Plans for the upcoming general meeting and continued discussion of new STR regulations were discussed sufficiently via email. A vote decided a board meeting this month was not necessary.
The meeting was held at 3600 St. Claude (Luna Libre). It got underway at 7:10.
President Julie Jones introduced Julia Stern, our new Neighborhood Engagement officer. Ms. Stern gave her office hours as 10:30-5 (with a lunch break from 1-2) on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Alvar Library and Wednesdays at the Stallings Center on St. Claude, same times. She can get answers to many questions related to neighborhood problems and is proving to be very efficient. Her email is Julia.Stern@nola.gov.
Next we had a talk on the updating of the Short-Term Rental regulations that is being undertaken this month by the City Council at the behest of a judge from the 5th District Court of Appeals. Speaking were Erin Holmes, the Executive Director of VCPORA (Vieux Carré Property Owners, Renters and Associates) and Russell Moran, a Bywater resident, who works with the Jane Place initiative for affordable housing. They were well-informed and articulate and answered the many questions they were asked.
As usual, NFB supplied Pizza Delicious pizzas and wine. Both before the meeting got underway and after it was done, there were opportunities for neighborhood socializing.
Julie Jones, writing in lieu of our regular secretary Tyler Harwood
PRESENT: Brian Lutz, Joe Brown, Julie Jones, Brian Luckett, Molly Henderson, Anthony Eschmann, Michael Owings (by telephone)
The meeting was called to order by President Jones at 7:10 pm. The first order of business was the nomination of new members to the board. Several names were mentioned; they will be contacted to see if they might be interested in serving.
Next we considered a program for the next general meeting and where it should be held. We agreed that we would like to meet at Luna Libre if that is available to us. The topic decided upon was a representative from an Alliance of Neighborhood Organizations (?do they have a name?) to encourage people to participate in the process of revising the regulations regarding Short Term Rentals (STR.)
Julie clarified that the name of Folwell Dunbar had been submitted to represent Bywater on the HDLC.
There is a building on the corner of Louisa and Burgundy which has newly installed industrial lighting around the building. They should be reported to the HDLC as this does not fit into Historic District guidelines.
There will be 3 meetings with the city council to express our concerns and opinions regarding STR’s. The board agreed unanimously on these points to stress:
1. One unit per square and the owner/operator must be a natural person.
2. After three citations for violations the property is eliminated from further participation.
Councilmember Morrell has stated that nothing/no one will be grandfathered in.
1 STR per square block
1 owner/operator per STR
1 STR per parcel
We also recommended that after 3 strikes—still to be decided how to define serious strike—the PROPERTY (not the owner, who could create a different LLC or nominate his wife, child, etc.) will be out of business for a long time (still to be decided how long, suggestions range from 1 to 10 years).
We nominated Folwell Dunbar for HDLC some time ago (as per earlier board meeting). Freddie King has endorsed him, so it’s now up to the Mayor. It should be decided soon.
Submitted
Anthony Eschmann
Member of the Board
Held at Luna Libre. After some time to socialize and eat pizza, Julie introduced three representatives from the NOPD, including the new captain of the 5th district, Kevin Stamp.
Lt. Palumbo gave us an update and told us that car thefts are the biggest problem in Bywater right now. Residents that own a Kias or Hyundais can get a free steering wheel lock from the 5th district station, as those makes are the most popular with thieves. He advised that if residents locate a stolen vehicle to not approach, because the thieves are most certainly armed. He also reminded everyone to never leave a firearm in an unattended vehicle.
Julie then introduced Michael Birt, a wildlife removal and relocation expert who recently wrote a children’s book about his work called Michael the Wildlife Detective. Mr. Birt specializes in humane removal of possums, raccoons, squirrels, bats and birds. His company, Lacan 360, also helps homeowners deal with rats, mice, termites, and any other uninvited critters, even coyotes. He spoke about possums the most, since that’s what we see the most in Bywater. Possums are marsupials and have the smallest brain of any mammal for their size. They’ll eat pretty much anything, and their prehensile tails help them climb into tricky spots. They love the space between the wall and the bathtub, which they can usually access easily from under a house. They do not carry rabies, as their body temperature is too low, but they can bring in fleas and cause other issues. When startled they can act really nasty, and make an awful smell, but if approached they just “play possum”. When they need to relocate an animal they usually drive it to a natural area far away, preferably across the river from where they were caught. Mr. Birt also started a non-profit called ResearchWild that aims to educate people around the world about living in proximity to wildlife. Cities keep growing and people continue to build homes in rural areas, and the animals were most certainly living in those areas first. He decided to write a children’s book because he feels kids are likely to be the most open minded about new approaches to human cohabitation with wildlife. He brought copies of his book and signed a few for members.
Lastly, we were introduced to Julia Stern, the city’s new neighborhood liaison for district C. She has office hours at Alvar Library Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a lunch break from 1-2. She is at Stallings on Wednesdays for the same hours. Her email is julia.stern@nola.gov and office phone number is (504) 397-4100.
Submitted by Tyler Harwood, NFB secretary
New Orleans has 4 times as many STRs per capita as New York City!
If people making $ off STRS show up in much greater numbers than concerned citizens, it may signal the Commissioners (AND the City Council) that people do not truly care about reining in the STR industry so that it can be a good neighbor. YOU are needed tomorrow. The meeting is at the City Council chambers (river side of City Hall), at 1:30—we should have a more exact meeting of the time this item comes up; check our Fb page or our website (nfbywater.org) for updates. Sign in to speak or to show your presence (you can indicate whether you favor or oppose an expansion of the industry on the same card) and time-stamp the card.
This is a meeting of the City Planning Commission members—all citizen volunteers—responding to a report put out last week by the City Planning staffers. They will discuss the report, listen to comments, and then make a recommendation to the City Council, which will vote on it later. The new rules have to be in place by March 31.
5 Major Revisions to the City Planning Staff Recommendations for Short Term Rentals
1. Accessory Bed & Breakfasts
These must be included in the recommended density cap. Accessory Bed & Breakfasts will essentially bypass the density cap by allowing the conversion of homes into tourist accommodations on “capped” blocks. This omission undermines the entire purpose of having a density restriction.
Pg. 36, 20.3.I.2.g In residential districts and HU-B1A Neighborhood Business District, HUB1 Neighborhood Business District, HU-MU Neighborhood Mixed-Use District, S-LM Lake Area Marina District, MU-1 Medium Intensity, Mixed Use District, and MU-2 High Intensity Mixed-Use District, only one (1) Accessory Bed and Breakfast, Principal Bed and Breakfast, or large Non-Commercial Short Term Rental short term rental, is permitted per blockface.
2. Density Restriction – 1 per block face is too permissive
One STR per blockface allows 2 per block on every block. Multiply that by the number of available blocks in the city and the results are much larger than the current number of listings (including the illegal ones). If we truly want to restrict the over-proliferation of STRs in all neighborhoods, a better approach would be to restrict STRs by square. Many properties have multiple addresses on corners, creating confusion for safety and permits and permit seekers. Restrict all STRs and Bed and Breakfasts to one per square.
3. Commercial STRs need to be addressed
New Orleans traditional neighborhoods are noted by pockets of commercial corridors, main streets, and corner-store style businesses. These areas immediately abut residential homes. By not addressing the Commercial STRs, this will allow unfettered conversion of properties within the HM-MU, HU-MU, HMC-1, HMC-2, and HU-B1 districts. Additionally, it will invite an unrelenting stream of zoning change applications that will monopolize City Hall resources.
4. Owners need to be restricted, not just operators
The owner, not just the operator, must be restricted to 1 STR per person. Investors can purchase 6 properties and hire an on-site operator for each. This loophole still allows wealthy, individual investors great profits from the commodification of housing. Ideally, the owner and operator should be the same person, with the same residency requirements outlined already.
5. 10 is too many!
Ten occupants in a single residential dwelling unit is too many. Consider capping the occupancy limit to 6 people in residential neighborhoods.
Held at Luna Libre (thanks to Rhonda Findley!), social activities started at 7:00 p.m. and speakers started around 7:38 after some announcements by Rhonda.
Julie introduced Simonette Berry, a representative of IATSE Local 478, which is the union for film and TV workers. The long version of the name is International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts. Simonette lives nearby in Holy Cross, was a student of NOCCA, and has been working in film over 10 years. Her latest production was “City Of A Million Dreams”, a documentary about jazz funerals in Louisiana that she made with her father, Jason Berry. They screened it recently at NOCCA and would like to screen it at more schools.
Simonette explained how New Orleans is unique and valuable to film producers and listed several well known movies made in the area. There are lots of locations and stages and more all the time. The industry generates around $1B annually, brings about 10,000 jobs to the state, and around $350M to Louisiana residents specifically. The union has about 150,000 members. They help film and TV workers secure competitive wages and healthcare, assist with safety and harassment issues, and provide educational opportunities. They also have a number of community outreach efforts including holiday coat and toy drives, disaster aid, and supporting the LGBTQ Archives Project. The state film tax credit is sunsetting in 2025 and the union has formed a PAC to lobby for its renewal.
Simonette then told the group tab she was also one of the organizers (“overlords”) of the Chewbacchus Parade, which has been marching through the neighborhood since 2013 and has grown significantly. Last year their route was shortened due to a lack of available police, and the last minute change caused considerable financial loss to may businesses along the St. Claude portion of the route. The krewe is hoping they can go back to their usual route this year, which starts at Homer Plessy Way and St. Claude Avenue. Their application is in but they have yet to hear back. Simonette asked for our support should the city try to alter the route again.
Simonette was thanked for joining us and for her fascinating presentation.
Julie then introduced Farren Alexander, the City’s new Neighborhood Liaison for District C. Farren told us she recently transitioned from the oil and gas industry. She is there to help us with issues such as blighted property, abandoned vehicles, trash and recycling pickup, and more. She said if she can’t help you she’ll find the right person to help you. Julie chimed in that Farren has been very quick and helpful with her responses. Farren told us they are doing a toy drive and that her Community Office Hours will start up again in January. In the mean time her email is farren.alexander@nola.gov and her office phone number is (504)658-7808.
We then took a moment to say hello to Stephanie Bridges, who was in attendance with her son Jordan, and was a candidate for district C City Council. Jordan told us Stephanie is considering running for Civil Court Judge.
Mark Gonzalez then told the group that HANO has yet to renew the lease for Clouet Gardens, which ran out in November. HANO’s agenda is housing, not parks, but Mark explained how the green space is important, especially for lower income residents in the area who might not have access to a yard. He asked everyone to write HANO to ask the lease be renewed.
The meeting ended at 8:24 p.m.
Submitted by Tyler Harwood, NFB secretary
Held on Molly Henderson’s patio, started at 7:05 p.m.
Present: Julie Jones, Brian Luckett, Anthony Eschmann, Joe Brown, Susan Korec, Molly Henderson, Tyler Harwood, Michael Owings
We started out discussing the need to fill empty slots on the board. Joe has a neighbor that is interested and has been a member for long enough. A few other possibilities were talked over. Molly said Rhonda Findley may be interested in returning, and has lots of fun meeting ideas. More family friendly activities and social events would be a good way to boost attendance and bring in some diversity. Having some meetings on weekends was considered. Julie motioned that we write to ask if Rhonda would like to rejoin, Michael seconded, and the motion was approved unanimously.
We then talked about the possibility of having the animal control specialist for our next meeting and decided it would need to wait until November or December, and possibly be held outdoors (Clouet Gardens) if there would be live animals. The back patio of Luna Libre would be a good option as well. Other possibilities for the November general meeting were discussed. Our usual topics (NSA, HANO, NOPD, streets) would probably not inspire a huge turnout. Tyler suggested Freddie King or someone from his staff could come talk about what they have been working on and how Mr. King’s term is going thus far. We also talked about having someone from the movie industry talk about general goings-on and the current status of the tax credit.
Near neighbors of Beanlandia have expressed interest in establishing a residential permitted parking zone. A certain percentage of neighbors would need to sign in support, and there would likely be a yearly fee for permits. They would need support of a neighborhood organization to proceed and we all agreed we should do so.
Brian proposed NFB make a donation to Clouet Gardens. Julie motioned, Joe seconded, and the motion was approved unanimously.
The meeting ended at 8:07 p.m.
Submitted by Tyler Harwood, NFB secretary
Held via Zoom.
Present: Julie Jones, Anthony Eschmann, Brian Luckett, Joe Brown, Tyler Harwood
We were joined by Nakeila Polk, Director of Roadwork, and Lauren Muse, the outreach manager for the Bywater/Marigny project. We were also joined by Leslie Runnels, a resident of the 900 block of Clouet Street.
Ms. Muse told us that Homer Plessy Way is not the property of the city, but of the railroad, so Roadworks is not involved in the work going on there. The leak repairs along that road are being done by S&WB and the railroad. She then told us how their project along the 900 and 1000 blocks of Clouet St was stalled after they started to put down asphalt and numerous leaks were discovered. S&WB had to advise and eventually authorized Roadwork contractors to take over repairing them. The crews are currently repairing a leak at Japonica and Galvez and will move to Clouet St next. They expect to be finished by the end of September.
Ms. Runnels, who lives at Clouet and Rampart Streets, showed us a photo of an unfinished section of Clouet St. filled with a significant amount of water, construction remnants, and a discarded car tire. Ms. Muse said she recognized that spot as the location of one of the leaks. They are having similar issues with leaks on Japonica and Port Streets. Ms. Runnels told us how the water covers the entire West side of the block and isolates residents on that side. Delivery drivers won’t cross the water so they throw packages across. Hoppers won’t cross it to get trash cans so residents have had to roll their cans all the way to the corner or their trash is not collected. Parking has also been a problem.
An attendee asked about stalled curb repair along Pauline St. and Ms. Muse told us some neighbors are in the right-of-way so establishing the curb has been difficult. They need permission to remove landscaping or vegetation of some sort and then they will require assistance from Parks and Parkways.
Ms. Polk acknowledged that the construction has been “unnecessarily painful” for some areas. When they started the project they were required to follow State of Louisiana contractual guidelines which dictate Roadworks can’t regulate the “means and methods” of the contractors. This means Roadworks has been unable to limit the number of sites in various states of disrepair at any point. Roadworks has since been able to change how the contracts are written so new ones will not have this shortcoming. Contractors will be required to finish a percentage of work before being allowed to start in new areas. Unfortunately it seems the contract that affects Bywater was written before this change, so there is apparently no limit to the number of areas that may be adversely impacted at any point.
Joe Brown asked about construction at France and Royal Streets. Ms. Muse said that is another area they have found a leak that has stalled progress but that S&WB has given clearance to repair it. An attendee asked about the 700 block of Congress and Ms. Muse said they have two sections of road to repair there but found leaks there as well. She explained that if they pave over leaks that roads could potentially fail in as little as 30 days. The pandemic has also slowed work as crews have been split into smaller specialized units. FEMA funding “trickling in” has also caused things to move slowly.
Joe requested that the equipment lot at the corner of Royal and France be cleaned up as it has become a nuisance to near neighbors.
Brian asked about some holes in roads that do not seem to be included in the current project. Ms. Muse explained that these were S&WB repairs. They are unsure of their status and when it is time to repair the road it is not included in the current FEMA funding. They will have to apply for funding separately so it seems to be unknown when these areas will be repaired. Ms. Polk told us that residents can check on the status of a road repair by calling their hotline at 658-ROAD or emailing roadwork@nola.gov. Their website is roadwork.nola.gov. Julie suggested that Bywater residents email info@nfbywater.org and we can start a comprehensive list to submit.
An attendee asked when the roadwork on Clouet St. began and Ms. Muse said they started with sewer repairs around mid-April, but that Entergy had done work on gas lines before that. Ms. Runnels said the street has been torn up for a year. Ms. Muse explained that Entergy and telecommunications companies are notified where Roadworks has work planned so they frequently will do work ahead of Roadworks in those areas so the street doesn’t have to be repaired twice.
A Clouet St. Resident asked about damage he witnessed crews do to a brick sidewalk in front of his home. Ms. Polk explained that the historic brick pattern could not be restored by the Roadworks contractors and the resident had kept the bricks that had been moved. If Roadworks repairs the sidewalk it seems they would have to remove the bricks or restore it in some way that may be unsatisfactory. This appears to be an unresolved issue.
Another attendee asked about how to go about getting a driveway and was advised to go to Safety and Permits to begin that process.
Our guests were thanked for their time.
Submitted by Tyler Harwood, NFB secretary
Present: Julie Jones, Brian Luckett, John Andrews, Anthony Eschmann, Joe Brown, Molly Henderson, Tyler Harwood, Susan Korec
The meeting was held via Zoom and started at 7:09 p.m.
Brian asked if any trees have been planted on Montegut St as the developers of the new apartment building promised. Tyler reported they had not, but that they are apparently waiting for the city to come put in curbs and will plant trees after (and if) that work is done.
Rhonda has ideas for fun activities NFB could sponsor. These events may be a good way to drum up more interest in the organization and diversify our membership. A wildlife rescue as a guest is proposed for some time in the fall. “Chicken Shit Bingo” was also proposed (laughter ensued). An art show at Luna Libre is applying for a grant, and NFB could be the non-profit “fiduciary agent”. Julie moved to approve the sponsorship. Joe seconded, and the motion was approved unanimously.
Brian then gave us a brief update on the controversial Outdoor Live Entertainment ordinance. The CPC has come up with a draft of a new sound ordinance (one already existed, but was never enforced) so there may be more clarity as to how the new rules would apply.
We then discussed a proposed text amendment to the CZO (zoning docket 051/22) that would allow cultural facilities in specific zoning districts to have live entertainment as a primary use, rather than as a secondary use as it is now. This would allow cultural facilities to have live entertainment without requiring a bar or restaurant as the primary use. The CPC apparently recommended Devin ask for the text amendment in the case Beanlandia is unable to get the conditional use for a bar.
Brian shared a chart in the CZO explaining what is currently allowed for Cultural Facilities. HMC-1 is for “restricted retail stores and service establishments” and can have cultural facilities. In HMC-1 a bar requires conditional use but they cannot have live entertainment. HMC-2 is for “more intensive commercial uses” and can also have cultural facilities. In HMC-2 a bar requires Conditional Use, and live entertainment would then be a secondary use (but only one permitted per block face). HM-MU (Beanlandia’s zoning) is “a mixed-use environment of light industrial, commercial, and residential” and a cultural facility is a permitted use. A bar requires conditional use and live entertainment would be a secondary use. Cultural facilities can be allowed in historic core residential zoning (permitted use in HMR-3, requires conditional use in all other residential zoning), but are not eligible to have a bar or live entertainment, so the new text amendment would not apply to those zonings.
The Garden District Neighborhood Association came out against the text amendment and it is likely others will as well. Brian feels that in our neighborhood the change would only affect properties that are usually appropriate for such use, so it may actually be a good change. Cultural facilities that have live entertainment without having alcohol would be more conducive to events for children. However, cultural facilities should be required to play by the same rules as other live entertainment venues in regards to sound levels ect… so the rules need to be specific. Brian will ask if Devin (the Beanlandia founder) would be willing to work with us to ask for the proposal to be modified.
Brian spoke to Devin a few days ago to see if he would support a potential proviso limiting the occupancy of Beanlandia that would be attached to the parking waiver. Devin said he can’t because the occupancy limit is established by the Fire Marshall, and the Fire Marshall is unable to establish the occupancy limit until the zoning changes are finalized. There is no way to set a number for the proviso- it’s a “Catch-22”! Tyler wondered if it could be a percentage instead.
We all agreed it would be wonderful if NFB could find ways to advocate for near neighbors and also help Beanlandia succeed, but it is too complicated to do at this point. We agreed once again that the best way forward is to let the conditional use process do its job, and then we can help with provisos or compromises in the future if necessary.
The July 12 deadline mentioned in emails to the board earlier was a mistake – Beanlandia’s proposals will come up July 26. We have time to get more information and observe how things proceed. Devin is speaking with someone from the CPC Thursday so we can ask him for more details after that as well.
Molly asked to discuss the Outdoor Live Entertainment (OLE) letter writing campaign again. She asked if we still have the same concerns now that a draft sound ordinance has been produced. The proposed increase in the number of allowed events is still problematic. If we are going to ask members to write letters we need to be specific with what we ask them to focus on. We could use more information, and allies in the Riverfront Alliance could be a good source. Brian reiterated that there needs to be a way to monitor the sound. The Sound Ordinance also says it would be enforced by health dept, which probably would not work. The police don’t have the resources, so it should be enforced by the new “night mayor”.
Julie then asked about plans for the August general meeting since we agreed to skip the July one. It would be good to have an update from the NOPD, as well as an update on any NSA progress. (We sent out a lot of letters and didn’t get responses from anybody but Capt Nolan) We have little reason to believe the the site will be cleared as promised, and need to keep up the pressure.
The meeting ended at 8:00 p.m.
Submitted by Tyler Harwood, NFB Secretary
Held on John Andrews’ back porch. Present: Julie Jones, John Andrews, Joe Brown, Brian Luckett. Tyler Harwood attended via speaker phone.
The meeting started just after 7:30 pm with a discussion of the NSA. After a shooting and subsequent lockdown last night neighbors are on edge. Brian said he had spoken with Peter Aamodt, a representative of the developers, and he said a “sweep” of the property is planned. “No Trespassing” signs will be posted as well as a notice for occupants to vacate. The goal is for the property to be cleared by July 12th. Brian asked Mr. Aamodt to email him the schedule. We wondered where the occupants will go if they are simply ejected from the NSA.
We have heard these sorts of promises before. Joe suggests NFB makes a statement as soon as possible. Writing the developer, city council, the mayor, and the NOPD was discussed and all present agreed it should be done. Joe and Brian will write it.
We then discussed the proposed Outdoor Live Entertainment (OLE) laws that will soon be brought before City Council. Brian proposed we push for some sort of remote sound monitoring to be part of the new laws as suggested by staffer Winston Fiore. Without a sound ordinance there are simply too many variables and unknown factors that make the new rules problematic. Brian will write the letter to Councilmember Freddie King.
The next General Meeting was then brought up. Rhonda had a suggestion for an animal rehab expert, but thought it would be better sometime in the fall. Since the next meeting would fall very near the 4th of July and many members will likely be out of town it was agreed it would be OK to skip this one. Tyler suggested we send an email to the membership telling them what the board is working on in the mean time.
We still need to fill a vacancy in the board. Miles Swanson, one-time president of the FMIA (Marigny), who has recently moved to Bywater, had been previously suggested and the board approved. Since it is now 3 months (as per our bylaws) since he joined NFB, we proposed to get in touch to see if he is still interested (Julie will do). We also discussed a potential venue change for future meeting as the Stallings Community Center will no longer allow us to serve alcohol. We like that Stallings is a public space and not a private business. It was agreed to stick with Stallings until a better option is proposed.
The proposed conditional uses being applied for by Beanlandia were then briefly discussed. Julie was told not enough neighbors signed their support for the alcohol permit. Brian proposed suggesting a proviso be attached to the parking waiver that would limit capacity for larger events. Devin (Beanlandia) was said to be seeking the use of a parking lot at a nearby church.
The meeting ended at 8:18 pm
Submitted by Tyler Harwood, NFB secretary