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District "C" Report to
Citizens
Dear Friends,
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District "C"
Councilmember
Ramsey
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Summer is here
and in full swing! I encourage everyone to take advantage of the
wonderful events and opportunities in New Orleans, whether it is a
family get-together, a picnic in one of our beautiful parks or one of
the many exciting festivals taking place.
In the past
several months, District "C" has seen many improvements and
there is much more to come. I look forward to working with the
residents and business owners of District "C" along with
other City officials to continue to bring about change and
improvement in our district!
District
"C" Councilmember Nadine M. Ramsey
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Capital
Projects and Park Improvements
Throughout District
"C," there are many improvements being made.
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Councilmember Ramsey at the
Behrman Park cleanup in Algiers
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In Algiers,
plans are in place for the renovation of many of its parks and the
construction of the New
Orleans Fire Department Engine 33 & 40 and the New Orleans Police
Department Fourth District is underway. The project
is expected to be completed October 16, 2017 and cost $182,609. At Behrman Park,
the bald eagles' nest is very active. The City has installed
temporary fencing around the perimeter of the nest to keep the eagles
safe. As a result, the proposed soccer stadium cannot be constructed
at Behrman Park and will be relocated to Brechtel Park.
Construction plans for the proposed soccer stadium are still being
developed and reviewed to accommodate Brechtel Park and keep the
project within its current budget. Currently the estimated cost of
the stadium is $13 million, $3 million above the current budget.
Plans for Bodenger
Playground are being developed to include fence
repairs, backstop upgrades and a renovation of the park's concession
stand. The basketball standards and playground field will also be
re-graded. These improvements will cost $471,000 and are expected to
be completed in April 2016.
Major improvements are in place for Norman Playground. A
multi-purpose facility that consolidates a community room, restrooms,
concessions area, sports equipment storage, park equipment storage
and office space will be constructed. Additions to the playground
include a volleyball and tennis court. There will also be a new,
lighted walking path at the perimeter of the multipurpose
field.
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The Treme Community Center
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In Treme,
the Municipal
Auditorium is being abated of asbestos, and
remediated of lead based paint and mold. The cost of this project is
$3,362,877 and is expected to be completed in July 2015. The Treme Community Center
is now open and running. The cost of this project was $5,967,548.
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Architect renderings of the
Stallings
St. Claude Community Center in
Bywater
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The Bywater
will soon see the replacement of New Orleans Fire Department Engines 24 &
8 with a new centrally located station. This project
is currently in the pre-design phase and designs for the new station
are expected to be completed in Summer 2015. The Stallings St. Claude
Community Center, which will include a new basketball
court and multi-purpose rooms for dance, music and other activities
is expected to be completed this summer. There are also major
renovations being made to the pool and its restrooms, locker rooms,
and showers. The estimated cost for this project is $8,011,053.
In the French
Quarter, plans are underway to repair and renovate Jackson Square's
park components such as, benches, fence, plumbing, irrigation, and
electrical wiring for the Tri-Centennial Celebration in 2018. The
project will cost an estimated $1,775,613 and is expect to be
completed in August 2016.
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Economic
Development in District "C"
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Councilmember Ramsey speaking
at the
French Quarter Festival
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The economic engine that is District "C" is
moving faster than ever. Recently, I attended the International
Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC), to meet with retail developers
and vendors from across the country to promote business in District
"C". We looked at opportunities for development in Algiers,
blighted sites along General DeGaulle and the area surrounding
Brechtel Park. All in all, the trip was a success! I'd like to thank
the administration, the Downtown Development District and the
Business Alliance for assisting my staff and me in finding vendors
that would be the most beneficial to District "C".
Meanwhile, festival season in New Orleans is in full
swing. The French Quarter Festival was a huge success and attracted
larger crowds than ever. Other festivals including the Oyster
Festival, Festigals and the Creole Tomato Festival were also
successful.
In April, the St. Roch Market opened to rave reviews.
The beautifully restored historic market is now selling more than
seafood. It also features local fair such as produce, sundries and
prepared foods from an eclectic collection of local chefs and
farmers.
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Councilmember Ramsey speaking at
the
Laffite Senior Housing
groundbreaking
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Youth Empowerment and
Education
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The Playground at Alice M.
Harte Charter School gets a makeover
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I believe we can affect positive change in the community
by educating and empowering our youth. I would like to see all of our
young people develop the skills necessary to become productive
citizens. This task has many different facets including education,
work force development, and conflict resolution.
As
part of my continuing effort to empower and promote our youth, I have
teamed up with District C businesses and many of the restaurants and
hotels in District "C" to assist with job placement. One of
the organizations benefiting from this partnership is
Liberty's Kitchen, a non-profit organization that helps
young people access futures that are healthy and sustainable,
enabling them to achieve personal and economic independence in
adulthood.
I am hosting the 2nd Youth Empowerment Seminar followed
by a job fair on Friday, October 2nd 2015 at Landry-Walker high
school. We are expecting more than 1000 Algiers area high school
students to attend. Guest speakers will address the students on the
importance of education, crime prevention, respect for their
community, and other social and economic issues our children are
faced with. A job fair will follow. We have received commitments from
Dr. Silas Lee, our Independent Police Monitor, Ms. Susan Hutson, and
the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement. The purpose of
this event is to reinforce a good work ethic and sense of pride in
our youth. Many businesses are participating in the job fair, helping
us to reach our goal of placing young people in the workforce. I also
hosted a Know Your Rights event at the Treme Center that was a huge
success and plan to do more.
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Legislative Accomplishments
In the last few months there have been significant
legislative changes that will benefit District "C".
I spearheaded the introduction and passage of multiple
legislative instruments to create the French Quarter Economic
Development District (FQEDD). On October 24th, voters in the
French Quarter will be asked to cast their ballots in favor of an
additional of 0.249% incremental sales tax increase within the
boundaries of the FQEDD. These revenues will be used to fund economic
development projects and a long-term contingent of Louisiana State
Police troopers to patrol the French Quarter. It is estimated that a
quarter cent sales tax within the district boundaries would generate
approximately $2 million annually. The Council, the Mayor and a broad
coalition of residents and business owners support the FQEDD, and I
encourage all voters to support this measure to enhance public safety
and security in the French Quarter.
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Councilmember Ramsey and
Legislative Director Aylin MaKlansky at a NOCCA Luncheon
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Of all the legislative matters that have come before the
City Council in the past several months, none has been bigger than
the adoption of the new Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
(CZO). Development of a CZO consistent with the Master Plan
started after Hurricane Katrina. The Council proposed over 65
amendments to the CZO, 17 of which I sponsored. I would like to
thank everyone who provided input and helped to shape the new CZO.
The City Council held numerous public meetings as a whole and I met
personally with individuals, neighborhood associations and other
various groups of concerned citizens. My office received hundreds of
phone calls, emails and letters concerning everything from height
requirements along the riverfront to zoning changes for various
parcels of land. It was wonderful to see real public engagement!
Without public participation, we would not have been able to create a
fair plan that reflects citizens' interests.
Recently, I introduced an ordinance to prohibit vehicles
over thirty-six feet from entering the French Quarter without a
special permit. The proposed ordinance will help to protect public
and private property from damage caused by large vehicles that are
unable to turn on our historic streets. I have also introduced an
ordinance to provide for better noise abatement techniques in the
French Quarter.
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Councilmember Ramsey and
Council President
Williams issuing a
proclamation to Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Representatives
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Additionally, the Council has passed legislation to
bring ride-sharing technology to New Orleans and reform taxi and
limousine regulations and I did not agree with all of the changes,
but I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Council and the
Administration to implement further reforms that will ensure a level
playing field for the for-hire transportation industry.
There is still much work to be done. I have pending
amendments to the new Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and many
additional requests for changes. I will continue addressing the
zoning and land use needs of my constituents as necessary to
accommodate the changing needs of the community. There are many other
important issues such as unpaid judgments, environmental
contamination, education, youth empowerment and job training that I
hope to address while in office. I ask for your continued input and
support to make this all happen.
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Make a Plan for the 2015
Hurricane Season
June marked the beginning of the 2015 Hurricane Season.
Although we have the best storm damage reduction system that New
Orleans has ever seen, it is imperative to have a plan in place to
ensure the safety of you and your family. Make sure each family
member knows what to do, who to call, and where to go during an
emergency. Please see the planning tips below provided by NOLA
Ready.
- Designate
an out-of-town contact to call if affected by an emergency
- Choose
a pre-determined place to reunite
- Stock
up on supplies
- Practice
alternate routes in case of road closures
- Make
an evacuation plan
- Coordinate
your emergency plan
For more information and tips on Hurricane Preparedness,
click here.
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Councilmember
Ramsey in the Community
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Councilmember Ramsey speaks to
a constituent at an Algiers
community meeting
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St. Roch Market on St. Claude
Avenue in District "C"
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Councilmember Ramsey addresses
residents
of District "C"
at an Algiers Community
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NOLA City Council
The NOLA City
Council is the legislative branch of New Orleans City government. The
Council considers and enacts all local laws that govern the City of
New Orleans. The Council also approves the operating and capital
budgets for the City, as recommended by the mayor, and continually
monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations.
The City Council is also the regulatory body for public utilities. It
reviews and has final say on many land use and zoning matters, as
well as considers major economic development projects for the City.
As a Board of Review for Orleans Parish, the Council examines appeals
of property tax assessments for real estate taxes, and certifies tax
rolls to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Other responsibilities of the
Council include overseeing the operation of the public access
television in Orleans Parish. Streaming video and video archives
of the City Council's Regular and Committee meetings can be found on
the City Council website.
The City Council is comprised of five districts and
two councilmembers-at-large. Council President and
Councilmember-at-Large Jason R. Williams; Council Vice President
and Councilmember-at-Large Stacy Head; District "A"
Councilmember Susan G. Guidry; District "B" Councilmember
LaToya Cantrell; District "C" Councilmember Nadine M.
Ramsey; District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett; and
District "E" Councilmember James Austin Gray II.
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