City conducts meeting to discuss future of Six Flags

By Veronica Barbarin

New Orleans East residents, some in green shirts to show their support for bringing back the Jazzland amusement park, recently assembled at the newly constructed Franklin Avenue Baptist Church with hopeful expectation of hearing positive news regarding an assessment of the site which was once the location of one of New Orleans East’s main attractions — the 60-acre, former Six Flags / Jazzland amusement park.

Unfortunately, since the devastation of hurricane Katrina and the flooding that followed, the amusement park has been sitting untouched, for at least 14 years, with the exception of movie productions and vandalism.

Continue reading “City conducts meeting to discuss future of Six Flags” →

Letter to the Editor

Lance Houpt, Principal

Playland NOLA

 

I would like to point out a few things from the “Strategic Opportunities Assessment” report. The conclusion appears to be:

“Based on the market context, the study area conditions, and input from stakeholders, the redevelopment opportunity for Jazzland with the highest potential to promote the community goals is an “education destination” that merges the benefits of the higher education and tourism sectors. The destination will be centered on the story and science of resiliency and climate change, providing research, innovation, education, and exploration opportunities. These opportunities will further and promote our understanding of living with water and propel New Orleans to be a leader in the global water economy.”

The gist of it is to me, is that they feel the target market/potential patrons/visitors would be ecotourists and visiting scholars doing research on the effects of climate change and water management. It doesn’t sound like there is a need yet for the facility they propose.

Continue reading “Letter to the Editor” →

WWL TV Channel 4 releases series on ‘THE FORGOTTEN EAST’

Long term questions still unanswered

In the four-part series from Channel 4, serious concerns and issues that residents have raised for many years are addressed. In September 2009, I wrote an article titled “What’s Wrong with the East?” that was published in the Neighborhoods Partnership Network’s The Trumpet newspaper and on the then-active NOELA News website. Click here to read the NOELA News article.

Click on the links below to view the Channel 4 videos.

What Happened to New Orleans East?

The Forgotten East: Blight

The Forgotten East: The Youth

The Forgotten East: The Future

Field Set for October 12, 2019 Gubernatorial Primary Election

Qualifying period ran from August 6 – 8, 2019

Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, Commissioner of Insurance, BESE District 1, BESE District 2, State Senator 3rd District, State Senator 4th District, State Representative District 99th/100th Representative and other positions are on the ballot. Continue reading “Field Set for October 12, 2019 Gubernatorial Primary Election” →

Economic Development Survey for Business Owners

As part of an effort to bring much needed growth to New Orleans East, NOELA Services is independently collecting information to provide to organizations whose goals include increasing economic development in the area.

This is one of several surveys to be distributed to determine what challenges exist for potential and existing business owners. This first survey is to be completed only by individuals who 1) previously or currently live in and/or own a business in New Orleans East; or 2) are considering operating a business in New Orleans East.

Please complete the survey only once per person and share the survey with other individuals who meet this criteria. The more feedback we receive, the better we can gauge the needs of the area. Your personal contact information will be used ONLY if further clarification is needed.

Please respond no later than August 31, 2019. Your participation is greatly appreciated. The next survey will target residents.

Complete the survey here.