[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6455579,"mediaKeyId","5827187-c61367c25ff37abaabd779dd62706253","parentId",5827187,"title","Votes at a glance: Council approves RTAs, demolition decisions, several zoning and budget items; denies multiple STR appeals","audioSeconds",2205,"startMs",3712000,"endMs",5917000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827187-c61367c25ff37abaabd779dd62706253&start=3712&end=5917","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827187-c61367c25ff37abaabd779dd62706253/thumbnail_3712000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455579/New-Orleans-City/Orleans-Parish/Louisiana/Votes-at-a-glance-Council-approves-RTAs-demolition-decisions-several-zoning-and-budget-items-denies-multiple-STR-appeals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455579-faa6b137cd2d899fa51e755f91b53b05/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173089&Signature=V5MTI~qoNU7cysw0Jy3p-FCtls92hHamTwKW-nhM4HymIcTZeOE4DnQVw9QbXHEjgqmZsgK5aqHhKjeg2uKtcusQZW6YQKaZjn4emTgHZKQV9aH~-RQSpL2K67I7RXR7gX1yUVHe~a62rB8Tf~nmm~DHlp-OnNmQ90blv3jG6ys4gDkZ4nmEckZoDJ3tD5d-QUC9mzcipTo4jhAEG5LhK~5C-qFxPx6aSDQOyWAaLcDfExwaYuwg69L57-lnpr-3qcPlvqzWSm~AJ4uCxcAt1tUU1YZrhs13Yx0yXYCivFcfkY9UQb0Qr~RWauBvIuokQ9MRTw1qlHlUClTgJAugQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Orleans","date","2025-09-25T20:53:16.703Z","article","Summary: The New Orleans City Council took votes on a range of land-use, budget and regulatory items. Key outcomes included approval of two restoration tax abatement (RTA) applications, mixed outcomes on demolition requests, multiple denials of short-term-rental (STR) appeal requests, passage of several budget and grant appropriations, and finalizing a set of cooperative agreements and program extensions.

Restoration tax abatements (RTAs)
- 1212 Magazine Street (Resolution r25-4-92): Council approved the RTA for a bed-and-breakfast renovation. The project was described as creating an estimated 20 construction jobs and 4 permanent jobs and meeting DBE participation requirements. Vote: adopted (7 yeas, 0 nays).
- 468 Saint Joseph Street (Resolution r25-4-93): Council approved the RTA for an 11-room hotel and dining downtown; staff said the project created 25 construction jobs and 7 permanent jobs and exceeded DBE requirements. Vote: adopted (7 yeas, 0 nays).

Demolition and historic-preservation matters
- 2105 Third Street (Demolition application m25-5-10): Council voted to deny the applicant’s demolition request, citing demolition-by-neglect concerns and the owner’s long-standing responsibility for the property. Vote: adopted (7 yeas).
- 2626 North Roman Street (m25-4-90): Council approved demolition of the structure to make way for a new single-family home. Vote: adopted (5 yeas; roll shows fewer voting yeses than some other items).
- 1718 North Villarey Street (m25-5-06): Council approved this demolition request after neighbors and owners described structural failure and safety hazards. Vote: adopted (6 yeas, 0 nays).
- 2339–2341 Le Havre Street (Historic District Landmarks Commission appeal, m25-5-03): Council approved the applicant’s request for full demolition to grade, despite an HDLC recommendation to require partial retention; council cited the building’s poor condition and plans for replacement two-family housing. Vote: adopted (7 yeas).

Short-term rental (STR) appeals & special exceptions
- Denials: Council denied multiple appeals of the Commercial STR Interim Zoning District (CSTR IZD) for properties whose permits had lapsed or who were operating without current licenses. Denied items included appeals for 2749 Canta Street (m25-4-95; 7 ayes), 1216 Saint Charles Avenue (m25-4-97; 6 ayes), and 1313 Britannia Street (m25-4-96; 7 ayes). Council cited an upcoming transient-lodging study and inconsistent permitting as reasons to avoid one-off decisions.
- Approvals: Council approved several STR-related appeals when the applicants demonstrated operator-on-site status, a history of prior approvals, or a hardship explanation. Notably, the appeal for 4501 Jacobs Drive (M25512) to renew an expired permit in a maritime mixed-use zone was approved on grounds of operator hardship and prior compliance; vote: adopted (5 yeas).
- Noncommercial STR special exception (3137 Dumaine Street, m25-5-07): Council granted the NSTR special exception for a single room in a five-bedroom house, acknowledging neighborhood support and noting enforcement vigilance going forward. Vote: adopted (5 yeas).

Budget, grants and administrative items
- Vendor invoices report: Council noted this marked the fifth consecutive month that invoices were paid on time; members encouraged the administration to publicize timely payment to attract vendors.
- Safe Streets extension (Ordinance 35226): Council approved a one-time extension to the U.S. DOT ‘Safe Streets for All’ grant agreement (roughly $751,631) to continue the comprehensive safety-action plan work; vote: adopted (7 yeas).
- Mosquito/termite rodent board agreement (extension for Jackson Barracks): Council approved an intergovernmental agreement extension that generates approximately $68,134.50 per year for the Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board by conducting treatments at Jackson Barracks; vote: adopted (6 yeas, 0 nays).
- Brownfields technical-assistance funds (Ordinance 35234 / 35235): Council appropriated federal funds awarded by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for CPC Brownfields program assistance; vote: adopted (6 ayes, no nays).
- Servitude for Trader Joe’s (2428 Napoleon Avenue): Council authorized a servitude allowing 223 sq. ft. of overhangs and planters in the public right-of-way and fixed the minimum price for the agreement; vote: adopted (5 yeas).

Additional votes and notable actions
- Honorary intersection naming (m25-4-91): Council designated the intersection of Benefit Street and Johnny Jackson Jr. Boulevard as the honorary intersection for the 9 Times Social Aid and Pleasure Club; vote: adopted (7 yeas).
- Resolution requesting a state legislative auditor review (r25-5-02): Council requested a detailed audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to determine the existence and extent of any city budget deficit; vote: adopted (6 yeas, 0 nays).
- Multiple first-read ordinances and cooperative agreements were advanced to first read without objection.

Public comment highlights
- Michael Burnside (resident) repeatedly raised concerns about RTA math and appraisal-assessment discrepancies, questioned lack of local clawbacks for economic promises, and urged clearer audit procedures. Burnside also criticized use of general fund dollars for certain contracts and asked for transparency regarding police and pension-related midyear budget adjustments.
- Ben Bagwell (Reel Cycle) commended the council for deferring a decision on how to spend a $5 million EPA grant and urged broader stakeholder engagement.

What the votes mean: The council approved tax abatement incentives intended to support renovation and new-hotel projects; it favored demolition in cases where properties were declared unsafe or declared demolition-by-neglect was cited; it denied STR appeals when permits had lapsed and an upcoming regulatory overhaul was pending; and it moved to secure federal and intergovernmental funding and extensions to continue safety, brownfields and vector-control work. Public comments reflected concerns about enforcement, transparency and long-term fiscal planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At the council meeting, members approved two restoration tax abatement requests, several demolition and zoning items and budget amendments, and denied multiple short-term rental appeals. Citizens raised concerns about RTA math and general-fund appropriations during public comment.","taxTitle","New Orleans City, Orleans Parish, Louisiana","taxId",3651,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455584,"City Council honors ‘Soul Patrol’ rescuers from Hurricane Katrina and donates educational copies of new book",210,3800000,4010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827187-c61367c25ff37abaabd779dd62706253&start=3800&end=4010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827187-c61367c25ff37abaabd779dd62706253/thumbnail_3800000.jpg","/articles/6455584/New-Orleans-City/Orleans-Parish/Louisiana/City-Council-honors-Soul-Patrol-rescuers-from-Hurricane-Katrina-and-donates-educational-copies-of-new-book","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455584-e89fe0311fc87bb6664fb5eafe3d34fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173089&Signature=ZCYywnsE77CWNtZ~B6IPxTdx4dcTG0gn9dMtvXdPvCBKrINoN00cLYzmF0Seilm42CnPXoQMuqiUoQzwL-bFll4fULuhUK5e1AF4-WvGdkroyDAlSXPP5AT-IVZd0WVFQCZXxVJ1O7YeSixxqqNebJlldQrAeobV9ek5EAICtqfNhD~WHaL2DSJGuIt1zIP1d9U96k-OQNZ42nzy8lm~HA7BY6XlcGf31jLIrKXRMOVQ2OPiInjK5qa--bJKunf3anp24yPlgRMN-ymGb-3OVcHdmnidNbtjYz53G~BLrqtK6PdDFzWaBRzyV3qDNWAvvHE3CIstYzeMVJrPV0JObg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Orleans City Council presented proclamations honoring members of the “Soul Patrol,” a group of neighborhood rescuers who pulled residents from flooded homes after Hurricane Katrina. The council recognized living members and posthumously acknowledged deceased members in front of dozens of attendees and the Soul Patrol delegation.

Councilmember Thomas read proclamations that thanked the group for volunteer rescue work when official first responders were delayed and noted both the personal losses and the ongoing trauma borne by rescuers and survivors. Earl Barthe Jr., who identified himself as a member of the Soul Patrol from the Seventh Ward, described the group’s efforts, saying the members “stepped up to the plate when there was nobody else.” He also recounted the personal cost to some volunteers who lost family members during the storm.

Why it matters: Council remarks framed the recognition as part of ongoing community remembrance of Katrina’s 20th anniversary and highlighted the civic role played by neighborhood rescuers who operated without formal authority during the storm’s immediate aftermath.

The council also announced a community literacy initiative tied to the commemoration: an author donated 100 copies of a new book, 10 True Tales: Heroes of Hurricane Katrina, for use in a national reading program coordinated with McDonogh 35 High School. Councilmembers invited colleagues to attend the school event scheduled in two to three weeks.

Councilmembers and attendees stressed the mental-health impacts and long-term trauma associated with Katrina, and urged continued public recognition of volunteer rescuers. The proclamation text listed named Soul Patrol members to be recognized, including Earl Barthe Jr., Ortegas Coleman, Jadel Beard, Dwight Boudreaux, Thomas Peters, Richard Matthew Sr., Emmanuel Matthew Hatu, Edwin Bothay Jr., and Steven Matthew. Several speakers asked that proclamations for deceased members be delivered to family members.

The council paused for photos and encouraged community involvement in upcoming remembrance and educational events tied to the anniversary.","The council presented proclamations to members and families of the ‘Soul Patrol,’ a group of community rescuers active after Hurricane Katrina, and discussed a book-donation and school reading program tied to remembrance and education.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455589,"City Council proclaims Cultural Diversity Week, welcomes international arts delegations",385,2429000,2814000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827187-c61367c25ff37abaabd779dd62706253&start=2429&end=2814","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827187-c61367c25ff37abaabd779dd62706253/thumbnail_2429000.jpg","/articles/6455589/New-Orleans-City/Orleans-Parish/Louisiana/City-Council-proclaims-Cultural-Diversity-Week-welcomes-international-arts-delegations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455589-7fab6c42bcf87f88cb525f089138083b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173089&Signature=OEanqOpNpBCepM86MaJXY2u5kSdaal0trajVZL7fslWyJdrLlA7-fZ36gHhW525qzDxakYZJBV9v642YCUgNojKjeLvfyi7X7t~CIgT6hovB5eckgHkkOnP0SgnY7IW6BT2sbfP79qACya8O6mLJOHxrVge~5AMQqrbA2zmBX-VXM1IurldxqU7cd3ZY7U3iJmE2qOIVXcY02kD-EZpxxBl72dhVTwQOqkjZoHcXe7NdFFqCxi3ZcCGg6fKUvyENYsiKPgL8vPIc0IGlyeaoqVYh8pRje3aUY57tQRzqcgHs942blzLeO6yY6tWkff1Bt7W5WjiWdxJHW9Wr0a6-Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Orleans City Council on a morning session recognized the International Arts Foundation and proclaimed a Cultural Diversity Week in the city, welcoming visiting delegations from the African diaspora and the Caribbean.

Councilmember Oliver Thomas read a proclamation that notes the city’s “global celebration of music, art and people” and singled out Ernest Kelly and the International Arts Foundation for “fostering the richness of diversity.” The reading specified the event dates as occurring around Sept. 28 and acknowledged delegates from multiple countries, including Ivory Coast, Senegal, Benin, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Honduras and Ghana’s Kumasi delegation.

Why it matters: City officials and visiting delegates framed the festival as an opportunity to expand cultural exchange, tourism and practical collaboration across public-health and infrastructure topics. Several speakers emphasized how visits and sister-city relationships create chances for mutual learning on service delivery and economic development.

During remarks, Rosina (representing the mayor’s office and sister-city coordination) said the festival “has been an opportunity to gather our sister cities” and that the event has brought delegations for multiple consecutive years despite recent visa and travel complications. Ernest Kelly, recognized in the proclamation as the International Arts Foundation’s lead, thanked the city and encouraged delegates to network and pursue collaborative projects.

Delegates and corporate partners also described program priorities. A representative for Jim Water Management Solutions — identified in the city presentation as a corporate sponsor — described water and sanitation as a recurring global challenge and said his company participates in international partnerships that bring technology and water-management ideas to communities in Africa and elsewhere. Councilmember Green urged that sister-city agreements be viewed not only as symbolic but as practical avenues for cultural and information exchange.

Council staff, the mayor’s office and the foundation said panels and sessions during the weekend would address water, tourism and service delivery, and that public-facing events aim to provide both economic benefit and opportunities for local residents to engage with visiting delegates.

The council presented a city proclamation to the foundation and its leaders and invited participating delegates to accept the recognition. The session also included applause for the festival’s 4-year run and a plea by organizers to continue building on the city’s ties to diasporic communities.","The New Orleans City Council read a proclamation recognizing the International Arts Foundation’s Cultural Diversity Week and welcomed delegations from as many as 17 countries, noting cultural and economic ties and highlighting water- and public-health themes for panel discussions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Council approves RTAs, demolition decisions, several zoning and budget items; denies multiple STR appeals

City Council honors ‘Soul Patrol’ rescuers from Hurricane Katrina and donates educational copies of new book

City Council proclaims Cultural Diversity Week, welcomes international arts delegations