Archive for Advocacy
“Zombie Demolitions” – 6 Imminent FEMA Funded Demolitions
Posted by: | Comments
The 6 houses listed below are proposed for demolition by the City of New Orleans Office of Code Enforcement using FEMA funds.
To put it simply, demolitions are iminent and will happen realy soon. In technical terms:
- Pre-demolition treatment measures & salvage assessments will be conducted in the next few weeks.
- Permitting, utility disconnects, and asbestos inspections are all that these properties are pending .
All of the addresses listed below have been approved by local historic districts for demolition or are exempt from HDLC or NCDC review.
If you have an opinion about any of the buildings proposed for demolition, email PRC staff HERE.
Again, if you have an opinion about any of the buildings proposed for demolition, email PRC staff HERE.
City Council At-Large Election Tomorrow. Geaux Vote, Preservationists!
Posted by: | Comments
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 21, New Orleans residents will elect a new councilmember at-large. It is critical that we have a strong showing of preservationists at the polls! As is the Preservation Resource Center policy (and federal law), we cannot and do not promote individual candidates, but as Americans, PRC encourages everyone to participate in the political process. So, GEAUX VOTE! Follow THIS LINK for information about your polling place and more.
Meeting Results — Proposed Demolitions: City Council Agenda for April 19, 2012
Posted by: | Comments
The demolition applications for the double shotgun houses at 5514-16 Tchoupitoulas and 5518-20 Tchoupitoulas were withdrawn (pictured above).
The following demolition hearings were deferred by the City Council and will be on the next Council agenda.
1500 France - code enforcement demolition - deferred
3124 N. Johnson - code enforcement demolition - deferred
2216-18 St. Roch - code enforcement demolition - deferred
3008-10 Tolouse - code enforcement demolition - deferred
If you have an opinion about these demolition proposals or any other items on the agenda, you can email City Councilmembers here.
Cemeteries Improvements Project Details Released!
Posted by: | Comments
Last night, the City of New Orleans held a public meeting to discuss improvements to 7 cemeteries, most of which are located in historic districts. The plans include the proposed demolition of 5 or 6 sexton cottages, such as the one pictured above at Holt Cemetery.
Did you miss the meeting? That’s okay. We’ve posted the Power Point presentation from the meeting online HERE. There will be a second public meeting, date to be announced.
Learn more about the historic sexton cottages to be demolished online HERE. Follow the links HERE to submit your opinion about the demolition proposals.
Results for NCDC Meeting, April 16, 2012
Posted by: | Comments
The Neighborhood Conservation Districts Committee considered 30 properties for demolition on April 16, 2012. The Creole cottage at 1831 Pauger (above), which was put forth for demolition consideration by the Office of Code Enforcement, was denied for FEMA funded demolition. Click here to see how they voted on the other 29 properties!
Proposed Demolitions: City Council April 19, 2012 Agenda
Posted by: | Comments
The following demolitions will be considered by City Council on Thursday, April 19, 2012. If you have an opinion about these demolition proposals or any other items on the agenda, you can email City Councilmembers here.
5514-16 Tchoupitoulas - owner-initiated demolition
5518-20 Tchoupitoulas - owner-initiated demolition
1500 France - code enforcement demolition
3124 N. Johnson - code enforcement demolition
2216-18 St. Roch - code enforcement demolition
3008-10 Tolouse - code enforcement demolition
If you have an opinion about this demolition proposal or any other items on the agenda, you can email City Councilmembers here.
The complete City Council agenda is available online HERE. (If the agenda hasn’t been posted, please check back.)
Check out our “Citizen’s Guide to Participating in the Demolition Review Process” HERE. The guide deals with the Neighborhood Conservation District Committee but is also relevant to City Council matters.
Stay tuned. City Council has suggested that the hearing date on these demolitions be scheduled for 5/3/12:
2529-31 Marengo – Lot Next Door/Louisiana Land Trust demolition of a historic double Arts & Crafts shotgun house
2367 N. Villere – Lot Next Door/Louisiana Land Trust demolition of a Victorian single shotgun house
Surplus Properties Public Hearing on May 8, 2012
Posted by: | Comments
.
.
.
THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF THE REVISED STATUTES OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA AND THE CITY CHARTER REGARDING PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS, WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2012 FOLLOWING THE ZONING PUBLIC HEARING, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER (CITY HALL 1E07), ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSED PROPERTY DISPOSITION.
4877 Laurel Street - Property Disposition 6/12: Consideration of the sale of 4877 Laurel Street, Lot A, Square 179, in the Sixth Municipal District, bounded by Upperline, Laurel, Lyons and Constance Streets. (ZBM B-15, PD-3)
200 North Alexander Street - Property Disposition 7/12: Consideration of the sale of 200 North Alexander Street, Lot 18, Square 11, in the Sixth Municipal District, bounded by South Tonti, Delachaise, South Miro and General Taylor Streets. (ZBM B-14, PD-3)
3601 General Taylor Street (vacant lot) - Property Disposition 8/12: Consideration of the sale of 3601 General Taylor Street, Lots 15 and 16, Square 578, in the Second Municipal District, bounded by Bienville Avenue and North Alexander, North Hennessy and Iberville Streets. (ZBM C-12, PD-4)
This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for additional accommodations or any assistance to participate may be directed to the Office of Constituent Services at 504-658-4015 (voice), 504-658-4002 (facsimile), or the City’s TTY 504-586-4475. This communiqué is available in alternative formats upon request.
THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 16 OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE 4264 MCS AS AMENDED, WILL HEAR ALL PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS TO THE ABOVE PROPOSED PROPERTY DISPOSITION. ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND AND ALL RELEVANT COMMENTS CONCERNING THE PROPOSED CHANGES ARE ENCOURAGED. YOU MAY ALSO SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN ADVANCE BY MAIL (1340POYDRAS STREET, SUITE 900, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70112) OR FAX (504-658-7032). ALL WRITTEN COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO THE HEARING DATE.
April 17th, 24th and May 1st, 2012
Yolanda Rodriguez, Executive Director
Cemetery Improvements & Sexton Cottage Demolitions – Community Meeting on April 18, 2012
Posted by: | Comments
The City of New Orleans Capital Projects department will be hosting a Community Meeting on Cemetery Improvements & plans to demolish 4 Sexton Cottages.
This meeting will focus on the following Cemeteries:
Holt Cemetery – 635 City Park Avenue, 70118
* The Sexton Cottage at Holt Cemetery has been proposed for demolition. The cottage is a contributing element of the cemetery, which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Lafayette #1 – 1427 Washington Avenue, 70118
* The Sexton Cottage at Lafayette #1 has been proposed for demolition. The cottage contributes to the significance of the Cemetery. The cemetery is a contributing element to the Garden District National Register Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.
Lafayette #2 -2110 Washington Avenue, 70118
* The Sexton Cottage at Lafayette #1 has been proposed for demolition. The cottage is a contributing element to the cemetery, which is part of the Central City National Register Historic District.
Carrollton #1 – 1701 Hillary Street, 70118 (Green Street)
* The Sexton Cottage at Carrollton #1 has been proposed for demolition. The cottage does not retain integrity to be eligible for inclusion on the National Register.
Carrollton #2 – Adams Street between Spruce and Cohn (St. Mary)
Valence St. Cemetery – 2000 Valence Street, 70115
This meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 6:00pm -7:00pm at Rhodes Pavilion located at 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
Learn more about the Sexton Cottage demolitions and submit comments to FEMA on the proposed demolitions on our blog HERE.
Sexton Cottage Demolitions: The Workhouses of New Orleans Cemeteries
Posted by: | Comments
The City of New Orleans has proposed to demolish four historic “Sexton Cottages” in the city’s historic cemeteries:
- Holt Cemetery – the cottage is a contributing element of the cemetery, which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
- Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery – the cottage contributes to the significance of the Cemetery. The cemetery is a contributing element to the Garden District National Register Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.
- Lafayette No. 2 Cemetery - the cottage is a contributing element to the cemetery, which is part of the Central City National Register Historic District.
- Carrollton No. 1 Cemetery - the cottage does not retain integrity to be eligible for inclusion on the National Register.
This is the time to submit comments about the demolition proposals. You can share your opinion by posting online HERE or sending an email to FEMA-NOMA@dhs.gov. Comments can be submitted by mail at the address at the end of this blog post. Comments and requests must be physically received by April 24, 2012.
View our Flickr photo set of the 4 Sexton Cottages HERE.
Additional details about the Sexton Cottages proposed for demolition:
 |
| Holt Cemetary Sexton Cottage |
FEMA has determined that Holt Cemetery is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and that the Cottage is a contributing element to the cemetery. The proposed project may indirectly affect Isaac Delgado Hall, a contributing property to the Parkview National Register Historic District.
 |
| Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery Sexton Cottage |
Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and is listed as a contributing element to the Garden District National Register Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. FEMA has determined that the Cottage contributes to the significance of Lafayette Cemetery No.1 and the Garden District. The Area of Potential Effects also includes the residential structures located in the 1400 block of Sixth Street within the Garden District.
 |
| Lafayette No. 2 Cemetery Sexton Cottage |
Lafayette No. 2 Cemetery is a contributing property to the Central City National Register Historic District. FEMA has determined that the Cottage is a contributing feature of the cemetery and the Central City Historic District. The Area of Potential Effects includes a variety of residential properties located across from the cemetery on Washington Avenue and S. Saratoga Street. A vacant, overgrown lot on Sixth Street is located to the west, and St. Joseph No. 1 Cemetery is north of the Lafayette No. 2 Cemetery. These properties are within the Central City Historic District.
 |
| Carrollton No. 1 Cemetery Sexton Cottage |
Carrollton No. 1 Cemetery is located within the Carrollton National Register Historic District, and the cemetery is a contributing secondary landmark of the district. The Cottage is located near the center of the cemetery and does not retain integrity to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery is faced on all sides by residential properties that are included within the Carrollton Historic District.
Ground disturbing activities associated with the demolition of the four Cottages have the potential to affect archaeological resources and human burials.
Here is the fine print, the official public notice:
Public Notice Regarding Section 106 and NEPA Review of the City of New Orleans’ Proposal to Demolish the Sexton Cottages/Maintenance Buildings at Holt Cemetery, Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery, Lafayette No. 2 Cemetery, and Carrollton No. 1 Cemetery, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, LA – Seeking Public Comment
 |
| Map of Project Locations |
The high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and the subsequent widespread flooding damaged many buildings in Orleans Parish, LA. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is issuing this public notice as part of its responsibilities under the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s (ACHP) regulations, 36 CFR Part 800, implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA). FEMA has also decided to utilize the NHPA Section 106 review process to coordinate its responsibilities, including public outreach, required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This notice applies to activities carried out by the Public Assistance (PA) program implemented under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C.§§5152-5206.
The City of New Orleans is requesting that FEMA provide funds to demolish the substantially damaged Sexton Cottages Maintenance Buildings (Cottages) located at Holt Cemetery, Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery, Lafayette No. 2 Cemetery, and Carrollton No. 1 Cemetery in New Orleans.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 44 CFR Part 10 - FEMA is required to follow the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (NEPA Regulations, 43 FR 55978 (1978)) that provide policy and procedures to enable FEMA officials to be informed of and take into account environmental considerations when authorizing or approving major FEMA actions that may significantly affect the environment in the United States. It is the intent of NEPA that federal agencies encourage and facilitate public involvement to the extent practicable in decisions that may affect the quality of the environment. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the CEQ established Alternative Arrangements to meet the requirements of NEPA in reconstructing critical infrastructure in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area (NOMA); Alternative Arrangements, Federal Register/Vol. 71, No. 56/Thursday, March 23, 2006. Alternative Arrangements enable FEMA, as a component of DHS, to consider the potential for significant impacts to the human environment from its approval to fund critical physical infrastructure in NOMA. More information on NEPA and the Alternative Arrangements process can be found on FEMA’s web page at: www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/noma.
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 36 CFR Part 800: The regulations at 36 CFR Part 800 require FEMA, as the funding agency, to identify if the Sexton Cottages/Maintenance Buildings (Cottages) located at Holt Cemetery, Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery, Lafayette No. 2 Cemetery, and Carrollton No. 1 Cemetery are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; to assess the effects the demolition will have on historic properties; and to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects.
FEMA has determined to fulfill its responsibilities under Section 106 of the NHPA through the development and implementation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The MOA will document FEMA’s review of ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed Undertaking. FEMA is seeking input from members of the public on ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the potential Adverse Effects.
Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on this project to FEMA. FEMA will accept and consider public comments on NEPA related issues as a part of the Section 106 review. Comments can be submitted to FEMA for a 15-day period beginning on April 10, 2012 by posting online at http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/ or sending an email to FEMA-NOMA@dhs.gov or sending a letter through the mail to:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA
Louisiana Recovery Office – Attn: E/HP
1 Seine Court
New Orleans, LA 70114
If mailed, comments and requests must be physically received at this address by April 24, 2012.
Milne Boys Home Demolitions & Repairs, Call for Comments
Posted by: | CommentsThe City of New Orleans has proposed to demolish the caretaker’s cottage, laundry building and the chapel on the Milne Boys’ Home site in Gentilly. The City plans to begin repairs to the administrative building and the north and south cottages on the site.
Milne Boys Home is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as an excellent example of the Classical Revival style institutional architecture and for its role in social history. All seven extant buildings, the Caretaker’s Cottage, Laundry, Chapel, Administration Building, North Cottage, South Cottage, and Gymnasium retain sufficient integrity to be contributing elements to the Milne Boys’ Home Historic District. FEMA also identified one building within the view shed, New Orleans Fire Department Engine 12, that is eligible for listing in the NHRP as a representative of municipal services constructed in post-World War II residential neighborhoods and as an early example of a mid-century modern fire station.
If you would like to comment on the demolition proposals or the redevelopment of the site, click HERE. Comments are due April 24, 2012.
View our Flickr photo set of Milne Boys Home HERE.
Please note: Louis Armstrong was sent to the Colored Waifs’ Home, located on City Park Avenue, after he was arrested for firing a gun on S. Rampart Street on New Year’s Eve. Learn more HERE.
Here is the official public notice:
Public Notice Regarding Section 106 and NEPA Review of the City of New Orleans’ Proposal to Demolish and Replace the Caretaker’s Cottage, Laundry, and Chapel and Phase I Repairs to the Administration Building, North Cottage, and South Cottage, Milne Boys’ Home, 5420 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, LA – Seeking Public Comment
 |
| Map of Project Location |
The high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and the subsequent widespread flooding damaged many buildings in Orleans Parish, LA. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is issuing this public notice as part of its responsibilities under the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s (ACHP) regulations, 36 CFR Part 800, implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA). FEMA has also decided to utilize the NHPA Section 106 review process to coordinate its responsibilities, including public outreach, required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This notice applies to activities carried out by the Public Assistance (PA) program implemented under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C.§§5152-5206.
The City of New Orleans is requesting that FEMA provide funds to demolish and replace the Caretaker’s Cottage, Laundry, and Chapel (Warehouse), and perform Phase I Repairs to the Administration Building, North Cottage, and South Cottage, at Milne Boys’ Home, 5420 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans. Phase I repairs may include the removal of non-original interior partitions, securing of building openings, and restoration of climate control.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 44 CFR Part 10: It is the intent of NEPA that federal agencies encourage and facilitate public involvement to the extent practicable in decisions that may affect the quality of the environment. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the CEQ established Alternative Arrangements to meet the requirements of NEPA in reconstructing critical infrastructure in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area (NOMA); Alternative Arrangements, Federal Register/Vol. 71, No. 56/Thursday, March 23, 2006. Alternative Arrangements enable FEMA, as a component of DHS, to consider the potential for significant impacts to the human environment from its approval to fund critical physical infrastructure in NOMA. More information on NEPA and the Alternative Arrangements process can be found on FEMA’s web page HERE.
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 36 CFR Part 800: The regulations at 36 CFR Part 800 require FEMA, as the funding agency, to identify if the Milne Boys Home is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; to assess the effects the replacement will have on historic properties; and to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects.
 |
| Administration Building. Milne Boys’ Home |
 |
| New Orleans Fire Department Engine 12 |
FEMA has identified that the Milne Boys Home is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as an excellent example of the Classical Revi al style institutional architecture and for its role in social history. All seven extant buildings, the Caretaker’s Cottage, Laundry, Chapel, Administration Building, North Cottage, South Cottage, and Gymnasium retain sufficient integrity to be contributing elements to the Milne Boys’ Home Historic District. FEMA also identified one building within the view shed, New Orleans Fire Department Engine 12, that is eligible for listing in the NHRP as a representative of municipal services constructed in post-World War II residential neighborhoods and as an early example of a mid-century modern fire station.
FEMA has determined the proposed demolitions will adversely affect historic properties on the Milne Boys Home Historic District, but will not adversely affect the Engine 12 building. FEMA has determined to fulfill its responsibilities under Section 106 of the NHPA through the development and implementation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The MOA will document FEMA’s review of ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed Undertaking. FEMA is seeking input from members of the public on ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the potential Adverse Effects. Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on this project to FEMA. FEMA will accept and consider public comments on NEPA related issues as a part of the Section 106 review. Comments can be submitted to FEMA for a 15-day period beginning on April 10, 2012 by posting online at: http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/ (this web site); sending an email to FEMA-NOMA@dhs.gov; or sending a letter through the mail to:
FEMA Mail Center
Historic Preservation
1 Seine Court, 1st Floor Mail Room
New Orleans, LA 70114
If mailed, comments and requests must be postmarked by April 24, 2012.
