MESSAGE FROM COUNCILMEMBER PALMER
July is an important month for District C as I continue moving forward with making changes to the city’s Short-Term Rental (STR) program. My office has received numerous phone calls and emails from you about the two STR motions approved by the Council back in May.
In this newsletter, I’m addressing some of your questions by clarifying the three categories of STR licenses issued by the city. Most importantly, you’ll find details about the upcoming public hearing on the STR program. It’s imperative you attend to voice your opinions and give feedback on your experience so far with STRs in your neighborhood. Your input will provide a variety of perspectives to assist the commission in creating a comprehensive guide for future STR legislation.
NORD FACILITIES TOUR
Recently, I toured two of the city’s NORD facilities with Treme resident, Kim Ford. It was an opportunity to see firsthand the progress the agency is making in our communities as well as addressing some improvement areas within the organization.
ESSENCE FESTIVAL
This month, New Orleans becomes one of the top destinations for the July fourth weekend thanks to the ESSENCE Music Festival. With an estimated 400,000 people expected to attend, ESSENCE is a big economic boost for our city. The four day African American cultural event is also a great opportunity to visit and support black businesses. Several websites have provided a list of businesses you should visit during ESSENCE but I encourage you to support them year round.
TEXT ALERTS
Finally, my team is always improving ways for us to communicate with you. You can now sign up for text alerts from my office. Simply, text “YES” to (504) 290-0730 to opt in. You’ll receive surveys, important dates and meeting reminders sent directly to your phone. We’re also launching Coffee with Kristin to ensure I’m more accessible to you. I’ll visit a coffee shop in every neighborhood in my district the third Friday of every month. However, anyone who lives in District C can stop by so feel free to come grab a cup of Joe and chat with me. I look forward to meeting you!
AROUND TOWN
BLUE BIKES FOR ALL
Did you know the city’s Blue Bikes program is hoping to help families in need? Its new program, “Blue Bikes for All” provides affordable transportation options for low-to-moderate income residents and hospitality workers. Anyone with an EBT (SNAP/Louisiana Purchase) card can get a bike subscription for $20 a year, which covers one hour of riding per day. A grant from the Better Bike Share Partnership is funding the program which is a partnership with Blue Bikes, Bike Easy and the City of New Orleans. Click here to learn more.
2018 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Councilmember Palmer is welcoming ESSENCE Music Festival back to New Orleans for four days of daytime seminars, evening concerts and cultural events. The event draws artists and tourists from around the world and creates a huge economic impact. Continue to support local African American businesses by sharing the lists below with family members and friends who are attending ESSENCE this year. Learn more:
COFFEE WITH KRISTIN
The first Coffee with Kristin is Friday, July 20th from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Coffee in Algiers. Congregation Coffee is located at 240 Pelican Ave. in Historic Algiers Point. Come grab a cup of coffee or tea and then stay and chat with Kristin. All residents of District C are invited to attend. This is your chance to discuss issues in your community with Councilwoman Palmer. Don’t forget to save the date for the second Coffee with Kristin at the Treme Coffee House on Friday, August 17th from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
STR PUBLIC HEARING
A public hearing for comments on the City Planning Commission’s (CPC’s) STR study has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 10th at 3 p.m. The hearing is in accordance with requirements of Motion M-18-194 authored by Councilmember Palmer and approved by the Council on May 25th.
Click here to learn more.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Dancing Grounds
Dancing Grounds is a local dance studio that provides high-quality, accessible dance education programs to residents of all ages. Since opening their doors in 2012, they have provided free or reduced fee dance classes to more than 2,000 youth and about 3,500 adults.
Click here to learn more.
To view the District C newsletter in its entirety, click here.