Recovery is slow-going, as is changing the culture of government. But when I get frustrated, I focus on tangible and reachable goals and remember that one eats an elephant one bite at a time! That said, I am pleased with recent progress we have made, including debris removal, abandoned car removal, park clean-ups and repairs, contacts to property and business owners directly with requests that nuisance and/or blight be resolved, and advocating for sewerage and water repairs.
We had our first district-wide town hall meeting on August 23, 2006. In addition, either I or someone from my staff has attended many neighborhood and NONPAC meetings. I will place notices for all open meetings in the newspaper and send e-mails.
I hope that this newsletter is helpful. And as always, if you need assistance, call my office 658-1020.
Helpful Information
Small Business Assistance:
My office is partnering with universities and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development to reach out to small businesses in District B to offer assistance. We will go to each District B business to see how we can help.
For immediate small business resources, see: http://www.nolabusinessresourceguide.org/
Road Home Program:
Even if you aren’t sure if you are eligible for Road Home money, I suggest that you sign up for the program at: http://www.road2la.org/ or by calling 1-888-ROAD 2 LA (1-888-762-3252).
Energy Efficiency:
We are all painfully aware of the rise in energy costs. Energy saving tips, including information on tax savings and no-interest loans for renovations and rebuilds can be found at:
http://www.entergy.com/ensight/
http://www.energystar.gov/taxcredits
http://www.dnr.state.la.us/SEC/EXECDIV/TECHASMT/programs/residential/help/
http://www.louisianahouse.org/ .
Planning:
The City Council signed a memorandum of understanding that formalizes our agreement with GNOF to have the Unified Plan process begun. This planning is important to provide a way to secure federal and LRA funds. In addition, the resulting plan will be used for a Master Plan for the city that will make zoning applications more logical and consistent.
Unified New Orleans Plan
http://www.unifiedneworleansplan.org
Low Interest Loans:
The Finance Authority’s “Welcome Back Home Loan Program” will make home mortgage loans to all income groups at a base annual percentage rate of 5.625% a.p.r. (30 year fixed rate) for both home purchase and renovation. This mortgage loan program is not limited to first time homebuyers or low-income families. In addition to the low interest base rate of 5.625%, first time homebuyers may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance up to 4% of the loan amount with a 5.875% mortgage interest rate.
For more information visit: http://www.financeauthority.org/
Good Neighbor:
Problem houses and businesses need to be reported to the city. These include rat harborages, blighted properties, properties with trash and debris, and properties with high grass. District B is the focus for the next few weeks. According to the Director of Housing, the lists compiled from the website will be used to direct the “task force,” which will be charged with citing property owners for various code violations. This is the first step to enforcement.
To place a property on the list as a nuisance or non-remediated property, go to: http://www.cityofno.com/.
Other District B News
Saulet Apartments:
Per the attorney for Saulet’s owner, Multifamily New Orleans, LP, it has filed a motion to dismiss the bankruptcy because it has reached a settlement in its litigation against various parties. The hope is to begin repairs and renovations as quickly as possible. The plan is for the Saulet to continue as a market-rate building with good amenities.
Magazine Street Closure near Thalia:
An engineering report is being prepared to determine whether the buildings surrounding the closure are in danger of collapse. Depending on this report, one lane of traffic may be able to be opened. Expected time-line for a partial resolution (at least one lane opened) is 3 weeks.
Crime:
My office is partnering with business groups and law students to find quick and attainable solutions to the problems at all levels of the criminal justice system. For example, a common complaint by the D.A.’s office is that the police do not properly complete reports. Therefore, I have requested that the D.A. send a prosecutor to the various police districts to teach a refresher course on proper report writing. I plan to ask for reports from the various levels periodically.
In addition, I am working to reinstitute the surveillance camera program. I have not determined what the delay is, but I am working on it.
How You Can Help
Drive around and identify abandoned cars. E-mail gmalveaux@cityofno.com with license plane, description, and location.
Place poorly maintained (high grass, trash, etc.) properties on the city’s Good Neighbor website.
Get involved with your neighborhood association. A neighborhood association can be a great tool in lobbying for change, crime prevention, planning, and fighting blight and nuisance. If you need help locating your association, go to: http://www.city-works.org/ or e-mail cparker@cityofno.com.
Lobby elected officials for reforms including filling the inspector general position and improved enforcement of codes and zoning laws.
Get involved with the school system. This can be from working on the facilities, to fundraising, to tutoring.
