District B Update
Councilmember Stacy Head
It has been a year since I took office. What a year! Most of my short term goals have been met and I continue to focus on a large-scale long term goals. These long term goals include crime reduction, blight elimination, economic development, land-use reform, and increased code enforcement. Recent accomplishments include:
- I increased HDLC’s jurisdiction to allow HDLC citation to result in the loss of liquor licenses. This will be especially helpful in the Canal Street and other downtown areas.
- I introduced legislation to provide the Downtown Development District with its own enforcement powers for code violations.
- I have held regular hearings to demand of the various city departments charged with enforcement that they do a better job.
- I have been lobbying for Broadway South legislation, which will provide incentives for the enhancement of our theater district.
- My office has been reaching out to District B businesses to assess needs and provide resources and information.
- I have been working to focus many resources including FBI, NOPD, and code enforcement on particular problem areas to deter crime.
I will be at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government from June 11 through the Fourth of July Holiday, returning for one day for the June 21 Council meeting. During that time, I will check my emails and messages. But if you need immediate assistance, please contact my office as follows:
Main number: 658-1020
Chief of Staff: Jason Abate jabate@cityofno.com
Constituent issues: Barbara Lacen-Keller blacenkeller@cityofno.com
Problem properties, ABOs, crime issues: Greg Malveaux gmalveaux@cityofno.com
Business assistance: Anne Redd aredd@cityofno.com
Legislative matters: Theresa Becher tbecher@cityofno.com
District B News
St. Charles Avenue Streetcar:
According to RTA, by late fall 2007, the streetcar will be operational from Lee Circle to Napoleon.
Debris Removal:
Homeowners should take their storm-related debris to one of the citizen drop off- sites for disposal. These locations are: 2829 Elysian Fields between 8 and 5:30pm or Crowder Blvd. at the I-10 Service Road between 6am and 5:30pm.
If you are unable to bring the debris yourself, call 311 to schedule an appointment to have the debris picked up. It should be removed within approximately 21 days.
Magazine Street Closure at Melpomene:
This is one of the most frustrating problems that I have dealt with in city government; it has now been one year since I began inquiring with the various departments about the closure. Both historic homes at the street closure have finally been stabilized and received positive engineering reports just last week.
The Department of Public Works and Safety & Permits have acted jointly and proactively to process all necessary permits and releases for the Sewerage & Water Board to resume street repairs. I have confirmed that the Sewerage & Water Board expects to have their contractor mobilized by June 15th and the estimated time for repairs is 60 days. They intend to open at least 1 lane of traffic prior to completion of the entire project.
Illegal Building:
If you notice that building construction is taking place that looks sub-standard or potentially outside of zoning laws, contact 658-7200 to report the problem and demand an investigation.
Illegal Dumping:
If you see anyone dumping illegally, please get as much information as you can, such as license plate numbers, and contact the Sanitation Department at 658-3800.
Street Lights:
Report any dark street lights to 1-800-Entergy. If repairs do not occur within a few days, let my office know.
Traffic Signals:
All but three are working as related to Katrina. The Department of Public Works is now creating a punch list for missing or incorrect signage, lamps out, fixtures turned or missing. Please assist by providing such information to 311.
Street Signs:
Street signs damaged or destroyed during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are now being replaced. The Department of Public Works is currently replacing signs in planning districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The contractor has 120 days to complete the work. The final planning districts, 1 and 8 (warehouse district and French Quarter) will begin in late summer.
Illegally parked cars:
To have an illegally parked car towed, call 658-8100 until 11pm.
Good Neighbor Plan:
I have been disappointed in the progress of this program. It appears that the rights of delinquent property owners are taking precedence over the rights of neighbors. I called a special meeting last week to address the failing of the program and to suggest changes in policy. I will continue to follow up with the Housing department as well as with NORA, the arm of government charged with seizing and disposing of non-compliant properties.
Retail Development:
The Victory development team continues to work with Mid-City residents to find a plan for a retail and residential complex that works for everyone.
I went to the International Shopping Center Convention to promote Canal Street and Claiborne Avenue as prime retail locations. Although we received some positive comments, we have no firm commitments from developers or retailers for those areas.
Pot Hole Repairs:
The city now has two “pot hole killers.” District B will be the focus of the second machine beginning next week.
You can report pot holes by calling 658-2299. Please have the address of the location or the intersection where the pot holes can be located.
Major Street Repairs:
In an effort to better utilize limited resources for street repairs, I have asked that the Department of Public Works repair (mill and overlay) several streets in flooded and non-flooded areas rather than rebuild a few streets.
Public Schools:
The official Parents Guide to Public Schools will be released this week. This guide will provide parents with information about the character and focus of schools as well as enrollment information.
Join a neighborhood association!
I have really enjoyed working with all the District B neighborhood associations and groups. Neighborhood associations provide not only a means to have your voices heard more easily by city government but also provide a way for me to communicate with areas effectively. If you need help locating a group to join – or if you want to start your own, please contact Theresa Becher tbecher@cityofno.com.
