We continue to do research related to Johnson School. Paul Irons, New Orleans Restoration Properties (NORP), joined us for this meeting. As a local developer with family connections in the neighborhood, Paul can bring experience and capacity to the Johnson project. He suggested that we work with NOPS to develop a “Request for Proposals” which outlines our project design. At this time, this would be senior housing, protection of Okra Abbey, community meeting space, and possibly social services. It would also include energy efficiency and fortified building. This would ensure that whoever received the property would need to fulfill the project design.
We have now spoken with two developers : NORP and HRI, both of which have expressed interest. We have the names of two other developers, Alembic and Green Coast, which we will approach. We will arrange to have a tour of the School Building for these developers and any others who might be interested. Our hope is to have another meeting soon with our school board representatives to discuss this process. Jake has contacted Greater New Orleans Foundation for potential other resources.
This is a small but complicated project – and it’s doable. There is a great need for senior housing in the city and developers are supportive of these ideas.
Please stay tuned. If you’d like more information or become more involved, please contact either Betty, dimarco_bl@icloud.com or Julianna, juliannapadgett@gmail.com
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Carrollton-Riverbend Neighborhood Association (CRNA) 
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