February 10, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Jean Morris

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

It has been exciting to be involved in the economic and cultural activity of the Lower Ninth Ward for over 60 years. 

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

I became passionate about my District through generational involvement. My family and community have worked hard to improve the economic and cultural environment.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love the family environment and resiliency of my community.  We have experienced some of the worst hurricanes and downturn economic impact in the city of New Orleans.  These negative impacts did not deter the residents from wanting to remain in the Ninth Ward and do what it takes to bring our community back to a walkable and friendly community.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

Currently, I am the Chairperson of the Lower Ninth Ward Economic Development District, a special district and political subdivision of the State of Louisiana created to foster business growth, employment, and economic development for the residents of the Lower Ninth Ward. I've developed a coalition of community organizations and Pastors to ensure that we don't overlap our efforts that impact the Ninth Ward and work together to make a real impact on our quality of life.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?  

Successfully opened the Criminal Justice Institute at The Martin Luther King High School, clean district program, business development program for small business, and school for Phlebotomists. Currently working with local museums for tours, local nonprofit to organize efforts in the district, developing a drain cleaning prevention program, organizing football, basketball and cheerleaders on the local parks. Developing a capital outlay plan that includes residents, organizations and Pastoral leadership to move the community forward.

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

I would like to encourage citizens and organizations to get involved. Being involved gives you a voice and improves the cultural and economic impact on your community which ultimately improves our city, 

January 13, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Lavon Jackson

How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

 I have lived in the Melia Neighborhood since I was a little girl attending McDonogh 40 Elementary school.

 

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

I honestly became active in the neighborhood after returning in 2013 from Hurricane Katrina. It was due and through the constant encouragement of my late friend Cheryl Diggins that I became active. 

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

I appreciate while we may not agree on many things, we always come together for this neighborhood. We constantly empower one another to always push the envelope.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood? 

We have continued to have our annual giveaways even through the pandemic. Rather that was the Back-school or Thanksgiving giveaways.

 

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood? 

We are currently working Blighted properties and the Beautification project. Making the East great again One Neighborhood at a time.

 

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

You are going to have a lot of suggestions and no help. You are going to have a lot of “na sayers” and less “ yes we can”, but don’t stop. This is where you live and your kids live and so on. Never stop fighting to make it right. Everyone is accountable. That’s what makes it Home.

December 20, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Rob Zrabkowski

How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

35 Years! My wife and I live in the “starter home” we never finished.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood? 

When we were raising our kids we volunteered at their school, their playgrounds, and our church (which is in the neighborhood). When they moved out I felt it was time to do some community work. We didn’t have an active association. But another Aurora Gardens resident named David Wadleigh wanted to start one and I agreed to help. He became the first President of AGNA and I was the Vice President in the first 2-3 years.

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

Mostly the trees and the large yards. I also love to walk through the neighborhood, usually in the early morning when everything is quiet. I like the fact that Aurora Gardens has many different housing styles since it was developed over several decades. It is definitely not a cookie cutter development.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood? 

In the first two years of AGNA we successfully opposed a plan to put five Therapeutic Group Homes in the neighborhood. We have also had some success getting blighted houses remediated by attending many code enforcement hearings and working with successive council members. Also, AGNA members are very active in Algiers-wide community meetings and events, such as clean-up days, 4^th District NOPD Mardi Gras breakfasts, etc. And we’ve sponsored a number of events ourselves. This past year we ran a successful blood drive and a Red Cross training on CPR and hurricane preparedness.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood? 

Recently we’ve had a number of streets getting renumbered by DPW, without homeowners getting adequate warning or sufficient help with the problems that causes. So we had a public meeting which was attended by Council Member Freddie King, representatives of 4^th District NOPD, members of the media and a fair sized crowd of concerned residents. We then created a petition regarding the issue, which we are still trying to resolve. We continue to focus the handful of blighted properties that detract from our many varied and well-maintained homes. We are also trying to get more roadwork done. A couple of streets in Aurora Gardens have been repaved in recent years, but many are in a failed state and/or lack adequate drainage. One – Berkley Dr from Woodland to Sullen – has been listed as “planned” on the Roadwork site for five years. We feel this is too long for residents to wait for needed street repairs. Especially when better streets get priority over the worst streets. That, in my opinion, is a fairness and equity issue.

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

Community work is a marathon not a sprint. It takes patience and perseverance. It also requires neighbors with differing viewpoints, opinions and personality types to work together. That’s not always easy. It can also be tricky to find the balance between offering needed criticism to city departments, elected officials and representatives of service companies like Entergy, S&WB, etc. and maintaining civil working relationships with those same people. I can’t say I’ve always succeeded at these “people skills.” But I do keep trying.

November 6, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Natori Green

How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

I am a longtime broadmoor resident who grew up in this community. I attended Andrew H Wilson elementary school and regularly frequented Rosa F Keller Library as a child. I enjoy continuing to observe and serve this neighborhood.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood? 

Growing up in Broadmoor, I enjoyed many happy memories of being involved in neighborhood events. My daughter started attending Kindermusik classes at the Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center. As she grew and enjoyed the program offerings at the center. I was excited to be more involved in the community and the center in particular. I got to know the amazing staff members working there at that time. I was invited to be a part of the Broadmoor Block Captain program where I assisted with community outreach and got to interact with fellow residents who also are passionate about this community. 

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

People are friendly and eager to volunteer in Broadmoor especially at our Broadmoor Food Pantry and community gardens. There are many amazing local businesses and business owners in Broadmoor. I love the neighborhood of Broadmoor because of its distinction as an improvement district. I think it is so special because it emphasises a holistic approach to addressing resident issues. 

What successes have you had in your neighborhood? 

I transitioned to a full-time role this year and assumed more leadership responsibilities on behalf of the BIA. I have taken on an expanded role in community engagement and advocacy, focusing on my strengths of engaging with community members and advocating for better quality of life in Broadmoor. I was instrumental in communicating the BIA's response to Hurricane Ida to Broadmoor residents, as well as supporting the on-the-ground response at the Arts & Wellness Center immediately following the storm. My advocacy on behalf of Broadmoor residents who were impacted by Hurricane Ida was also a major accomplishment and support to our community members in need. Additionally, I spearheaded the research and planning for the tool lending library, setting the organization up for a successful launch in January 2022. The tool lending library is an invaluable resource to residents that provides them with free home improvement tools to combat blight in the neighborhood. With the launch of the tool lending library, I collaborated with Billie Golan to host the first ever Repair Cafe in Louisiana at our Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center starting in July of 2022. Repair Cafe is an opportunity to repair broken items together and get professional advice and inspiration about general home improvement projects from local people we refer to as Repair coaches. I look forward to hosting many more in the coming months and years in Broadmoor. More recently, Our staff worked together to host our 3rd annual TrickorTrEATMOOR Halloween event which was a major success!

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood? 

I am excited to be partnering with Tulane University and Xavier University to host Saturday Day of Services in our Broadmoor Food Forest and Broadmoor Food Pantry Garden this month. I am engaging in conversation with partner agencies to improve and maintain our community, reduce blight and illegal dumping and all other quality of life issues. As well as coordinating with coworkers on fun community engagement events in the neighborhood. I am getting the word out about our amazing Tool Lending Library and the Broadmoor Boutique which is a low to no cost clothing closet for individuals in need and anyone who just loves fashion and shopping local! I am also gearing to start planning our SpringEATMOOR event and possibly a fun winter holiday neighborhood event.

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

Do not be embarrassed by your mistakes. Take them with stride and keep moving forward. Everyone is human and no one is perfect. It will be okay in the end. 

October 7, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Katherine Hammer

How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

I have lived in the Uptown Triangle since October 2018. I began as a renter and purchased a condominium in September 2020 because I knew I wanted this neighborhood to be my home. 

How did you get involved in your neighborhood? 

I wanted to get involved in my neighborhood association and I found the website online and reached out. 

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

The Uptown Triangle is the best neighborhood for many reasons but what I love about it the most is the location of being nestled between beautiful Audubon Park, historical St. Charles Avenue, and the powerful Mississippi River. 

What successes have you had in your neighborhood? 

UTNA board member, Gabe Bordenave, had an idea of us hosting a Halloween block party where families could come out and socialize, watch the Saints game, and children could trick or treat. The event in October 2021 was a huge success and it was a great opportunity for us to get to know our neighbors! 

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood? 

UTNA is hosting another Halloween Social on Saturday, October 29th from 3-6 PM. We hope that neighbors will come out and join us. Follow our Uptown Triangle Neighborhood Association website or Facebook page for more details! 

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

I encourage other neighborhood leaders to take the time to listen to their neighbors and hear the concerns that they have. My role as UTNA president is to serve as a liaison between my neighbors and the city and other organizations who can provide answers and solutions to my neighbors' concerns. 

September 9, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Lang Le

How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

I have been a resident of Village de l’Est since 1975. I moved to Sherwood Forest subdivision in 2000; however I’m also a parishioner of Mary Queen of Vietnam church and families still reside in the area. I also works in Village de l’Est so I come this way at at three times a day at a minimum.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood? 

I work and direct a non profit located in the center of Village de l’Est. 

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

The neighborhood is very diverse and close tie community, we all know each other. There is a saying “it takes a village to raise a child”, this saying at one point fits this neighborhood. 

What successes have you had in your neighborhood? 

Recently I gathered the community for a peace walk, partner with the neighborhood engagement team to host a community meeting at Mary Queen of Vietnam church. I also partner with a local Vietnamese radio to provide information relating to COVID, hurricane preparedness, crimes and other updates. Through the non profit, I was able to apply for a small community grant with the city to work on beautification works on Michoud Blvd and a section of Dwyer Blvd.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood? 

I’m currently working with the community to promote safety the neighborhood, to request for speed limit signs in Village de L’Est for Alcee Fortier Street, Willowbrook Dr. 

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

It’s important to invest in neighborhood for residents to feel safe. We need to create opportunities to encourage the younger generation to get involve in community engagement.

August 8, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Jimmie Pierre

How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

I've lived in the Pines Village Subdivision for over twenty years.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood? 

I joined our Neighborhood Association a couple of years ago to lend my voice to the many voices that were already advocating on behalf of the community.

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

When I first moved to the area it was beautiful! I believe Pines Village was the first subdivision built in New Orleans East. The area was lined with trees, the streets were wide and nicely paved - many of the residents had pride in their community and had lived in the area for decades.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood? 

The association had the most success in the aftermath of Katrina. The leadership and members during that era, really worked hard to resurrect Pines Village. They were successful in getting better lighting, reducing blight, demolishing hazardous properties, categorizing each property to determine the status of each, creating a better network of residents to be better able to address issues as a collective, and the list goes on and on. 

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood? 

Currently as an association, we are focused on improving our streets, reducing blight, reducing illegal dumping in the area, and overall quality of life issues.  My advice for other neighborhood leaders and change makers is to be persistent. In their respective circles of influence, remind folks that elected public officials work for them.

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

Don't get weary and well doing. Serve the people with grace, humility, and a loving spirit. 

July 11, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Jim Goodwin

How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

4-1/2 years

How did you get involved in your neighborhood? 

I expressed my concerns about the new ferries, which resulted my being assigned as the Chair of the Algiers Point Association (APA) Transportation Committee.  Subsequently, I was assigned as the Chair of the APA Safety Committee, which includes interface with the NOPD 4th District and then I was elected APA President.

What do you love about your neighborhood? 

It is a historic district which is a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood accommodating children, seniors, pets, walking and biking; it is a community where the neighbors interact with each other and strive to maintain this positive environment.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood? 

Community involvement in Clean Sweeps, SOUL tree-plantings, arts activities and engagement with the Mayor's Office, the Council, City Departments and NOPD to maintain and improve the neighborhood, and APA grants to support and enhance the quality of life in our community. 

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood? 

We have received a grant from the Mayor's Neighborhood Engagement Office to maintain and improve the Levee Trail in collaboration with the Levee Authority and Federal City.  We are also working on making Algiers Point a Slow Zone, supporting the Bounyful Fresh Market, the Free Lil Pantry and participating in other "green" endeavors, such as glass recycling and composting programs.  Our Neighborhood Improvement and Community Engagement Committees are also monitoring permit and Short Term Rental activities to identify and report violations.

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

"The squeaky wheel gets the grease".

June 7, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Rev. Jamaal Weathersby

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

The New Hope Baptist Church has been a part of the Central city community for over 90 years.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

I have been a part of the New Hope family all of my life. I've served in several capacities including youth pastor, administrative assistant, and currently senior pastor.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

The best aspect of my neighborhood is the people. There are many hardworking people, loving families and energetic kids. 

WHAT SUCCESSES HAVE YOU HAD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

We have had many successes in our neighborhood, particularly community outreach.  In addition to feeding the community every Wednesday, we host a variety of activities for the community throughout the year.  Those activities include, tutorial programs to assist with homework after school, free dance camps in the summer, youth fun days, senior citizens programs and luncheons, coordinated business expos, health awareness events, etc.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?  

We are currently in the process of building a Hope Center to serve this community with recreational activities for seniors and youth. 

ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS AND CHANGE MAKERS?

My word of advice for all community leaders and changemakers is to be consistent, compassionate, and creative and trust that you will make a difference even if it doesn’t happen immediately.

 

May 9, 2022 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Patrick Braud

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

6 years

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

My neighbor told me about the Central Carrollton Association and the volunteer opportunities they had to help out in the neighborhood. I started out volunteering with the Tree planting committee and my involvement grew from there. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

The location. We really aren’t close to anything but it feels easy to get everywhere. I also love that we are at the start of the St Charles street car, cause there is always a seat when we get on.

WHAT SUCCESSES HAVE YOU HAD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

Enhanced Airbnb regulation was a big focus of our organization a couple years back and we were happy to see what the council and city implemented. While the enforcement of the rules may be subpar so far, it feels good to know that we have taken major steps toward curbing the impact these Short Term Rentals are having on the cities housing stock and affordability. 

ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS AND CHANGE MAKERS?

Keep on, keeping on. When things are feeling incredibly frustrating and hopeless, just relax and try to enjoy the process and people involved. Positive change never happens over night and staying the course will go along way.