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NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Monday, September 29, 2025, the Community Development Committee received presentations from several organizations, including the Big Easy Budget Coalition and leadership from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). The Committee also held discussions with members of the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) and the Department of Public Works regarding updates on community development projects.
Big Easy Budget Coalition Presents Survey
The Big Easy Budget Coalition, a group comprised of individuals and over forty organizations across New Orleans, presented to the Committee on community priorities for city investments. A survey conducted by the Coalition revealed that the top community priorities for city investments are programs and services for low-income families and individuals, mental health services, road and street repairs, youth opportunities, education, and housing.
Regarding how the city should invest in criminal legal system resources, the survey found the citizens’ top three priorities were treatment, skills and employment training, and prevention through early intervention. Click here to view the full presentation.
NOCCA Leadership Gives Presentation on Crosswalk Safety Concerns
Representatives from NOCCA presented a proposal to the Committee for a street crossing study aimed at improving accessibility and ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors. This would be achieved by connecting the two state facilities that comprise NOCCA’s campus, located at 2800 Chartres St. and 2831 Chartres St.
For ways to improve campus safety regarding this crosswalk, NOCCA leadership proposed crosswalk improvements such as a speed table or lane narrowing, street closure devices like retractable bollards, or the construction of a raised pedestrian bridge. The Committee agreed that this high-traffic area needs a traffic safety solution and suggested that a raised pedestrian bridge would be the most ideal solution.
CAO Representatives Provide Update on DeGaulle Manor Demolition
Representatives from the CAO provided updates regarding the DeGaulle Manor Demolition project. The demolition project was halted late last year due to a change in the scope of work, as well as increased asbestos abatement costs. However, representatives told the Committee that, as of September 26, 2025, the CAO has sent a settlement agreement back to Wolfe Commercial Construction, LLC, which owns the new contract.
This settlement asks Wolfe to abate all remaining 12 buildings, as well as demolish two and a half buildings on the property. Additionally, the settlement includes a term stating that demolition will begin 48 hours after the settlement is executed. If that holds, demolition could start as early as October 1, 2025. While the work is ongoing through the end of 2025, the City would need to seek additional funding to demolish the remaining nine and a half buildings, which would ideally be completed by the end of 2026.
Update on Algiers and French Quarter Street Repairs
Director Rick Hathaway of the Department of Public Works provided updates on street repairs throughout New Orleans. Regarding street repairs in the French Quarter, Hathaway informed the Committee that the Sewerage and Water Board is handling those repairs, specifically on Decatur Street, St. Peter Street, and other areas.
Regarding Tullis Drive in Algiers, Hathaway explained that a substantial amount of work is required to rehabilitate that roadway and noted that repair funding was proposed in the 2025 bond proposition. Hathaway also provided an update on the traffic study for Felicity and Magnolia streets, which found that a traffic signal was not needed at that location. As such, the traffic signal currently there will be removed, and stop signs will be installed, making the junction a three-way stop. That work is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
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