Message from District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer - June 2019

Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer District C 2018 Annual Report  June 2019 Report  ‌  ‌  ‌ MESSAGE FROM COUNCILMEMBER PALMER   May marked a year in office and a major milestone for improving the City’s Short Term Rental program. During a special council meeting, we approved two zoning dockets to update the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance with changes to the City's STR program. One zoning docket (ZD 26/19) establishes two categories of STR permits: Residential and Commercial. A separate Zoning Docket(ZD 27/19) bans STRs in the French Quarter (except for VCE) and Garden District. My staff has been working to strengthen STR regulations since day one of taking office in May 2018. It’s been a long year and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished. However, this is the next step in an ongoing process that could take a few more months. The Council still has to pass an ordinance finalizing the zoning changes and  a second ordinance updating the City’s laws on permitting and enforcement. The Council also approved proposed plans to allow the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) to build a new developme in Bywater. We supported modified approval of Zoning Docket 31/19 for the proposed HANO mixed-income housing complex at 4100 Royal Street. The new zoning caps the number of units to 143 instead of the developer’s 184 unit proposal. Most importantly, we required a planned development for this site which provides additional oversight before construction. We are in the process of creating a working group made up of stakeholders and community members to ensure a building that is designed for residents and the neighborhood. This month, I’m hosting a community meeting to explain next steps for this project and hope to see you there. Finally, we are in the early stages of reviewing how new businesses and residents can coexist within in historic neighborhoods. I’ve requested the City Planning Commission (CPC) to study outdoors operations of new businesses near residential areas, including outdoor dining and live entertainment. The CPC will hold a public hearing on this issue August 13th and I’m planning a town hall in July to get input from residents and business owners. I’ll keep you updated on the process along the way and I will not make any decisions without hearing your feedback. Kristin Gisleson Palmer DISTRICT C ANNUAL REPORT Councilmember Palmer released an annual report in May, highlighting landmark legislation, major accomplishments, and community involvement from her office. In case you missed it, click here to read the report in full. ALGIERS PARK SURVEY Councilmember Palmer hosted a park forum at Alice Harte Charter School in Algiers last month. During the forum, she gave a presentation with updates on improvement projects at several parks in Algiers, and current and potential projects provided by the Administration, which you can view, here. A ribbon cutting will take place at Bodenger Playground Friday, June 14th at 2PM to celebrate $640,000 dollars in renovations and upgrades. Improvements at Behrman and Brechtel Parks are also in the works. Additional funds will be available in 2020 to renovate existing park facilities, replace playground equipment and build new amenities for Algiers parks. Over the next few weeks, Councilmember Palmer is requesting Algiers residents to participate in a short, online survey so she can advocate for parks you say need the most attention. Click here to take the survey. MUSICIANS' PARKING PASS APPROVED Two ordinances approved by the Council allow musicians to utilize loading zones and street parking temporarily before and after scheduled performances. Councilmember Palmer authored the policy changes as a small benefit to musicians who are not always well compensated. Ordinance 32,562 amends the City Code to permit vehicles loading or unloading musical equipment to utilize loading zones for up to fifteen minutes. Ordinance 32,669 allows those vehicles to park for free in metered spaces for up to fifteen minutes. However, the vehicles must display a musician’s pass while parked in the designated areas. The free parking pass would be issued through the Department of Safety and Permits to the business authorized to have live music on-site. FREE PUBLIC TRANSIT FOR YOUTH RESOLUTION The Council adopted a resolution by Councilmember Palmer supporting the creation of a municipal youth card which would provide public transportation for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18. The number of New Orleans households without a car is twice that of the national average, and many students do not have access to adequate transportation without being financially burdened. Resolution R-19-57 supports the creation of a municipal card to remedy this issue, and provide teenaged residents with free and equitable access to job hubs, schools, recreational opportunities, public libraries, and community centers. Alongside the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), the Administration is currently researching the municipal youth card and its potential implementation. Councilmember Palmer hopes that the adoption of this resolution will support their efforts in making this initiative a reality for New Orleans’ youth. COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND PARKWAYS & NOLA TREE PROJECT The Department of Parks and Parkways in partnership with the NOLA Tree Project planted 43 new trees near Federal City in Algiers. The trees were planted earlier this year along Opelousas and Hendee Streets. Parks and Parkways invested about $3,000 dollars in the project and spent a lot less thanks to volunteers and supplies from the NOLA Tree Project. Volunteers planted natchez crape myrtles, nuttall oak and live oak trees. These trees will beautify the area and provide storm water management, negate subsidence, and improve the community’s health. This project shows a true partnership between a City agency and a non-profit organization. NOLA Tree Project celebrated its 50,000 tree milestone in April and the organization has planted and given away thousands of trees in District C since 2007. We appreciate the work of the Department of Parks and Parkways and NOLA Tree Project for their continued mission to beautify our City. If you would like to help NOLA Tree Project, check out theirwebsite on how to get involved. DISTRICT C ROADWORK UPDATES Don’t forget to stay up to date on road improvement projects happening in your neighborhood. You can find the latest information from Roadwork NOLA in District C here. Coffee with Kristin Friday, June 21st 8:30AM - 10:30AM Coast Roast Coffee St. Roch Market 2381 St. Claude Ave. Community Meeting to Discuss HANO Bywater Development Monday, June 17th 6:30PM - 7:30PM Holy Angels Upstairs Concert Hall 3500 St. Claude Ave.  ‌  ‌  ‌ New Orleans City Council District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer