Carrollton-Riverbend Neighborhood Association (CRNA)

CRNA Board Meeting – Minutes
April 10, 2008

Attending–Board: Marilyn Barbera, Pax Bobrow, Betty DiMarco, Rudolf Garrison, Tilman Hardy, Marshall Hevron, Alice-Anne Krishnan, Julianna Padgett, Jerry Speir, Jim Stratton, Betsy Weymann (via proxy Tom Weymann)

Absent Board Members: Kevin Brown, Gordon Cagnolatti, Rodney Dionisio, Todd Leavitt, Judy Miranti, Gary Smith, Amanda Smithson, Llewelyn Soniat, Evan Wolf

Residents/Guests: Bob Bermudez, Jason Coleman, Oliver Duvernay, Helen Jones, Joseph Kane, Amy Lake, Cindy Morse
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Treasurer’s Report Outgoing Treasurer Cindy Morse reported a checking account balance of $1965.

BZA Appeal—Cindy also reported on a lawsuit being prepared on behalf of the immediate neighbors in the 8600 block of Zimpel St. to appeal a ruling by the Board of Zoning Adjustments that granted certain variances for the construction of two houses larger than allowed by the zoning rules in that block. With the understanding that the neighbors pursuing the suit will bear all legal costs, Pax Bobrow moved, seconded by Rudolf Garrison, that CRNA join the suit as a co-plaintiff. The motion passed unanimously.

Announcements: Jerry welcomed new board members Pax Bobrow, Tilman Hardy, Alice-Anne Krishnan, Gary Smith, and Betsy Weymann to the board.
He also reminded the group of the Town Hall Meeting with Senator Cheryl Gray—next Monday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s church (Willow & Carrollton). The primary topic of discussion will be the proposed security/improvement districts.

Education: Pax Bobrow reported on behalf of the Education Committee that Priestley School is still struggling to find a building for next year. Priestley’s Board President, Chris D’Amour is meeting soon with a group of national builders concerning possible financial and other assistance in renovating the old Priestley building on Leonidas.
A “volunteer work day” has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday morning, April 19, at Johnson Elementary School. A major part of the work that needs to be done is assembling several large sets of metal shelves donated by Lowe’s (at Pax’s urging) — and moving (and organizing) a large quantity of school materials from boxes to those shelves.

Zoning: Marshall Hevron, Zoning chair, reported that the “height moratorium” for the neighborhood is still being pursued.
Jerry reminded the group of the previous report of remarks by John Marshall (New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, NORA) and Jeff Thomas (Office of Recovery and Development Administration, ORDA) to the Carrollton Area Network group. The report (available on request) noted several new developments re: making information on blighted housing and code enforcement information more accessible and moving more properties through the code enforcement process.
Alice-Anne Krishnan expressed some concern, based on her experience with similar issues in Mid-City, especially about the notion of a “code enforcement sweep” of Willow Street, as mentioned in that report by Mr. Thomas of ORDA. She noted that such sweeps can create inordinate complications for individual property owners, especially where the “burden of proof” has been shifted, as it has in a new ordinance on this subject, to the property owner—to prove that his/her property does not deserve the sanctions imposed by the “code sweep.” Her basic point was that we, the neighborhood, should drive the code enforcement process in our area. Toward that end, the board decided to create a committee to look at blighted housing issues in the neighborhood and to begin a process of inventorying problem properties. Volunteers for the committee were: Alice-Anne Krishnan, Pax Bobrow, Jason Coleman, Rudolf Garrison, Helen Jones, and Michele Pope. Others wishing to be involved in this activity should contact Alice-Anne at tarpsnola@yahoo.com
Jerry noted that it would be appropriate to invite Mr. Marshall and Mr. Thomas to address a future CRNA meeting.

Crime/Safety: Betty DiMarco reported on a meeting with consultants (a former NOPD deputy chief, a former director of mental health services, and a doctor with extensive experience dealing with persons in the criminal justice system). They argue that the neighborhood association should pressure the legislature to fully fund drug testing for all probationers and parolees—on a theory that drug-testing greatly increases the likelihood that a probationer/parolee is much more likely to successfully complete his/her probation or parole without being re-arrested. They are looking for a neighborhood with which to collaborate, to demonstrate that the theory will work in New Orleans the way it has worked elsewhere.
Some discussion followed on all the socio-economic contributions to the crime problem. Some skepticism was expressed as to whether drug-testing alone would really generate long-term solutions. It was generally agreed that we should invite the presenters to a future board meeting, so that they can address the group.
Julianna reported briefly on a WhistleStop program that has been effective in Chicago and elsewhere. It involves the distribution of whistles throughout the neighborhood, to be used to alert neighbors to any sort of crime problem. See http://www.hydepark.org/hpkcc/whistlestop.htm She noted that it might be something for an Improvement District to consider.

Quality of Life: Jerry called the group’s attention to a press release from the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (forwarded by the Alliance for Affordable Energy, through Julianna) concerning the possible shipment of nuclear waste from Italy through New Orleans (and Charleston, SC) for “incineration and smelting” at a facility in Tennessee, and disposal of the residue in Utah—unless it fails to meet disposal criteria and must be shipped back to Italy, through New Orleans and Charleston.
It was noted that much of the cargo that goes in-and-out of the Port of New Orleans overland is transported on the N.O. Public Belt Railway, right along the boundary of our neighborhood. The project is currently seeking licensing from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Julianna moved, and Betty seconded, that CRNA oppose the proposal and right a letter making our position known to appropriate authorities. The motion passed unanimously.

Security/Improvement Districts: Jerry reported on several recent meetings and discussions regarding the evolution of thinking on the issue of security/improvement districts. After much discussion, Jim Stratton moved, seconded by Marilyn Barbera, that CRNA support a single Improvement District, with the same boundaries as CRNA. The motion passed unanimously.
After further discussion, the group agreed by consensus that the governance of such an Improvement District should be shared in the following manner: 3 representatives from CRNA, 3 from the Palmer Park Neighborhood Association, 3 from the Pensiontown Neighborhood Association, 1 from the Oak Street Association, and 1 from the Riverbend Merchants Association—plus the four appointees by elected officials. This would create a governing board of 15 members.
The group also agreed by consensus that the name of the district should be the “West Carrollton Improvement District”—for simplicity and to avoid any appearance of bias toward a particular organization.
Considerable time was spent discussing methods to insure that the four appointees by elected officials do not come solely from one of the participating organizations.
Points made during the discussion included:
–a “needs assessment” should be a first priority of the district
–an important, and relatively inexpensive, community-building activity of the district would be its ability to provide regular, mailed information to every household in the district about neighborhood meetings and concerns
–some are particularly skeptical of the “security” aspects of such a district, believing that “more bang for the buck” could be achieved by programs addressing children’s needs, schools’ needs, blighted housing, and the like.
–$240/year may be too large an initial “bite” to initiate all in one year. Perhaps it should be phased in over time. This is the responsibility and prerogative of the governing board—to establish the annual fee within the “cap” established by the legislation.

Next Meeting: Because of the late hour, no specific date was set for our next meeting. Meeting date, time, and place will be worked out on e-mail.

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Somehow I neglected to post this earlier.

CRNA Board Meeting – Minutes
March 17, 2008

Attending–Board: Annette Bak, Marilyn Barbera, Betty DiMarco, Todd Leavitt, Cindy Morse, Julianna Padgett, John Schackai, Amanda Smithson, Jerry Speir

Absent Board Members: Kevin Brown, Gordon Cagnolatti, Rodney Dionisio, Rudolph Garrison, Earl Hamilton, Marshall Hevron, Judy Miranti, Llewelyn Soniat, Jim Stratton, Evan Wolf

Residents: Michelle Bass, Rick Bass, Flo Blouin, Pax Bobrow, Tilman Hardy, Tony LaRocca,

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Treasurer Cindy Morse reported that the newsletter brought in $948 in ads and cost $1023 to produce. (Kudos to Pax Bobrow, our newsletter editor/creator, on an excellent job.) The bank balance remains around $1500.

Announcements: Jerry reported a call from Janet Bean, with RHINO (Rebuilding Hope in New Orleans) and the St. Charles Presbyterian Church. Both organizations are involved with Habitat for Humanity in building the new houses on Ferry Place (the last street, before Jefferson parish, between Willow and Plum.) They will be dedicating the first two (of fourteen) houses on Sunday, March 30, about noon (after the 10:30 services at St. Charles Presbyterian and folks have time to drive over.) Everyone is welcome. Both RHINO and the church recognize a need to help the rest of the neighborhood around this new development. They also expressed an interest in Oak Street’s re-vitalization. Jerry will facilitate a meeting; anyone wishing to be involved should let him know.

Julianna reported on a Citizen Participation Process Informational Meeting; Wednesday, March 19th, 6:30 pm., New Orleans Math and Science Charter School (former H.W. Allen School), Loyola between Nashville and Joseph.
The Times-Picayune has said about these meetings: “the impulse is driven in part by a pair of sentiments heard across the city: Nearly everyone wants more precise information from Mayor Ray Nagin’s administration about when, and just how, dozens of rebuilding projects will take shape; and many believe a formal citizens input mechanism, beyond that of the traditional public hearing, is needed in the wake of the Unified New Orleans Plan neighborhood meetings in 2006.
“Most people who took part in the sprawling planning exercise, one endorsed by the Louisiana Recovery Authority, said in surveys that they wanted to stay involved. And the recovery plan, completed in early 2007, said city leaders should consider giving residents a more formal, legal role in planning the city’s future.”

Robert’s Market is expected to open in September; foundation work is in progress. The new corner grocery at Oak and Leonidas is open.

Harrell Playground/Stadium at Claiborne and Leonidas is also expected to get a makeover—hopefully by Fall, thanks to money from the State and from the Nike Corporation.

There will Carrollton Area Network meeting on Monday, March 31st, 7:00 at St. Matthew’s church, Carrollton and Willow. Jeff Thomas, of the Office of Recovery and Development, will speak about blighted houses, code enforcement, and related recovery issues.

Betty reported that there will be a meeting Saturday, March 22, at 1:00 at the Mockingbird Café on Oak St., to discuss/plan a celebration of the return of the Streetcar to Carrollton Avenue. The celebration will be on the first Saturday after the streetcar’s return that coincides with a last-Saturday-of-the-month Art Market in Palmer Park. Hopefully, it will be the last Saturday in May. Contact Betty at dimarco_bl@bellsouth.net -or just come to the meeting.

Education: There is no news yet on where Priestley School will be located next year. Hopefully, this will be sorted out soon. At Johnson School, there has been discussion of introducing the Big Brother/Big Sister program next year . Big Brother/Big Sister has met with the Recovery School District and is cleared to work with Johnson School and eager to work with CRNA education members. Betty reported on the committee’s effort to develop a 3-5 year vision for the Johnson School, in conjunction with the school’s administration. Cindy noted that we are still working on scheduling a “Work Day” to help out at Johnson School; perhaps late April.

Zoning: The Board of Zoning Adjustments rejected most of the variances that had been requested for two lots in the 8600 block of Zimpel Street, variances that all the immediate neighbors, and CRNA, opposed. The owner will be allowed to build a one-story double on the 30-foot lot and a one-story single on the 27-foot lot. Thanks to all who wrote letters and especially to those who showed up at the BZA.

Marshall is checking on a complaint about 20 or so people occupying a single house in the 1700 block of Carrollton.

The property at Carrollton and Cohn, previously proposed as a “coffee shop,” remains in limbo. A letter has been written suggesting that the “legal non-conforming use” status of the property has expired with the passage of time. So far, no response.

Events: Amanda reported on arrangements for the General Meeting, Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 (St. Andrews church, Carrollton and Zimpel, entrance on Zimpel). Board members who can should please arrive early to help set up. Inspector General Cerasoli will speak, followed by an election of new board members, followed by a discussion of security districts.

Suggestions were offered for topics for future General Meetings: FBI, NORA/Concordia, Priestley School, NOPD, City Council, streets/drainage, Palmer Park, a school principals panel.

Quality of Life: Todd reiterated the offer of free trees for public rights-of-way (mostly the space between the sidewalk and the street in our neighborhood) from Hike for KaTREEna. If you can suggest a space for a tree, and help care for it, let Todd know at tsleavitt@gmail.com See http://www.HikeforKaTREEna.com

Nominating Committee: The slate of board member nominees for the 2008-10 term is:

*Pax Bobrow
Rodney Dionisio
*Tilman Hardy
*Alice-Anne Krishnan
Todd Leavitt
John Schackai
*Gary Smith
Llewelyn Soniat
Jerry Speir
*Betsy Weymann

* = New members.

Annette Bak, Earl Hamilton, Cindy Morse, and John Schackai will be leaving the board. We thank them for their service.

Newsletter: Cindy could use some help with distributing the remaining newsletters. Anyone who help, contact Cindy at cmorse7@cox.net

Old Business: The Board unanimously ratified its action of March 2007 in support of litigation to restore Newcomb Boulevard to public use.

Security Districts: Jerry reported that two bills are presently in draft/pre-filing state—a Carrollton-Riverbend Security District and a Pension Town Improvement District. Thanks to Senator Cheryl Gray. (To reiterate: such districts are legislatively created entities with the power to levy taxes or fees on property to support security patrols and/or other improvements to the district. Security districts tend to be narrowly restricted to patrols and expenditures closely related to security. Improvement districts allow for a wider range of expenditures.)
Several topics were discussed: the need to get information to the broadest possible audience, concerns about the size of the district and possibilities of dividing the CRNA area into two districts, issues of governance, issues of cost, issues of effectiveness and accountability.
Michelle and Rick expressed strong opposition.
Security Districts will be one of the principle topics of conversation at the March 27 General Meeting.

Next Meeting: Thursday, April 10 (place to be determined). Julianna suggested meeting in the Pension Town area. Jerry will check with Rev. Duvernay about the possibility of meeting at his church.

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CRNA Board Meeting – Minutes
February 21, 2008

Attending–Board: Annette Bak, Marilyn Barbera, Betty DiMarco, Cindy Morse, Julianna Padgett, Amanda Smithson, Llewelyn Soniat, Jerry Speir, Jim Stratton, Evan Wolf

Absent Board Members: Kevin Brown, Gordon Cagnolatti, Rodney Dionisio, Rudolph Garrison, Earl Hamilton, Marshall Hevron, Todd Leavitt, John Schackai

Residents: Jeff Baker, Meggan Cote, Chris Day, Tilman Hardy, Daniel & Dielesy Keiffer, Alice-Anne Krishnan, Mary Perkins, Robbie Robertson, Stephen Schmitt, Laura Sherwood, Gary Smith

Guests: H.V. Nagendra, Nancy Turner
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Treasurer Cindy Morse reported an account balance of roughly the same as last month, about $1500. She also reported that Pax Bobrow had sold sufficient ads to roughly cover the cost of the upcoming newsletter. Volunteers will needed to distribute the newsletters and a sign-up sheet was circulated.

Education: The Education Committee continues to work with both the Priestley and Johnson schools. At Priestley, it is unclear whether OPSB will allow Priestley to utilize another larger facility to accommodate 3 grades next year. Priestley students are presently studying for i-Leap test mid-March. Volunteers are needed to read testing material to the students; if interested, volunteers are required to attend a training session on Feb 29. Contact the school directly, or you can contact Annette Bak at Annette.Bak@chevron.com. Capital / operating expense fundraising continues. For more info on Priestley, go to http://priestleycharterschool.com/


Shelving for Johnson School has been donated by Lowe’s, through the efforts of Pax Bobrow. We hope to have a work day on April 12 (date to be coordinated with the school) to install the shelving and to perform other helpful tasks around the school.


The Education Committee is also planning a “vision meeting” for March 10 at 6:00 p.m. to determine how CRNA may collaborate with the schools more closely. Place: to be announced. If you are interested in participating, contact Betty DiMarco at dimarco_bl@bellsouth.net

Zoning: Several members from the 8600 block of Zimpel (and the immediate vicinity) attended the meeting to update the Board on their concerns about the request for variances to build over-sized doubles on small lots in that block. The Board voted to support the neighbors in their concerns at the last meeting. The two matters came before the Board of Zoning Adjustments recently and were deferred—until March 10. The neighbors in that block made an appeal for individual letters to be mailed directly to: Mr. Andrew Neff, Board of Zoning Adjustments, Room 9W03, City Hall, 1300 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA 70112. Letters should arrive before March 5.The letters should reference Docket Numbers 01-08 and 02-08 and express opposition to the requested waivers. You would also be welcome at the BZA hearing on the 10th. For additional information, contact Meggan Cote at 301-801-5464 (meggan.cote@dhs.gov) or Cindy Morse at 504-866-2410 (cmorse7@cox.net) .

Jerry Speir reported that the property at Carrollton and Cohn, formerly proposed as a coffee shop, is still in limbo. There has been mention of a school uniform business as a possible occupant, but no work has happened on the building in some time. Neighbors are pursuing the argument that the building has lost is “legal non-conforming use” status as a consequence of its extended vacancy.

Crime/Safety: Jerry reported on the recent NONPACC meeting between the Commander of the NOPD Second District, Major Kirk Bouyelas, his senior staff, and residents. He called attention to two particular topics discussed by the Commander:

1. The two hottest spots for criminal activity in the entire Second District are the 4700 block of Liberty Street (several residents of that area attended the meeting) and part of our neighborhood in the Pension Town/Leonidas corridor area. As to the activity in our area, he noted that it is largely the work of two rival groups, people who do not live in the neighborhood but who grew up here (and now live in Kenner). They apparently return here to deal drugs and guns and to feud. On the weekend of February 15-17, in addition to all the other police activity in our neighborhood previously reported, the Second District put on a “show of force” in the area in an effort to persuade these groups that they “are not welcome.”

2. The Commander also suggested that neighborhood associations should “adopt” criminals who are arrested within our boundaries, in the sense of tracking them through the detention system on the Criminal Sheriff’s “Master Docket” website and of participating in Court Watch to impress on the courts and DAs that we are paying attention.

Betty DiMarco argued, from her experience in observing the courts, that the problem with cases that result in suspects being released is often a product of shoddy police reporting rather than prosecutorial or judicial incompetence.

Evan Wolf, Crime/Safety Committee Co-chair, advised that he is working on a report cataloging trouble spots in the neighborhood, and that the Committee is working toward a meeting with Commander Bouyelas to improve communication between the Second District and our association.

Alice-Anne Krishnan, Co-Chair of the Crime/Safety Committee, reported on an effort to re-vamp the police “Hot Sheets” to allow for greater anonymity of those reporting crimes in the neighborhood. She also reported that she, Tilman Hardy, and Jerry Speir attended a Department of Health “Environmental Code Enforcement” hearing on Feb. 20, concerning problems at 8321 Green St. The hearing resulted in a $500 fine against the property and its possible posting as “uninhabitable.” The primary problems there are abandoned cars and falling-down sheds that serve as places for criminals in the area to store drugs and guns. Anyone wishing to know more about the process should contact Alice-Anne at tarpsnola@yahoo.com

Events— Amanda Smithson, Events Committee Chair, reported on efforts to plan a General Meeting with the new City Inspector General, Mr. Cerasoli, as guest speaker. (Following the meeting, she reported that Mr. Cerasoli has agreed to speak on Thursday, March 27. Other details of that meeting to be announced.)
Jerry Speir noted the need to have an election of board members at that General Meeting. He suggested the following process for creating a slate of nominees: The Board will be polled for those who have an interest in stepping down. The Executive Committee will meet and “draw lots” to determine which other members will be standing for re-election this year. (The bylaws require that half the board members be elected—or re-elected each year.) The general membership will be asked to submit nominations (including self-nominations) for the board. The Executive Committee will consider all that information and recommend a slate of board nominees for the March 27 General Meeting. The goal is to provide for an open process but to avoid the chaos of nominations from the floor during the General Meeting. No objection was expressed to that process.

Newsletter— Our new newsletter is “at the press”—thanks to the production and editorial efforts of Pax Bobrow. We will be needing help to distribute it soon.

Citizen Participation—Julianna Padgett reported on the continuing efforts to develop a formalized Citizen Participation Process for the city. This could be very important in building better cooperation across the city on neighborhood issues AND in giving neighborhoods a greater voice in city decisions, especially in zoning and land-use matters. A series of forums on this topic are planned across the city in coming weeks. Details to follow.

Gary Smith reported that he has created a new “blog” for CRNA at http://carrolltonriverbend.blogspot.com/ This is a supplement to our website at https://crra.wordpress.com

Security District – Tilman Hardy made a presentation on the possible creation of a “Security District” (or “Improvement District”) in our neighborhood, and considerable discussion followed.
A “Security District” is a legislatively created special taxing district that allows the collected monies to be dedicated to additional security/patrols in the neighborhood, under the control of a neighborhood board. (“Improvement Districts” allow for monies to spent on other “improvements,” in addition to security.) To get the proposal on the Fall ballot, several steps must be taken immediately, including advertising the proposal by February 28 and holding a public meeting on the subject. After much discussion, the board decided to support the idea of a Security District with the same boundaries as our association. The vote was 9-1, with the dissent expressing a concern for whether these are appropriate boundaries. There will be a meeting on this topic on Monday, February 25, at 5:30 in the gym/cafeteria of the Joan of Arc School (entrance on Cambronne, between Freret and Burthe.

NEXT MEETING: To be determined/announced.

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CRNA Board Meeting – Minutes
January 14, 2008

Attending–Board:  Annette Bak, Marilyn Barbera, Rodney Dionisio, Rev. Rudolph Garrison, Betty DiMarco, Marshall Hevron, Todd Leavitt, Judy Miranti, Cindy Morse, Llewelyn Soniat, Jerry Speir, Evan Wolf

Residents:  Lyn Adams, Pax Bobrow, Sandra Hernandez, Colby Johnson, Alice Anne Krishnan, Vincent Miranti, Anne Nicolay, Robbie Robertson

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Treasurer Cindy Morse reported an account balance of roughly the same as last month, about $1500.

Education:  The Education Committee will be meeting next week “to pick up where we left off,” working primarily with Johnson and Priestley schools.  Pax reported that the request to Lowe’s, for them to provide needed shelving at Johnson, had hit a snag that we hope is only temporary.  She’s working on it.

Zoning:  Cindy reported on a problem in the 8600 block of Zimpel, where a developer is seeking variances for parking in the front yard and to build doubles on lots that are too small under the provisions of the zoning ordinance.  All the immediate neighbors have signed a letter opposing the variances.  Judy moved, seconded by Rev. Garrison, to support the neighbors in their opposition.  Passed unanimously.  The organization will write a letter to that effect.

Lyn Adams reported on continuing congestion problems in the 700 block of Dante.  The problem is the lack of parking for the myriad delivery trucks that service the two restaurants there.  Pax moved, seconded by Marilyn, that the association pursue establishing daytime only “loading zones” in that block.  Since both restaurants only serve dinner during the week, this should not affect their clientele.  Passed unanimously.  The organization will write a letter to the appropriate city agencies.

Todd commented on the property at Sycamore and Leonidas, the imminent demolition of which was mentioned in the notice of the board meeting.  Consensus: that particular house appears to be in very bad condition and of no great historical value, aside from the gingerbread features on its front.  It was also agreed, however, that we need to be more vigilant as the demolition pace accelerates.  Rodney offered to help keep track of such issues in the neighborhood.  We should also continue to communicate with Karen Gadbois, who tracks the issues city-wide and who called the Sycamore property to our attention.

Cindy reported on the proposal to put a “Pita Pit” restaurant at Magazine and Nashville.  Issue there was the classification of the restaurant, by the city’s “zoning administrator” as a “cafeteria style” restaurant, which is permitted in the Magazine St. zoning, rather than as a “fast food” restaurant, which is not (absent Council approval of a “conditional use.”)  Cindy moved, seconded by Marshall, that we support the Magazine St. neighborhood associations in their opposition to the classification.  Passed unanimously.  Note:  the issue was decided that day by the BZA, in favor of the restaurant, but there may be appeals.  We will express our support and concern to the neighborhood associations for whatever actions by follow in that regard.

Crime/Safety: At a committee meeting before Christmas, it was decided to concentrate our immediate efforts in dealing with NOPD on two “hot spots”—the grocery at Willow and Dante, that attracts a lot of loitering, has illegal dumpsters on the sidewalk, etc; and the HANO property at Cambronne and Hickory, which has appeared to be one of the centers of drug/gun activity in the neighborhood.
We have a trio of volunteers (Alice Anne Krishnan, Lesley St. Germain, and Evan Wolf) who have agreed to chair our newly revitalized committee in the coming months.
Pax mentioned an offer from “Taste Buds” at Oak and Dante to put up a community bulletin board that might include crime information.  There was some concern that posting such information so prominently could give a bad impression of the neighborhood.  We will continue to pursue the bulletin board idea, with decisions reserved for a later meeting.
The Carrollton United organization will have a meeting on Friday evening (Jan. 18) focusing on revitalizing the “Neighborhood Watch” program.  Cindy and Annette will attend that meeting on behalf of our organization.  Others are welcome.

Quality of Life – Todd reported on a new offer of free trees for planting in the neighborhood.  Details will be in the newsletter.

Newsletter–  Pax has almost completed our latest (and first in a long time) newsletter.  She has sold ads sufficient to make the net cost to the organization in the range of $2-300.  Cindy will help coordinate the distribution.  LARGE THANKS to Pax and Cindy.

Bylaws – Approval of the revised bylaws was taken up from the last meeting.  The issue of changing the name of the organization from Carrollton Riverbend Residents Association back to the “old” Carrollton Riverbend Neighborhood Association was raised.  Rodney moved, seconded by Cindy, to make the change.  Jerry noted that he had previously objected on grounds that there might be legal complications with changing the name with the state, but that he had inquired about that and was convinced that was not a problem.  There will be a filing fee to make the change of $60.  Arguments “for” centered on indicating a change from the old adversarial relationship with some businesses that came out of the old Castellon pharmacy struggle and on the idea that “neighborhood association” conforms more with other associations.  Arguments “against” centered on the possible confusion that might be created and on the notion that there simply appeared no compelling reason to change.  The motion passed 6-2, with some abstentions.  We shall now be known as the Carrollton Riverbend Neighborhood Association (CRNA).

Cindy moved, seconded by Rev. Garrison, to accept the bylaws as re-drafted, including the new name change.  Rodney questioned whether the provision for removing board members for missing three successive meetings was fair, but was assured that the provision says “may” not “shall” and that the board would be open to reasonable explanations, but that we also need a way to prevent quorum problems.  The motion passed unanimously.  Thanks to all who worked on the bylaws.

NEXT MEETING:  Monday nights have become a problem for some board members.  After discussion, it was decided that Thursday nights present the fewest conflicts (at least among those in attendance).  The next board meeting will be Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m (half an hour earlier).  Location to be announced.  Suggestions welcomed.

We referred discussion of the next General Meeting to the Executive Committee.

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Una Anderson and Cheryl Gray, candidates for the state legislature, made brief presentations concerning their candidacy and platforms.

Enrico Sterling, from Councilwoman Midura’s staff, reported that drainage issues in the neighborhood are being worked on. He also discussed issues with dealing with abandoned cars, and responded to questions.

Treasurer Cindy Morse reported an account balance of $1558.07.

Steve Villavaso, planning consultant, made a presentation about Carrollton-Audubon Renaissance, Inc. (CARI), supplemented with comments from Jerry Speir, who is also President of CARI. “Renaissance Plans” are city-sanctioned, neighborhood-based addenda to the City’s Master Plan. They are an opportunity to provide detailed input from the neighborhood on the official “vision” (in the Master Plan) for the neighborhood. Steve indicated that there will be three phases to the project: (1) data gathering (2) citizen participation and (3) developing methods for implementing the vision. The process will involve many meetings and much collaboration with CRRA and other neighborhood associations in the area including Audubon Park and the universities back to the parish line, and Claiborne Avenue to the river. The group has a website at www.carrollton-audubon.org

Jill Stephens discussed the upcoming New Orleans Po-Boy Festival on Sunday, November 18, from 12-6 on Oak Street. She also made an appeal for volunteers, for all the tasks necessary to operate the festival. Anyone desiring to volunteer should visit the website at www.poboyfest.com and click on “Get Involved” at either the top or bottom of the page. This is expected to be a big event, bringing much attention to Oak Street and the neighborhood. The festival is a project of the Oak Street Association.

Several zoning/land-use issues were discussed:

1) The proposed coffee shop on Carrollton Avenue. Marshall Hevron, Jerry Speir, Betsy Weymann, and Tom Weymann reported on a meeting earlier in the day with Councilman Darnell. He indicated that he is still considering his position, in light of the legal arguments recently presented to him by our association. [Anyone who has not seen a copy of the memo and desires one may contact jerryspeir@hotmail.com ] The group has plans to meet with Councilman Fielkow later in the week. Barry Brantley volunteered to create an electronic survey for feedback from the membership on this issue specifically, but also on broader issues related to their involvement with the association.

2) A proposal to re-zone (i.e., “spot zone”) the corner of Willow and Joliet, to allow the re-construction of the corner grocery that was there before the storm. Several people commented on what a nuisance the store had been. Jerry Speir noted that the owners had exhausted their two years (since the storm) to begin work on the re-building, in order to maintain their “non-conforming use” at the site. Therefore, the property has lost its non-conforming use status and the request for re-zoning is highly irregular. It was moved by Cindy Morse, seconded by Marshall Hevron, that the organization should officially oppose the re-zoning. The motion passed unanimously.

3) A proposal to spot-zone a property on St. Charles Avenue and allow for the demolition and conversion of one of the major homes there, for construction of a large condominium complex. The zoning change would be from the MOST restrictive residential classification (RS-1) to the least restrictive (RM-4, a classification with no height limitations). Marshall Hevron moved, and Evan Wolf seconded, that CRRA should officially oppose this re-zoning, communicate our opposition to the City Council and to the neighborhood associations in the vicinity (also seeking their support for our zoning issues). The motion passed unanimously.

Cindy Morse reported for the Education Committee that plans are being finalized for a “work day” at Johnson school, at which volunteers will assist the school with minor construction, landscaping, and general cleaning efforts. Likely dates are December 1^st or 8^th. Interested persons should contact Cindy at cmorse7@cox.net Priestley School is developing a tutoring program for its students that would require a commitment of one hour per week by tutors. Interested persons should contact Annette Bak at AnnetteBak@chevron.com

Jennifer Jenkins has volunteered to chair a revitalized Crime/Safety Committee and is seeking other like-minded souls to be a part of that effort. Interested persons should contact Jennifer at jennijenk@bellsouth.net Betty DiMarco reminded us that the Carrollton Area Network is working on both improving the mapping of crimes in the area and on increasing community involvement in crime prevention.

NEXT MEETING: Monday, December 3, 7:30 p.m., at Asian Cajun.

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