Meetings

Regular Meeting

October 12, 2017

City Council Chamber

City Council Regular Meeting News Summary October 12, 2017

Today, the New Orleans City Council recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month by sponsoring mammograms for interested City employees in addition to holding a presentation and panel discussion with breast cancer experts from various agencies as the first and only special order of business. Afterward, the Council adopted motions to amend zoning requirements for freestanding signs and standards for maximum lot coverage.

The Council also passed a motion relative to sidewalk advertising requirements and approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association to facilitate the design and construction of improvements to the Marconi Bike Path, which connects Robert E. Lee and Harrison Avenue.

In addition, Xavier University alumni District "D" Councilmember Brossett presented a special proclamation to a group of Xavier students for their heroic act of saving a driver whose car crashed into a canal on October 2.

Council Recognizes Heroic Xavier University Students

Prior to the start of today's meeting, Xavier University Alumni Councilmember Brossett presented a proclamation to a group of current Xavier University students for their heroic act of saving a driver whose car had crashed into a canal on October 2, 2017.

Kennebrew, Moses Michael, Ronald Haroon, Demetrious Brown and another Xavier student selflessly sprung into action after a man smashed his sedan into a utility pole then crashed upside on the embankment of the drainage canal along Washington Avenue in New Orleans.

Council Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As the first and only special order of business at today's meeting, the Council heard a presentation and hosted a panel discussion with breast cancer experts from various agencies in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Panelists discussed the advancements in breast cancer detection and treatment, as well as the importance of regular check-ups. 

Additionally, District "C" Councilmember Nadine Ramsey sponsored a breakfast and free mammograms provided by Woman's Hospital in front of City Hall for interested City employees. 

The Council welcomed the following breast cancer advocates and experts:

Dr. Denise Roubion-Johnson, Clinical Director, Louisiana Breast and Cervical Cancer
Senator Diana Bajoie (RETIRED) Former Councilmember, District "B"
Nedra Wardsworth, Specialist Community Health Advisor, American Cancer Society
Lisa W. Plunkett, Director, Susan G. Komen New Orleans
Dr. Corey J. Hebert, Doctors of Charity Co-Founder & CEO, Community Health TV
Charlotte M. Parent, Assistant Vice President, Community Affairs/Network Navigation, LCMC Health
Delia M. Young, Nurse Navigator, Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center
Corinne Villavaso, CEO, Hannah's Klozet Foundation
Dr. Dwight McKenna, McKenna General Medical Corporation

Louisiana has the second highest mortality rate of breast cancer in the U.S. An average of 24.5 Louisiana residents per 100,000 die each year from this disease, while the national average was 21.5 deaths per 100,000.

"As a breast cancer survivor, this is very personal to my staff and me," said District "C" Councilmember Ramsey. "Awareness is one of the most powerful tools in this fight. In order to combat breast cancer, we need to spread information and awareness not just during October, but throughout the entire year. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing our risk and knowing our bodies, and I thank all our amazing panelists for enforcing that message and shedding light on this very important issue today."

"It is so important to highlight breast cancer awareness month," said District "A" Councilmember Guidry. "I had a very rare form of cancer and was fortunate to have beaten it many years ago. However, I remain vigilant by checking in, talking to my doctor regularly and doing everything he asks me to do. Seeing your doctor as often as advised, staying on top of screenings, and regularly conducting self-examinations are all vital in the fight against this disease."

New Meat Market Restaurant Coming to Mid-City

The Council approved a request for a conditional use to permit a restaurant to be affiliated with Bayou Beer and Wine Garden. The building is in an HU-B1A Historic Urban Neighborhood Business District and an HU-B1A Use Restriction Overlay District located at 3301 Bienville Street at the corner of Bienville Street and N. Rendon Street in Mid-City. The City Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposal as it is consistent with the Master Plan, the Plan for the 21st Century.

While the site has historically been used for both residential and commercial purposes, the existing two-story wood structure that has been vacant for several years. The applicant and property owner, Bayou Partnership, LLC, is proposing to continue these combined uses of the property by opening a butcher shop that would also operate as a restaurant (Bayou Meat Market) offering sandwiches and small plates on the menu. This use would be located on the first floor of the building in the front. The rear of the first floor and the second floor would be apartments.

"Make no mistake about it, commercial enforcement has to be a priority not just in this area, but city-wide," said District "B" Councilmember Cantrell. "A lot of work has gone into this, and we will continue to work to ensure enforcement and accountability across the board. If there are any issues, I encourage residents to please contact the Council offices, and we will make sure that your concerns are addressed and this becomes the great addition to the neighborhood that we intend it to be."

In addition to serving as a positive force for economic development in the area, this establishment will consequently make the surrounding neighborhood safer through the additional surveillance cameras that will be installed around the building.

"I just wanted to say thank you for investing in our city," said Councilmember-At-Large Williams. "You took something that people saw as an eyesore and saw it as an opportunity. From reaching out to the community on the front end and staying engaged with them throughout the process, you all are a beautiful example of the way these things should be done. Additionally, I commend you for endeavoring to be an entrepreneur in this city. We're going to have to focus, invest and encourage our small business to get where we need to be in order for large corporations like Amazon to notice us."

Sidewalk Advertising Limitations Passed

The Council approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to provide standards and limitations for sidewalk advertising, which include A-Frame signs, sidewalk displays, and sidewalk cafes.

This measure legally authorizes permanent uses and determines in which zoning districts such uses would be appropriate, subject to permitting by the Department of Safety and Permits. These changes will streamline the permitting process for temporary sidewalk uses and will be valid for one year, requiring renewal on an annual basis. As a result, these new regulations will be easier to enforce.

To see the full recommendation of the City Planning Commission, click here.

Standards Amended for Freestanding Signs and Maximum Lot Coverage

The Council adopted two motions directing the City Planning Commission to conduct public hearings to consider amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) of the City of New Orleans pertaining to freestanding signs and "Maximum Lot Coverage" standards.

The first motion amends standards in the CZO where currently applied in the "Site Design Standards" of the "Bulk and Yard Tables." The CZO provides limitations on how much yard area can be covered with impermeable materials such as concrete or asphalt, as well as regulations on how much total area of a lot is required to remain permeable. This motion makes it so that all required open space be permeable.

The second motion directs the City Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing to discuss amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City in regards to Freestanding Signs. This will allow freestanding signs in Historic Urban Non-Residential Districts under limited circumstances when buildings are set back 5 ft. or more from the public right of way.

Construction of Improvements Approved for Marconi Bike Path

The Council passed a CEA between the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association to facilitate the design and construction of improvements to the Marconi Bike Path. 

Construction workers broke ground on the 10-ft wide, multi-use pathway, which connects Robert E. Lee and Harrison Avenue, in January 2017. It is currently is 10-feet wide and stretches approximately one mile. Improvements include the installation of drainage structures, ADA compliant handicap ramps and crosswalks, and roadway striping. 

The Marconi Bike Path fills in the missing link that existed between these two areas while providing a safe and scenic path for walkers, runners and bikers along Robert E. Lee and Wisner boulevards and Harrison Avenue.

Created on: 6/21/2018 11:28:44 AM | Last updated: 6/21/2018 11:28:44 AM

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