Neighborhood Spotlight

March 11, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Mr. Darrius Gray

Mr. Darrius Gray has been a longtime resident of the Debattista Neighborhood for over 20 years. His dedication and commitment to his community is evident in the countless hours he invests in organizing events, listening to residents’ concerns, and working tirelessly to ensure the Debattista neighborhood remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all.

With a deep commitment to preserving the unique character of the Debattista neighborhood, Mr. Gray and his association members work diligently to address local concerns, organize community events, and advocate for improvements that benefit all residents. 

Whether it's through supporting local businesses, organizing neighborhood clean-ups, or simply checking in with residents, his genuine care for the well-being of his community is always clear. For him, being a leader is not about position, but about fostering a sense of belonging and helping others thrive in a place he truly loves.

February 10, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Mr. Shawn Antee

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

I moved to Edgewood Park in 1985.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

In 1996, Jimmy Stokes had the idea of forming a neighborhood watch and was canvassing the area as I was outside cutting grass and committed to the effort immediately. I served as Jimmy’s Vice-president for 12 years. The idea was to welcome many of our new neighbors who were moving into the neighborhood as a result of shifts in living quarters due to our old public housing being torn down and being rebuilt. Our mission was and still is:  to maintain high levels of safety and security, stabilize our quality of life and standard of living and grow property values. We emphasize ‘neighborhood association’ distinct from ‘homeowner’s association’. From the beginning members were encourage to pay a $10 annual fee to cover cost and demonstrate a degree of commitment with ‘skin in the game’. While our monthly meetings and other events are open to all, paid members have voting rights for officers, by laws and a voice on how funds allocated. 

What do you love about your neighborhood?

Oak lined Franklin Ave. Yep, that was the clincher for me. We really like our ‘craftsman style’ home with those old school details and architectural enhancements. You can’t beat the location for quick access to almost anywhere in the city with 6-10, I-10, Chef Hwy and Franklin Ave. near by.  I’m literally walking distance from 3 universities, a library, Walgreens and now a Walmart. Mind you, there is a railroad line 2 blocks away but after almost 40 years, you sleep right through it. Life is good in Gentilly.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

Organizing the Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association, helped renovated 12 homes in 2004 with the Rebuilding Together program of the Preservation Resource Center, annual cleanups, annual night out against crime, Christmas parties, maintain property values and charter members of the creation of Gentilly Fest, which was initiated in Edgewood Park in my living room over 14 years ago.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood? 

Last year we applied for and received some grant money from the city for beautification and tree planting.  We got authority to plant flowers along the Franklin Ave. neutral ground. Long story short, we’re replanting. We’re also lining up speakers and presenters for monthly meetings and putting that information on our calendar which we deliver to every address, inviting our neighbors to join us. In January 2025 Rep. Matt Willard brought us the latest from Baton Rouge and Madorah Sesay from Office of Resilience & Sustainability City of New Orleans informed the group of her efforts on energy savings and sustainment opportunities. Our Vice-president, Alma Dixon is planning our April neighborhood clean up to coincide with the Gentilly Development District’s ‘spring break’ clean up efforts.

Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change-makers?

Lead from the front. Be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Let your fellow members see you sweat.

Don’t take it personal. Anything.

Smile, be welcoming, don’t criticize, condemn or complain.

Charisma goes a long way.

Your image matters; sometimes more than it should.

Study and apply classic rhetorical techniques; logos, ethos, pathos. Look it up.

Always let your fellow members know that their presence and efforts matter and that you appreciate them.

 

October 3, 2014 | From City of New Orleans

Get to Know Your Neighbor: Spotlight on Linda Williams from Rosedale

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Linda Williams, president of Rosedale Homeowners' Association, to talk about her community and the work she does with the association. For those of you who don't know, Rosedale is a community located in New Orleans East with the boundaries of I-10, America St, Old Gentilly Rd, and Dwyer Rd. I am excited to publish our conversation as the first in a series of "Get to Know Your Neighbor" posts from the Neighborhood Engagement Office.

 

How long have you been a resident of Rosedale Subdivision?

I have been a resident of Rosedale my entire life. In fact, I live on the same lot that I grew up on since birth. I relocated to another city in my early adult life but I returned to raise my family.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

My neighborhood is very close-knit. Everyone looks out for each other and most of us have grown up here, so we appreciate the history of our neighborhood.

What successes have you had in your association?

Forming our association in 2006 was a huge accomplishment for my neighborhood. We look forward to rebuilding our neighborhood with existing families and new families.

Do you have any upcoming projects?

We are currently planning a celebration for all of our returning neighbors who have rebuilt their homes since Hurricane Katrina.

What challenges does your neighborhood face?

Like many neighborhoods in New Orleans, our challenge is abandoned lots. We hope to encourage more of the lot owners to maintain their lots and attract new families to buy and build on available lots. We also have an apartment complex (Haydel Heights) we would like redeveloped.

Do you have any advice for other neighborhood leaders?

Listen to your neighbors and be a voice for your community.

 

If you'd like to nominate a neighbor for an upcoming Get to Know Your Neighbor spotlight, email me at kjshelly@nola.gov.

November 4, 2014 | From City of New Orleans

Get to Know Your Neighbors: Spotlight on the Hollygrove Blight Team

(Hollygrove Blight Team in order left to right, back row: Mary Shaw, Evelyn Turner, Carol Dotson, Ruth Woods, Felecia Porée, Sandra Branch, Renette D. Golden; front row: Duane Guidney, Ruth Kennedy, Lydia Cutrer, Joyce Soulé)

Concluding our conversation on the work of the Hollygrove Blight Team, Ruth Kennedy said to me, "We could write books answering your questions, but I hope these thoughts will help."  We at the Neighborhood Engagement Office are continually impressed with the hard work, creativity, and civic commitment of our community leaders, and we hope that sharing the experiences of some of our leaders can help inspire others across our city.  Below is detailed information about the projects the Hollygrove Blight Team has completed this year.

January 23, 2015 | From City of New Orleans

Get to Know Your Neighbor: Spotlight on Derrick Floyd from Faubourg St. Roch

We in the Neighborhood Engagement Office are proud to present 2015's first Get-to-Know-Your-Neighbor spotlight, Derrick Floyd, President of Faubourg St. Roch Improvement Association!  Mr. Floyd's passion and dedication to his community are inspiring, as you will see in our interview with him below.  

How long have you been a resident of Faubourg St. Roch?

I have lived in Faubourg St. Roch for 3 years. I'm a transplant from Carrollton, and I enjoy the diverse cultural presence of downtown.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love Faubourg St. Roch for its rich legacy. It's a neighborhood where New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson and renowned musician Deacon John grew up. A neighborhood for world travelers on bike tours come to get off the beaten paths of normalcy. And, the easy access to all of the amenities of living here: Interstate 610 and I-10, Sampson playground/St. Roch park, historic homes, St. Roch Cemetery, dynamic places of worship, art galleries, pop-up shops and restaurants.

What successes have you had in your association?

• Elected two service and fiscal responsible boards in 2014 and 2015; with plans of expanding our board
• FSRIA received multiple grants from the Foundation For Louisiana, Neighborhood Building Capacity Initiative and Caulfield Consulting Group to empower our capacity building efforts and to compact crime
• ROCH FOR LIFE - A Summer challenge to spruce up the neighborhood
• Hosted Crime Prevention Forum that yielded over 150 attendees

Do you have any upcoming events or projects?

We are revamping our website. Excitingly, the neighborhood is looking forward to the KaBoom! build at Sampson playground/St. Roch park and the opening of the St. Roch Market in March 2015.

What challenges does your neighborhood face?

The challenges we face are rampant throughout the city. We have blighted houses and lots; however, we have noticed an increased number of renovations and developments of land since Section 66 was implemented with assistance from FSRIA's Blight and Land Use committee. Other hurdles we must tackle are the distribution of drugs and lack of jobs.  There are businesses that are making an assertive effort to reach men and women challenged by the ills of society. Restoration Thrift, a product of the St. Roch CDC, is helping to make all things new; restoring confidence and hope in the most vulnerable.  I believe with their aid and others like them, the criminal elements we are experiencing will dwindle. These are challenges for my jewel, Faubourg St. Roch, and for all downriver communities.

Do you have any advice for other neighborhood leaders? 

The work is challenging; therefore, leaders must consider their "WHY", and collaborate with sister associations across the avenues and canals to have their purposes fulfilled.

 

If you'd like to nominate a neighborhood leader to be spotlighted in our monthly post, email Laura Mellem or call 504-658-4982.

March 27, 2015 | From City of New Orleans

Get to Know Your Neighbor: Spotlight on Maggie Carroll from Broadmoor

This month’s Get to Know Your Neighbor features Maggie Carroll, newest president of the Broadmoor Improvement Association (BIA). BIA is one of the oldest neighborhood associations in New Orleans.  Established in 1930 as the Broadmoor Civic Improvement Association to address the needs of the developing Broadmoor neighborhood, it was incorporated in 1970 as the Broadmoor Improvement Association, Inc. to stop “blockbusting” in Broadmoor which was at the time a well-established, multi-racial/multi-ethnic community already living in harmony.  Since that time, the BIA has worked continuously to improve the neighborhood - stopping commercialization in the residential core, reducing crime, and ensuring that educational and civic organizations thrive.  The BIA works closely with the city government and has represented Broadmoor residents in numerous cases concerning zoning and other issues. The BIA is here to address the needs of the residents by engaging the community and building consensus among residents as to their vision for a revitalized neighborhood. Broadmoor has become a model for citizen-led recovery efforts.

How long have you been a resident of the Broadmoor neighborhood?

My husband and I brought our home in 2002, (13 years old). Originally we rented in the Uptown neighborhood but loved the diversity of the Broadmoor neighborhood. 

When did you join Broadmoor Improvement Association?

I joined the association two days after moving into our new home when a neighborhood stopped over with a cake and a BIA membership form, urging the new homeowners to get engaged; by 2005 I had become an active board member of the association.

What do you love most about your neighborhood?

I love that Broadmoor is a diverse and affordable neighborhood and is a true representation of the city’s population and culture. Broadmoor offers several amenities including a Education Corridor which offers community programming for all ages.

What successes have Broadmoor Improvement Association had over the years?

For more than a century, our residential neighborhood has lived and thrived in the geographic heart of New Orleans. Broadmoor flooded badly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A Bring New Orleans Back Commission preliminary report map showed Broadmoor as a suggested area to be turned into park land; this suggestion is strongly objected to by residents. With many questioning our community's survival, we rallied to become a model for disaster recovery. The association held over 100 community meetings with residents and stakeholder to develop the Broadmoor Redevelopment Plan. From that plan the Broadmoor Education Corridor was born, a community nexus of educational and cultural institutions including four main anchors: the Andrew H. Wilson Charter School, Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center, South Broad Community Health as well as the future Arts & Wellness Center. Most recently, the South Broad Community Clinic opened at the corner of Washington Ave. and South Broad Ave. The clinic will offer affordable primary healthcare to Broadmoor and the surrounding areas. View a complete list of programming offered along the Education Corridor.

What challenges does your neighborhood currently face?

Despite our many successes, Broadmoor is still plagued with the same issues as many other neighborhoods including eradicating blight, aging infrastructure and combating neighborhood crime. Recently, BIA established a Quality of Life Committee to work with City Agencies and non-profit partners to address their issues.

Are there any upcoming events or projects in the neighborhood?

On Saturday, March 21, 2015, BIA held “Metamorphosis” a fundraiser to support our new Arts & Wellness Center and an opportunity to celebrate this next stage of the Broadmoor community's transformation. During the event, guests took part in a community art-making process that will eventually be installed in the atrium of the Arts and Wellness Center. BIA is still seeking donations to assist with the operational cost of opening the new center which is expected to open this summer. The new Arts and Wellness Center will include 1) workshop and studio space for practicing artists; 2) education for aspiring artists and creative professionals; 3) office space for arts organizations and non-profits; 4) affordable youth arts education; 5) counseling, yoga and fitness. For more information or to donate to the Arts and Wellness Center please contact Emily Wolff, 504-481-7998 fineartsandwellness@gmail.com.

Do you have any advice for other neighborhood leaders?

As a leader, the best advice I can offer other leaders is to be an active listener. At times, leaders can get so distracted by the work that we miss the opportunity to develop other leaders.

For more information on the Broadmoor Improvement Association please visit the association website: www.broadmoorimprovement.com. 

April 21, 2015 | From City of New Orleans

Get to Know Your Neighbor: Spotlight on Barry Brantley from Carrollton

How long have you lived in the Carrollton neighborhood?

I've lived in New Orleans since November 1994, a little over 20 years now.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I enjoy the quaintness of Carrollton. In my opinion, it's the “Mayberry” area of the city where almost everything you need is walkable: parks, public transportation, shopping, great restaurants, lively entertainment and longstanding neighbors.  In less than 10 minutes you can be downtown or in the French Quarter. Beautiful Oak boughs, river paths and family friendly parks provide safe temptations to get outside and enjoy the city.

What successes have you had in the Carrollton/Riverbend Neighborhood Association?

Since 2006, we have completed a short annual survey of our members through Survey Monkey to provide guidance to the CRNA leadership. We also host an Open House to invite neighbors to volunteer for committees and/or learn more about the goals for the coming year. Our association has grown significantly over the past few years with improvements in social networks. We have just under 300 registered members but well over 400 viewers in our Facebook and web blogs at www.crna-Nola.org through Wordpress.

I believe engagement and awareness of neighbors in Carrollton has improved too. While we have a diverse collection of subgroups representing different priorities for improvement, I believe the discussions are healthy, forward thinking and sincere. In my role of president for the association, I have learned more about the silos created over the past years due to low trust, and or participation. Understanding and respect are the first steps in my opinion to moving forward.

We've held a few community town forums this past year regarding education and community service needs that I believe provided direct priorities for developers in Carrollton. We've held a few social events like outdoor family movie nights, community gatherings and look to add neighborhood business after hour events.

Do you have any upcoming events or projects?

Our annual CRNA Membership meeting is Thursday, June 11th at Central  St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 1333 South Carrollton Avenue, 6-8 pm.

We are working with the New Orleans School Board regarding preservation opportunities of the Carrollton Courthouse, state legislators regarding a Carrollton Community Center and the Lycee Francais Charter School in the development of the former Priestly Middle School site. There are several private nonprofits in Carrollton such as Community Commitment, Inc.,  Leonidas House and several community gardens in which we  applaud their contributions and important role in Carrollton.

What advice would you give to other neighborhood leaders?

• Understand and follow the bylaws of your organization.
• Recruit and engage stakeholders
• Hold yourself and your leadership accountable. Trust and transparency are necessary.
• Add fun events to your schedule for the community. Movie nights, potluck meals, business open houses, etc. are all ways to bring community members together, even if it's 8-10 people at a time.

 

May 27, 2015 | From City of New Orleans

Get to Know Your Neighbor: Spotlight on Sylvia Richard from East New Orleans

How long have you been a resident in New Orleans East?

I have lived in East New Orleans "ENO" for approximately 20 years but my commitment to this area started long before that.  I felt  a part of the New Orleans East community because for nearly 35 years  I taught at  Southern University at New Orleans and most of the students were from the East, Gentilly and the Ninth Ward. Additionally, during that period of time as a real estate broker, I sold homes primarily in the East to many of its residents, so I was familiar with the area issues and concerns of the community.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love the passion and commitment demonstrated by the ENO residents for our neighborhoods. Despite numerous challenges, such as the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, it did not dampen our zeal or willingness to return and rebuild our homes. We have survived and thrived determining to stay and work our way back to the uniqueness and the revitalization of our community. East New Orleans has different layers of living including affordable homes for first time homebuyers and, unlike other areas of the city, lush homes in over 15 subdivisions built around manmade lakes. We have a new, state of the art Read Regional Library, East New Orleans Hospital and Joe Brown Park with the slated return next year of the Audubon Nature Institute’s "Nature Center." New Orleans East is the gateway to the City of New Orleans and comprises 66% of the city’s land mass.  We are home to NASA Michoud Assembly, Folger Coffee, Boeing, Textron Marine, Lockheed Martin Space Systems and the new movie industry company Film Works.   ENO is the perfect location for families to live, work and play.

What led to the formation of ENONAC and what successes have you had?

After Hurricane Katrina, we realized to recover and rebuild our community we needed to have a plan and be a recognized authority to provide input, to determine and enforce standards that would maintain a good quality of life.  In 2008 East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission (ENONAC) was established as a state legislated commission adopted as HB887 (later revised to Act 394).  As a state legislated body we may advise, promote, and monitor both City and State government. This Act requires the City of New Orleans to notify ENONAC of proposed projects for the ENO community and allows us to advise the appropriate governmental bodies in regard to the planning of public and private development.  The citizen participation component mandated in the Master Plan of 2014 was already being implemented by Act 394 in 2008 in the East.

Consequently, ENONAC has been able to have a voice and recognized leadership in creating ENO as a thriving and sustainable community. Our successes have included establishing committees to:

• Challenge incompatible zoning and land use requests, while focusing on high quality development, state of art design and landscaping
• Lobby for quality and improved school facilities
• Develop a blight eradication strategy in collaboration with NOLA EAST Clean Sweep and the City of New Orleans to successfully eradicate pervasive commercial blight
• Host East NOLA Business Expo where we connected and educated the residential community with businesses and industries in ENO
• Promote healthy lifestyles by hosting ENO, walk, run, bike in the “Families Get Fit” event
• Foster collaboration and engagement of other stakeholders to increase property values, home ownership and improved healthcare

Do you have any upcoming events or projects?

We are planning a Katrina 10th Remembrance Event with a focus on neighborhood resilience and family commitment to protect, promote and preserve our ENO community.     

What advice would you give other neighborhood leaders?

Share your talents with your neighbors, we all have something to give. There is no greater value or benefit to you and your loved ones than the enjoyment and protection of your community.

August 4, 2015 | From City of New Orleans

Get to Know Your Neighbor: Spotlight on Victor Gordon from Pontilly

“Prior to 1970,” says Victor Gordon, President of the Pontilly Neighborhood Association, “Gentilly Woods and Pontchartrain Park were separate communities.”  He explains that it was a crisis at the local university that motivated the leadership of both communities to come together, cooperate, and solve problems for the area, and it was a cooperation that stuck.

Gordon has lived within the boundaries of the adjoining communities since 1966 and is proud to serve as the association’s current president, almost half a century later.  When asked what he loves best about his neighborhood, Mr. Gordon provides a long list: “the pride exhibited by the past leadership of the community; the community involvement of the younger generation; the family environment; community engagement in the schools; our places of worship; our commercial corridor; and most of all, the community’s engaged residents and organizations.”

His passion for his community certainly shines through and his advice for other leaders across the city is to engage and represent all members of the area in which they serve as well as to work with other communities across the city.  Next on the agenda for the Pontilly Neighborhood Association, along with neighboring organizations, is the series of Hurricane Katrina commemorative events planned in late August.  The association hopes to “honor those residents of Pontilly who lost everything or died during Hurricane Katrina.”

October 13, 2015 | From City of New Orleans

Get to Know Your Neighbor: Spotlight on Julius Lee from Real Timbers

How long have you been a resident of the Real Timbers neighborhood?

16 Years

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love the quietness and low crime activity in the neighborhood.

What successes have you had with your association? 

Over the past twelve years we have had many successful events including a neighborhood fun run/walk, night out against crime activities with a candle light neighborhood walk,  an Algiers community cleanup rally, as well as a community carnival fair.

Do you have any upcoming events or projects? 

I will be asking my neighbors and other Algiers neighborhoods to volunteer to help my nonprofit organization, S.M.C.L. Foundation & Associates Paralympic Sport Club New Orleans with our upcoming community Adaptive/Paralympics Sports and Recreation event on December 11, 2015.  This event will foster activities for the community’s wounded veterans, along with our youth and other adults with physical disabilities, blindness or visual impairment. The location of the event will be announced by October 31, 2015.    

What advice would you give other neighborhood leaders?  

To be successful in anything, you will encounter some ups and downs; however, when things seem to be working against you, when you are down, stay prayed up and continue to press forward.  However, when thing are going real swell, I caution you to guard against pride, because “Only by pride cometh contention, but with the well advised comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10)