Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Follow up: Signs in neighborhoods
Parks and Parkways Guidelines
for Neighborhood and Subdivision Signs
on Neutral Grounds
1. Many neighborhoods and subdivisions have elected to erect signs to enhance their entrances. In order to insure that these signs are appropriate and do not become eyesores, the city has instituted an approval process as outlined below. Please allow an adequate time frame for this process when requesting a sign permit (to allow for the placement of the sign review on the agenda of the City Planning Commission meetings and for approvals of appropriate city departments as may be required).
2. Submit to Parks and Parkways (attn. Planning & Design Office) the following:
a. A plot plan showing where the sign(s) are to be located. This plan should be to scale, show actual dimensions, existing site features (such as trees, utility poles, etc.), street names, setback from intersection and side curbs of neutral ground.
b. A drawing of the sign showing the design and wording with dimensions including height and width.
c. A description of the materials to be used (brick, stucco, ornamental iron, etc.)
3. The above material will be submitted to the City Planning Commission for review and approval by their Planning Advisory Committee and Design Advisory Committee and at which the following may be determined:
a. If there are questions about the structure of the sign or if the sign is lighted and involves electricity, the applicant may be required to have the plan reviewed and stamped by a Louisiana licensed engineer for review by the Department of Safety and Permits.
b. The Department of Public Works Traffic Engineer may require addition information or changes to insure that the sign does not become a traffic hazard.
c. Representatives on the committee may also inform the applicant of any upcoming construction by S&WB, Entergy, Public Works, etc. that may affect the sign location.
4. The signs must be located at least 30 feet from an intersection and a minimum of 5 feet in from the side curb.
5. The sign should not be located within the drip line (under branch canopy) of an existing tree so as to not cause any disturbance to the roots and subsequent decline of the tree.
6. The applicant is responsible for making, erecting and maintaining the sign.
7. If the sign is damaged, destroyed or becomes unsightly, the applicant is responsible for replacement.
8. The applicant is responsible for any damage caused by the installation of the sign. At least 96 hours before installing, verify locations of underground utilities by calling Louisiana One Call – 1 800 272-3020.
9. No promotional or commercial material is allowed on the sign.
10. If landscaping is proposed to enhance the sign, a plan and a maintenance agreement must be submitted to Parks and Parkways for approval (see Design Standards for Plantings on Public Green Space).
for Neighborhood and Subdivision Signs
on Neutral Grounds
1. Many neighborhoods and subdivisions have elected to erect signs to enhance their entrances. In order to insure that these signs are appropriate and do not become eyesores, the city has instituted an approval process as outlined below. Please allow an adequate time frame for this process when requesting a sign permit (to allow for the placement of the sign review on the agenda of the City Planning Commission meetings and for approvals of appropriate city departments as may be required).
2. Submit to Parks and Parkways (attn. Planning & Design Office) the following:
a. A plot plan showing where the sign(s) are to be located. This plan should be to scale, show actual dimensions, existing site features (such as trees, utility poles, etc.), street names, setback from intersection and side curbs of neutral ground.
b. A drawing of the sign showing the design and wording with dimensions including height and width.
c. A description of the materials to be used (brick, stucco, ornamental iron, etc.)
3. The above material will be submitted to the City Planning Commission for review and approval by their Planning Advisory Committee and Design Advisory Committee and at which the following may be determined:
a. If there are questions about the structure of the sign or if the sign is lighted and involves electricity, the applicant may be required to have the plan reviewed and stamped by a Louisiana licensed engineer for review by the Department of Safety and Permits.
b. The Department of Public Works Traffic Engineer may require addition information or changes to insure that the sign does not become a traffic hazard.
c. Representatives on the committee may also inform the applicant of any upcoming construction by S&WB, Entergy, Public Works, etc. that may affect the sign location.
4. The signs must be located at least 30 feet from an intersection and a minimum of 5 feet in from the side curb.
5. The sign should not be located within the drip line (under branch canopy) of an existing tree so as to not cause any disturbance to the roots and subsequent decline of the tree.
6. The applicant is responsible for making, erecting and maintaining the sign.
7. If the sign is damaged, destroyed or becomes unsightly, the applicant is responsible for replacement.
8. The applicant is responsible for any damage caused by the installation of the sign. At least 96 hours before installing, verify locations of underground utilities by calling Louisiana One Call – 1 800 272-3020.
9. No promotional or commercial material is allowed on the sign.
10. If landscaping is proposed to enhance the sign, a plan and a maintenance agreement must be submitted to Parks and Parkways for approval (see Design Standards for Plantings on Public Green Space).
Follow up: Public green space
Parks and Parkways Design Standards
for Plantings on Public Green Space
1. Information
a. Identify who will be installing and who will be maintaining the planting.
b. Explain the purpose of the planting.
c. Indicate when the planting will be installed.
d. Provide a schedule of change-outs if seasonal planting are included.
e. Identify water source, if any, and proposed watering method and schedule.
2. Layout Plan
a. Indicate names, sizes, spacing and sources of plants.
b. Show accurate dimensions of bed and bed locations, e.g. distance from curbs, intersections, trees, light standards. To avoid sightline conflicts, planting should be at least 35 feet from intersections and 5 feet from side curbs.
3. Materials
a. A concrete border (pre-formed curbing) or steel edging is required for beds so that there is a clearly defined edge for mowing of the adjacent turf.
b. Any existing turf grass and weeds within the bed must be completely removed and the soil tilled before planting.
c. Plants must be of high quality, in good health, and must be planted using currently accepted horticultural standards. If plant material dies or is unhealthy, the Partner is expected to make replacements immediately.
d. Organic mulch is required for beds – indicate what type is to be used. Pine straw is preferred.
e. Trees should be of an appropriate size so as to be able to survive the conditions on a neutral ground. A minimum tree trunk caliper of 1 1/2 to 2 inches is required.
f. Plastic trunk protectors, such as “Arbor Guard” brand, are encouraged at the base of all trees.
4. If the above guidelines are not followed and the planting becomes a problem area, the Department of Parks and Parkways will require that the installation be removed.
This process takes time, but the investment in proper planning now will increase the probability of success of your project. We want to insure that the planting will be an asset for your neighborhood for years to come.
AB– 6/28/99
for Plantings on Public Green Space
1. Information
a. Identify who will be installing and who will be maintaining the planting.
b. Explain the purpose of the planting.
c. Indicate when the planting will be installed.
d. Provide a schedule of change-outs if seasonal planting are included.
e. Identify water source, if any, and proposed watering method and schedule.
2. Layout Plan
a. Indicate names, sizes, spacing and sources of plants.
b. Show accurate dimensions of bed and bed locations, e.g. distance from curbs, intersections, trees, light standards. To avoid sightline conflicts, planting should be at least 35 feet from intersections and 5 feet from side curbs.
3. Materials
a. A concrete border (pre-formed curbing) or steel edging is required for beds so that there is a clearly defined edge for mowing of the adjacent turf.
b. Any existing turf grass and weeds within the bed must be completely removed and the soil tilled before planting.
c. Plants must be of high quality, in good health, and must be planted using currently accepted horticultural standards. If plant material dies or is unhealthy, the Partner is expected to make replacements immediately.
d. Organic mulch is required for beds – indicate what type is to be used. Pine straw is preferred.
e. Trees should be of an appropriate size so as to be able to survive the conditions on a neutral ground. A minimum tree trunk caliper of 1 1/2 to 2 inches is required.
f. Plastic trunk protectors, such as “Arbor Guard” brand, are encouraged at the base of all trees.
4. If the above guidelines are not followed and the planting becomes a problem area, the Department of Parks and Parkways will require that the installation be removed.
This process takes time, but the investment in proper planning now will increase the probability of success of your project. We want to insure that the planting will be an asset for your neighborhood for years to come.
AB– 6/28/99
What is "chronic vacancy"?
From: Stanley Cohn [mailto:scohn@lawla.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:45 AMTo: 'Milissa Orzolek'; advocacy@npnnola.comSubject: RE: chronic vacancy
The Code does not define “chronic vacancy”. You must look to its common meaning. It’s more than just a structure with no occupant. Chronic means constant, habitual. A chronically vacant structure is not capable of human habitation, thus it is vacant. It is a continuous, constant problem marked by long duration.
On the other hand, a property for rent that is capable of human habitation is simply vacant.
There is a reason the Code uses the adjective “chronic” before vacancy.
You must also apply common sense.
Hope this helps.
Stanley
Stanley J. Cohn
Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin and Hubbard
601 Poydras Street
Suite 2775
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504-568-1990
504-310-9195 (fax)
scohn@lawla.com
The Code does not define “chronic vacancy”. You must look to its common meaning. It’s more than just a structure with no occupant. Chronic means constant, habitual. A chronically vacant structure is not capable of human habitation, thus it is vacant. It is a continuous, constant problem marked by long duration.
On the other hand, a property for rent that is capable of human habitation is simply vacant.
There is a reason the Code uses the adjective “chronic” before vacancy.
You must also apply common sense.
Hope this helps.
Stanley
Stanley J. Cohn
Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin and Hubbard
601 Poydras Street
Suite 2775
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504-568-1990
504-310-9195 (fax)
scohn@lawla.com
311 information
Subject: FW: Reporting City Issues and Problems; 311 is now defunct
United Way Partner sent the following out today:
Reporting city issues and problems
The 311 phone reporting system that handled city issues and problems has been dissolved.
Effective immediately, please call 658-2299 and follow the prompts:
Press #1 for Public Works (potholes, clogged drains, missing street signs and traffic signal outages)
Press #2 for Housing / Code Enforcement (status of a hearing, report a blighted structure)
Press #3 for Environmental Health (vacant lot with high grass)
Press #4 for Department of Revenue (property tax, sales tax, occupational license, sanitation fee removal)
Press #5 for Parks & Parkways (City tree trim request or downed trees)
Press #6 for Emergency Preparedness (house elevation, hazardous mitigation, city assisted evacuation plan, Dept of Homeland Security)
Press #0 for all other Department / Agencies
To report streetlight outages, call 658.2299 and follow the prompts for streetlights. You will be directly connected with Robinson Industries, the City's contracted streetlight repair vendor.
Tina Marquardt -Operations
tina@lakewoodbeacon.org
Ph:504-309-5120
Cell: 504-628-2751
fax:504-324-0487
United Way Partner sent the following out today:
Reporting city issues and problems
The 311 phone reporting system that handled city issues and problems has been dissolved.
Effective immediately, please call 658-2299 and follow the prompts:
Press #1 for Public Works (potholes, clogged drains, missing street signs and traffic signal outages)
Press #2 for Housing / Code Enforcement (status of a hearing, report a blighted structure)
Press #3 for Environmental Health (vacant lot with high grass)
Press #4 for Department of Revenue (property tax, sales tax, occupational license, sanitation fee removal)
Press #5 for Parks & Parkways (City tree trim request or downed trees)
Press #6 for Emergency Preparedness (house elevation, hazardous mitigation, city assisted evacuation plan, Dept of Homeland Security)
Press #0 for all other Department / Agencies
To report streetlight outages, call 658.2299 and follow the prompts for streetlights. You will be directly connected with Robinson Industries, the City's contracted streetlight repair vendor.
Tina Marquardt -Operations
tina@lakewoodbeacon.org
Ph:504-309-5120
Cell: 504-628-2751
fax:504-324-0487
UPCOMING NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES
Mark your calendar:
Oak Park & MGNA will have a Spring celebration on May 16, 2010 from 1pm-3:30pm. The place will be announced soon.
Oak Park & MGNA will have a Spring celebration on May 16, 2010 from 1pm-3:30pm. The place will be announced soon.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Damage Report
Damage Report
Date:
Neighborhood:
Inspector:
Resident Information:
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Description:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Documentation:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Picture Number and Description:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
_____________________________
Date:
Neighborhood:
Inspector:
Resident Information:
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Description:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Documentation:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Picture Number and Description:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
_____________________________
How to get sidewalks fixed
Dear Neighbor,
As part of the City’s FEMA-Eligible Roadway and Sidewalk Overflow Patching
Services Project, representatives from the Department of Public Works and
FEMA walked the minor streets of New Orleans to identify damage caused by
the debris removal process; however, there may be damages that were not
identified.
After using the web-based map to identify repairs in your area, if you believe
damage caused during the debris removal process is not included, use the
Additional Damage Report on the next page to alert us.
To complete the form:
1. Date: Fill in the date you are submitting the Additional Damage Report.
2. Neighborhood: Include the neighborhood where the damage is located.
3. Inspector: Include the name of the inspector for the neighborhood where
the damage is located, if known.
4. Resident Information: Fill in your name, address and phone number. It is
required that this information is included on the form. A City and/or FEMA
representative may need to contact you for more information.
5. Description: Include the exact location of the damage. For example:
“The damage is located at 1340 Poydras Street on the sidewalk to the
west of the property.” Please be as detailed as possible when describing
the damage to eliminate confusion when inspectors assess the damage.
6. Documentation: Provide as many before and after photographs or other
documentation of the damage.
7. Photograph Number and Description: Attach all photographs with
numbers and descriptions when submitting the Additional Damage Report
form to the City.
Once the form is completed, send the form, photos and other documentation to:
Kensley Evans
1340 Poydras Street, Suite 1420
New Orleans, LA 70112
The Department of Public Works will submit the information provided to a FEMA
representative for further evaluation. The FEMA representative will be
responsible for determining whether the repair of the identified damage will be
included in the project.
As part of the City’s FEMA-Eligible Roadway and Sidewalk Overflow Patching
Services Project, representatives from the Department of Public Works and
FEMA walked the minor streets of New Orleans to identify damage caused by
the debris removal process; however, there may be damages that were not
identified.
After using the web-based map to identify repairs in your area, if you believe
damage caused during the debris removal process is not included, use the
Additional Damage Report on the next page to alert us.
To complete the form:
1. Date: Fill in the date you are submitting the Additional Damage Report.
2. Neighborhood: Include the neighborhood where the damage is located.
3. Inspector: Include the name of the inspector for the neighborhood where
the damage is located, if known.
4. Resident Information: Fill in your name, address and phone number. It is
required that this information is included on the form. A City and/or FEMA
representative may need to contact you for more information.
5. Description: Include the exact location of the damage. For example:
“The damage is located at 1340 Poydras Street on the sidewalk to the
west of the property.” Please be as detailed as possible when describing
the damage to eliminate confusion when inspectors assess the damage.
6. Documentation: Provide as many before and after photographs or other
documentation of the damage.
7. Photograph Number and Description: Attach all photographs with
numbers and descriptions when submitting the Additional Damage Report
form to the City.
Once the form is completed, send the form, photos and other documentation to:
Kensley Evans
1340 Poydras Street, Suite 1420
New Orleans, LA 70112
The Department of Public Works will submit the information provided to a FEMA
representative for further evaluation. The FEMA representative will be
responsible for determining whether the repair of the identified damage will be
included in the project.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
March MGNA Meeting Minutes
MGNA Meeting Minutes
March 9, 2009
6:30pm
Attendees: Mr. & Mrs. Muller, Rhonda M., Emily M., Ida B., Milissa O., Treasure J., Mack C.
Upcoming event: Melinda B. has expressed interest in assisting in the Easter Egg Hunt to be held on 3/27 @ 1pm in the Mirabeau Play Spot. It will be sectioned off for older & younger children. There will be light snacks, like cookies & soft drinks. The event will be funded by MGNA.
Mirabeau Sign: Betty M. will talk w/the Parkway commission to get permission to move the sign.
Crime: There was a break in on Miles Dr. They broke into the neighbors shed/garage. They took a lawn mower & weed eater. There was a break in & a fire on King Dr. They stole a flat screen TV. & then set the bedroom on fire. If we are still interested in the neighborhood watch, we have an option to join with another neighborhood as they go through the training.
Covenant: Pat Brown, the lawyer that is assisting, & Betty M. have been playing phone tag as far as progressing on the covenant. The first thing that they need to do is to have MGNA recognized by the State under the proper name. Betty M. is still working on that.
Welcome Baskets: Nolan Marshall said that as soon as the campaign is over, he will start working on the welcome baskets. Betty also suggested that a letter go out to everyone welcoming them back to the neighborhood and the expectations that the neighborhood association has for the neighbors.
Inter-neighborhood Spring Fest: The Beacon of Hope asked that Mirabeau Gardens, Oak Park, Vista Park, and Paris Oaks get together to have a picnic or get together for Spring Fest. We will rotate each year between the neighborhoods. The Beacon will donate a few hundred dollars towards the food. The date suggested is 5/16 from 1pm-3:30pm.
Free WiFi: An organization has approached the GCIA about offering FREE WiFi for the Gentilly neighborhood. Betty M. suggested that each neighborhood have 75% membership before we can receive it. Some concerns are: discounts from bundling, hacking and is it a secure network? Mr. Mueller suggested that we also use the WiFi for security cameras.
Other: They are looking at putting a Community Center at the old Beacon Light Church but they are debating the lease at this time. As well, Bishop Brister has offered the parking lot there to hold the Summer time festivals in the church parking lot.
Presentation of the Survey information: Attached are the survey results w/maps. The next survey was handed out and should be returned to Rhonda M. by the end of the month. From then on, we will do surveys every 6 months. We voted on allowing having the survey information released to the LLT to show how much of the blight problem is from LLT properties. We voted to allow it. To make sure that people are held accountable for taking Option 1 money & not advancing the property. If they are having difficulties because they didn’t receive enough money or victims of Contractor fraud, then that will be discussed on an individual basis. Milissa will also get us the official city/state definition for “Chronic vacancy”. She will also give us sample letters of neighborhood organization letters to neighbors who are in violation w/fine amounts & organizations who could assist in correcting the violation. To get the addresses & names of the individuals who are in violation, you can go to the tax assessor’s office website to get it.
Next Meeting: May 11, 2010 @ 6:30pm. 9 Chatham Dr.
March 9, 2009
6:30pm
Attendees: Mr. & Mrs. Muller, Rhonda M., Emily M., Ida B., Milissa O., Treasure J., Mack C.
Upcoming event: Melinda B. has expressed interest in assisting in the Easter Egg Hunt to be held on 3/27 @ 1pm in the Mirabeau Play Spot. It will be sectioned off for older & younger children. There will be light snacks, like cookies & soft drinks. The event will be funded by MGNA.
Mirabeau Sign: Betty M. will talk w/the Parkway commission to get permission to move the sign.
Crime: There was a break in on Miles Dr. They broke into the neighbors shed/garage. They took a lawn mower & weed eater. There was a break in & a fire on King Dr. They stole a flat screen TV. & then set the bedroom on fire. If we are still interested in the neighborhood watch, we have an option to join with another neighborhood as they go through the training.
Covenant: Pat Brown, the lawyer that is assisting, & Betty M. have been playing phone tag as far as progressing on the covenant. The first thing that they need to do is to have MGNA recognized by the State under the proper name. Betty M. is still working on that.
Welcome Baskets: Nolan Marshall said that as soon as the campaign is over, he will start working on the welcome baskets. Betty also suggested that a letter go out to everyone welcoming them back to the neighborhood and the expectations that the neighborhood association has for the neighbors.
Inter-neighborhood Spring Fest: The Beacon of Hope asked that Mirabeau Gardens, Oak Park, Vista Park, and Paris Oaks get together to have a picnic or get together for Spring Fest. We will rotate each year between the neighborhoods. The Beacon will donate a few hundred dollars towards the food. The date suggested is 5/16 from 1pm-3:30pm.
Free WiFi: An organization has approached the GCIA about offering FREE WiFi for the Gentilly neighborhood. Betty M. suggested that each neighborhood have 75% membership before we can receive it. Some concerns are: discounts from bundling, hacking and is it a secure network? Mr. Mueller suggested that we also use the WiFi for security cameras.
Other: They are looking at putting a Community Center at the old Beacon Light Church but they are debating the lease at this time. As well, Bishop Brister has offered the parking lot there to hold the Summer time festivals in the church parking lot.
Presentation of the Survey information: Attached are the survey results w/maps. The next survey was handed out and should be returned to Rhonda M. by the end of the month. From then on, we will do surveys every 6 months. We voted on allowing having the survey information released to the LLT to show how much of the blight problem is from LLT properties. We voted to allow it. To make sure that people are held accountable for taking Option 1 money & not advancing the property. If they are having difficulties because they didn’t receive enough money or victims of Contractor fraud, then that will be discussed on an individual basis. Milissa will also get us the official city/state definition for “Chronic vacancy”. She will also give us sample letters of neighborhood organization letters to neighbors who are in violation w/fine amounts & organizations who could assist in correcting the violation. To get the addresses & names of the individuals who are in violation, you can go to the tax assessor’s office website to get it.
Next Meeting: May 11, 2010 @ 6:30pm. 9 Chatham Dr.
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