Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer – April 2021 Newsletter

More than a year ago, we were faced with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, our positivity rate in Orleans Parish is one of the lowest in Louisiana. And we continue to take actionable steps to see our city return to what we hope will be a “normal life.” However, we cannot forget that we are still battling this virus and the importance of getting vaccinated.
Anyone 16 years or older is now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. As a reminder, if you are eligible, here are ways to sign up to get vaccinated:
We are not out of the clear yet, and we need everyone to work together. I hope that soon, even more people will get these safe and effective vaccines in New Orleans.
Algiers Clean Sweep
My office, along with the Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) and Crescent Towing, will host “Algiers Clean Sweep” on Saturday, April 17. This bi-annual event is a community-led initiative to clean up, beautify, and reduce blight in Algiers. Our first event in November 2020 was a huge success. We recycled 400 tires and 400 pounds of glass and cleared seven blighted and vacant lots.
We need volunteers and community involvement to continue to make Algiers a beautiful place to live. If you or a group would like to volunteer to join our Algiers Clean Sweep initiative, sign up here. Algiers residents can also drop off old tires and glass for recycling at the staging site during the clean-up. Lunch will be provided by JUGS Krewe of NOMTOC.
NOPD Safe Zones
In March, the Council approved a Resolution (R-21-114) urging the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to designate clearly marked “Safe Exchange Zones” at district police stations to provide residents with a reasonably safe and public area to conduct legal, private transactions from online marketplaces or internet purchases. NOPD has agreed to set up safe zones at six out of eight of their district police stations. For your safety, I urge you to utilize these safe zones when conducting online business. NOPD is working to install signage for the “Safe Exchange Zones.” I will keep you posted on my social media platforms once the “Safe Exchange Zones” are available to the public. Follow @kristingpalmer on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.
Formosa Resolution
I co-authored a Resolution (R-21-92) with Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen opposing the construction of The Sunshine Project, a Formosa Plastics Plant in St. James Parish. The resolution calls on existing and proposed industrial plants to reduce their toxic emissions and clean up current contamination, including the CMA Bianca cargo shop nurdle spill in August 2020. It also requests the Federal and State governments to establish explicit guidelines for cross-jurisdictional clean-up efforts in the event of future spills and contamination of our waterways.
I co-authored this legislation because we all can see the effects of plastic pollution. When you’re walking along the levee and the batture in Algiers, you can see plastic pellets and there’s no one leading the clean-up at all except volunteers. What’s even more harmful is the destruction we do not alway see as animals confuse these for food and end up sick or dead after eating them. It’s shameful when you have multi-million dollar companies, and no one is taking responsibility. We should not build and expand our plastic companies’ footprint if they fail to do a basic clean-up of our waterways.
Chick-Fil-A is Coming to Algiers
The Council has approved a conditional use permit to construct the first stand-alone Chick-Fil-A in New Orleans. My office has been working with Algiers Plaza to ensure the permit meets the qualifications which best serves the community. The restaurant will include a drive-thru and will be located at 4100 General DeGaulle Drive in the Algiers Plaza. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2022.
Algiers Park Renovations
I’m excited that the City of New Orleans is investing in public parks in District “C.” In 2019, my office advocated for millions of funding to improve several parks in Algiers. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement recently held a meeting to discuss upcoming Behrman Pool Renovations that will begin soon.
2020 Completed Park Improvements:
  • Walking path at Collins Park with an investment of $129,500
  • Huff Park Walking Path with an investment of $84,000
  • Lambert Park Walking Path with an investment of $177,050
Algiers Levee Path Crawfish Celebration
In March, I joined the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority – West (SLFPA-W) and the City of New Orleans to announce the completion of Phase II of the Mississippi River Levee shared-use path in Algiers. The project extends the existing trail atop the levee near Odeon Avenue and stretches 3.45 miles downstream to the Chalmette Ferry and will be primarily used for transportation and recreational activities such as walking, running, and bike riding. There are currently plans to install benches, lighting, and additional access ramps along the trail.
The levee bike path expansion was a campaign promise I made to Algiers residents, and I would like you to celebrate this significant milestone with a crawfish celebration. Save the date to attend the Algiers Levee Path Crawfish Celebration on Saturday, May 1, in the Cut-off at 10 AM. Several biking, running, and walking groups will join us to explore the new levee trail extension with a celebratory walk and bike ride.
Algiers Levee Path Crawfish Celebration
When: Saturday, May 1
Where: Cut-Off Recreation Center, 6600 Belgrade St, New Orleans, LA 70131
Schedule
  • 10:00 AM- Celebratory Walk
  • 11:00 AM- Celebratory Bike Ride
  • Noon- Free Crawfish, Drinks, and Live Music
District C Roadwork Updates
 
For more information on the status of current and future roadwork projects in District C, click here.
Algiers Clean Sweep
Saturday, April 17
9 AM to 12 PM
Lambert Playground
3800 MacArthur Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70114
Virtual Coffee with Kristin
Tuesday, April 20
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Algiers Levee Path Crawfish Celebration
Saturday, May 1
10 AM – 12 PM
Cut-Off Recreation Center
6600 Belgrade St, New Orleans, LA 70131
New Orleans City Council
District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer