New Orleans, LA - March 1, 2012 - Today, the New Orleans City Council passed resolutions supporting an Entergy New Orleans customer service center in New Orleans East and commending the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) on its 2012 Mardi Gras season coordination. The Council also passed a motion establishing a Design Standards Interim Zoning District for multi-family residences in Central City.
Additionally, the City Council received a presentation from the Men's College Basketball Final Four Tournament Local Organizing Committee.
The Council also recognized representatives of Young Audiences of Louisiana and officials of the national company Restaurant Depot.
Established Multi-Family Minimum Design Standards Interim Zoning District
The Council approved Zoning Docket No. 2/12, authored by Councilmember Head, that establishes the Central City Multi-Family Minimum Design Standards Interim Zoning District. The zoning district prohibits the issuance of permits for multi-family uses prior to design review and approval of the City Planning Commission Staff, with the advice of the Historic District Landmarks Commission and subject to appeal to the City Council, for compliance with the design review standards. The legislation works to ensure that new construction, and rehabilitations of existing family housing structures, will be high-quality and compatible with Central City's unique character. An ordinance to formally adopt the zoning change will be adopted in April 2012.
District "B" Councilmember Head said, "These design standards will ensure that only quality construction that enhances the built environment occur in Central City. We are seeing lots of positive growth in this area and we want it to continue. Central City is a great choice home-ownership and business development. It is conveniently located near downtown and major transportation corridors."
Commended NOPD On Mardi Gras Season Policing Efforts
The Council passed Resolution R-12-77, co-authored by Councilmembers Guidry, Head, Palmer, Clarkson, Granderson, Hedge-Morrell and Johnson, that applauds the efforts of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and extends the Council's gratitude to the NOPD for doing its part to make the 2012 Mardi Gras season a safe and successful event for the City of New Orleans. The Council recognized the NOPD for its experience and skill in crowd control, with the 2012 Mardi Gras season estimated to be the largest Mardi Gras crowd in New Orleans history. With inclement weather on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday, NOPD demonstrated flexibility in working with the community and krewe members by waiting until the last minute to render its decision to allow the Krewe of Endymion to roll along its traditional Mid-City route. There were minimal reports of violent crime, and NOPD continued its policy of issuing summonses for minor violations rather than making custodial arrests. Police successfully removed 33 guns off our streets during the Mardi Gras weekend. During the Carnival Season leading up to Mardi Gras Day, NOPD also took positive steps to uphold its pledge to work with the Mardi Gras Indian community.
District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "During Mardi Gras, the NOPD worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of our citizens and tourists. NOPD demonstrated why it is regarded as among the most experienced and effective special event and crowd control police departments in the world. Because of the hard work of the men and women of NOPD, New Orleans has once again proven itself as the go-to American City to host national and international large-scale events."
Acknowledged Men’s NCAA College Basketball Final Four Local Organizing Committee
At the request of Council President Clarkson, the Men's NCAA College Basketball Final Four New Orleans Organizing Committee appeared before the Council. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome will play host this year to the basketball tournament on March 31 and April 2, 2012. Beginning March 12th through the end of the tournament, over 30 community outreach projects will take place throughout the City. Several high-profile entertainment events have been organized in conjunction with the tournament. Among some of the events, Bracket Town, an interactive fan festival will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center featuring skills competitions, clinics, and autograph sessions. And, taking place in Woldenberg Park will be The Big Dance, a free three day block party concert series.
Council President Clarkson said, "The City of New Orleans is honored to host the NCAA Final Four Tournament. It is an excellent addition to the numerous national sporting events held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. In addition to the three outstanding games, there will be the "4 Courts" of activities over four days to include everyone, most of them free. Events will be taking place in different parts of the City, and include many service projects. We appreciate the work of the organizing committee and congratulate you for once again shining the national and international spotlight on New Orleans."
Celebrated Young Audiences of Louisiana and Joseph A. Craig Elementary Students
At the request of Councilmember Gisleson Palmer, students of Joseph A. Craig Elementary in conjunction with the Young Audiences of Louisiana appeared before the Council to receive Council recognition. Young Audiences of Louisiana is a leading provider of arts education programs throughout the state. Over 2,000 students participate in Young Audiences after school programs throughout the City. Young Audiences is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. In conjunction with the Young Audiences Winter Spotlight, the students of Craig Elementary performed at an event held in early February at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center. At today's Council Meeting, the students brought that performance to the Council Chamber.
District "C" Councilmember Gisleson Palmer said, "I am enormously proud of the work that Young Audiences does for the youth of New Orleans. This organization facilitates learning for children in a variety of ways and assists teachers in connecting student curriculums in an artistic way. My hope is that the Young Audiences partnership with our schools continues and is enhanced in the years to come."
Recognized Restaurant Depot Corporate Representatives
At the request of Councilmember Head, Restaurant Depot corporate representatives received a Council proclamation recognizing the work of the company in providing local restaurants and nonprofit organizations with the highest quality fresh, frozen and dry foods, beverages, paper goods, cleaning supplies and equipment. The New Orleans Restaurant Depot, located at 1111 South Broad Street, is known nationally as one of the company's top producing locations. Restaurant Depot is a members-only wholesale food service supplier. The company offers free membership to any business owner, manager, chef or authorized purchaser for a non-profit organization.
District "B" Councilmember Head said, "I am pleased to recognize the contributions and successes of Restaurant Depot. Through this company's support and service to one of the City's signature industries and its commitment to neighborhood and economic revitalization, Restaurant Depot is a model corporate citizen of New Orleans."
Supported Reopening Entergy Customer Service Center in New Orleans East
The Council passed Resolution R-12-73, authored by Councilmember Johnson that supports the reopening of a full-service Entergy New Orleans customer center in New Orleans East. The reopening of the Entergy customer service center would be another step forward in fully restoring community services to the 70,000 citizens of New Orleans East. The full-service customer service center would enable those who reside east of the Industrial Canal to have greater accessibility directly related to handling residential and business utility billing and service issues.
District "E" Councilmember Johnson said, "I encourage Entergy to heed the call of the 70,000 residents of New Orleans East by opening a full-service customer service center to serve the residential and business customers who reside and operate commercial outlets east of the Industrial Canal. This customer service center would greatly improve the quality of life for residents of eastern New Orleans."