Tree Planting - December 3, 2011
Mon, Nov 14 2011 09:31
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To have a tree planted in front of your house on December 3, 2011, please click, print and follow the instructions on both pages of the below form.
CCA neighbors will be assisting with the tree planting.
CCA neighbors will be assisting with the tree planting.
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October News Briefs from CCA: Central Carrollton Association
Mon, Nov 14 2011 09:24
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CCA President
CCA President Barbara Johnson told CCA board members at their October meeting that she will not be a candidate for a third term as president. She will, however, head the nominating committee. The committee will compile a slate of officers and board members. If you are interested in serving on the board, please contact Barbara at bjohnson@thejohnsongroupllc.com.
The slate will be presented to the CCA membership at the annual Christmas party on Thursday, December 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m and hosted by Riccobono’s Panola Café -- with help from attendees, who are asked to bring a favorite side dish. Let Barbara know if you want to participate in the party preparation committee.
Costco
Area residents who turned out in good numbers for public meetings with Costco officials were generally supportive of Costco’s plans for a 150,000 square foot store they hope to build on the former shopping center site at Palmetto and Carrollton. Barbara Johnson said she continues “to be impressed with Costco’s willingness to listen to the community and its commitment to the highest standards of design/operation, community investment and commitment to providing employees opportunities for career and personal growth.”
Board member John Schackai and representatives from nearby neighborhoods have been meeting with Costco officials, architects and engineers about plans for the store. John told the board at its October meeting that the design will be similar to the company’s other big-box stores, but he is working to ensure that it is appropriately adapted to its New Orleans setting. As chair of the Carrollton overlay design review committee, John will write recommendations for the appearance of the store. If all goes well, the store will be open in about a year.
For more details see the report in the Uptown Messenger.
T-shirt Contest
CCA is announcing a contest for the design of a CCA neighborhood T- shirt. We are interested in a design that speaks to the Carrollton neighborhood and that many people, not just CCA members might want to buy and wear. The CCA name and logo will go on the back. To participate submit your idea, design concept and/or tagline to CCA at centralcarrolltonassociation@hotmail.com
Nix Library - Story time
The board has voted to provide Nix Library with a chair for story tellers. It’s also looking for other ways the CCA can aid the library. CCA member Cheri Ainsworth is heading the efforts.
CCA Block Party
The September 25 potluck block party turned out to be—a wonderful time - thanks largely to the work of CCA Vice President Phyllis Jordan. The sun was out, the Saints had won, and the pulled pork provided by Squeal was delicious, as were the side dishes brought by the partiers. Board members agreed that we should do it again next fall.
Night Out Against Crime
The Night Out Against Crime in Palmer Park, on October 11, was a great success, according to Barbara Johnson. “Word was that we had one of the biggest turnouts in the city with lots of fun, food, music and fellowship,” she said. She said she thought participation increased significantly because the event was moved from August to October. It all came together through the the hard work of the Carrollton Area Network, led by H.V. Nagendra, a CCA member and past chairman. CCA was a sponsor and CCA members Joe Tucker and Adrienne Miester were on the planning team.
Crime report
From the NOPD’s 2nd police district comes news that crime in the district was down in September. The books show 166 crimes, but no shootings. Our driving could have been better, though. Officers responded to 306 car accidents. The most collisions occurred along Carrollton and Claiborne. The most dangerous spots are the intersections of Claiborne and Napoleon, Carrollton and Earhart and Carrollton and Washington.
Neighborhood Infrastructure
The hump in the middle of Lowerline outside Lusher school is still scraping the undersides of passing cars, including those of parents who have to drive over it when dropping off and picking up their children. The CCA has made Council member Guidry and Mayor Landrieu aware of the problem, but any efforts the two might have made to correct it have been unsuccessful.
Ms. Guidry can be reached at 658-1010. Her email address is sgguidry@nola.gov. The mayor’s number is 658-4900.
A neighborhood dog walker wonders why the Sewerage and Water Board has allowed water to flow for a month or more from a broken pipe in the 2300 block of Lowerline, near S. Claiborne. He has reported the gusher to the S&WB and Council member Guidry’s office, and still, he opines, hundreds of gallons of fresh water must pour into the drain every day. Less the mid-walk drink his dogs enjoy.
Tree Planting
Barry Kohl <Bkohl@cs.com>is putting together a list of neighbors who would like shade trees planted in their yards. If you would like one, email him your name, address and telephone number. Your block captain may also come calling; block captains are being asked tocanvass neighbors in their blocks. A new form for requesting trees will be posted on the CCA website soon, and you will receive a copy in a special email.
Arts Market of New Orleans
Sat, Oct 1 2011 08:57
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Saturday, November 26th from 10am til 4pm at Palmer Park
(located where South Claiborne and South Carrollton Avenues meet)
(located where South Claiborne and South Carrollton Avenues meet)
Presented by the Arts Council of New Orleans, the Arts Market is an open air festival of creativity held the last Saturday of every month in Palmer Park (located where South Claiborne and South Carrollton Avenues meet). The Arts Market of New Orleans is a free event featuring local artists, live music showcasing New Orleans unique musical heritage, and a Kids Tent with children's performance and crafts.
September News Briefs from CCA: Central Carrollton Association
Sat, Oct 1 2011 08:49
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Central Carrollton Association hosts
a Neighborhood Potluck Block Party
Come join your neighbors and let’s get to know one another.
Sunday, September 25th, 4pm to 7pm (after the game!)
1800 block of Hillary Street (between Hickory and Cohn Streets)
CCA will provide barbeque from Squeal Restaurant
All attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share, and the drinks they want.
Kids welcome of course.
For more information call Phyllis Jordan 504-319-8106
Nix is back.—Nix Library reopened on Thursday, September 22, with its new air conditioning unit humming in the attic.
Were they listening?—At Mayor Landrieu’s District A forum on the budget, Board member John Pecoul had two minutes at the microphone and told the mayor and Councilperson Guidry of the organization’s desire to have Nix Library reopened and the hump on Lowerline next to Lusher School repaired. He also thanked the Property Management Dept. for their improved maintenance of the area’s two cemeteries, but he reminded them that much more remains to be done. John’s time ended before he could request that the loud sewer pump in the street at Cohn and Lowerline be removed, but he did complain to the Sewerage and Water Board's top executive about it after the meeting.
The responses: Nix is open again, as noted above; the Lusher “hump” remains; the mayor said he is considering a task force to push city cemetery improvements; and while the pump has been repaired, it has not been removed, but aides to Councilperson Guidry say work on removal is scheduled to begin sometime next year.
The fight against crime.--Your CCA board is supporting the Night Out Against Crime, to be held on October 11, and encouraging neighbors to participate.
Board member Joe Tucker attended the Save Our Sons crime summit held at the UNO Lakefront Arena on September 17. According to Joe, Mayor Landrieu pointed out in his speech “that murders are the result of social, environmental, and health issues that will require a significant culture change to mediate. He said that the resolution of conflicts must be handled without the devastating consequences to all involved in the unnatural and unacceptable way so frequently evident today.” Joe also noted “an impassioned personal statement by a mother whose son was murdered, probably the highlight of the session.”
Sit in the shade.--Board member Barry Kohl <Bkohl@cs.com>and his team of CCA tree planters are looking for neighbors who would like shade trees planted on their property. They are asking for a donation of $10 per tree that will go to Hike for KaTREEna. Barry’s team will plant the trees in November and December.
All spiffed up.—Board member Kurt Buchert suggests that we drive by the 1700 block of Burdette St. It looked like a war zone before Katrina, Kurt says. Now, “it looks great.” His latest renovation is a house at 1705-07 Burdette. See his before and after photos on the CCANola Facebook page.
Dues are due.—It is renewal time, and Mike Ainsworth, membership chair, is sending CCA members reminders with return envelopes enclosed for sending in their checks. Mike has also made it easy for individuals to renew or join online by using PayPal. He will be at the membership table at the block party. Stop by to say “Hello, Mike, I’m renewing,” and introduce him to your neighbors who are not yet members.
Dues are due.—It is renewal time, and Mike Ainsworth, membership chair, is sending CCA members reminders with return envelopes enclosed for sending in their checks. Mike has also made it easy for individuals to renew or join online by using PayPal. He will be at the membership table at the block party. Stop by to say “Hello, Mike, I’m renewing,” and introduce him to your neighbors who are not yet members.
We are online.—The Central Carrollton Association site has good information about the organization. And neighbors can become Facebook friends on the CCA Nola page.
Some items of possible interest and usefulness:
Signing out.—The Department of Sanitation (504-658-3800) has begun stronger enforcement of ordinances outlawing littering, illegal dumping, and unlawful posting of signs on public rights of way—all carrying fines for those who ignore them
Clearing title.—Low income homeowners who are having difficulty receiving Road Home money because of title problems can turn to a a title clearing collaborative of legal organizations for help. To find out if you are eligible for their free legal aid, call 504-529-1000 or go to www.savenolahomes.org.
Get on the Final 4 ball.—The Men’s Final Four basketball tournament is coming to New Orleans next March, and businesses owned by women and minorities can gain from the fans’ spending madness if they are properly certified through the City of New Orleans. The deadline to complete registration is November 30, 2011. For information, call the Office of Supplier Diversity at 504-658-4235.
The last word.—Just in case you missed it, go back to the top of the newsletter to see your invitation to the block party on Sunday, September 25, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The next CCA Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 10, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Central St. Mathew United Church of Christ, 1333 S Carrollton Ave . Guests are welcome.
August News Briefs from CCA: Central Carrollton Association
Sat, Oct 1 2011 08:35
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Zoning change denied.— City Council voted 5-0, at its meeting of Thursday, Aug. 18, to deny the zoning appeal of a businessman who wanted to open a coffee shop at 2101 Carrollton. The city zoning commission had turned down his request last month. At issue was a question of spot zoning for a business in a residential zone. The CCA argued that that could open the site to more intensive commercial uses in the future. Four other neighborhood organizations joined CCA in opposing the appeal.
Our teeth-rattling streets.—The hump in the middle of Lowerline alongside Lusher School has been reported to the city’s Department of Public Works, according to Kelly Butler of the office of Susan Guidry, District A councilperson. Street watchers Joe Tucker and Dennis Hart had put the hump at the top their list of Top 10 worst streets in the CCA neighborhood.
Along with the hump, they targeted the noisy, unsightly pump at Cohn at Lowerline. The problems that led to the installation of the pump are scheduled to be corrected in spring, 2012, Ms. Butler told the board. meeting.
Nix Library.--Three staff members of the New Orleans Public Library told the CCA Board at its August meeting that the air conditioning system cannot be repaired but must be replaced, and they have recommended a two-compressor system to allow for a backup in case one fails. That is a capital project which falls under the mayor’s office, not the library, so they do not know when the work will begin. They said they hope that the library will be able to reopen soon, however.
Information about branch libraries that are open, work in progress on others, and branch locations can be found at http://nutrias.org/~nopl/info/branches/branches.htm
We’re having a neighborhood party.—Circle Sunday, Sept. 25 on your calendar. That’s the date of the CCA potluck supper on Hillary St., between the cemeteries. It will start about 4 in the afternoon—following the Saints’ game with Houston—and be over in time to get the younger kids to bed. CCA will furnish the main course.
As the date nears, you will get more details.
CCA Nola/Facebook.—At last count, the CCA Facebook page had 43 members. Join the group and take part in the conversations about neighborhood concerns. To join, click this link http://www.facebook.com/groups/211147568916167?ap=1 That will take you to the page where you can ask to join the group. Josh Friedman, a board member and page administrator will add you to the friends.
Contact Councilperson Guidry.—http://www.nolacitycouncil.com/meet/meet_guidry.asp ; phone: (504) 658-1010; sgguidry@nola.gov
The next CCA Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 12, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Central St. Mathew United Church of Christ, 1333 S Carrollton Ave . Guests are welcome.
News Briefs from Central Carrollton Association
Mon, Aug 1 2011 05:37
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CCA is now on Facebook—and all members are encouraged to become CCA NOLA Facebook friends.
Actual friends and neighbors have already become virtual friends and are talking to each other about neighborhood activities.
Among features on the page is a podcast of an interview Mike Ainsworth had with Fifth Congressional District Rep. Cedric Richmond. Mike plans to post others from time to time. You can also watch video on the revitalization of Palmer Park.
The page was set up by Josh Friedman, a member of the board, and he is the administrator.
To join, click this link https://exchange.loyno.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.facebook.com/groups/211147568916167?ap=1 That will take you to the page where you can ask to join the group. Josh will add you to the growing list.
Board members Joe Tucker and Dennis Hart have been meeting with city officials to try to persuade them to repair pot-holed, cracked, distended, exploding and sagging streets in the area.
They have been working from a list of what they have identified as the worst of the worst streets.
And they have pictures.
Their No. 1 target is Lowerline alongside Lusher School, and they are pressing city officials to have that repaired before parents start dropping off and picking up their children at the start of the school year.
The Nix Library has a “Closed” sign on its front door.
The building and infrastructure are in disrepair, particularly the air conditioning system, and no money is available for repairs, library system officials say. They say the library will be closed indefinitely.
Patrons are being sent to the Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles, or to Mid-City, 330 N. Carrollton.
Your Board is working to get the Nix Library reopened. You might want to back its efforts with a telephone call.
Board Vice President Phyllis Jordan is organizing a CCA potluck block party for
The get-together is to be held on Sunday, September 25, on Hillary St., between the St. Mary’s and Carrollton/Green St. cemeteries. It is aimed at bringing the CCA to residents of the area and getting neighbors to meet neighbors.
Phyllis chose the site to focus attention on the condition of the cemeteries. More on that at another time.
The board is fighting an effort to rezone 2101 S. Carrolton from RD-2 to B1A—residential to neighborhood business--for establishment of a coffee shop.
The board successfully opposed the rezoning before the City Planning Commission, which voted unanimously to deny the proposal. The property owner is appealing to the City Council, which will take up the matter on Aug. 4.
Parking is a major concern of residents in that area. The building has two apartments, and residents and their guests often park on sidewalks now. Panola St. is narrow and has limited legal off-street parking which residents have often have to compete for with people driving to Stuart Hall, Carrollton Presbyterian Church and, on some Saturdays, the Palmer Park Art Market.
What’s worse, the change in zoning “would represent badly misguided spot zoning,” CCA President Barbara Johnson wrote to Councilperson Susan Guidry. Another board member noted that, in the future, the B1A designation would allow a drive-in or another high-volume, high-traffic business open in that location.
The board will keep members informed.
New! Quality of LIfe Liaison!
Wed, Jun 22 2011 09:53
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Hello, fellow CCA members. I am Nahum Laventhal, and a board member who lives on Fern. I have volunteered to be the liaison for our members' questions and complaints as they may pertain to the "quality of life" issues in our neighborhood. In order for our membership to be able to resolve our issues as they may relate to QOL, I ask that you please forward to me any questions or concerns that you may have. I, in turn, would then direct these to my contact at the 2nd District, NOPD.
The QOL officer has offered to help us with issues such as abandoned cars, blocked sidewalks, missing or damaged street lights, traffic signs, litter, and the like. I hope that you will email me your issues and concerns, with sufficient details, so that I can forward them to my contact.
I will do my best to keep the membership abreast of the city's responses to these requests. Please email them to me at "slipnfall2003@yahoo.com". I prefer you contact me in this manner, so that I can best organize and compartmentalize the issues and complaints.
I hope this works well for us. I believe that it is the small things that make life enjoyable, and the more "little things" are taken care of, the better off we'll be, one neighborhood at a time.
Later, gator
Nahum Laventhal
The QOL officer has offered to help us with issues such as abandoned cars, blocked sidewalks, missing or damaged street lights, traffic signs, litter, and the like. I hope that you will email me your issues and concerns, with sufficient details, so that I can forward them to my contact.
I will do my best to keep the membership abreast of the city's responses to these requests. Please email them to me at "slipnfall2003@yahoo.com". I prefer you contact me in this manner, so that I can best organize and compartmentalize the issues and complaints.
I hope this works well for us. I believe that it is the small things that make life enjoyable, and the more "little things" are taken care of, the better off we'll be, one neighborhood at a time.
Later, gator
Nahum Laventhal
Central Carrollton Association Draft 2010 Priorities
Sun, Feb 20 2011 10:38
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Membership
· Implement a membership canvassing program utilizing a team of volunteer high school students to distribute CCA yard signs to membership who have paid their dues and solicit membership renewals from members who have not renewed their members
· Email membership renewal letters mid-year and end of year 2011
· Recruit three local businesses to join CCA in 2011
· Host two CCA community Forums in 2010 to engage and recruit members and interested persons; Identify project leaders for both
· Develop action plan and implement 1- 2 activities to increase diversity of CCA Membership
· Update membership form on website with new officers and committee contacts
Communications
· Continue to update master database for organization
· Continue to issue CCA yard signs to increase the CCA brand and visibility
· Distribute General Membership Meeting signs to board members and other members in key neighborhood locations to promote the general membership meetings.
· Continue to update and add information on the CCA website with regard to neighborhood activities, projects, events and contact information on key agencies
· Create a description of activities for each CCA committee and add to CCA website
· Update CCA information on NPN and City of New Orleans websites
Governance
· Identify roles and responsibilities of officers, board members and committee chairs
Tree Planting Committee
- Host 2 tree plantings in spring and fall to plant a minimum of 15 to 25 trees per planting
Cemetery Committee
- Host two cemetery clean ups in partnership with Save Our Cemeteries, City of New Orleans and Hands On New Orleans
- Develop landscaping design plan for St. Mary’s and Carrollton Cemeteries
- Work with the City of New Orleans and other neighborhood associations to develop and implement improvements to Holt, St. Mary and Carrollton cemeteries
Government Services and Regulations
· Advocate for and coordinate meetings and communications with key agencies responsible for major street and drainage projects scheduled for Carrollton area to successfully address the top 10 infrastructure issues identified by CCA
Public Safety/Crime
- Continue to participate in the Police District 2 monthly NONPAC crime report meetings at Touro Hospital and post summaries on CCA website
- Post key crime prevention and contact information on CCA website
Blight Committee
- Update list of properties with code enforcement violations
- Send out letters to owners of blighted properties identifying resources available to them to address required property improvements
- Report top 10 code enforcement problems to city officials if issues are not addressed by property owners upon notification of non-compliance
Neighborhood Alliances
- Participate in NPN initiatives that align with CCA priorities, e.g. blight, budget process
- Participate in the President’s Council and strengthen relationships and collaboration with other District A neighborhood groups on key District and citywide issues ( e.g. blight, budget, infrastructure)
CCA Neighborhood Survey: Spring 2010
Mon, Jan 10 2011 09:25
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Survey Design and Conduct
A survey of neighborhood interests and concerns was conducted by the Central Carrollton Association (CCA) from April 3 through May 3, 2010. Respondents were able to access and complete the survey online. Participation was promoted through flyers distributed throughout the neighborhood and by e-mail messages to members. The survey consisted of 4 questions obtaining basic demographic information on the respondent, 6 questions polling issues of civic concern, and 5 questions regarding operation of CCA.
Respondent Analysis
80 persons responded to the survey, and of this number 76 completed the entire survey. This number is equal to approximately 30% of registered association members. Four respondents provided addresses on either Dublin or Cambronne, which are adjacent to but no within the boundaries of CCA. Otherwise, all respondents were from within the geographic area of the association.
Reflecting the stable nature of the area, most respondents indicated several years of residency. No respondent indicated a residency of less than on year. 27.6% of respondents have lived in the area between one and five years, 14.5% have lived here between six and ten years, and 57.9% of respondents have lived in the area over ten years. 96% of the respondents own their home while 4% are renters.
Areas of Civic Concern
The survey provided a list of 22 neighborhood issues and invited respondents to indicate which were of personal importance. As multiple selections were allowed, a summary of responses exceeds 100%. The top ten concerns from this list are:
1. Crime 87%
2. Street Repair 73%
3. Removal of Blighted Houses 51%
4. Police Protection 39%
5. Condition of Cemeteries 39%
6. Sidewalk Repairs 34%
7. Quality Public Schools 33%
8. More Trees 29%
9. Parks and Playgrounds 25%
10. Improved Street Lighting 22%
When asked in a free form question to list the most important issues surrounding the community, respondents basically restated the areas of concern listed above with the same corresponding levels of emphasis. Additional areas of concern included street flooding, on street parking, and recycling. A separate question on street flooding indicated this issue to be of concern to 48% of respondents.
24% of respondents indicated an awareness of land use within the neighborhood that does not fit surrounding activities. Asked to describe these situations, most of the properties mentioned are outside of the association’s boundaries. Those that are in the CCA neighborhood were concentrated on Hickory between Short and Lowerline.
Making the Association Better
Suggestions for making CCA a better organization correspond directly with the areas of member concern. In regard to the question as to what topics members would like to see posted on the website, the responses were:
Up to Date Crime Information 89%
Information on Upcoming Neighborhood Meetings and Events 85%
Street Repair Updates 78%
Utility Cuts and Repair Information 51%
Access to Survey Results Details
The results of the survey, including a listing of topics of concern submitted by individual respondents, is available online in PDF format. The link is: www.markt4.com/cca/survey2010.pdf
