Holiday 2010

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Recent Neighborhood Events:
The 24th Annual Fall Affair at Commander’s Palace on September 26th was complete with cocktails, decadent dining, and neighborly socializing. Thanks to event co-chairs Jennifer & John Steck and Laura & Ed Moise, and the ever hospitable Brennan family for opening up their beautiful restaurant to the neighborhood, it was a delightful and successful fundraiser for the Association. The art auction was also back by popular demand featuring many of our neighborhood artists and galleries under the organization of auction co-chairs Susu Stall and Fifi Laughlin. Overall it was an enjoyable fall evening for our patrons and benefactors. Thank you all for your generous support. We are looking forward to creating an extra special event next Fall for our 25th Anniversary of the affair.

The Halloween Spooktackular was also a huge hit this year with trick-or-treating along the “safe route” and the family party in the grounds of what is often referred to now as the “Benjamin Buttons” house. A record 500 guests attended this year so the GDA sends a special thanks to co-chairs Jennifer & Dennis Lauscha, Yancey & Lonnie Bewley, and Jenny & John Charpentier, and, of course, our gracious hosts Deryk and Tina Jones for opening their beautiful yard to the neighborhood.

A Neighbor’s Passing
Long time Garden District resident Gene Howard Rogas died this fall after a brief illness. Originally from Texas, Gene came to New Orleans on an athletic scholarship for Tulane University where he played football between 1948-1953. After serving in the U.S. Airforce in Japan and in the LA Air National Guard, he returned to work as a geologist in New Orleans for several years, and then retired into painting. His works have been shown in local galleries and museums throughout New Orleans, the United States, and abroad, and were often a popular feature at the GDA’s Fall Affair art auction. Gene was well known to may tourists and residents in the area and was often referred to as our ‘Garden District Ambassador.’ He is survived by his wife, Louise Reiss Rogas.

Filming in the Neighborhood
Since the implementation of Louisiana's innovative entertainment incentives in 2002, New Orleans has hosted dozens of film and video projects including several Oscar nominated projects. With the Garden District being one of the most architecturally and esthetically attractive neighborhoods in the city, it is no surprise that we have felt the influx of this industry in our area. This year we had several film and video projects shot in the neighborhood, including the films “Weapon,” and “So Undercover” as well as episodes of "The Young And The Restless" and several scenes from the award winning HBO series “Treme.” The GDA continues to work with the New Orleans Office of Film & Video and each project coordinator in an effort to limit the impact of these projects in our residential neighborhood. Filming Guidelines are always available to project coordinators on our website (www.gardendistrictassociation.com/film.html). In addition to providing our guidelines to producers and location managers, the Association has been working with the city Film Office and other neighborhoods to create a set of city guidelines that must be followed in order to receive a production permit. This is the first time the city has agreed to create such structure for this industry and issue such permits. We have made great strides in this arena.

Beautification Projects
The GDA Beautification Committee is proud to announce the fall replanting of the Jackson Avenue neutral grounds. The Crepe Myrtles that previously lined the avenue, most of which were in decline, were replaced this fall with holly trees. Over the past several decades, many of the trees planted in the median were damaged by busy traffic, their canopies destroyed by passing trucks and their demise hurried by lack of proper pruning. Because of its narrow 5-foot width, the selection of trees appropriate for this site was limited and ultimately holly trees were deemed the most attractive and practical for the planting. This project was approved by the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways and the new plantings will be monitored and maintained for one full year until they have stabilized. Subsequent pruning, as needed, will be coordinated with the Department of Parks and Parkways.

The Beautification Committee has also approved a plan for quarterly pruning and sprucing of the two pocket parks in the neighborhood to begin in 2011: Montiero Park (bounded by Pleasant, Camp and Toledano streets) and McDonogh Place (bounded by Pleasant, Prytania, St. Charles and Toledano streets). Both public spaces have become popular resting and play spots for neighborhood residents. And while many dogs visit the parks with their owners, the public leash law and pooper-scooper provisions are in full force. We ask all to follow the rules so that the green spaces may be enjoyed by all residents and their furry friends.

Studies show that neighborhoods with graffiti are more attractive to the criminal element of the city. We intend for that not to be the story for the Garden District so the GDA has taken action by employing a non-profit organization called Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) to address the issue. On August 1st, the GDA Grafitti Abatement program went into full force identifying and removing the smaller tags and will move onto the larger damage in the coming months. OCS canvasses the neighborhood to identify graffiti tags, then contacts the property owner to receive permission to remove the violation. If the tag is on city property, CS works with the city in removing the problem as well. In addition, OCS helps to identify the perpetrators and works with the NOPD to bring them to justice. If the graffiti can be safely removed with special solvents, this method will be used. If not, property owners will be asked to supply the paint to cover the markings. Removal of graffiti tags is free to the property owner under this GDA program. According to City Ordinance #19086, any property owner who leaves graffiti on their property for more than 30 days shall be subject to a $500 fine. All property owners are free to remove the tag on their own, but must do it within 30 days or be subject to the city's fine. To report a graffiti tag: please send us an email with the exact location and a photo, if possible, or simple call directly to the Graffiti Hotline: 486-9694. We hope that this program will take us one step closer to keeping our neighborhood beautiful and safe. We encourage your participation.

Magazine Street News:
Repair and resurfacing construction on Magazine Street from US 90B to St. Andrew Street will begin in early January, which marks the first phase of the overall $6.7 million Magazine Street project that will stretch to Nashville Avenue. The project is part of the $118 million South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program, a comprehensive road repair program to repair and resurface roads damaged as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita which is funded by the Emergency Relief Program of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The work will include removing two inches of old asphalt pavement, patching as required, placing back new asphalt pavement, curb repairs, new striping and markers, and new ADA handicap ramps. At some locations, storm water drain pipe repairs and other miscellaneous work will occur. Construction will be done in increments of three blocks at a time during which one lane in either direction will be open to traffic. Work periods will be 24 hours per day but load work will be limited to the day shifts. No sidewalk work will be done except for at corners for ADA safety ramps where a brick red color will be used. Curbs will be replaced in kind (concrete to concrete or stone to stone) and street name tiles will be photographed as to be replaced as they were prior to the construction. Learn more about the project by visiting http://bit.ly/magazinestreetrepair, or you can find information on Twitter @magstrepair or on Facebook. For more information on this project or other projects in the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program, contact the public information line at 1-800-574-7193.

When the infamous Parasol’s bar building and business name were sold, former manager Jeff Carreras took his staff, his stuff and the Parasol's menu down the block to open a new restaurant and tavern called Tracey's (2604 Magazine St., corner of Third Street) which takes the name of the original Parasol’s restaurant that was established in 1949. Poboys and Irish flare still abound. For more information call #897-05413 or visit traceysnola.com.

A new Yogurt Shop will be coming soon to 3120 Magazine Street featuring fresh seasonal fruit, assorted toppings, swirl your own, and pay by the ounce options.

Lili Vintage Boutique at 3329 Magazine is new to the Garden District and offers quality, restored, vintage clothing, jewelry and accessory items. For more information call #931.6848 or visit http://www.lilivintage.com

Baby Bump upgraded from their former location in Metairie to their new space off of the Café Rani courtyard at 2917 Magazine Street. They offer a great selection of designer maternity clothes and baby gear. For more information call #304-2737 or visit www.nolababybump.com

Storyville Kids opened on Black Friday at 3118 Magazine St. just one block away from the grown-up Storyville shop. Storyville original screenprinted tshirts and onesies are designed in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Austin by Storyville employees, artists, siblings, cousins and in-laws (aka Storyvillains). For more information call #304-6209 or visit www.wearyourstory.com

The Green Light District (GLD) was launched this holiday season to build community awareness of environmental issues and offer consumers a “green” shopping holiday alternative. The GLD is a newly formed association of eco-friendly businesses that exists in the Lower Garden District and whose mission is to educate the community about sustainable practices and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle. Additionally, the Green Light District association hopes to see the growth of eco-friendly businesses and is actively seeking to grow its membership with an aim to towards strengthening the Lower Garden District neighborhoods. Green Light District Businesses include Branch Out, Zuka Baby, Green Serene, Spruce, and others.

Zoning:

Gott Gourmet obtained a liquor license application approved by the City Planning Commission and City Council earlier this year. Christy Parker and David Gotter, husband and wife owners, have run a very successful cafe on the corner of Eighth and Magazine for 2 years and have expanded their hours to dinner and brunch on the weekends. A Good Neighbor Agreement with the GDA was signed into effect and limits their hours of operations and their selling of liquor with food only, consistent with other Good Neighbor Agreements along the Magazine Street commercial strip of the Garden District. For more information about the restaurant visit www.gottgourmetcafe.com or call #373-6579.

Trinity/ Parking Lot On Josephine
Over the past few months, the Coliseum Square Association (CSA), Trinity representatives and the GDA have met to discuss the possibility and alternatives to creating a parking lot in the middle of the residential block on Josephine Street between Camp and Coliseum. Both neighborhood associations have opposed this request noting that it destroys the residential nature of the block and does not enhance the neighborhoods in any way. The City Planning Commission held a public hearing and a came to a deadlock in its decision to recommend approval or denial to the City Council. The matter will go to the City Council in January for a final decision. In the meantime, CSA and GDA have asked Trinity to consider other options for the lots that would be more in keeping with the residential nature of the block. Discussions are ongoing and all are working towards a compromise in this issue.

Trinity Mission House
Representatives from Trinity Church, Coliseum Square Association and The GDA met on several occasions to draft a Good Neighbor Agreement regarding the renovation and future use of an abandoned home in the 2100 block of Coliseum Street. Though the Agreement has been signed by all parties, fundraising and additional planning are in the works for the renovation of the building and the outreach program to be housed in this location. The Mission House will be used as a housing and meeting facility for the youth of Trinity Church and groups of visiting missionaries from out of town. Selective demolition of the rear sections of the property at 2119 Coliseum were done this summer in order to stabilize the historic front portion of the building for renovation. Presently, the plans are to keep the front original portion of the structure and demolish and rebuild the rear portions that are not as historically significant and have been demolished by neglect.

Code Enforcement
Throughout this year, the GDA’s new Code Enforcement Committee has met with city agency representatives to visit and report several properties in the neighborhood that are in violation of the housing code. Most of these properties are owned by absentee landlords who have deferred repairs resulting in structural problems and/ or deterioration of the house. Some of these property owners were cited and summoned to hearings in the past few months. Several owners were found guilty and are expected to make repairs within a given deadline or receive fines up to $500 per day until repairs are made. Other properties were cited by the Environmental Health Department for overgrown vegetation, pest infestations, neglected pools and the like. These owners received citations from the city as well. We will continue to follow up on these cases and others that negatively affect the quality of life and architectural portfolio of our area.

In November Mayor Landrieu enacted a new campaign on blight with a goal of eliminating up to 10,000 blighted and/or vacant properties over the next three years. The two departments that oversee blight enforcement were unified into the Code Enforcement & Hearings Bureau and a Director of Blight Policy & Neighborhood Revitalization was hired to oversee all blight strategy development. To report blighted property call (504) 658-4300.

Short Term Rentals
The GDA office often receives reports and complains about neighbors using their property as a hotel, bed and breakfast facility or other type of short-term rental. The GDA reminds all residents and property owners that it is illegal to rent any residential property in Orleans Parish for less than 30 days unless the property is properly licensed hotel or bed and breakfast (M.C.S., Ord. No. 21606, § 1, 7-1-04). The GDA’s zoning and legal committees work to keep the city updated on any illegal short term rental activity in the neighborhood and follow up on citations. If you know of any illegal short term rental activity in the area, please send us the details in writing via fax (#894-8926), email (gardendistrictno@bellsouth.net, or snail mail (GDA, P.O. Box 50836, NOLA 70150).

Scoop on Dumpsters
Reminder to renovators: you need a permit from the City of New Orleans Public Works Department in order to place a dumpster on a public right of way or street. Generally dumpsters need to be placed curbside and adhere to the same regulations of a parked vehicle. To obtain a permit for a dumpster or file a complaint about a dumpster call #658-8040.

Lead Paint Safety
Please be aware that new Federal rules have been issued prohibiting the sanding of lead based paint and requiring contractors to receive special training in the removal of such. If you are in the process of sanding your home or preparing to do so, please be sure to hire a contractor that is properly certified and please assure your neighbors that you are not violating the law and releasing dangerous chemicals in the air potentially harming their health and that of their children and animals. These same rules apply to some pressure washing of houses as well. Fines for violators are significant. Please check out the EPA website for more information: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm

Support Your Neighborhood Association
If you are not already a GDA member for 2011, we hope that you will join our Association and support our efforts to maintain the unique quality of life of our area. Please support us by sending in the form below along with your membership contribution or register online.

Name:
___________________________________

Address:
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Phone:
__________________________

Email:
________________________________

Membership Level: ___$500 Sponsor ___ $250 Sustaining ___ $100 General/Apartment

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST - We'll keep you in the loop!
If you are not already on our neighborhood email list. please join by sending an email to
gardendistrictno@bellsouth.net
Visit GDA on the web at: WWW.GARDENDISTRICTASSOCIATION.COM

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JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST - We'll keep you in the loop!

If you are not already on our neighborhood email list and would like to receive these periodic announcements, please send us an email

gardendistrictno@bellsouth.net

Visit GDA on the web at: WWW.GARDENDISTRICTASSOCIATION.ORG

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