The following are my notes from Monday’s MCNO Monthly Meeting. Hope to see you at the next meeting October 8th at Warren Easton and every month on the second Monday!
September 10, 2012
6:30PM – 6:50PM Welcome & Announcements
– MCNO 4th Annual Porch Crawl – October 19th Sponsorships are still available.
– PRC Sellabration – Sept 15, 9am-2pm
– City Park Martini Madness – Sept 21, 8-11pm
– MCSD Update and Blight Squad w/ Jim Olsen
MCSD has ordered new cruisers. Upon arrival, there will be seven full time vehicles on patrol 24 hours per day. MCSD was out in full force during and after Isaac. A newsletter will be published in the next month for an update from the MCSD Board. Sgt. Gill addressed the community and recommended sending him an email with any neighborhood security or quality of life issues: kgill@nola.gov.
Community question: What do you call first in an emergency? If you call 911, the dispatcher will radio to every officer in the area and MCSD is on the same channel and will respond if they are available.
October 16th night out against crime. MCNO is offing grants for night out against crime events in your neighborhood. If you wish to host a block event in your area, please submit your budget and MCNO will reimburse you for expenses up to $150/event.
6:50PM – 7:00PM Entergy New Orleans
The storm sat on top of New Orleans for 54 hours. After damage assessment and winds drop below 30 mph, the most critical power facilities are restored first. Beginning with the power plants, substations then
If you have had electrical serge related damage to your home, dial 1-800-Entergy to file a claim.
If you have damaged poles you can call to have your poles assessed and repaired before a storm. Call 1-800-ENTERGY to report power poles that may be damaged, rotting, or tenuous.
7:00PM – 7:40PM Candidates Running for Local Office
MCNO allows all candidates the opportunity to address the neighborhood organization prior to major elections. MCNO is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under the 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and is prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
Candidates who addressed the neighborhood include:
Karen Harper Royal for the New Orleans School Board
Sarah Usdin for the New Orleans School Board
Marlon “Buck” Horton City Council, District B
LaToya Cantrell for City Council, District B
Eric Strachan for City Council, District B
7:40PM – 7:45PM Zoning Requests and Mid-City Developments
4631-33 Baudin – Mid-City Yacht Club
Has purchased two properties adjacent to the current bar facility. Owners of the Mid-City Yacht club propose a zoning change to expand the current business to incorporate these two lots. While one building will be demolished, the other will be rennovated and the entire area will be fenced in and used as an outdoor courtyard area which owners state will reduce patrons loitering in the street and prepare the facility to potentially “go smoke free”. Owners have received support from near neighbors, many of whom attended the meeting to speak on their behalf, Miles Trapolin explained that zoning is final and goes with the property in the future. There is no parking for this facility. The property is 30×60 and is currently a non-conforming use. An informal poll of the meeting attendees showed 23 for and 1 against, 9 non-voting. MCNO will take a position this week.
Pros
Safer environment
Quieter for neighbors
Preparation for smoke free New Orleans to create outdoor space
Currently the non-conforming use, with a conforming use zoning change the City can attach provisos and have more control
Reducing blight in the area
Cons
No off street parking
Potential to expand the bar and make larger operation that could outgrow the neighborhood
Bayou Ridge – Conti, N. Scott, N. Jeff Davis
The buildings will face Conti Street.
7:45 PM – 8:00 PM Neighborhood Open Forum
8:00 PM Meeting Adjourn
Thanks to all who attended, see you next month!
