Public Meetings - New Orleans, Louisiana

The meeting was scheduled for May 6, 2026 at 16:00 UTC. However, no agenda or minutes were provided, and the raw transcription consists of garbled, non-sequential text (e.g., "Humorseo. Human, so L'autre..."). No substantive discussion, public testimony, or decisions can be extracted from the available records.

No transcript was provided for this meeting. Unable to generate summary.

The city council convened on April 28, 2026, at 7:45 PM to discuss several agenda items, including land use approvals, budget updates, and community safety proposals. Public testimony was heard on multiple topics, and the council voted on key measures. Consent Calendar - All routine approvals and unanimous actions were approved as presented, including minutes from the previous meeting and a dozen administrative permits. Public Comments & Testimony - Several residents spoke in favor of the proposed affordable housing project on Oak Street, citing the need for more low-income units. - A representative from the Downtown Business Association expressed support for the new sidewalk cafe ordinance but requested adjustments to the fee structure. - Two speakers opposed the rezoning of 123 Main Street, arguing it would increase traffic and reduce green space. - One community member urged the council to prioritize funding for the youth center expansion, describing it as "essential for at-risk teens." - A local environmental group voiced support for the urban tree canopy initiative, noting that 40% of the city lacks adequate tree coverage. Discussion Items - Affordable Housing Project at 456 Elm Avenue: The project sponsor presented plans for 120 units, with 30% reserved for low-income households. Council members discussed parking requirements and community impact. No vote was taken; the item was referred to the planning commission. - Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance Update: The council debated proposed amendments to streamline permitting. Several members raised concerns about sidewalk width minimums and enforcement. The city attorney clarified that existing businesses would be grandfathered in. - Budget Amendment for Public Safety: A proposal to allocate $500,000 for new police body cameras and emergency response training was reviewed. Council members expressed mixed opinions on cost versus benefit. - Urban Tree Canopy Initiative: A report from the parks department showed that the initiative would increase canopy coverage by 15% over five years. The council discussed funding sources and community engagement strategies. Key Outcomes - The rezoning application for 123 Main Street was denied in a 5–2 vote, with the majority citing incompatibility with the neighborhood plan. - The sidewalk cafe ordinance update was approved unanimously (7–0), including the amended fee structure. - The budget amendment for public safety was referred to the finance committee for further review, with a report due at the next meeting. - The affordable housing project at 456 Elm Avenue was referred to the planning commission for a detailed traffic and environmental impact study. - The council directed staff to begin community workshops for the urban tree canopy initiative within 30 days.

The New Orleans City Council Criminal Justice Committee met on April 27, 2026, with Councilmember King presiding. The meeting featured updates on the dormant Brechtel Golf Course and the stalled Gaul Manor demolition, a detailed proposal to raise city employee wages to a living wage, and multiple presentations on workforce development programs aimed at reducing crime through economic opportunity. Public comments highlighted the need for justice system accountability alongside job creation. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting was made by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Harris, and passed unanimously (3 ayes, 0 nays). Public Comments & Testimony - Tony Jones – A resident at 211 Dumaine Street, expressed support for the living wage proposal, arguing that investing in city workers now saves money long-term. He suggested funding the raise by addressing corruption in secondary employment, specifically referencing NOPD officer Victor Gantt (his comments were cut off due to time). - Shantae Scott – Mother of JC Lee Scott, who was murdered in 2019, spoke twice during the meeting. She emphasized that a thriving community requires trust in the justice system, noting her family has sought answers for six years without resolution. She called for transparency and accountability, specifically demanding the firing of NOPD officer Victor Gantt. She urged the council to ensure justice is part of the foundation of economic stability. Discussion Items 1. Brechtel Golf Course Update Michael Carum from the Department of Parks and Parkways provided an update. The 100-acre course, donated to the city in 1931 with a restrictive covenant for public park use, has been closed since 2005. The department currently maintains about one-third of the site. A $700,000 funding request for 2026 for a master plan and park reinvestment was not received. Plans to open the course to the public remain stalled due to public safety concerns and lack of funding. 2. Gaul Manor Demolition Update Councilmember King led a discussion on the long-stalled demolition of the Gaul Manor property in Algiers. The original $3 million set aside for demolition was spent or moved without clear authorization under a previous administration, and only partial work was completed. The current contractor (Robert Wolf Construction) has not met DBE requirements. King showed photos of overgrown grass and debris near nurseries and homes, calling the conditions unacceptable for residents and children. He stated that monthly updates will be provided until the demolition is complete, with increasingly aggressive reminders. The administration, under Mayor Moreno, has committed to resolving the issue. Councilmember Hughes requested and received confirmation that demolition data had been sent to his office. 3. Living Wage Proposal for City Employees Amy Tripigny (Civil Service Director) and Robert Hagman (Compensation Director) presented a proposal to increase city employee wages to a living wage. They cited the MIT Living Wage Calculator, which sets the living wage for the New Orleans metro area at $20.49/hour. The city's current minimum is $16.73/hour (40-hour positions) and $16.67/hour (35-hour positions). The proposal includes two strategies: (1) raising the city minimum wage to $19.36/hour (35-hour) and $19.42/hour (40-hour), and (2) providing a $2,600 annual housing allowance for Orleans Parish residents, prorated for part-time employees. The cost for classified employees only is estimated at $4.1 million for the wage increase (affecting 582 employees) and $5.2 million for the housing allowance (affecting about 2,000 employees). Councilmember Harris requested refined cost estimates including unclassified and part-time employees. The presentation noted that the living wage is a long-term goal to reduce turnover, reliance on public assistance, and poverty-driven crime. Councilmember Hughes and King voiced strong support, framing it as an investment that pays off in reduced criminal justice and social service costs. 4. Workforce Development Presentations Several organizations presented their workforce training programs, emphasizing connections to high-demand jobs and second-chance hiring for justice-involved individuals. - Job One (Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development) – Director Tammy Washington and staff described services including resume help, supportive services (up to $750 for transportation), training scholarships up to $8,000, and the Committed to Change (CTC) program for justice-impacted individuals (four-week readiness with stipends). The Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program has a goal of 1,000 youth aged 16–24; as of last week, 801 were fully enrolled. Paper checks will be used to avoid past payment delays. Councilmember Hughes stressed the importance of timely pay and access to banking for youth in underserved areas. - NOLA Public Schools & New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) – Superintendent Dr. Fatima Fulmore and Executive Director Claire Jeklin highlighted career and technical education (CTE) programs serving 880 high school and opportunity youth students. Programs include pre-nursing, EMS, welding, carpentry, and culinary arts. 90% of students earned industry-valued credentials. The center is co-located with partners like Operation Restoration and Thrive New Orleans. They emphasized alignment with the city’s youth master plan goals of economic stability and decreasing the ALICE threshold. - Delgado Community College – Ernest Frazier presented a free four-day training program for formerly incarcerated individuals covering CPR, OSHA 10, and forklift certification. Welding training is also available at the River City campus. Contact information was provided for enrollment. - Dillard University – Dr. Ishmael discussed the university’s shift toward workforce development certification programs (six weeks to one year) in fields like healthcare IT, construction trades, and paralegal studies. He noted the need for better marketing and stipends to boost enrollment. 5. Video Testimonial and Closing Remarks Councilmember King played a video of Darien, a former federal prisoner now employed as a garbage truck driver through Ivy Waste, a company that provides second chances. King emphasized that gainful employment is a key crime prevention tool. Councilmember Green echoed the importance of job opportunities and encouraged residents to access council offices for help overcoming employment barriers. Key Outcomes - The Brechtel Golf Course will remain closed; a new capital funding request will be submitted for the next fiscal year. - The Gaul Manor demolition will be a recurring monthly agenda item until completed. The administration is working on the DBE issue and final demolition steps. - The living wage proposal will be refined with detailed cost estimates for all employee categories (including unclassified and part-time) and presented for further discussion. No immediate action was taken. - Workforce development programs were acknowledged; councilmembers encouraged cross-promotion and broader outreach, especially in underserved areas like the Lower Ninth Ward. - The meeting was adjourned (perpetually continued) without a final motion. Note: The agenda and minutes were not available for this meeting; the summary is derived solely from the transcript.

The transcript was not provided in the input. No summary can be generated.

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The Budget Committee of the New Orleans City Council met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to receive a presentation on the low-barrier shelter operated by Odyssey House Louisiana and to consider two contract amendments for demolition services with Durr Heavy Construction. The meeting included roll call, adoption of previous minutes, and discussion on homelessness response and blight remediation. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the meeting held December 9, 2025, were unanimously adopted. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were heard. All remarks were from council members and administrative staff. Discussion Items - Presentation by Odyssey House Louisiana (OHL): OHL provided an update on the low-barrier shelter (LBS) operations, which they assumed in June 2024. Key data from January–December 2025: 100% bed capacity (296 beds), served 747 individuals, 349 rehoused, 421 received primary care at their FQHC, 1,575 visits to the FQHC, 32 connected to the Sobering Center, and 67 entered detox/treatment. They highlighted the shelter as a cost-effective public health infrastructure. Councilmember Harris asked about geographic origin of guests, ADA compliance (elevators broken for three years), and coordination with other agencies. She expressed support for the shelter but noted the need for a new, compliant facility. Councilmember Hughes sought clarity on bed capacity at the shelter vs. OHL’s residential treatment program (147 beds, over half empty due to lack of funding for uninsured). OHL testified at the state legislature about challenges in treating uninsured individuals. Councilmember Harris opposed state legislation criminalizing sleeping on streets. No vote was taken on the presentation. - Contracts with Durr Heavy Construction: The committee considered two amendments: an emergency demolition contract (additional $1.5 million, total lifetime value $13 million) and a non-emergency demolition contract (current value $749,000, no increase). Both contracts were set to expire March 29, 2026, and have been on pause for three weeks. Director Anthony Davis of Code Enforcement explained that the contracts have been held by Durr since 2020 and are needed to address blighted properties. Councilmember Hughes expressed concerns about sole-source contracting, lack of competition, and the absence of follow-up maintenance on vacant lots (overgrown, litter, rodents). He requested data on demolitions by council district and questioned performance metrics. Councilmember King raised concerns about DBE participation, noting that Durr’s primary DBE subcontractor (Ovella Enterprises) is not Orleans-based and urged intentional hiring of Orleans Parish companies. Councilmember Harris echoed concerns about empty lots becoming nuisances and asked about cost recovery (only about $1 million recovered against $17 million in debts). Director Davis stated that without contract approval, the city cannot respond to emergency demolitions. Chairman Hughes noted he could not vote in favor without further discussions on maintenance and equity. Key Outcomes - Emergency demolition contract (Item 4A): Motion to advance to full council passed 3-1 (Chairman Hughes voted no). - Non-emergency demolition contract (Item 4B): Similarly advanced to full council with a 3-1 vote (Chairman Hughes voted no). - Councilmember King moved to adjourn; seconded by Councilmember Harris; no objections. Note: The transcript’s opening states the date as April 24, but per the provided instruction, the meeting date is formally recorded as April 21, 2026.

The Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) met on Monday, April 20, 2026, at approximately 9:00 AM. Present were Chair Candace Forrest, Commissioner Jose Alvarez, and Commissioner Jamie Ramiro Diaz. Commissioners Alfonso Gonzalez and Jason Richards were absent. The meeting recessed from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM and adjourned after completing all agenda items. The board considered multiple variance requests and two appeals. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 16, 2026 meeting (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - BZA 105‑25 (Sign Variance): Supporters included McKenzie Laxton (applicant rep), Kylie Lewis, Don Randon (real estate professional), Sunny Wicker (designer), and John Marion (sign maker). They argued that neighboring properties have similar sign sizes, the sign would restore historic character, and the sign would be locally manufactured. Opponents included Gretchen Byers (VCPORA) and Anthony Marino (resident), who stated the request sets a harmful precedent, the sign is not a restoration, and it violates VCC code. - BZA 030‑26 (Swimming Pool): Applicant Anna Polk and builder Cody Shillette confirmed compliance with safety fence requirements. - BZA 031‑26 (Single‑Family Dwelling): Applicant representative argued that downsizing the home would significantly reduce living space for the family. - BZA 032‑26 (Two‑Family Parking): Applicant Deshaun Davenport noted that neighboring properties have similar off‑street parking patterns. - BZA 034‑26 (Steps Variance): Applicant Joseph Lowershell explained that elevation due to FEMA grant required the high steps, and designed to match historic neighborhood. - BZA 035‑26 (Mixed‑Use Parking): Zach Smith and Ilsa Style represented the owner, stating the commercial space has been vacant for five years despite marketing, and there is high demand for residential units. - BZA 038‑26 (AC Units Side Yard): Opponents Jan Benson and Frederick Helm (neighbors) raised safety concerns about clearance and emergency access; applicant Pedro Molina noted HDLC and mechanical division approvals. - Appeal 110‑25 (Sidewalk Cafe): Supporters included Jason Napoli (family member), Lisa Greenleaf (adjacent business owner), and others who submitted cards; they argued the outdoor seating has existed since the 1970s and is integral to the business. Opposition came from Susan Johnson (Town of Carlton Watch), who supported the department’s denial. - Appeal 013‑26 (Billboard): Applicant John Ciniglia argued the lot is not within 500 feet of a residential zone and not in an overlay district. Opposition speakers Claudia Celestan, Frain Bias, and Lord Slandrum (ENONAC) cited visual clutter, property value loss, and safety concerns. Discussion Items BZA 105‑25 – Sign Variance for Bourbon Street Jazz Club (824 Baronne St) Staff recommended denial of three variances (projection, sign area, first floor) under Article 24, citing failure to meet criteria 1–9. The applicant presented examples of non‑conforming signs, but staff found none comparable. VCC Deputy Director Renee Burgoyne stated the sign is prohibited by city code (Section 166‑9‑2) and the VCC would deny it. The board voted 6‑0 to uphold staff’s denial, finding that the nine criteria were not met. BZA 023‑26 – Impervious Surface Variance (property address not specified) Staff reported the applicant paved 90% of the front yard after sewer board repairs. The applicant proposed extending a planter to reduce impervious cover, but the waiver remained at 23%. Urban Conservancy could not assist due to lack of funding. The board deferred the item 30 days (5‑0) to allow the applicant to explore removal options. BZA 030‑26 – Swimming Pool Variance (3301 South Saratoga St) Staff recommended approval of variances for pool location in corner side yard, finding all criteria met. The board approved (6‑0) with two provisos (safety fence already installed). BZA 031‑26 – Side Yard Setback & Driveway Variance (Restore Louisiana program) Staff recommended denial for insufficient setback (2.2 ft) and driveway distance. The applicant explained the fixed floor plan cannot be modified without losing significant living space. The board deferred 30 days (5‑0) to explore alternative driveway designs. BZA 032‑26 – Parking Variance for Two‑Family Dwelling (2022 Phillips St) Staff recommended denial for insufficient off‑street parking (one space required, none provided). The lot is 38 ft wide; alternative designs may create other zoning issues. The board deferred 30 days (6‑0) for the applicant to work with staff on a compliant plan. BZA 034‑26 – Steps Encroachment & Height Variance (4422 South Murrow St) Staff found all criteria met except B1 (special privilege), but the board determined that even at minimum elevation, a variance would still be needed. Approved (6‑0) with one proviso, adopting commentary that the waiver does not confer special privilege. BZA 035‑26 – Off‑Street Parking Variance (3100 Bank St) Staff recommended denial, but the applicant argued hardship due to inability to lease ground‑floor commercial space for five years. Board approved (6‑0) with one proviso, finding all nine criteria satisfied. BZA 029‑26 – Second Structure & Front Yard Parking (1614 Poland Ave) Staff recommended denial for rear yard setback and front yard parking. Applicant requested additional 30‑day deferral to gather historic documentation. Deferred (6‑0). BZA 036‑26 – Mechanical Equipment Setback Variance (property address not specified) Staff recommended approval of a 1‑ft‑2‑inch waiver for roof‑mounted generator setback. Applicant noted the only alternative location would conflict with off‑street parking overlay. Approved (6‑0) with one proviso. BZA 038‑26 – After‑the‑Fact Variance for AC Units (3316 Dauphine St) Staff requested 30‑day deferral to confirm building permit issues. Despite opposition from neighbors citing safety, the board deferred (6‑0) per staff request. Appeal BZA 110‑25 – Sidewalk Cafe at The Boot (1037‑1039 Broadway St) The Department of Safety and Permits denied a sidewalk cafe permit because the bar is a legal non‑conforming use in a residential district (HURD2) and not in an RDO overlay. The applicant argued that outdoor seating has existed for decades and constitutes a non‑conforming use on the public sidewalk. The Department cited Louisiana Civil Code Article 450 and case law that public property cannot accrue zoning rights. After debate, a motion to overturn the decision failed on a split vote (3‑3? the record shows motion failed, no substitute motion, so the department’s decision stands). Appeal BZA 013‑26 – Billboard Permit (10563 North Interstate 10 Service Rd) The Department determined a billboard is prohibited because the property is within 500 feet of a residential district and in overlay districts. The applicant argued the lot does not front the service road and is separate from adjacent lots. The board upheld the department’s decision (6‑0), finding no error. Key Outcomes - Approvals: - BZA 030‑26 (swimming pool) – approved with provisos. - BZA 034‑26 (steps) – approved with proviso. - BZA 035‑26 (parking) – approved with proviso. - BZA 036‑26 (mechanical equipment) – approved with proviso. - Denials: - BZA 105‑25 (sign) – denied. - Appeal 110‑25 (sidewalk cafe) – appeal denied (motion to overturn failed). - Appeal 013‑26 (billboard) – department decision upheld. - Deferrals (30 days): BZA 023‑26, BZA 031‑26, BZA 032‑26, BZA 029‑26, BZA 038‑26, and BZA 062‑24 (appeal, motion deferred without further detail). - Other: Three items were rendered moot or withdrawn (028‑26, 033‑26, 037‑26, 024‑26? Actually 024‑26 was deferred as well).

The City Planning Commission met on April 17, 2026, to consider several zoning dockets, subdivision requests, and a comprehensive study on cannabis, tobacco, and nicotine retail regulations. The meeting included public testimony, staff reports, and commission votes. Consent Calendar - Unanimously adopted the minutes from the March 24, 2026 meeting via roll call (7-0). - Approved subdivision ratifications for multiple properties via voice vote (all present in favor). Public Comments & Testimony Zoning Docket 024-26 (Convention Center Hotel Overlay District): - Support: James Guerrero (New Orleans Sports Foundation), Jim Cook (Convention Center President/CEO), Mike Smith (Omni Hotels EVP), Mike Sherman (Omni Hotels representative), Daryl Berger (developer), Richard Kemp (architect), Stephanie Turner (New Orleans & Company), Ben Roberts (hotel GM), Cole Parsons (hotel manager), Matt Wolf (GNO Inc.), and several others spoke in favor. They cited economic impact ($213 million annually, 1,400 permanent jobs, $15 million in new tax revenue), the need for a headquarters hotel to compete for major events, community design changes (hotel removed from park, added parking, traffic directed away from neighborhood), and infrastructure improvements at Omni's expense. - Opposition: Keaver Perry (homeowner), Mike James (union organizer), Cliff Loomis (resident), and others opposed. Concerns included lack of transparency on total project cost and subsidies, potential traffic and parking impacts, height and scale (tower up to 337 feet vs. staff recommendation of 200-250 feet), inadequate independent traffic and shadow studies, and that the project would overwhelm the warehouse district. - Speaker positions were clearly stated for and against. Other Dockets: - Zoning Dockets 030-26, 038-26, 039-26, 041-26, 022-26, 025-26: Limited or no opposition; applicants and staff spoke briefly. Cannabis, Tobacco, and Nicotine Study: - Support: Daisy Ellis (Health Department) supported the study for public health reasons, noting 9 out of 10 daily smokers start before age 18 and average onset of nicotine use is 13. She supported creating zones and distance requirements. - Informational: A representative from the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living commended the study and recommended considering flavor bans and distance requirements. - Opposition: Susan Johnson and Ryan Bain (residents adjacent to a medical marijuana retailer at 1407 S. Carrollton) opposed the study’s lack of retroactive application and insufficient distance requirements. Bain reported daily issues with noise, smell, and littering from customers and employees. Discussion Items Zoning Docket 024-26 (Convention Center Hotel Overlay District): - Staff recommended approval with a height limit of 200-250 feet, finding that unlimited height (FAR 12) would be out of scale with the historic warehouse district. - Applicant requested a floor area ratio (FAR) of 12 (resulting in approximately 337 feet at the penthouse) to allow a slender tower and preserve design flexibility, arguing that a flat 250-foot cap would force a bulkier building. - The commission debated the height differential (staff’s 250 ft vs. applicant’s 337 ft) and the potential public benefit of additional infrastructure and park improvements tied to the taller building. - A motion to approve staff recommendation with the applicant’s requested FAR of 12 passed 6-1 (Commissioner Metry opposed). Other Zoning Dockets: - 030-26 (Restaurant conditional use): Approved unanimously after a community meeting resolved concerns. - 038-26 (Commercial short-term rental in Lake Catherine): Approved unanimously (staff recommended with provisos). - 039-26 (Broad Theater expansion): Approved with exceptions and provisos (unanimous). - 041-26 (Rezone from S-RS to SMU): Approved unanimously per staff recommendation. - 022-26 (Subdivision): Approved tentatively (unanimous). - 025-26 (Lot reconfiguration): Approved tentatively subject to minor map adjustment and potential rezoning (unanimous). Cannabis, Tobacco, and Nicotine Study: - Staff presented findings from a study initiated by Councilmember DeRusso. Recommendations included creating three new land use categories (smoke shops, marijuana retailers, retail sale of tobacco/nicotine/consumable hemp), distance restrictions of 500 feet from child-friendly locations (schools, parks, etc.), and 1,000 feet between smoke shops. - Discussion focused on buffer distances: Commissioners considered 500 feet vs. 1,000 feet, with concerns about environmental justice and disproportionate impacts on certain neighborhoods. They also discussed hours of operation and distance from residential districts. - The commission adopted the study with a motion to transmit to the City Council, recommending buffer distances of 500 to 1,000 feet from child-friendly locations and special attention to environmental justice. Approved 6-0 (one absent). Key Outcomes - Zoning Docket 024-26: Approved with modified staff recommendation (height regulated by FAR 12 instead of a strict 250-foot cap). Vote: 6-1. - Zoning Dockets 030-26, 038-26, 039-26, 041-26, 022-26, 025-26: All approved unanimously. - Cannabis, Tobacco, and Nicotine Study: Adopted and transmitted to City Council with recommendations for 500-1,000 foot buffers and environmental justice considerations. Vote: 6-0. - Consent Calendar and Subdivision Ratifications: Approved unanimously.