The MCNO Board voted this month to support a traffic crossing of the proposed Lafitte Greenway at St. Louis Street just above S. Carrollton Ave. This site is currently under design, but in order to sign Winn-Dixie as an anchor, the developers needed a consolation from the Neighborhood and the City to create a traffic crossing of the Lafitte Greenway. While MCNO has been a significant advocate of the Greenway and the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, the potential of losing the long awaited redevelopment of this parcel in Mid-City would have been a greater detriment to the neighborhood. MCNO continues to work with the developer, Stirling Properties, to ensure safe crossing of the Greenway
For more information please read the MCNO Letter of Support Mid-City Market and Greenway Crossing which was sent last week to City Council and the Mayor’s Office. at this location.

According to Stirling, all financing is in place for the redevelopment of this area. Stirling is eploring every opportunity to minimize the impact of cars crossing the Greenway, including:

• Flashing lights
• Signage stating that pedestrians have the right of way
• A large gateway arch like that used at the pedestrian entrance to signal cars are leaving the project
• A dip in the road as they leave, so when they go onto the greenway it becomes like a large speed bump
• Patterned concrete that will create the effect of a rumble strip on either side of the greenway so cars are jogged a bit as they enter and leave the greenway crossing. (Think: Magazine through-street over the Audubon Park running trail.)

The project will generate 300-340 new jobs and bring the city millions of dollars in tax revenue each year. It is the largest multi-tenant retail project in New Orleans since Katrina, and it is in Mid-City. This unequivocally pronounces that “Mid-City has arrived.”    This project has been so well-received that Panera Bread  is making this its commissary store for the other Paneras in the metro area. So, they will be filling the air with the aroma of fresh baked bread and Mid-Citizens will get the freshest soups and sandwiches possible. Ruby Slipper is likely coming in, as well.

Please bring your comments and concerns to the next MCNO Neighborhood Meeting or leave them below.

Wednesday, February 15th 6:30-9:00

UR Way Yogurt & Coffee Bar

3001 Tulane Ave. (Shops at Crescent Club)

Bring your family, friends and neighbors to welcome Mid-City’s newest addition.

This is an official 2012 “I Love Mid-City, Sign Me Up” event, at which you can learn more about how to become a member of MCNO and get involved in your community.

We’ll have Mid-City T-Shirts, Hats, Posters and other merchandise available for purchase.

It is time for the election of Friends of Lafitte Corridor (FOLC) Board of Directors. FOLC’s Board can consist of up to twenty-one directors that can hold office for three-year terms with no consecutive terms. You can see the current board on the FOLC website. Currently, there are seven positions available. We are seeking nominees for board members with the following qualities:

• Interest in developing the Lafitte Corridor as an urban trail with multiple activity uses

• Willingness to promote FOLC at meetings, events, and other venues

• Willingness to assist or lead fundraising efforts to support FOLC operations

• Ability to attend monthly FOLC meetings (missing three consecutive meetings results in automatic dismissal)

If you or someone you know possess these qualities, please feel free to nominate yourself or another person to be included on the ballot for Board elections. Send all submissions to info@folc-nola.org. The 2012 FOLC Board of Directors nominees are voted on by the attending membership at our next monthly meeting to be held on Thursday, January 26th at 6:30PM. The meeting location is yet to be determined, but please continue to send your submissions to info@folc-nola.org, and you’ll receive an update as soon as the location is solidified. Additionally, you can follow us at our website and on twitter @folcnola for updates. Thank you, Friends of Lafitte Corridor www.folc-nola.org

Where do you think we should meet? Comments below will be monitored and  investigated.

Mr. Olsen is a seasoned contractor, real estate inspector and insurance claims adjuster for commercial property, he understands code enforcement and is interested in working to make sure the laws are acted upon to improve the quality of life of Mid-City residents.Mr. Olsen is also a private investigator. As the Director of Quality of Life on the MCNO Board, we feel that the MCSD appointment is a good marriage of responsibilities.

If you have any comments or suggestions for Jim Olsen, please feel free to email him at QOL@mcno.org.

New Bylaws changes

The membership voted to approve three amendments to the bylaws. The first will reduce the number of Board positions to 9. The second allows the new Board to revamp the structure of the MCNO Board positions and duties. The third formally annexes the area now known as Zone M, bounded by Canal St., S. Rocheblave St., Tulane Ave. and S. Broad St., to the MCNO boundaries.

Newly Elected Board Members

Jeff Craig, 600 bl. N. Alexander St. (re-elected)

Matt Morgan, 400 bl. S. Telemachus

Philip Olivier, 500 bl. S. Rendon St.

Jim Olsen, 2700 bl. Palmyra St.

Miles Trapolin, bl. 200 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy

Continuing Board members with 1 year remaining in term:

Bonnie Garrigan

Becker Rutledge

Jo-Ann Fitzpatrick Broussard

NOPD Race Against Crime ticket packages on sale now!

NOPD’s Race Against Crime will be held December 17. Supporting the event (and NOPD) is as easy as writing a check to the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. $30 will purchase a package that includes a t-shirt, entry to the race, and admission to the Saturday night party. Packages are available only through the end of this week. For more info or to purchase a package, please call Officer Ken Gill at (504) 952-1870 or email kgill@nola.gov.

January 19, 2011 from 6-7pm

The topic will be “Resdient Burglary Prevention”, Officer Johnston will be present and a spokeperson from ACME locks to offer advice and tips.