New Orleans City Council

Meetings

Regular Meeting

September 22, 2016 

City Council Chamber

City Council September 22, 2016 Regular Meeting News Summary

NEW ORLEANS - At today's City Council meeting, the Council voted to allow the National World War II Museum to construct two new buildings and make several improvements along Magazine Street. Additionally, the Council heard presentations from Alice Harte Charter School, St. Augustine Catholic Church and Amistad Research Center.

In other news, the Council passed a resolution encouraging the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) to engage and collaborate with the community to guide in the management and development of Louisiana Land Trust (LLT) lots.

City Council Encourages New Orleans Redevelopment Authority to Engage and Collaborate with Community

The Council passed a resolution today encouraging NORA to engage residents, businesses and nonprofits in neighborhoods with a high number of Louisiana Land Trust (LLT) lots to develop a disposition plan for current and future inventory that is beneficial to the community. NORA currently controls over 1,000 LLT lots throughout the city, many of which are located the Lower Ninth Ward, Gentilly and New Orleans East. These properties were originally acquired by the State of Louisiana through the Road Home Program.

"The best public policy is created when the public has a say in what is being developed," said District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett. "With this resolution, I hope that NORA will take the extra steps necessary to engage with the community to develop a plan for the LLT lots that best fits everyone's goals."

The resolution also encourages NORA to consult the Housing of a Resilient New Orleans strategy, the Plan for the 21st Century (the Master Plan), Housing NOLA, the New Orleans Urban Water Plan and any other resident-led plans that the community agrees are current and relevant. Finally, the resolution urges NORA to develop a plan that serves a wide diversity of households including very low-income, low-income, moderate-income, middle-income and upper-income households.

Alice Harte Charter School Sees Increase in Number of Students Achieving Mastery and Advanced Test Scores

Councilmembers Joined by Students, Faculty and Staff of the Alice Harte Charter School and InspireNOLA

The Council recognized the hard work of the students, faculty and staff of the Alice Harte Charter School in Algiers for their students achieving an increasing number of Mastery and Advanced test scores.

"Alice Harte Charter School and InspireNOLA have set an example throughout the city and for other schools to look up to," said District "C" Councilmember Nadine Ramsey. "When the students have great faculty and staff to mold themselves after, it shows in their work. It is clearly evident that Alice Harte Charter School exudes these tremendous qualities. The faculty and staff have inspired these students to reach for higher educational achievements."

Alice Harte Charter School is a K-8 grade school focused on developing the next generation of scholars and leaders. The school fosters active participation of students, parents, faculty and the community to best support learning and expand the classroom into the community. The school focuses on critical thinking and problem solving skills to prepare students to be the leaders of tomorrow.

The charter school is a part of the InspireNOLA charter school system, which also includes Edna Karr High School in Algiers and Andrew H. Wilson Charter School in Broadmoor. InspireNOLA strives to transform and inspire an educational movement through all of their schools. The network's core values are inspiration, dedication and aspiration. 

Amistad Research Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary on Sept. 30

Councilmembers Joined by Amistad Research Center

Amistad Research Center was established in 1966 by the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries at Fisk University to house historical records of the American Missionary Association. Amistad became an independent non-profit organization in 1969, and the following year relocated to Dillard University in New Orleans. In the early 1980s, The center moved to the United States Mint building in the French Quarter, and in 1986, Amistad began to search for a permanent home. Through the efforts of a coalition in New Orleans, the center found its permanent home at Tulane University, where it has resided since 1987.

"I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at the Amistad Research Center in my early years. It was an incredible learning experience to see first hand what goes into curating the research center," said District "C" Councilmember Nadine Ramsey. "I highly encourage everyone to take the time to visit Amistad."

On Friday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m., the Amistad Research Center will be hosting "Here I Found a Goldmine," an elegant evening of music and literary readings, in celebration for its 50th Anniversary at the Lawless Memorial Chapel at Dillard University. Tickets are available here: ow.ly/TkB6303M22L

A Presentation by St. Augustine Catholic Church Regarding the Importance of the Tremé Fall Festival


Councilmembers Joined by Members of the St. Augustine Catholic Church

Today, Fr. Emmanuel Mulenga, Adolph Bynum Sr. and Darryl Durham gave a presentation on the 175- year history of St. Augustine Catholic Church in the Tremé neighborhood and promoted the Tremé Fall Festival. The church was established in 1841 and continues to serve as a place for worship today. It has served as a place for culture, arts and religion to come together as one.

The second annual Tremé Fall Fest will be held Sept. 30- Oct. 2. Funds raised at this year's festival will allow the church to continue building repairs and provide grants for neighborhood non-profits. During the inaugural festival in 2015, the church raised $25,000. Funds raised at this year's festival are expected to exceed last year's amount.

"Every dollar raised during the Tremé Fall Festival will be matched by the Archdiocese of New Orleans to help with the restoration of the historical 175 year old St. Augustine Catholic Church," said District "B" Councilmember LaToya Cantrell. "This church serves a community enriched with history and culture, and it continues to symbolize revitalization and preservation for the City of New Orleans."

It is important for the community and city leaders to support the church as they work towards restoring an essential location dedicated to the history and culture of city. The church recognizes both the direct and indirect support of all the Councilmembers.

To kick off the Tremé Fall Festival weekend, a patron party will be held on Friday, September 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the George Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center with entertainment from Christian Bold Band and Naydja Cojoe.

On Saturday, October 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Tremé Fall Fest will offer food, arts and crafts and musical performances on the grounds of St. Augustine Church, and on the neighboring streets of Governor Nicholls and Henriette Delille. The family friendly festival will also offer health screenings, voter registration, tours of St. Augustine Church, and activities for a variety of ages and audiences.

The festival weekend will end with a gospel mass at St. Augustine Church on Sunday, October 2nd at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow.

National World War II Museum Expansion Plans Approved by City Council

Today, the Council approved Zoning Docket No. 79/16 allowing the National World War II Museum to begin construction on the 30,880-square-foot Hall of Democracy and make several improvements along the Magazine Street facade.

"The National World War II Museum is a local treasure in the City of New Orleans," said District "B" Councilmember LaToya Cantrell. "The museum staff has done a tremendous job managing the developments that have taken place over the past few years at the museum. I have the utmost faith that they will continue to make sure that these new developments will be a great, long-standing addition to the museum."

The Hall of Democracy will include an exhibition and retail space on on the ground floor, classrooms and a library on the second floor, and offices on the third floor. Construction is expected to begin in 2017.

Created on: 6/21/2018 11:30:13 AM | Last updated: 6/21/2018 11:30:13 AM

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