July 2008 HTNA Meeting Minutes

Agenda: John Marshall here from the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority to discuss where they are in the blighted properties process, Paul May here from Safety and Permits to answer questions, Jean Fahr here from Parkway Partners to discuss their programs, Cheryl Gray here as District 5 Senator, and Ben Kleban from New Orleans College Prep Charter School here to discuss their plans for Hoffman School and the school in general.

John Marshall of NORA: 80 properties have been identified as suitable for the NORA blighted properties program, of which approximately half have made it all the way through the court process. RFPs were issued and contracts have been awarded to three kinds of bidders: individuals in the neighbourhood (2 awards of a single property even though not eligible via Lot Next Door ordinance, 1 more may be awarded), small businesses (not based in Hoffman but still local; 2 awards of a couple properties each), and larger organizations (5 awards of several properties each.)

NORA tried to achieve a mix of bidders and awards. Construction should start in the fall. Question about whether NOLA CD will be putting in a grocery store - not to NORA's knowledge although they (NOLA CD) are planning some retail space.

NORA tried to get community input on the RFP process - came to a couple of HTNA meetings. Concern was expressed that members of the community wanted to participate/buy properties but were unable to, that outsiders would be coming in and buying up properties, that there was no community input. NORA tried to incorporate community concerns, tried for a mix of prices and uses, is just small piece (i.e. only 80 properties) of bigger puzzle.

Does the Louisiana Land Trust have any properties in Hoffman and will they be using NORA to handle them?

There has only been one other RFP process, in the Irish Channel - there will be more opportunities to bid on properties and NORA can provide some help with formats, finding other resources, etc.

A question was raised about `apartments' - NOLA CD will be doing a mixed-use building with the community centre below and housing above, the housing will be owned by individuals - not rented. 75 - 90% of the properties are geared towards ownership. There is a program called Soft Second where people can get a subsidized mortgage from the city/Finance Authority of New Orleans if they make less than 80% of the area median income. NORA requests community help identifying people who want to buy - can try to help them use programs like that - there are other local/federal programs.

Concern was expressed about post-Katrina arson. NORA only responsible for (some) blighted properties, trying to encourage rehabilitation. Concern expressed about lack of maintenance of blighted properties (cutting grass, etc.) NORA not in control of all properties.

NORA will enquire into grocery store situation. Also if given addresses of neglected blighted properties can make sure not responsible for neglect.

John May of Safety and Permits: S&P is responsible for holding people to the building, zoning, mechanical, and electrical codes; also does taxi enforcement; performs inspections, issues permits.

There is a logjam in electrical inspections - can use certified 3^rd party inspectors instead of waiting for the city.

Concern was expressed about having had to wait two months for an electrical and building inspection. What can residents do when they run into problems like this? Calling the city didn't work. Response: please call Paul May directly, his phone number is 658 7200.

Concern expressed by resident of 3519 Washington - house on demolition list despite never having been in imminent danger, and despite lawsuit/injunction. City hall personnel cold when approached. Resident never received notice - over 100 houses already demolished - house had 2 feet of water and 37% damage - was changed at City hall to 87% - hurt instead of helped, land taken, no explanation. Response: no easy answer, S&P not directly involved - is responsibility of City Housing, they have to deal with the discrepancy. Resident: Change from 37 to 87% did take place in S&P files. Response: this needs an individual conversation, assessment performed by Corps of Engineers, not city personnel.

Concern expressed about coming home to find a letter/citation/fee - piece of vinyl siding painted a different colour than rest of house misidentified as structural damage. Response: not S&P but can help find out what happened. Resident: Situation already straightened out but `mistake' not acceptable explanation.

Need to record and report problems, enforce accountability. Housing source of bulk of problems - regrettable that people have to make the effort to bring in written complaints, but necessary. People are tired of fighting - point of meeting is to address challenges, not just complain - it's a new day, need to figure out how to move on, make a record of problems and bring to meetings.

Jean Fahr of Parkway Partners: NOT to be confused with Parks and Parkways - not part of city at all, not responsible for maintenance of neutral ground - however does work with people to adopt/maintain neutral ground. Also works on creating green spaces, did work on community gardens before Katrina. Working to releaf New Orleans - up to 75% of trees lost - health impacts like Katrina cough, asthma. Trees around a property decrease utility bills, protect houses, increase property values - is only part of infrastructure that increases in value over time.

Specific program called 10 for the Hood - have a grant for planting trees in Central City, need groups of 10 or more neighbours to get together, have a coordinator, submit a plan. Will provide trees at no cost and smooth way to city approval.

Senator Cheryl Gray, District 5: Came to introduce self, currently out of session so looking forward to engaging with community, left cards, will be back, will participate in August 5^th Walk Against Crime. Concerns expressed about rain drainage, property at 3^rd/Johnson and Prieur - email (grayc@legis.state.la.us) best way to contact.

Ben Kleban of New Orleans College Prep Charter School: School is now one year old, started last year with 6^th graders only, will add a grade every year. Free public/charter hybrid - only have to sign up for admission. Structured around college admissions, intend to get every student accepted. Working to bridge achievement gap - focused on kids needing help - doing so by recruiting best teachers, longer school day (7:30 - 5), longer school year - total 30% more instructional time - to help kids catch up. High expectations create high performance. Three recent Times Picayune articles.

Results good so far - outperformed the Recovery School District on state tests - kids coming in were 25% proficient, this year up to 40%, will keep getting better.

Relationship with Hoffman School building - had wanted to have campus there, had developed plans with an architect - however can't make a decision until state Master Plan is done. Where will the money come from? Looking for it.

Answer: Too small to have much money for enrichment - have PE classes, planning to have male and female basketball teams, trying to start a middle school league, also looking at lacrosse, martial arts.

Question: How many kids are there per class, is there a relationship between class size and success, will increasing class size affect test scores?

Answer: More kids = more money from the state = can actually shrink classes because can afford to hire more teachers. Last year had 30/31 kids per class, was too many b/c of range of ages/academic ranges, this year will have max of 25 and break down for reading practice etc. to accommodate different needs.

School still has roughly 40 6^th grade spots open, admission is easy, school will do a home visit with parents.

August 5^th Walk Against Crime: Meet at Foxfield, table set up at 4:30, walk starts at 5, please come!

Answer: Good idea - maybe on a Saturday afternoon - can ask Walmart or Walgreen for donations - Stacy Head may be able to help out.

Gives homeowners the right of first refusal to purchase adjacent lots which are sold to Road Home or abandoned.