project.

Councilman Green warmly welcomed hundreds of delegates attending the 52nd Annual Convention of the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs in New Orleans. We express gratitude for choosing our city as the host for your convention.

The New Orleans City Council recently heard a presentation from The New Orleans Ballet Association regarding its program offerings. All of the training programs and classes of the Association are offered free of charge, courtesy of private donors and the City. Something additional that is good in New Orleans. (There is a small fee for the performances.) 'Maybe I'll see you at one of the holiday concerts. Classes and performances are offered at a nearby New Orleans Recreation Department facility.

Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Keonte Myers for the investment in her second location of Malibu Kini boutique, now situated in Metairie. I'm looking forward to seeing District D on the map one day.

A big thank you to Dillard University's Office of Community Relations for hosting a successful second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon.

Check out the recap video of this year’s Senior Citizens' Engagement Turkey Giveaway.

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