City of New Orleans Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2009

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS TO BEGIN DEMOLITION OF A.P. SANCHEZ COMMUNITY CENTER

The City of New Orleans will begin the demolition of the Andrew P. Sanchez Community Center, located at 1616 Caffin Ave on Tuesday, October 27 at 9a.m. In August of this year, FEMA officially declared the facility over 50% damaged. FEMA lists damages to the building at $32.4 million and demolition costs of $385,581. The facility is approximately 50,000 square feet and housed the Etta Morris Senior Center, the Sanchez Multi Service Center, and the Copelin/Thompson-Byrd Center. The Sanchez Center sustained approximately eight feet of flood water and was severely damaged by the storm. FEMA's Project Worksheet (PW) of the assessment indicates that the complex suffered considerable damage to the plumbing infrastructure, electrical and lighting systems, and HVAC systems, among other damages. The City has been proceeding with design for this facility to house administrative, leased and multi-purpose youth and recreation spaces. The Community Center will include a 25 meter pool as well as both large and small gymnasium/ multi-purpose spaces. A New Orleans Police Substation and a wellness clinic will be included in the new community center. "The people of the Lower Ninth Ward have been waiting patiently for this day, " said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. "This new facility with over 60,000 square feet will be the nexus for this deserving community and bring back much needed community and recreation space for the Lower Ninth Ward. Earlier this year, the city announced an additional $60 million in FEMA funds that has been secured since June, thus dramatically increasing the value of previously undervalued project worksheets for damaged facilities, parks and playgrounds. In addition to increased PW valuations, FEMA also declared 25 city facilities at least 50 percent damaged and eligible for demolition and 100% replacement. Among these declarations included: NOFD Engines #3, #22, #31, #36, #39; NOPD District stations 5th and 7th; Templeman I & II as well as the Sanchez Center in the Lower 9th Ward. For more information on Sanchez Center demolition and other projects included in the Recovery Program, visit www.cityofno.com/recovery.
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CITY OF NEW ORLEANS Mayor’s Press Office 1300 Perdido Street, Suite 2E04 New Orleans, Louisiana 70112