April 5, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Earl Williams

How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

I've lived in the neighborhood for 69 years.  

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

After Katrina we established the Hollygrove Neighbors Association to bring back the neighborhood.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

The cohesiveness, we work well together, we get things done. There's a sense of unity in our community. We're able to accomplish a lot because we don't deal with a lot of egos.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

There's so much we do and are involved in. We have had many successes in our neighborhood, including getting a disruptive bar shut down, we have an alliance with Ms. Dee Dee for the community garden, and we stopped the rerouting of trains from Old Metairie through Hollygrove. 

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

We have community gardens, a neighborhood refrigerator where people can get perishables, and more.

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

I would advise other neighborhood leaders to increase cohesiveness, unity, and to leave egos at the door.

March 11, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Calvin Spears

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

I purchased a lot in 1978, and I have lived in Lakewood East since 1980, so I'm going on 46 years in December.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

I started participating in my homeowners association, in Lakewood East. It really took off after Katrina, because everyone was trying to figure out what we were going to do. We decided to come together and do everything we could to make Lakewood East what it was prior to Katrina. I was also a member of ENONAC for about 15 years and I am a graduate of Mayor’s Citizen Academy and also the Police Citizen Academy.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

Lakewood East is a great place to raise children, and when I initially moved here, my children were young. Also, I have great accessibility to the interstate.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

I was instrumental in establishing a taxing district in Lakewood East as one of the architects. I also keep my neighborhood signs cleaned and the surrounding grass cut. My neighbors and I also worked with the DOTD to get concrete barriers on I-10 Service Road shoulder from Morrison to around Franklin Ave.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?

For the last 10 years I go out on Tuesdays and pick up trash going along I-10 Service Road. Sometimes I have to report mattresses, tree branches and even sofas. I'm also in constant communication with the District E liaison arranging for trash pick ups along the service road.

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

My advice is to just get involved, start now. Everyone who does a little bit makes things better.

January 12, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Priscilla Llopis

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

I have been involved, lived and worked into the community since I was 12 years old. My husband and I have been doing this on ground community work since 1999. The schools I went to were Brady, Colton Jr. High, Nicholls Sr. High and my last year Rabouin High for Nursing and Secretary training. My mother, Auntee, Cousin and Mother-In-Law reside here. They were all part of the Edgewood Heights Association before Hurricane Katrina, and worked very hard after. My goal is to increase/help the quality of life of those who are saying we have no help.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

My husband and I got involved in our community because there was a need to help others. Other communities were building back, receiving funding for their families and we never had a true leader to help. We were concerned with the State Department wanting to build a Probation Office on Franklin and also Sewerage & Water Board building up their property, whereas the residents' homes would be drowned out during a heavy rain. We did effectively receive lighting throughout the neighborhood and especially towards the back. This was from the Probation Office. Sewerage Water Board placed sheeting – wrapping/partition going all across their fence so the residents would not be able to see their trucks and dirt. This lasted about 5 years with SWB. The Dahlia Walk Tunnel was closed; this was during Mayor Nagin's reign. After Hurricane Katrina, we brought in buses of people to clean out damaged homes for free.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love that we are a small community. No matter where I live or go this is my community. When I was young we use to sit on the front porch and never be afraid, because we all knew each other. Seniors and retired residents always watched the activities going on from their porch. We are a small pocket of homeowners, renters, and businesses who know everyone.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

Within the last three years we have had wonderful success with the Cantrell Administration in Infrastructure of the streets, trash, etc. Edgewood Heights Association has became incorporated as a viable community. A few of our seniors and low-income families were having problems making ends meet month by month, so we now have a small food pantry which does help meet their needs. I'm able to do this because I have a Bachelor's in Food/Nutrition. We are at the end of a cul-de-sac at the end of Peoples Avenue and Dahlia Walk, and it's hard for seniors with no transportation to go to the grocery several times a month. The Community Vegetable Garden will help with this also.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

At present we are working on our Community Vegetable Garden, crime cameras, working to get involved with the GDD, working with the Mayor and her team, Councilman, SELA, SWB to improve our infrastructure/streets. We are working on returning the "No Truck Route" sign back on Franklin Avenue and Abundance Street, and we are working with our neighborhood police. We are working on our 501C3, because we are in need of a Community Center. This would take me out of the equation and place it all upon the community. We also would like a "School Crossing Sign" on Franklin Avenue and a community name sign on the neutral ground on Franklin Avenue.

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

The only advise that I can give to other neighborhood leaders is to work with your City leaders, and communicate with the officials who are there to help. Be and stay positive, and speak out for your community because God placed you there as their voice.

November 10, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Jermaine Lewis

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

I have lived in Tall Timbers Extension for 25 years.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

I became an active member of  the  homeowners association after Hurricane Katrina. After the hurricane there was a great need for us to get back to some sense of normalcy.

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

It has taken us some years, but it is  a quiet and friendly neighborhood.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?  

Over the years we have had an increase in the number of homeowners, and residents who take care of their property.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

We are currently trying to clean empty lots,stop illegal dumping, and get potholes fixed, this is an ongoing problem.

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

My advice to other neighborhood, never stop fighting, stay involved.

September 11, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Joseph Peychaud

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

We have lived in this neighborhood since 1984.

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

Well, a number of things, we really love the people that are in this neighborhood and the people who are within its boundaries. The sense of our neighborhood continuing to grow through all of the changes we have faced.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?  

We have been successful in converting two-way streets to one-way streets in partnership with the city and the traffic engineers. We consulted on the street scape design for S. Claiborne Avenue. We have worked in successful partnership with businesses in the area such as Ochsner and Popeyes regarding the designs of their developments to protect the quality of life in the neighborhood.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

There are two things. We are trying to get some movement on street repair on S. Robertson that extends from S. Claiborne and Napoleon Ave. We are also noticing real significant growth of younger families moving into the area and they are buying double and single homes and renovating. We are trying to reach out to bring them into the group.  

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

I think if I had to address one issue, it’s totally imperative that an association builds a relationship with all of the constituents in that boundary area. Neighbors need to have a sense that they can call upon the association because they are there to help them.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

A group of residents came together one evening in 2003 on our patio because we saw a need relative to the issue of protecting and preserving the neighborhood heritage as well as to foster the growth of the neighborhood.

August 7, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Jake LeBeau

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

My wife and I moved to the DeSaix neighborhood about six years ago.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

We began going to DeSaix Area Neighborhood Association meetings shortly after moving into the neighborhood and became active members in the group not long after that.

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

I love how friendly our neighbors are. When we have out-of-town company they frequently marvel at how many of our neighbors we know and talk to when we're out walking in our neighborhood.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?                                                    

Our Neighborhood Association plans recurring service projects like providing breakfast for the 3rd District NOPD one Saturday during Carnival season, cleaning out storm drains, and trimming crape myrtles. We also plan one-off events. A few years ago we hosted a BBQ and Blood Drive at Langston Hughes Academy. Additionally, the guest speakers who join our general meetings serve to help keep our neighbors informed about current events in the community. Councilmember Giarrusso and State Representative Willard attend nearly all of our meetings. We also have guest speakers who will reach out to us and request some time to speak about a specific subject. Shelby Wynne, the Program Manager with Family Connects New Orleans, will be attending our September meeting to discuss her program, which offers in-home nurse visits to the parents of newborns.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

Presently, we are hoping to organize a Halloween trick-or-treating event for the kids in and around the neighborhood. It may not happen in 2023, but fingers crossed for 2024.

Any words of advice for other neighborhood leadersand change-makers?

Get involved with your Neighborhood Association. It's really gratifying to see your neighbors connected with the resources they need, which is something neighborhood groups can help facilitate. I would also encourage anyone who might be interested to apply for the Civic Leadership Academy. If you're inclined to be of service to your community, it helps to have some basic knowledge of city government, which the Civic Leadership Academy provides. 

July 10, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Tricia Wallace

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

I have lived in Gentilly most of my life

I grew up in Gentilly Woods

 How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

I was President of St. Gabriel’s Youth Ministry as a teen. That really sparked my engagement in my community. It wasn’t until I got involved with Lincoln Beach that I began to understand how impactful we can be. I applied and was selected as a Gentilly resident for the Gentilly Resilience District Cohort with Arts New Orleans and we produced the Gentilly Art Parade to make residents aware of the plans and have them interact with possible art installations where water features will be developed to lessen stress on the water pumps.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love that my neighbors look out for each other. I love the indigenous plant life I get to see every day. I love having access to different transportation routes. I love being close enough to the lake. There is rich history here

 What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

The Art Parade was successful. NOFLB Headquarters is in Gentilly

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

 Currently, I am focused on the Community Vision for Lincoln Beach which heavily impacts New Orleans East and quite honestly, the entire city. In the weeks ahead we are hosting an info session that will explain how the development process works. 

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

I encourage anyone interested in making a change or leading a project in your neighborhood to attend The Civic Leadership Academy. I really learned a lot about how the city administration operates, budgets, timelines and organizational structure. It was very helpful to engage with department heads and my classmates really supported each other. Focus on what is possible. Research and engage. You are never alone. Collaboration is key. 

June 9, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Karl Washington

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

I reside in the Upper 9^th Ward Desire, and It’s HOME, where I was born and raised. As a youth, I attended Robert R. Motion and Henderson H. Dunn Elementary Schools. Afterwards, Carver Middle and Carver Senior High School. In 2016, I decided to purchase properties across from Sampson Park so that it might serve as a resource center for the youth in the Desire Area. I am a proud product of this community, and very fortunate that I’m able to return back to my childhood neighborhood.  

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

My first involvement with programming in the Desire community came in 1993-1995, when I produced a few festivals at Sampson Park, titled “Culture Shock Back To Hood “African Community Reggae Festival. Community festivals that targeted youth in the Desire/Upper 9^th Ward area by implementing a platform using music and art to influence the importance of education, leadership, community pride and unity.                                                         

In 2008, after completing my time with former Mayor Ray Nagin as the City’s Event Producer, I returned back to the community in 2009 as a volunteer coach and mentor for at-risk youth at Sampson Park with Ancestor Legendary Coach Bob Roy, Sr.

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

Memories of a great past history of how the Desire/Florida Community was once a vibrant place with great pride. Places like the Desire Community Center where we’d go for skills development, recreation, growth, discipline and fun. Currently, the love I’ve for my neighborhood is centered around HOPE for the future. That one day the Upper 9th Ward Desire/Florida Community will become a vibrant resourceful community like some of the neighborhoods, like uptown. 

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?                                                    

One of my greatest successes in the Desire Community was in 2007, when I served as the lead person during the fight to save my alma mater, Carver Senior High School. We succeeded!!!  Next, organizing members of the community with support from HandsOn and some of their partners, Enterprise and United Way to revitalize Sampson Park.  Obtaining a small grant from Neighborhood Development to have two palm trees placed on the neutral ground for beautification of the area and working with Public Works to have streets signs placed on Johnny Jackson Jr. Blvd.  Also, advocating having lots cut, creating a renewed Desire community group for the Sampson Park kids and obtaining a brand new basketball court.   

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

Organizing a Renaissance Movement for the betterment of the Desire/Florida community.

Revitalization and programming at Sampson Park. Acquiring recreational equipment, uniforms and acquiring coaches. Completing the lot and house I purchased, so later it can be used for community gathering and youth activities. Working with Councilmember Eugene Green to bring us new businesses in the area and making some area a Commercial Zone. Producing an annually Desire/Florida Community Day, TBA

Any words of advice for other neighborhood leadersand change-makers?

After assessing the needs in your community, go serve and lead by example. Take the intitative, create an action plan, get others involved, and then proceed to do the necessary work with good intentions. The universe will open up with an abundance of support, resources and opportunities to advance your mission. And by all means, purchasing an abandoned lot or a blighted building near you. God isn't creating any more land, so you might as well purchase what's available in your own neighborhood.

May 5, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: John Guarnieri

How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

Moved to Bywater October 1998

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

I saw that it was in serious need of attention and upgrades. Unfortunately many of the houses had fallen into disrepair. Was not a sustainable neighborhood and was in dire need of neighborhood businesses.

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

The architecture and eclectic mix of residents

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?  

Making it more kid friendly, creating a sustainable, walkable neighborhood, bringing back neighborhood businesses.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

Safety, well enforced regulations on STR's

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

 Be vigilant and keep fighting for your beliefs.

March 13, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Carling Dinkler

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

I was borned and raised in New Orleans. I moved to Fontainebleau in 2017. 

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

Our neighborhood association stopped being active several years before I moved in. In 2022, a group of neighbors came together and re-activated the Fontainebleau Improvement Association (FIA).

What do you love about your neighborhood?

We have a wonderful sense of community in Fontainebleau. Neighbors truly care for one another. I love knowing my neighbors and being around people who are so committed to their community.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

By brinigng back the FIA, we have created a place where ideas can be shared and where we as neigborhood can speak with a unified voice.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

Keeping our neighbors up to date about street repairs has been a huge theme this year and last. We are also making plans to restore the beautiful arch that marks the entrance to Fontainebleau.

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

No one loves their city like New Orleanians. As a community, we face so many challenges, but we can accomplish truly amazing things when we focus on progress. It is not profound, but tackling our problems incrementally can make the tasks ahead of us more manageable and yeilds real results.