NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen and local development partners has released the following statement reflecting on the tornado that devastated New Orleans East three years ago and the significant progress that's been made in the area since:
"Three years ago, a tornado damaged thousands of homes and businesses in New Orleans East. Today, we take a moment to acknowledge the loss inflicted then, and measure the progress made since.
The future of New Orleans East has never been brighter; you can see development happening in every corner. Dixie Beer recently opened, Optimus Entertainment center will be opening next week, and federal dollars are being allocated to clean up Lincoln Beach. There are a lot of other projects in the works, but it is great to see some of the projects we have been working on for almost two years coming to fruition.
Each and every day, District 'E' sees progress. Just yesterday, the New Orleans City Council approved an Industrial Tax Exemption (ITE) to incentivize Iriapak, a 25-year old business based in Vergiate, Italy, to establish new production in the area. Iriapak specializes in the printing of plastic paper packaging products used by the top producers of home paper products such as tissue and paper towels."
Owner of Iriapak and New Orleans Native Jeff Crevoiserat, who has worked closely alongside Councilmember Nguyen and the District "E" staff said, "We had offers from many states and municipalities throughout the region for assistance in locating our plant in their areas, but we received such enormous support from Councilwoman Nguyen in encouraging us to locate in New Orleans East that the location became an obvious choice. Without this support, the project could have taken us another year easily. She is a great advocate of the district and the people in New Orleans East. We really look forward to becoming part of that community."
Iriapak is under contract to purchase an abandoned warehouse located at 4120 Poche Court West in the New Orleans Regional Business Park, a building that has been damaged and vacant since the tornado.
Councilmember Nguyen continued, "This project is representative for all citizens who were affected by the tornado three years ago, and all citizens in New Orleans East, that we are not forgotten, and progress is happening. We are very excited about this investment
Iriapak is making in our district and the jobs that will be created as a result.
Iriapak is investing more than $7,000,000 in District 'E,' and this project will create 25 quality jobs in the district with an estimated payroll of $925,000 (exceeding the minimum five jobs and $225,000 payroll thresholds required for an ITE). They are expected to begin construction in late February or early March 2020.
Three years ago, a tragedy happened in our community, but I'm proud to say that three years later, District 'E' is on the move. We have so much potential and opportunity, and we are open for business."
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Media Contact:
Monica Rainey
Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen, District "E"
1300 Perdido St., Room 2W60
Monica.rainey@nola.gov
504-658-1050