Regular Meeting

February 07, 2013

City Council Chamber

City Council February 7, 2013 Regular Meeting Summary

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - New Orleans, La - At today's regular City Council Meeting the Council cleared the way for construction of a Walmart Store in Gentilly and adopted two resolutions supporting the creation of the Garden District and the boundary expansion of the Irish Channel Cultural Districts. The Council also received the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club Officials and 2013 Mardi Gras Royalty.

Celebrated Mardi Gras 2013 with the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club

At the request of Councilmember Guidry, representatives of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club appeared before the Council. Zulu's 2013 Royalty was announced. The 2013 Zulu King is Cedric Givens and the Zulu Queen is Monica Veal Givens. Zulu's Grand Marshals are Mr. and Mrs. Dooky Chase of Dooky Chase's Restaurant. Presenting for the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club was Naaman C. Stewart, Zulu President, Andrew "Pete" Sanchez, Jr., Chairman of Carnival Activities, and Clarence A. Becknell, Sr., Director of Public Relations and Zulu Historian "Emeritus." Accompanying the Zulu organization were the 2013 Zulu Characters and the Hot 8 Brass Band. The Zulu Club is well known for year round community involvement including providing Christmas gifts to needy families, participating in the Adopt-A-School program, contributing to the Southern University Scholarship Fund and donating to a variety of nonprofit organizations. Zulu is the "everyman club," its membership is composed of people from all walks of life and professions - from laborers to elected officials. The Club has grown into one of the most popular parades and the Zulu Coconut has become the most sought after and treasured Mardi Gras throw. The Council recognized and applauded the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club for their charitable work in the community and contributions to the City's carnival traditions.

District "A" Councilmember Susan Guidry said, "The traditions of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club are an integral part of the Mardi Gras culture. Zulu is among the most beloved and anticipated parades of the Carnival Season. The club's outstanding, year-round community and civic work is significant. We honor the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club today for sharing the joy of Mardi Gras with New Orleanians and for improving the quality of life of our city."

Cleared the Way for Construction of New Walmart Store in Gentilly

The Council took final action clearing the way for construction of a Walmart Store in the Gentilly Woods Shopping Center on Chef Menteur Highway and Press Drive in Council District "D". Today's action finalized design details including, parking and pedestrian access, landscaping and signage. The estimated $13 Million project will include demolition and remediation of the existing structure and new construction of an 118,000 square foot facility. Representatives of Walmart appeared before the Council and praised the project and the partnership with the Council, the Landrieu Administration and the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority.

District "D" Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "We have been waiting anxiously for three years for this project to begin. The neighborhood is looking forward to having this much needed retail outlet in the Gentilly Woods community."

Supported Creation of Garden District Cultural District and Expansion of the Irish Channel Cultural District Boundaries

The Council passed resolutions; authored by Councilmember Cantrell supporting the creation and expansion of two Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism certified cultural districts located in District "B." Resolution R-13-45 supports the application for the creation of the Garden District Cultural District. The Garden District Cultural District geographic area is generally comprised of the area within the boundaries of Delachaise, Camp, Jackson and Carondelet. Resolution R-13-46 authorizes the submission of an application to the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to expand the current boundaries of the Irish Channel Cultural District. The state certified cultural districts are a mechanism for community revitalization through the creation of hubs of cultural activity. Within the boundaries tax incentives may be available including, sales tax exemption on the sale of certain original works of art; individual income tax credits for eligible expenses of certain owner-occupied residential or owner-occupied mixed use structures; and income and corporate franchise tax credits for eligible expenses incurred during the rehabilitation of certain historic structures.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "The new Garden District and expanded Irish Channel Cultural Districts will support continued community revitalization and promote economic development along the commercial corridors of these neighborhoods. This program is a perfect fit for the city's artists' hubs of activity and the growing cultural economy."

Created on: 6/21/2018 11:46:21 AM | Last updated: 6/21/2018 11:46:21 AM

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