District C Annual Report

Transcription

1 District C Annual Report Neighbors and Friends, My third year in office has been a momentous one in which we ve witnessed progress for a number of priority issues in the district. As we begin the final year of my first term as your councilmember, I m excited to build on our past accomplishments, while continuing to aggressively tackle the challenges that remain in front of us. I am humbled to work with so many of you who devote your lives to improving our community. Your dedication is an inspiration and I m proud to join in that work to better our city. This year, I became the chair of the Joint Development Committee, a board created to oversee the redevelopment of Federal City in Algiers, one of the largest projects in the state. I was also honored to be selected to participate in the inaugural Smart Growth America Local Leaders Council, an initiative of municipal leaders from across the country committed to exploring smart policies for our cities by incorporating economic development, transportation and housing for everyone in the community. I also continued my work as a Rodel Fellow of the Aspen Institute and as a NewDEAL Leader. Looking ahead for the rest of 2013, I m eager to add to the headway we ve made and to remain your voice and advocate in city government. As we have the past three years, my team and I will continue to represent and serve you. I love to hear your ideas for improving our district and I encourage you to go to and to stay up-to-date on the most recent developments in our city. Also, as we are in hurricane season, please make sure to register at ready.nola.gov or call 311 for important updates and alerts from the city. Thank you for your support! Sincerely, Kristin 1 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

2 Infrastructure Improvements and Capital Projects Since she took office, Councilmember Gisleson Palmer has closely monitored the progress of capital projects within her district to ensure they are done on time, on budget and that they meet the needs of the surrounding community. Many of these projects have been completed, while others are currently underway. Below are some of the projects in District C : West Bank Algiers Regional Library completed Algiers Bike and Walking Path Phase I expected to be completed in September Behrman Pool repairs in design phase Behrman Soccer Complex in design phase Brechtel Memorial Park Golf Course in design phase; city will undertake renovation; project bid out twice and received no response Cita Hubbell Library renovations under construction; 89% complete Federal City Fee Simple Transfer of Land completed NOFD Engine 40 repairs completed NOPD Station Relocation to Federal City completed Norman Playground construction in design phase; working with neighborhood groups to finalize East Bank Hunter s Field renovations in pre-design phase; construction set to begin in April 2014 Jackson Square pedestrian repairs completed Iberville redevelopment partial demolition approved Louis Armstrong Park renovation completed Municipal Auditorium remediation in design phase; construction set to begin November 2013 NOPD Fifth District Police station construction under construction; 46% complete Oscar Medrano Clinic renovations under construction; 83% complete Riverfront Park under construction; set to be complete in 2014 St. Roch Market renovations under construction; 85% complete St. Roch Neutral Ground beautification under construction; 85% complete St. Roch Park renovations under construction; 80% complete Stallings St. Claude Community Center under construction Tremé Center renovations completed Councilmember Gisleson Palmer with the mayor and other local officials at the groundbreaking for Stallings Center on St. Claude 2 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

3 Road Repair and Public Works projects: Councilmember Palmer continues to advocate for more street repairs on major and minor streets. West Bank: Algiers traffic signal improvements ongoing; 67% complete Algiers minor street repairs ongoing; patch work completed in Bocage, Aurora and other roadways throughout the West Bank. Many of these projects will begin this fall or early next year. Holiday Drive repairs completed Landry Street patching from Mardi Gras Boulevard to General DeGaulle Drive completed Opelousas Street extension completed Mardi Gras Boulevard repairs ongoing Paths to Progress in Algiers in design phase working to enhance Newton and General Meyer Streets Patterson Road extension complete Somerset Drive repairs complete sewerage, drainage and resurfacing from General DeGaulle Drive to Berkley East Bank: Paths to Progress French Quarter resurfacing and striping completed Paths to Progress Esplanade Avenue resurfacing and striping completed Rampart St. Streetcar Extension in design phase St. Roch and St. Claude roadway improvements completed To receive project status updates from the Mayor s Office visit Recovery-Projects/. Bus Shelters: Per Councilmember Palmer s request, new bus shelters will be installed by the Regional Transit Authority at the following locations in 2013 and 2014 in District C, along with other spots throughout the city: Behrman Memorial Park Federal City General DeGaulle Dr. and Kabel Dr. General Meyer Ave. and Flanders St. L B Landry Ave. and General DeGaulle Dr. Semmes St. and L B Landry Ave. Sullen Pl. and General Meyer Ave. Bus shelters like this one are currently being installed throughout the City 3 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

4 Community Participation For Councilmember Gisleson Palmer, decisions about what happens in a community in District C should come from the residents who live in that community. She actively engages community leaders, neighborhood associations and residents in the decision-making processes that involve their neighborhoods. She has facilitated the organization of the following groups: Algiers Housing Policy Committee French Quarter Management District Joint Development Committee for Federal City Riverfront Park Community Liaison Committee Sustainable Transportation Advisory Committee Sound Ordinance Task Force In addition, Councilmember Gisleson Palmer: Councilmember Gisleson Palmer, local leaders, and U.S. Navy representatives celebrating the transfer Holds regular community meetings to discuss issues of Federal City to the Algiers Development occurring within District C neighborhoods. Under her leadership as the Chair of the Joint Development Committee, the fee simple transfer of property occurred at Federal City. Has worked with Green Light New Orleans to extend free energy efficient light bulbs to residents on the West Bank. Extended Energy Smart program to Algiers by working with Entergy Louisiana. This free program helps residents make their homes more energy efficient and save money. Organized the only official Super Bowl community service event on the West Bank. In cooperation with Rebuilding Together New Orleans, ten homes in the Tunisburg/ McClendonville neighborhood were renovated for the elderly and disabled. Donsereaux Park was also fully renovated with a new, safe play set added for neighborhood children. Worked with the mayor s office on the first NOLA For Life day in Old Algiers that included blight remediation, streetlight and road repairs, other rejuvenation projects and the renovation of McDonogh Park. Spearheaded effort to have 190 acres of marshland purchased by Woodlands Conservancy to preserve a vital environmental natural resource in Algiers. Regularly attends neighborhood and community meetings and events. Appears frequently on local television and radio news programs. Regularly distributes newsletters so all constituents have the Councilmember Gisleson Palmer most up to date information on events and issues in District paints with young volunteers on C. You can request updates via by registering at the NOLA for Life Day in McDonogh Park City Council website at or by visiting her Facebook page. 4 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

5 City Council Committees Below are summaries of recent accomplishments achieved by the Council committees that Councilmember Gisleson Palmer chairs: Housing and Human Needs Facilitated presentations on the city s blight reduction and code enforcement initiatives to produce better results for residents. Led the revisions to the Lot Next Door Program enabling more homeowners to participate in the program. Passed an ordinance requiring greater oversight and requirements for contractors regarding demolition and construction debris removal. Advocated for revisions to FEMA s base flood elevation maps so residents would not be adversely impacted by dramatically increased insurance rates. Led revisions to the city s Soft Second Mortgage Program ensuring access for more residents, including our city s first responders. Authored and passed an ordinance requiring better quality construction of multi-family housing units in Algiers. Transportation Led discussions of bike usage and bike path expansion in the city with regional transportation leaders. Requested updates on the Regional Transit Authority s (RTA) progress on improving and expanding the number of bus shelters throughout the city. Requested updates from the RTA on the city s bus service and plans for improvements. Raised public awareness of the vital link the Mississippi River ferries serve in our regional transportation system. Urged public officials to develop smart, cost-effective plans to reduce the operational and maintenance cost of the ferries and keep them in operation. Councilmember Gisleson Palmer installs a bike rack outside of City Hall with representatives of Where Ya Rack Called hearings on the proposed Rampart St. streetcar expansion to ensure community input in the project. Led revisions to the city s Taxicab Bureau making all cabs comply with best practices to better serve customers, increase driver safety and promote fair licensing practices. Held a hearing to evaluate the city s implementation of the Complete Streets legislation Councilmember Palmer authored in The Complete Streets ordinance states that when the City designs a street, it must design it for all users. This includes more bicycle facilities on the streets and pedestrian and ADA compliant facilities on sidewalks throughout the city. Advocated for greater accountability for tour buses operating in the city. 5 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

6 Disaster and Recovery Held hearings on the NOLA Ready hurricane preparedness program and the city assisted evacuation plan to ensure residents were ready for hurricane season. Led discussion of post-hurricane Isaac recovery, highlighting public assistance non-profits like Evacuteer.org and co-authored an ordinance requiring that facilities for seniors and the disabled be equipped with generators in preparation for hurricanes. Called a hearing to discuss the need for improved coordination of the city s debris clean-up efforts after Hurricane Isaac. Held a joint hearing with state representatives to address promised funding for non-profit programs designed to assist residents in rebuilding. Led Council in support of Evacuspots initiative, which installed public art works at 17 hurricane evacuation locations around the city. Councilmember Gisleson Palmer at the unveiling of the City s Evacuspot statue at Louis Armstrong Park Councilmember Gisleson Palmer is also a member of the Airport, Governmental Affairs and Public Works Committees and is an alternate member of the Competitive Selection, Youth and Recreation and Utility Committees. For committee meeting schedules, agendas and video go to 6 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

7 Boards and Commissions Councilmember Gisleson Palmer serves on numerous boards and commissions in her capacity as the councilmember for District C. As public-private entities, the Boards and Commissions assist the city. These boards and her work with them are listed below: Algiers Development District (ADD) o Serves the community of Algiers through projects designed to spur economic development and civic engagement. o Responsible for the construction of the extension of the bicycle and walking path on the Algiers levee that will be completed in o As of May 2013, the land owner of the Federal City redevelopment project City Project. The construction of the Algiers Levee Canal Street Development Corporation (CSDC) Bicycle & Walking Path o Responsible for the renovation of the Saenger Theatre. French Market Corporation (FMC) o Manages the French Market and Flea Market and French Market-sponsored events including French Quarter Fest and Satchmo Fest. Joint Development Committee (JDC) o A committee comprised of members of the ADD and the New Orleans Federal Alliance (NOFA) dedicated to redeveloping the Federal City site in Algiers. o Responsible for developing a master plan for Federal City and fostering economic development on the site. New Orleans Building Corporation (NOBC) o Responsible for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site. Currently engaged in evaluating the proposals for the site. o Manages the Union Passenger Terminal. o Manages the City s partnership with Harrah s Casino. New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC) o Responsible for tourism marketing for the city. o Researched and developed a new marketing campaign for New Orleans called Follow your NOLA which markets our diverse culture and neighborhoods. Sewerage and Water Board (SWBNO) o Responsible for overseeing the Sewerage and Water Board and holding the organization accountable. o Set to undergo a ten-year overhaul to fix the city s crumbling system of pipes and pumping facilities to mitigate soil subsidence and ensure the quality and safety of our city s water supply. Total Community Action (TCA) o Provides services and resources to low income families with the goal of moving individuals and their families out of poverty. o Coordinates New Orleans Head Start programs. 7 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

8 Legislative Accomplishments 2012 Legislative Accomplishments Authored by Councilmember Gisleson Palmer and Public Presentations Held Before City Council by Request of Councilmember Gisleson Palmer Adopted New Taxicab Permitting Regulations and Vehicle Standards The Council adopted a series of ordinances introduced by Councilmember Gisleson Palmer instituting reform of the city s taxicab industry and for-hire vehicle bureau. Since 2010, Councilmember Palmer held dozens of public hearings through the Transportation Committee. Among the new rules, regulations and standards outlined in the twenty-four instruments that the taxicab industry will be required to adhere to and to implement are: credit card machines, on-board surveillance cameras, fare meters and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite navigation devices. The reforms also adopted age limits for vehicles. Prior to the adoption of the taxicab reform ordinances, Councilmember Palmer in 2011 authored an ordinance adopted by the council that created the Accessible Taxicab permitting system. For-hire vehicles under this separate permitting system must be accessible to all users but specifically manufactured for passengers with special mobility needs such as wheelchair users. Prior to the Taxicab Reform Ordinances, the Council adopted Ordinance Calendar Nos. 28,801 and 28,845 authored by Councilmember Gisleson Palmer to provide for an appeal process through the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans for the denial of a driver s permit or Certificate of Public Necessity and Convenience for previous specific criminal convictions. Expanded the Boundaries of the St. Claude Corridor Cultural Arts Products District Resolution R in support of an application to the State of Louisiana to expand the boundaries of the existing Saint Claude Corridor Cultural District. The Taxi Cab Drivers, first- time CPNC awardees and small business owners stand with Councilmember Gisleson Palmer purpose of state-certified Cultural Districts is to create a mechanism for community revitalization through the creation of hubs of cultural activity via tax incentives available within the districts. Ordinance Calendar No. 29,126 to amend the Code of the City of New Orleans and to adopt the expansion of the Saint Claude Corridor Cultural District boundaries in order to offer the sales tax exemption program to more artists and craftsmen. The cultural arts products district incentivizes the work of local artists. 8 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

9 Zoning to Support Arts, Culture and Economic Development in District C : Tremé Park, Ordinance Calendar No. 28,929 by Councilmember Gisleson Palmer to effect a zoning change (Zoning Docket Number 4/12) from a B1-A Neighborhood Business District to a P Park and Recreation District, on publicly-owned land bounded by Esplanade Avenue, Henriette Delille, Kerlerec and North Rampart Streets. The zoning change initiated by City Council Motion M by Gisleson Palmer will allow for the establishment of a much-needed park on Esplanade Avenue in the Tremé neighborhood. Frenchmen Street Outdoor Art Market Created the Outdoor Art Market designation in the Frenchmen Street Arts & Cultural Overlay District. Celebrating the opening of the renovated Tremé Center Creation of the Wine Bar and Wine Shop designation in the Historic Faubourg Marigny Commercial Zoning District (HMC-2) to support local small businesses. Strengthened Standards for Parking in Front Yard Setbacks Zoning Docket #107/12 Amended the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to prohibit off-street parking spaces "between the street line and the nearest point of a front façade of any building," and to clarify that the front yard averaging provisions do not allow for the reduction of the required front yard setback to accommodate parking in front of a structure. This amendment strengthens design standards by prohibiting parking in front yards that are too small and inadequate to allow parked vehicles. Many resident groups complain about unsightly parking in front yards and this strengthens zoning regulations so that there is no question that this type of use is illegal. Established Multi-Family Minimum Design Standards for Algiers Through Creation of Interim Zoning District improved regulations for construction and remodeling of multi-family housing in order to enhance the quality of multi-family housing and provide excellent housing choices for the residents of Algiers. The Redevelopment of Aurora Village Shopping Center, Gen. De Gaulle Blvd. Zoning Docket #120/11 Councilmember Palmer required increased pedestrian walkways and landscaping. Incorporated aesthetic and user-friendly urban design standards that promote access to and use of this shopping center in Algiers. Other Examples of Zoning Approvals Supported by Councilmember Palmer: Mother-in-Law Lounge, 1500 North Claiborne Avenue Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits, 600 Poland Avenue Backyard Ballroom, 3519 St. Claude Avenue Siberia, 2227 St. Claude Avenue Adaptive reuse of former school - Rezoning of former McDonough 16 School to allow for its renovation and conversion into elderly housing. These zoning approvals ensured that each of these sites was in compliance with the city code and allowed for their continued use as music and entertainment venues. 9 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

10 Legislative Measures to Improve Quality of Life for Residents and Create Economic Opportunities Approved Utility Rate Settlement with Entergy New Orleans The Council passed Resolution R (Councilmembers Hedge-Morrell, Guidry, Head and Gisleson Palmer), approving a utility rate settlement with Entergy New Orleans, Inc. which will result in a decrease of over $30 million in costs to New Orleans customers. The Council s Utility Committee approved the agreement and the full Council ratified the committee action. Approved $1.5 Million Bond Issuance for the Public Belt Railroad The Council passed Resolution R (Councilmembers Johnson, Hedge-Morrell and Gisleson Palmer), approving the Public Belt Railroad issuance of $1.5 million in bonds to be used to build a rail spur extension off the Public Belt Railroad along the Industrial Canal. The spur will be constructed over land leased by Transportation Consultants, Inc. (TCI) for company expansion. Supported Iberville Revitalization The Council adopted Ordinances Cal. No. 28,841 and Cal No. 28,849 (Councilmember Gisleson Palmer) facilitating the revitalization of Iberville and its surrounding communities. Ordinance Cal. No. 28,849 allows the city, HANO, RSD and Iberville Revitalization Company to enter into a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Agreement, facilitating the acceptance of the Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant for the amount of $30.5 million for the revitalization of Iberville and the surrounding area. Adopted Loudspeaker Placement Ordinance Adopted Loudspeaker Placement Ordinance Impacting French Quarter and CBD. The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No.28, 967 (Councilmembers Gisleson Palmer and Head), which provides a definition for commercial enterprises with respect to noise-related ordinances and establishes regulations for the placement of loudspeakers in commercial enterprises within the French Quarter and the Central Business District. The measure governs the placement of loudspeakers. Urged Seven-Day-A-Week Print Publication of the Times-Picayune Newspaper Council President Clarkson introduced Resolution R (Councilmembers Guidry, Bajoie, Gisleson Palmer, Head, and Hedge-Morrell) that urged the Times-Picayune to take any and all actions, including sale of the newspaper, to ensure continued seven-day-a-week print publication for its loyal readers in New Orleans, the Gulf Coast region, and throughout the nation. Requested Presentation from New Orleans Homeowner Low Interest Bond Program The Council received a presentation from Mtumishi St. Julien, Executive Director of the Finance Authority of New Orleans, outlining a new low-interest bond program for Orleans residents interested in purchasing a home. The new program offers both first time and non-first time home purchasers a low interest rate first mortgage loans with closing cost options. For additional information visit Recognized Fay Faron, Founder of Friends of the Ferry The Council passed Resolution R (Council Vice President Clarkson and Councilmember Gisleson Palmer) commending the leadership and commitment of Fay Faron, president and founder of the non-profit Friends of the Ferry. Started in 2006, Friends of the Ferry is the first citizen grassroots organization to effectively bring public and political awareness to the necessity of our city s ferries. The organization s mission supports, protects and enhances the continued operation of the ferries in the Greater New Orleans area. 10 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

11 Supported Expansion of Sunset Limited Passenger Rail Service The Council passed Resolution R , which supports expansion of the transcontinental route of the Amtrak passenger train Sunset Limited. The Sunset Limited was the nation s only true transcontinental passenger railway service. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans to Orlando route was destroyed. Since that time, cities and towns east of New Orleans have not had passenger train service, isolating this population from the nation s transcontinental route. Initiated Inquiry into Entergy s Post-Hurricane Isaac Disaster Response The Council passed Resolution R to conduct an inquiry and fact-finding examination of Entergy New Orleans (ENO) and Entergy Louisiana s (ELL) preparation, response and storm recovery efforts Post Hurricane Isaac. Pursuant to the Louisiana Constitution and the Home Rule Charter of the City of New Orleans, the Council of the City of New Orleans is the governmental body with the power of supervision, regulation and control over public utilities providing services within the City of New Orleans. Recognized Youth Development Work of Covenant House New Orleans The City Council recognized Covenant House New Orleans on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary. Covenant House is the only local provider of services to homeless and at risk youth. Covenant House, located in District C, shelters an average of over 100 homeless young people nightly at its 70-bed Crisis Center and two transitional living residences. Covenant House has touched the lives of more than 17,000 youth, providing them with food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, individual and family counseling, substance abuse management, educational assistance and vocational and job training. Called for Generators at Residential Facilities Housing Senior and Disabled Citizens The Council passed Resolution R designed to relieve senior and disabled citizens suffering without electricity during and in the aftermath of weather emergency electrical power outages. The proposed measure recommends that state law require owners and developers of nursing homes and residential buildings, as a condition of receipt of state tax credit incentives, to equip their facilities with on-site backup generators. The resolution states that the location of permanent backup generators on the premises of nursing homes and residential buildings can reduce health issues and the possibility of loss of life due to extreme heat, cold, or other weather conditions. Approved Agreements to Redevelop the Riverwalk Marketplace The Council adopted Ordinances Calendar No. 29,149 and 29,150 by Councilmember Gisleson Palmer that authorized the Mayor of New Orleans through the New Orleans Building Corporation, to enter into a variety of servitude and lease agreements. These agreements clear the way for the redevelopment of the Riverwalk and impact public property owned by the city on the east bank of the Mississippi River - from Canal Street to the Ernest N. Morial Convention. The Howard Hughes Corporation announced last year that it will spend $70 million to redevelop the Riverwalk as an upscale outlet center called the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. Celebrated 200th Anniversary of the Tremé Neighborhood At Councilmember Gisleson Palmer s request, the Council recognized culturally rich and historic Tremé, as the neighborhood marked the 200th anniversary of its origins as a melting pot of New Orleans. The neighborhood gave rise to jazz music, amazing architecture, Mardi Gras Indians and several leaders of the civil rights movement. 11 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

12 Councilmember Gisleson Palmer Photo Gallery Councilmember Gisleson Palmer at work in her office in City Hall Councilmember Gisleson Palmer presenting Jon Skvarka of Rebuilding Together New Orleans with a proclamation for Kickoff to Rebuild, Super Bowl weekend, 2013 Councilmember Gisleson Palmer invited the New Orleans Military & Maritime Academy Cadet Chorus to sing the National Anthem before one of the City Council meetings Celebrating West Fest with Mardi Gras Indians on the West Bank Councilmember Palmer discusses the demolition of long troubled Christopher Park Homes property with a reporter Councilmember Gisleson Palmer provides remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for Cita Hubbell Library 12 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report

13 Contact: Office of District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer City Hall, Room 2W Perdido Street New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) Fax: (504) kgpalmer@nola.gov 13 District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Annual Report