City of New Orleans Press Releases

The City of New Orleans will host a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Conference today, designed to engage the city's small and disadvantaged businesses in the rebuilding and growth of the City of New Orleans.

Following a month of community service projects, which included cleaning and restoring parks and visiting nursing homes, 11 NORD Cheerleading Squads will participate in the First Annual Cheer NORD Competition. The event will take place on Friday, November 20th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Bernard Center.

On Thursday, November 19, 2009, the City of New Orleans will host a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Conference designed to engage the city's small and disadvantaged businesses in the rebuilding and growth of the City of New Orleans. The conference will be held at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Avenue, from 8a.m. - 5p.m.

The City of New Orleans is playing host to the nation's largest gathering of brownfields stakeholders during a three-day national conference focused on cleaning up and redeveloping abandoned, underutilized, and potentially contaminated properties throughout the United States.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capital Projects Administration announces the completion of the District Attorney's Office, located at 619 S. White St.

Following the grand opening of the new Crescent Club development by The Domain Companies, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works announces the completion of the South Salcedo Street reconstruction project, which totals more than $500,000. The project is a further demonstration of the City's continued support of economic development projects in the Mid-City area and in neighborhoods citywide.

As president of Nature Tours, I am very upset by the story that was in Saturday's Times-Picayune regarding Mayor Nagin's planned trip to Merida in December. This article contains a number of errors and misconceptions.

On Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will hold its fourth abandoned vehicle auction of the year. Following the regular auction, car dealers will have the opportunity to buy 49 City vehicles in bulk. The auction, located at Almonaster Auto Pound, 10200 Almonaster Avenue, will begin at 9 a.m. Vehicle preview day is Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When the Space Shuttle Atlantis launches this afternoon, it will be carrying a commemorative bell from the 2009 observance of Hurricane Katrina and a photographic representation of the One New Orleans city brand, and Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be present to watch.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capital Projects Administration would like to announce the upcoming Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the District Attorney's Office located at 619 S. White St.

The City of New Orleans Office of Housing Code Enforcement will conclude its fourth large-scale blight hearing event of the year today at St. Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Boulevard in New Orleans East.

The City of New Orleans Office of Housing Code Enforcement will conclude its fourth large-scale blight hearing event of the year today at St. Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Boulevard in New Orleans East.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for the NOPD 7th District Station, located at 10101 Dwyer Rd. This project shall include improvements to the station, including the construction of a replacement facility. Work of this contact will include new paving, landscaping and erection of a three-story pile supported steel structure.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for the Oscar Medrano Clinic, located at 517 N. Rampart St. This project shall include renovations to the facility that were damaged by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Renovations include insulation replacement and repair, window replacement, ceiling tile replacement and other repairs.

City of New Orleans Hosts DBE/Small Business Conference

Response to Inspector General Quatrevaux's Inquiry Regarding Municipal Auditorium RFP

Response to Inspector General Quatrevaux's Inquiry Regarding Municipal Auditorium RFP

The City of New Orleans will hold its 2009 internet-based tax sale at www.neworleanstaxsale.com on December 2nd and 3rd, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. All properties available for sale are currently listed.

The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will host the first community meeting next week for the development of the 2010 Orleans Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan. The public is invited to attend.

The City of New Orleans will hold its 2009 internet-based tax sale at www.neworleanstaxsale.com on December 2nd and 3rd, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. All properties available for sale are currently listed.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Wesley Barrow Stadium located at 6500 Press Drive, New Orleans, LA. Wesley Barrow Stadium sustained damage from both Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Joe Brown Indoor Pool, located at 5601 Read Blvd. This project shall include major renovations to the facilities swimming pool located at Joe Brown Park.

Recently downgraded to tropical storm status, Ida, is approximately 275 miles South, Southeast of New Orleans traveling North, Northwest at 16 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are 80 miles per hour. Ida has weakened due to the influence of cooler Gulf waters and wind shear.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will begin work on Monday, November 9 on sections of Nashville Avenue.

The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) has been closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Ida, as well as, the other atmospheric factors that will contribute to the path of the storm.

Following requests from local schools and Community Organizations, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works has installed 14 new speed enforcement cameras in school zones throughout the City.

What: On September 3, 2009, the City of New Orleans Capital Projects Administration Office released Municipal Auditorium Adaptive Use Developer and Operator RFP No. 2285-00784. The intent of the City of New Orleans in the redevelopment of the Municipal Auditorium into an alternate adaptive use facility is to maintain the historical significance of the Morris FX Jeff Auditorium and the surrounding Armstrong Park; creatively leverage the location of the facility in the historic Treme community and adjacent to the French Quarter; and establish a state-of-the-art facility to support the creative and cultural industries that have made New Orleans an international destination.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will begin work on Monday, November 9 on sections of Nashville Avenue. During construction, Nashville Avenue from St. Charles Avenue to Claiborne Avenue will become a one-way northbound street. The one-way traffic will continue for approximately six weeks.

Last week, Robert Mendoza and the Department of Public Works embarked on a six-week road work project in the French Quarter, Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, one of many projects in the City's quest to beautify local neighborhoods and encourage the safe, easy flow of traffic. From street repaving to new and wider sidewalks, the project is also intended to create pathways that reconnect New Orleans to its downriver waterfront.

You are invited to join City of New Orleans Administrators to review Mayor Nagin's 2010 Budget Proposal.

The City of New Orleans Health Department received its share of the 1.4% of manufactured H1N1 vaccine on October 26th. Vaccinations are available at any of the following three City of New Orleans Health Department Clinics:

You are invited to join City of New Orleans Administrators to review Mayor Nagin's 2010 Budget Proposal.

The City of New Orleans Health Department received its share of the 1.4% of manufactured H1N1 vaccine on October 26th.

In order to increase Web site functionality and provide more user-friendly technology, today, the City of New Orleans launched an upgraded Recovery Web site (www.cityofno.com/recovery) that includes multiple enhancements.

Following the ceremonial groundbreaking last month for the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program's projects in the Central Business District, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will begin work tonight on sections of Gravier Street and Common Street.

In July of this year, FEMA officially declared the facility over 50% damaged. The building was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and has been shuttered since.

Today the jury in the Active Solutions L.L.C. v. Dell, Inc., Civil District Court No. 07-3665, Division "B" found against some of the defendants and awarded approximately $15.3 million.

The City of New Orleans provided $2 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to the local, non-profit Efforts of Grace, Inc., operators of the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, to provide 30 units of affordable rental housing to qualified families.

In his final budget address, Mayor C. Ray Nagin today presented his plan for addressing the projected $68 million shortfall for the 2010 budget while maintaining the current services and outlined his vision for ensuring a strong future.

Due to anticipated inclement weather this evening, the time of the annual Halloween party hosted by Mayor and Mrs. Nagin with the City of New Orleans, has been changed.

The City of New Orleans Revenue Estimating Conference will meet Wednesday to establish the amount of revenue available to be budgeted for fiscal year 2010. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. in City Council Chamber at New Orleans City Hall, 1300 Perdido St.

As the City prepares for the beginning of annual budget hearings that will last approximately a month, Mayor Nagin along with the City's Budget and Finance Offices met with hundreds of city employees to provide necessary information on the upcoming challenges of the 2010 Budget.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin met with several hundred city employees in staff meetings throughout the day today to discuss the 2010 budget challenges and proposed initiatives to reduce the nearly $68 million budget deficit.

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.

"Plaintiffs' request for injunctive relief seeking to stop all activity relative to the development of the proposed Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) at the Mid-City site was denied today, which will allow the City, State and Veterans Administration to continue with this important project." -Penya Moses-Fields

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Pontchartrain Park, located at 5721 Press Drive, 6455 Press Drive and 4820 Hayne Blvd (District D).

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library located at 5120 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans.

Less than 24 hours after President Barack Obama talked during his visit to New Orleans about the importance of flood protection and disaster preparedness, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and a delegation of city and state officials departed this morning on a disaster preparedness exchange mission to Cuba.

An Invitation to Bid for the New Orleans Police Department Special Operations Division, located at 1899 Tchoupitoulas St. was released on Friday, October 9, 2009.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, and Gentilly residents will take part in a Cake Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of Adrian's Bakery.

The the City of New Orleans will host a press event to kick off the demolition of the 5th District Police Station, located at 3900 North Claiborne. (District C), at 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin hosted a series of initial budget meetings this week with members of the New Orleans City Council to address the 2010 Budget proposal, the pending $68 million deficit and possible cost-savings initiatives.

Today, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the Lease Termination and Settlement Agreement between Six Flags, SFJ Management, Inc., City of New Orleans and the IDB that was executed and filed on September 18, 2009 with the Court.

Each year since I entered office, I have presented budget proposals that were designed to ensure the financial stability of our city and to ensure that we would be buffered from downturns in the financial markets and unforeseen costs.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Armstrong Park Phase 3 located at 901 N Rampart St. Armstrong Park sustained damage from both Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav, including damage to the park's storm sewer system, lagoon, pedestrian bridges, and the underground electrical system.

TIME MAGAZINE: New Orleans Ranks Fifth in the Top 10 Urban Biking Trips

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Brechtel Park, located at 3700 Behrman Pl.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will begin work on the Marconi Drive railroad underpass, south of the I-610 underpass, on Tuesday, October 6.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works today announced the completion of construction on Oak Street from Carrollton Avenue to Dante Street, approximately six months after the construction began.

Mayors from around the country responded enthusiastically to a preliminary report from Mayor C. Ray Nagin about the need for revisions to the Stafford Act, which governs federal disaster response.

As the 1,000th Mayor signed on today to the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, Mayor C. Ray Nagin was recognized as one of the first Mayors in the country to sign on to the landmark pledge to take bold action to significantly reduce carbon emissions in cities.

On Friday, September 25, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works reopened the Oak Street commercial corridor following nearly six months of construction.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced today that the City of New Orleans has submitted a challenge to the U.S. Census Bureau's most recent population estimates using new data analysis complied in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center.

Today, a final resolution was entered into between the City of New Orleans Civil Service Commission and former Chief Technology Officer Anthony Jones, affirming that Jones will not return to City employment.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will depart for Seattle on Thursday for the U.S. Conference of Mayors Fall Leadership Meeting, where he will provide an update on a new task force he is chairing on Stafford Act Reform.

On Wednesday, September 30th, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (District D) will promote health and continued neighborhood revitalization as they celebrate the completion of phase 2 of construction to the St. Anthony Walking Path.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host it's second Health and Recreation Fair this weekend to provide health screenings and information for the community.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host it's second Health and Recreation Fair this weekend to provide health screenings and information for the community.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will represent the City of New Orleans at the 5th Annual Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Conference this week in New York City.

Last week, U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President Greg Nickels asked New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin to chair a new Task Force on Stafford Act Reform.

Today, the Industrial Development Board (IDB) will meet to sign a Lease Termination and Settlement Agreement between Six Flags, SFJ Management, Inc., City of New Orleans and the IDB.

Today, the City of New Orleans' Chief Financial Officer, Reginald Zeno,  and the Chief Administrative Officer's Capital Projects Administration will request a $40 million dollar bond issue to continue street, road and bridge reconstruction and repairs city wide from the Board of Liquidation.

NORD Director Larry Barabino Jr. announced today that he will step down as head of the city's recreational department to accept a position with the Children's Defense Fund, a national non-profit agency that advocates for health, education, and children's moral and spiritual foundation. Barabino's departure will be effective September 18, 2009

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works reminds motorists traveling into the City of special event parking enforcement in anticipation of Sunday's official kick off of the New Orleans Saints regular season football games.

This year, the City of New Orleans proudly celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Human Relations Commission (HRC), a municipal agency established in 1989 to enforce the City's human rights laws.

The City of New Orleans today provided the FBI with outdated data cartridges that appear to be derived from computer systems that are no longer in use by the city and date back as far as 1997.

Today, Austin Penny will officially leave his post as director of the City of New Orleans Office of Community Development. Penny, a native of New Orleans, will return to his home in California.

The City of New Orleans is launching a sales tax amnesty program that will allow businesses to pay all unpaid overdue sales taxes without penalty and with a 50 percent reduction in interest.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will be working on Saturday, September 5 on sections of Washington Avenue (Claiborne Ave. to Broad St.), Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (Claiborne Ave. to Broad St.) and Poydras Street (Claiborne Ave. to Broad St.).

The City of New Orleans announces that City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided throughout this time.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday you were again not afforded the opportunity to receive factual information about our city's recovery. Instead of providing a comprehensive perspective about the State's Disaster Community Development Block Grant (D-CDBG), it seems a local media outlet simply provided opportunity to allow critics more time on camera to belittle the work of the City Administration.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and César Bojórquez Zapata, Mayor of Mérida, Mexico, will sign a Letter of Intent today to renew the Sister City Agreement that was signed by the cities in 1990.

Today, the City of New Orleans released a public Request for Proposals (RFP) for redevelopment of Morris F. X. Jeff, Sr. Auditorium located in historic Armstrong Park, adjacent to the newly restored Mahalia Jackson Theatre. The City of New Orleans Capital Projects Administration Office desires to obtain professional proposals from developers for an alternate adaptive use of this historic structure and the operation of that facility as a long term economic commercial business enterprise (RFP No. 2285-00784).

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and César Bojórquez Zapata, Mayor of Mérida, Mexico, on Thursday will sign a Letter of Intent to renew the Sister City Agreement that was signed by the cities in 1990.

As part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program, construction is currently underway on Almonaster Road from Jourdan Road to Read Boulevard and Downman Road from Hayne Boulevard to U.S. 90. Construction on Almonaster Road began in mid-August and Downman Road began construction on Monday, August 24, 2009.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today announced an administrative realignment centered on further transitioning from recovery planning to full implementation.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans will host a series of events to commemorate the 4th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. These events offer the opportunity to remember those that perished as a result of the storm and to acknowledge the City's rebuilding progress.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia Sylvain-Lear, Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans Executive Director Marcia St. Martin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will be joined by Council member Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (District D) and residents of District D host at the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of construction on Robert E. Lee Boulevard from Wickfield Drive to Elysian Fields Avenue.

The City of New Orleans will host its annual ceremonial bell ringing on Saturday, August 29th to commemorate the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. This event will symbolize the time of the levee breaches and will also serve as a reminder of the lives that were lost as a result of the storm. A plaque unveiling will be held for the Katrina Memorial, which serves as a burial place for unidentified and unclaimed victims of the storm.

On Wednesday, August 26, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia Sylvain-Lear, Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans Executive Director Marcia St. Martin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will be joined by Council member Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (District D) and residents of District D to celebrate the completion of construction on Robert E. Lee Boulevard from Wickfield Drive to Elysian Fields Avenue. The event begins at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Robert E. Lee Boulevard and Vermillion Boulevard off of Elysian Fields Avenue.

WHAT: Tonight at the New Orleans African American Museum, the work of eight young New Orleans photographers will be on display when Mayor C. Ray Nagin hosts a photography exhibit and silent auction to commemorate the completion of a program designed to teach youth art expression.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness hosted a press briefing to update citizens on hurricane preparations for the remainder of the 2009 Hurricane Season.

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will host a press briefing today to update the public on hurricane preparations for the remainder of the 2009 season.

The work of 10 young New Orleans photographers will be on display on Friday, August 21st, when Mayor C. Ray Nagin hosts a photography exhibit and silent auction to commemorate the completion of a program designed to teach youth art expression. The event will take place from 6 until 8 p.m. at the African American Museum, 1418 Governor Nicholls St.

Nickelodeon, the City of New Orleans and Southern Star Amusement, Inc. (SSA) today announced plans to create a new Nickelodeon water and theme park in New Orleans, LA - Nickelodeon Universe New Orleans. Nickelodeon - the number-one kids' entertainment brand - and Southern Star have entered into a licensing arrangement in which Southern Star will construct the new park themed with the Nickelodeon brand and its characters. The Nickelodeon/SSA agreement is part of the City of New Orleans' and SSA's redevelopment plans for the existing 65-acre theme park space (formerly Jazzland/Six Flags) in Eastern New Orleans, and will represent Nickelodeon's first-ever outdoor theme park.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by Council Member Cynthia Willard-Lewis as he holds a press conference at 11:30 a.m. today to make a major announcement concerning economic development in New Orleans East.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works today announced the beginning of phase II construction on the St. Anthony Walking Path in Gentilly. Construction began earlier this week and will last approximately two months.

The City of New Orleans Office of Code Enforcement is in its third day of a weeklong hearing blitz for more than 900 properties reported through the City's 311 system.

The City of New Orleans, along with State and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, continues to reassess city facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. FEMA has now declared the Andrew Pete Sanchez Multi-Service Center Complex as more than 50 percent damaged, making the complex eligible for demolition and replacement.

A story by New Orleans based freelance writer Ariella Cohen in the August 4 issue of "Next American City" titled "Talk to Me: Why Communication within City Hall Matters" contains a number of inaccuracies, many of which could have been avoided had she contacted the Mayor's Office rather than writing a story with a significant focus on Mayor Nagin without doing so. The City of New Orleans has requested an immediate correction to address these issues.

Since my initial visits to Washington, D.C after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the breached levees, I have long advocated for reforms that specifically include the need for arbitration and an appeals processes to expedite recovery funding to communities in need.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced today that the development of the proposed New Orleans Economic Development Council, which is also known as the Public-Private Partnership, or PPP, has been indefinitely suspended.

When the Joe Bartholomew Golf Course re-opens in Pontchartrain Park next summer, young golfers will have a facility all their own.

The City of New Orleans has sought an injunction against the Louisiana Technology Council for one simple reason -- it has no assurance that LTC returned a complete copy of the City's confidential data and destroyed all other copies of data created by LTC or its subcontractors. It also cannot confirm whether this confidential data was shared with any third parties.

The City of New Orleans will mail corrected bills to some residents in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Municipal Assessor Districts this week after a programming error caused several bills to be addressed to the wrong taxpayers.

As the peak of the 2009 Hurricane Season approaches, the City of New Orleans continues to encourage local businesses to prepare for re-entry to the City following a hurricane by obtaining post-disaster re-entry passes. The City recently released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) reminding businesses of the process they should follow to obtain the passes. This PSA can be viewed on WDSU/TV Channel 6 and on the Government Access Channel.

A week after Mayor C. Ray Nagin met with FEMA Administrator William Fugate,
a major milestone has been reached with FEMA's determination that the Templeman I and II public safety facility was more than 50 percent damaged by Hurricane Katrina and should be demolished.

The City Administration today presented the City Council with a list of immediate repairs necessary at City Hall. These repairs, which total $9.65 million, include a complete roof replacement, as well as boiler repairs, hot water system repairs, floor and ceiling repairs, elevator replacements and security system upgrades.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin returns to Capitol Hill today, where he and Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) Executive Director Paul Rainwater will jointly lobby for additional funding for the City's recovery. Mayor Nagin and Rainwater will meet with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and Congresswoman Maxine Waters today to discuss remaining needs in housing, economic development and infrastructure.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today responded to the City Council's decision not to purchase Chevron Place for use as a new City Hall:

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works is informing citizens that the DeSaix Boulevard Bridge over Bayou St. John will be closed because a horizontal crack was discovered today on one of the concrete bridge bents (supports). The crack runs along the entire support and may be the result of a shift in the support itself.

WHAT: Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the Public Advocacy and Parks and Parkways Departments, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) and Councilmember Cynthia Willard- Lewis (District E) will meet with volunteers from the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America (ELCA) to thank them for their efforts in the City of New Orleans. The event will begin at 12:30 pm at Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, 5601 Read Boulevard.

This week, more than 36,000 high school-aged students along with chaperones from the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America (ELCA) have arrived in the City of New Orleans to complete 154 recovery/service projects throughout the city. Their work began today and is expected to conclude on Saturday July 25th. The ELCA worked with city departments and other agencies to develop a list of projects that they will focus on during their three-day volunteer efforts.

SAFETY AND PERMITS

The City's Chief Building Inspector, Mr. Terry Willis, has been working with the Safety and Permits Department of the City of New Orleans for over 28 years.

On tomorrow, July 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Behrman Park in Algiers, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will partner with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) National Youth Gathering 2009 to co-host the Annual End of Summer field day commemorating the completion of summer camps. This event, which will be held at Behrman Park in Algiers, kicks off a three-day volunteer effort by the ELCA that will involve more than 36,000 volunteers in town to assist in the City's recovery process.

Yesterday evening, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and RTA Chairman Caesar Burgos discussed restoration of the City's major throughfares and evacuation routes as well as expansion of the streetcar lines with Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari and staff members from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Mayor Nagin will return to Capitol Hill tomorrow to continue lobbying efforts to secure recovery funding. Mayor Nagin began his effort almost four years ago, weeks after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.

WHAT: The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host a City Wide Swim Meet for NORD participants sponsored by the NORD Jets Swim Team. Youth teams from across the city will participate in a swim clinic and fun races that include the 25 and 50 yard free style, back stroke, breast stroke, and fly events. Participating teams range in age from 6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13 -14, and 15-16 years.

The City of New Orleans continues to encourage residents and local businesses to prepare for a possible evacuation during this years hurricane season. Residents who may need medical resources or help leaving town in case of an evacuation are urged to register for the Citizen Assisted Evacuation Plan (CAEP).

This afternoon, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, will announce Mayoral Executive Order CRN 09-02 along with members of the Orleans Legislative delegation and the New Orleans City Council. The announcement will take place at 3 p.m. in the Mayor's Press Room, 2nd Floor, City Hall building.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works has canceled its ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of bridge construction on the Michoud Boulevard Bridge over the Maxent Canal due to inclement weather.

The City of New Orleans Office of Technology today terminated its contract with the Louisiana Technology Council after determining that the findings contained in the LTC's report were flawed and led to unfounded conclusions. The City also has entered into a contract with computer forensics and investigations specialist Sunblock Systems of McLean, VA to conduct the work.

On tomorrow, July 17, 2009, Cynthia Sylvain-Lear, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works, and Marcia St. Martin, Executive Director of the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, will be joined by City Council member Cynthia Willard-Lewis (District E) and residents of Council District E to celebrate the completion of construction on the Michoud Boulevard Bridge over the Maxent Canal. The event will take place at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Michoud Boulevard and Lourdes Street.

In a recent story reported by WDSU, a local NBC affiliate, city employees discussed the difficult working conditions that have existed for many years in the 1953-era City Hall. Many of these conditions have become hazardous since Hurricane Katrina.

New Orleans has been named Major Market of the Year in the Top Deals & Hot Markets report developed by Southern Business and Development.

The City learned today of a lawsuit filed challenging the proposed development of a new Veterans Affairs Medical Center ("VAMC") at the Mid-City site. This lawsuit, filed in Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, focuses on a November 2007 Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") executed by the City and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In the almost eighteen months since the MOU was executed and made available to the public, the City has engaged the public in one of the most extensive public participation processes in the City's history to consider the proposed VAMC's potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. Now, months after the federal government announced its selection of the Mid-City site for development of the new VA Medical Center, this complaint seeks to invalidate the MOU.

Improvements to Magazine Street from St. Joseph Street to Calliope Street are beginning on Tuesday, July 14. The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert all citizens and Uptown-bound commuters to expect delays and lane closures during the four month project. The work will be accomplished in two phases. Initially, both parking lanes will be closed while subsurface utility and new brick sidewalks and parking lanes are constructed. Following completion of utility work and brick pavement construction, the travel lanes will be milled and overlaid and the entire project area will be re-striped before being reopened to vehicular traffic.

Citizens and commuters are encouraged to use Baronne Street or Tchoupitoulas Street as detour routes.

For more information, visit www.cityofno.com.  

Earlier this month, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works completed the reconstruction of Peniston Street from Freret Street to Carondelet Street. The eight-month project included the reconstruction of the roadway and replacement of underground utilities.

Beginning on July 14, 2009, motorists and pedestrians will begin to see construction on Magazine Street from St. Joseph Street to Calliope Street, which will enhance the overall appearance of the area and the condition of sidewalks between Andrew Higgins and Calliope Street. The project runs adjacent to the National World War II Museum expansion near the new Victory Theater, Stage Door Canteen and The American Sector, a John Besh restaurant.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works started a four-month project to restore the sidewalks on Bourbon Street from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue. The project will rehabilitate the sidewalks on both sides of the street starting on the Canal Street end.

On tomorrow, July 7, 2009, Dr. Brenda Hatfield, Chief Administrative Officer, and Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works, will be joined by City Council member Cynthia Willard-Lewis (District E) and residents of Council District E to celebrate the completion of construction on the Michoud Boulevard Bridge over the Maxent Canal. The event will take place at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Michoud Boulevard and Lourdes Street.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, along with officials from AeroMexico, Louis Armstrong International Airport and other local organizations, will hold a ribbon cutting at 5:25 a.m. today to launch the inaugural flight of the airline's non-stops flights between New Orleans and Mexico City with continuing service to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The ribbon cutting will be held at Departure Gate C1 at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works has canceled its ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of bridge construction on the Michoud Boulevard Bridge over the Maxent Canal due to inclement weather. The event will be rescheduled at a later date.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin was joined today by City Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, State Senator J.P. Morrell, State Representative Jared Brossett, Essence Communications General Manager Joy Collins, and members of the community as he officially marked the start of construction at the Joseph Bartholomew, Sr. Municipal Golf Course in historic Pontchartrain Park (6039 Press Drive).

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by members of the New Orleans City Council, State Legislators, representatives from Essence Magazine and the Essence Music Festival, Actor, Director, Film Producer Wendell Pierce, and the community at 3:30 p.m. on tomorrow, Saturday, July 4, as he officially marks the start of construction to restore the Joseph Bartholomew, Sr. Municipal Golf Course in historic Pontchartrain Park (6514 Congress Dr).

During the July 4th holiday weekend, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will operate seven pools on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday July 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pools will be closed on Sunday, July 5th. NORD will resume its regular pool schedule on Monday, July 6th.

Today, Judge Michael Bagneris, Division H, Civil District Court ruled in favor of the City of New Orleans to close the Canal Street Hotel pending the preliminary injunction hearing set for July 10, 2009. The hotel has been ordered to close by 5p.m. today.

Due to activity at The Canal Street Hotel (1630 Canal Street), the City of New Orleans urges the owner to voluntarily close this facility as soon as possible. The City is concerned not only for the health, safety and welfare of all those who frequent this establishment, but for those who work there as well.

Construction is set to begin on the restoration of an iconic New Orleans golf course, and residents are expected to take to the green as early as next year.

"I want to thank the New Orleans legislative delegation for their hard word during this legislative session to ensure that the needs of our citizens are met. I am disappointed that Governor Jindal has vetoed funding for NOAH, as we continue to face a mental health crisis, with increased suicides, higher rates of depression and more mental health related arrests. "

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works announces the beginning of phase two of a roadway project to reconstruct roadways near The Preserve and Crescent Club, two new housing developments built by The Domain Companies along the Tulane Avenue corridor in Mid-City.

The City of New Orleans would save more than $45 million over the next 20 years by purchasing the former Chevron building and using it as a new City Hall.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works today announced the beginning of construction on Woodland Drive from General DeGaulle Drive to Tullis Drive in Algiers. Started last month, the project will include complete reconstruction of the concrete roadway and all affected underground utilities.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Lt. Col. Jerry Sneed, director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, continue to urge residents who may need help to leave town in case of an evacuation, to register for the City Assisted Evacuation Plan.

A program launched a year ago to better identify vehicles with severely delinquent parking tickets, and another designed to make it easier for motorist to pay fees if their cars are immobilized have both led to increased benefits for citizens.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting event tomorrow to commemorate the opening of the new, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Municipal Training Academy. The event will take place at 4:30 p.m. at the academy located at 4600 Paris Avenue.

Today at 4:47pm, Mayor C. Ray Nagin signed the Purchase Agreement between the City of New Orleans and Chevron Corps. Mayor Nagin was the final signor on the document as the other parties had previously signed.

The rehabilitation of Poydras Street from S. Claiborne Avenue to Broad Street is now underway. The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert all citizens of Mid-City and commuters to the Central Business District of possible lane closures as follows:

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works is proud to announce the completion of the rehabilitation of 23 unpaved gravel alleys throughout the Lakeview Neighborhood.

As part of an economic development trip abroad which began in Shanghai, China, Mayor C. Ray Nagin visits Sydney, Australia to lead important conversations on economic development and environmental issues. Mayor Nagin delivered the keynote address to a capacity crowd Friday at the 2009 National Summit of the U.S. Studies Centre in Sydney. The Mayor was also featured with Sydney Mayor Clover Moore at Thursday's City Talk Program, where he discussed climate change and sustainable development. More than 1,000 people attended the event.

The City of New Orleans will file a Proof of Claim to protect the City's interest in the bankruptcy filing today by Six Flags. Currently, the City of New Orleans has a TRO in place to prohibit Six Flags from removing assests and/or equipment from the property.

Healthy Start New Orleans will receive $10 million over the next five years through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy Start program. The program is dedicated to ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged pregnant women receive access to the health care they need through various services.

On behalf of my family and the citizens of New Orleans, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the medical officials in Shanghai, Shanghai Officials, the US Embassy and others for prioritizing the health and safety of myself, my wife, Mrs. Nagin and the city's law enforcement officer. Thank you. Thank you.

Residents of New Orleans East are beginning to see a transformation of their neighborhood streets with the completion of multiple reconstruction projects over the past year. Heavily damaged following Hurricane Katrina, many federal, state and city dollars have gone toward the replacement of roadways, sidewalks and streetscape enhancements in the large New Orleans community. With the recent completion of Redwood Street and Sandalwood Street, as well as the completion of reconstructed streets such as Adele Street, Fulton Street, Cardenas Drive and Papania Drive, the City is working to restore neighborhoods throughout New Orleans East.

WHAT: The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) and the New Orleans Hornets will host a ribbon cutting ceremony today to commemorate the completion of a project to refurbish Fox Playground.

WHAT: Officials from The City of New Orleans will be available for comment during the start of the partial demolition of the Youth Study Center. The partial demolition is part of a multi-phase renovation and rebuilding for the Youth Study Center. The next phase, the installation of modular buildings, is scheduled to go into bid later this month. Current structures or operations surrounding the study center are not subject to disruption by demolition activities.

The the City of New Orleans will host oral presentations for its five library Design-Build contract, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at the New Orleans Public Library Main Library in its Auditorium on the Third Floor (219 Loyola Ave.).

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who traveled on Friday to Shanghai, China on an economic
development trip, was informed early today that another passenger on the
airplane in which he was traveling has been confirmed to have signs and symptoms of an influenza-like illness suspected to be of the H1N1 subtype and the passenger is undergoing quarantine and treatment.

This is the monthly status report for the surveillance camera network as of 06/05/09. As of the end of this reporting period, our team has determined that the camera network is operating at 75% capacity; the operational issues impacting 25% of the surveillance network are identified below:

WHAT: Tomorrow, June 6th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host its first Health and Recreation Fair at Behrman Park in Algiers. Co-sponsored by numerous city and state agencies and local healthcare and retail organizations, the Health and Recreation Fair will provide families the opportunity to receive free healthcare screenings, immunizations for youth, and information on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin departed today on an economic development trip to China. During the trip, Mayor Nagin will meet with four prospects interested in the possibility of locating their businesses in New Orleans.

WHAT: Today, June 2, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host its annual Splashdown commemorating the start of summer at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Bernard Center Pool (1500 Lafreniere Street).

As the City of New Orleans prepares for the beginning of the 2009 Hurricane Season, the Department of Public Works announced the completion of the cleaning of the City's subsurface drainage system.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will host a briefing today to update the public on hurricane preparations for the 2009 season.

Yesterday, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) hosted the second State of NORD community event at the St. Bernard Center. The event theme, The Re-Building of NORD: Quality Cultural, Recreational and Educational Experiences for Youth and Families showcased the talents of NORD participants and updated the community on the recovery on NORD facilities and additional programs returning this fall.

Tomorrow, May 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host the second State of NORD community event at the St. Bernard Center (1500 Lafreniere Street). The event theme "The Re-Building of NORD: Quality Cultural, Recreational and Educational Experiences for Youth and Families" will showcase the talent of NORD participants while updating the community on the recovery on NORD facilities and additional programs returning this fall.

The first phase of the Oak Street reconstruction project is complete, approximately 2 1/2 months after the construction began, and is on schedule to move the next phase of the project. Oak Street from Carrollton Avenue to Dante Street features new pedestrian-friendly amenities, utilities and asphalt roadway.

The New Orleans Recreational Department (NORD) and the Capital Projects department have worked together to open the following swimming pools for use this summer:

In anticipation of the end of the school year, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will extend its summer camp registration deadline through June 20th to offer more youth the opportunity to participate in the summer activities.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will deliver a keynote address and serve as a panelist today during the Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative's Town Hall Luncheon Meeting in Springfield, Illinois.

The topic of the town hall is "Lessons Learned from Previous Catastrophic Events." The topic of Mayor Nagin's address is "Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina and the Role that Faith-Based Organizations Can Play."

The City of New Orleans announces that City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided throughout this time.

This weekend, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host several family activities as part of the Memorial Day Weekend celebration. Highlights of the activities include the Tunica Invitational Swim Meet and the Meet the Browns Family Reunion at Willie Hall Playground.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will deliver his annual State of the City Address tonight and will focus on issues important to the City's recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and the breached levees, such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods through increased homeownership opportunities and affording housing for seniors and working families.

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin will deliver the 2009 State of the City Address

This is a reminder to all media outlets regarding the 2009 State of the City Address.

Location/Time: The State of the City will take place on Wednesday, May 20th at Mahalia Jackson Theatre at 6pm located at 143 North Rampart Street.

Today, in fact every day, is a day to be proud to be a New Orleanian. The announcement that New Orleans will host the 2013 Super Bowl acknowledges the years of hard work to place our city in a position to bid for and be selected for the National Football League's biggest game. We have all worked very hard --government, tourism, the private sector, non-profit organizations, citizens and others -- to bring this wonderful and historic city back from the near ruin we faced four years ago.

In an unprecedented leap into the City's recovery, the City of New Orleans will host inaugural oral presentations for its Design Build Contract for the Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Center, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Ave.).

WHAT:  Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a "State of New Orleans Streets" event. The event, titled "New Orleans Street Makeover: Restoring our communities' one sidewalk, one roadway, one bridge at a time," will highlight the ongoing and future projects aimed at rehabilitating the City's transportation infrastructure.

What: Winn Dixie and City of New Orleans announce roll-out of city kiosk in local Winn Dixie grocery stores.

Starting tomorrow, New Orleanians will be able to take care of city business during a trip to their local grocery store.

On tomorrow, Mayor C. Ray, Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Brenda G. Hatfield and the City of New Orleans will celebrate the Department of Parks and Parkways' 100th Anniversary as a government entity. Parks and Parkways along with event sponsor French Quarter Festival Inc. will host the celebration at Jackson Square beginning at 6pm. A ceremonial planting of the Parks and Parkways Centennial tree at the St. Ann Street entrance of Jackson Square will conclude the anniversary celebration at 8pm.

The City of New Orleans has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit concerning prison confinement issues at the Youth Study Center by retaining an expert to address the issues presented, determine if they
exist, and where appropriate, develop a mutually agreeable remedial plan to resolve the issue. The parties will mutually agree on an expert as part of the terms of the agreement.

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a "State of New Orleans Streets" event. The event, titled "New Orleans Street Makeover: Restoring our communities' one sidewalk, one roadway, one bridge at a time," will highlight the ongoing and future projects aimed at rehabilitating the City's transportation infrastructure.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a "State of New Orleans Streets" event on Thursday, May 14th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Avenue). The event, titled "New Orleans Street Makeover: Restoring our communities' one sidewalk, one roadway, one bridge at a time," will highlight the ongoing and future projects aimed at rehabilitating the City's transportation infrastructure.

Last month, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, City Attorney Penya Moses-Fields, District City Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis and City Council Vice-President Arnie Fielkow, returned from a series of meetings in New York City with Six Flags officials without agreements being reached regarding redevelopment of the property and recovery of insurance proceeds.

The following Recovery Data sheet highlights key city departments during the recovery of the City of New Orleans. This week's information is a recap from April 3, 2009 through May 8, 2009.

The City of New Orleans has been chosen as the recipient of the 2009 Municipal Web Portal Excellence Award, which recognizes the City as having an "innovative and sophisticated" government website. The City will receive the award during the Technology Solutions and Innovations Conference and Expo at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina in San Diego, California, May 12-14, 2009.

On tomorrow, 125 athletes will participate in the Special Olympics games hosted by the New Orleans Recreation Department in partnership with the Special Olympics Louisiana. Individuals with intellectual disabilities will compete in track and basketball activities at the NORD Behrman Stadium, 2529 General Meyer in Algiers beginning with opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capital Projects Administration announced work has commenced on field lighting repairs at McDonough Playground, located at 301 Ptolemy St., on the West Bank.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, City Council Members,Business and Community leaders will meet with State Senators and State Representatives to discuss the City's legislative priorities and other key issues regarding the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Governor Jindal and state officials held a press conference today to discuss the seven cases the CDC has confirmed for the H1N1 virus in Louisiana, and the two cases that tested negative for the virus.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the New Orleans City Council and key members of the City Administration will be in Baton Rouge on tomorrow, May 5, for the annual New Orleans Day event.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board are currently coordinating efforts to restore .25 miles of Lang Street from General DeGaulle Drive to Berkley Drive in Algiers.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capitol Projects Administration announced today work will commence on Hardin Playground, located at 2500 New Orleans St.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans department of Capitol Projects Administration announced that work commenced on Bodenger Playground, located at 3001 Hudson St. on the West Bank

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capitol Projects Administration will commence on the field lighting repairs at the A.L. Davis Playground located at 2400 LaSalle St.

Event: Mayor Nagin's Visit to Louisiana Legislative Delegation

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans department of Capitol Projects Administration commenced work on the Joe Brown Parking lot.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans today reports that due to the construction of the Skelly-Rupp Stadium parking lot in Algiers, there is currently limited access to the baseball field. Last week, contractors started work on the new $280,000 pavement project next to the stadium, which includes removing 3 ½ inches of the old lot and then overlaying it with new pavement to create a new lot for residents and NORD participants.

The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has been monitoring the ongoing Swine Flu (H1N1) cases in United States and Mexico. The office also has been in contact with Federal and State partners and is receiving the latest information and guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans department of Capitol Projects Administration will begin work on electrical and lighting repairs on Harrell Stadium located at 2300 Leonidas St.

It is unfortunate that the City Council has sought to hire outside counsel, at immense cost to the taxpayers, to intimidate the City Attorney and to delay the distribution of public records. Keep in mind that the City of New Orleans and the Mayor have been sued for not producing public records in a timely manner.

In preparation for the 2009 Louisiana Legislative Session, the City of New Orleans today outlined its legislative and fiscal priorities. The City's priorities seek to promote the continued recovery and revitalization of New Orleans, the region and Louisiana

On Thursday, April 23rd, The City of New Orleans Department of Health will host a community forum to inform citizens and healthcare professionals on the progress made in the healthcare industry and plans for future opportunities in the New Orleans. The health forum will take place at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Avenue starting at 6 p.m.

With this upgrade, Standard and Poor's has demonstrated its confidence in New Orleans' overall financial recovery. Since Hurricane Katrina, when our tax base was decimated, we have worked hard to restore financial stability to our city. My administration has made difficult choices and we have been fiscally prudent. S&P also notes the importance of the City's emergency reserve fund and the fact that $10 million of the Community Disaster Loan Fund remains unused and will be a part of the 2010 budget, which is consistent with our five-year budget plan. It was of utmost importance to me during the most recent budget process that we adhere to this plan.

The City of New Orleans will hold its quarterly Revenue Estimating Conference on Wednesday morning.

As the City of New Orleans observes Earth Day on Wednesday, two young City employees, part of a new generation of environmental stalwarts, will take the lead in presenting programs for school children and the community.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin departed earlier today for New York, where he will meet with Mark Shapiro, president of Six Flags. The City has been in settlement discussions with Six Flags since 2005. The City is meeting with Six Flags officials to discuss their plans regarding the future of the park in New Orleans East.

In observance of Earth Day on Wednesday, the City of New Orleans encourages residents to divert two major household items from landfills. The City is working in partnership with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide alternatives for the disposal of analog televisions and used car batteries.

WHAT: The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) Jets swim team will participate in the Crawfish Aquatics Long Course Invitational in Baton Rouge, LA on Saturday, April 18. Seven members of the team will participate in the long course races that include the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, backstroke, breast stroke events.

WHAT: The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) is currently offering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and lifeguard training for those interested in participating in NORD's 2009 Summer Aquatics Lifeguard Program. The trainees will work directly for the department.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works announces that the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development recently received bids for the repairs of three roadways in Lakeview as part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program. Canal Boulevard from Robert E. Lee Boulevard to Harrison Avenue, Pontchartrain Boulevard from Robert E. Lee Boulevard to Veterans Boulevard and Veterans Boulevard from the 17th Street Canal to Pontchartrain Boulevard will each be rehabilitated. Construction is expected to begin in May 2009. The Department of Public Works continues to partner with the LADOTD to rehabilitate more state owned streets in Orleans Parish.

On Saturday April 18th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the New Orleans Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (NOCLPPP) will sponsor its 8th Annual Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Awareness Health Fair at the City Park Peri Style Shelter. NOCLPPP, a division of the City of New Orleans Health Department, has taken the lead in identifying and reducing lead poisoning in children in New Orleans for over 30 years.

WHAT: In preparation for this year's baseball season,The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) Athletic Division, along with the University of New Orleans baseball staff, will host a Coaches Baseball and Field Maintenance Clinic tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15 at UNO's Maestri Field. All NORD park supervisors and volunteer coaches must attend to gain the knowledge and skills needed for the season.

"I am pleased with Secretary Napolitano's decision to remove this unnecessary level of bureaucracy. I am hopeful that this will lead to faster decision making and will enhance the improved cooperation we have already begun to experience from FEMA. ..."

The City of New Orleans announces that City Hall will be closed on Friday, April 10th in observance of the Easter holiday. Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided throughout this time.

On Monday, April 13, five new safety cameras will begin issuing citations to speeders traveling northbound and southbound Paris Avenue near Prentiss Avenue, northbound and southbound on Toledano Street near Galvez Street and eastbound on Florida Boulevard near Milne Boulevard. These safety cameras will help to reduce speeding by motorists. The City of New Orleans also plans to further expand the program in the near future

WHO: The City of New Orleans; the Rev. W.H. Jenneford, president of the Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Association; Jamie Neville, president of Neville Development; Milton Bailey, president of the Louisiana Housing Finance Authority; and representatives from Regions Bank and the Richman Group.

Today, City of New Orleans Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Brenda Hatfield, Councilmember James Carter (District C) and Public Works Director Robert Mendoza hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road, Hart Street to Winston Street, Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue, and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road, Hart Street to Winston Street, Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue, and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street.

NOTE: Press conference location has changed. It will take place on the front steps of New Orleans City Hall, 1300 Perdido St.

Who: Mayor C. Ray Nagin; Frank Galan, AeroMexico U.S. Division Vice President; attorney and businessman Caesar Burgos; Sean Hunter, Director of Aviation at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport; Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc.; Kim Priez, Vice President of Tourism at the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau; Hon. Andrea Garcia Guerra, Consul of Mexico; and the Hon. Ena Liliana Castro Rice, Consul General of Honduras.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road, Hart Street to Winston Street, Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue, and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street.

2009 Quality of Life Study by the University of New Orleans Research Center

Although, the margin of error still remains high for a study of this size, the 2009 Quality of Life Study released today by the University of New Orleans Survey Research Center, demonstrated an improvement over last year with an increased sample size of citizens in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Citizens and business owners in the Carrollton Avenue area of the city will soon notice major street and sidewalk improvements to the Oak Street economic corridor. This week marks the start of a full reconstruction project on Oak Street from Carrollton Avenue to Leake Avenue.

I am very pleased by Secretary Napolitano’s proposal to forgive the Community Disaster Loans for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Having been immediately downgraded to junk bond status and barley escaping bankruptcy after the storms, this is an important first step for the City of New Orleans.

Approximately 6,000 people applied to participate in a new program that will provide forgivable loans to help elderly residents and people with disabilities make repairs to their homes and bring them up to housing code requirements.

The City of New Orleans will turn off the lights of City Hall from 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, as part of its participation in Earth Hour 2009.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road, Hart Street to Winston Street, Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue, and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street.

Tomorrow, March 27th, Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Brenda Hatfield, Councilman James Carter (District C) and Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road; Hart Street to Winston Street; Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue; and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street. The event will take place at the intersection of Patterson Drive and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue at 2:30 p.m.

The City of New Orleans is currently testing safety cameras at three new sites around the city to help reduce speeding by motorists, and plans to further expand the program in the near future. A total of five cameras will be added on northbound and southbound Paris Avenue near Prentiss Avenue, northbound and southbound Toledano Street near Galvez Street and eastbound on Florida Boulevard near Milne Boulevard.

I'm very disappointed by recent misleading media coverage that suggests that the City of New Orleans has chosen not to spend funding obligated by FEMA for the recovery of New Orleans Recreation Department facilities and parks. I am equally disappointed that a reporter from WWL-TV took comments I made during an interview totally out of context and made it appear as though my focus on redeveloping recreational and educational programs for youth removes me from the decision-making process as it relates to the return of more playgrounds and facilities to use, ultimately pinning me against other city officials.

WHAT: The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) will take center court at the New Orleans Arena in the 6th Annual Guns and Hoses Basketball Game. Special tickets are being sold by the NOPD and NOFD for the "Guns and Hoses Night at the Hive". Five dollars of each ticket sold by the departments will benefit the NOFD Memorial Fund and the NOPD Tragedy Fund respectively.

This weekend, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will complete a month of volunteer efforts to clean and restore the City's baseball fields in time for the season kick off. The final clean-up event will take place on Saturday, March 28th at Bodenger Playground located 3400 Kansas Street in Algiers. The Boy Scouts of America, New Orleans Chapter, will restore the field from 9a.m.until noon.

The City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways along with Parkway Partners, a non-profit organization that supports the city with the beautification of its public green spaces, will co-host the City's Annual Tree and Plant Sale on Saturday, March 28 from 8 a.m. to noon at 2829 Gentilly Blvd.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who also serves as Chairman of the Regional Planning Commission, met yesterday with Ron Nabors, Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to discuss continued FEMA funding issues in New Orleans and the region.

Students and recent college graduates who want to work for city government and develop their skills to become leaders in our New Orleans community still have time to apply to the 10th annual Mayoral Fellows Program.

A week after returning from Washington, D.C. where he lobbied for recovery funding for the City of New Orleans, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Chair of the Regional Planning Commission, returned to Capitol Hill today with parish leaders from the region to lobby for recovery needs.

What: The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of repairs to historic sidewalks and curbs surrounding Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. The repairs, which cost approximately $541,000, were made around Jackson Square and along Pirate's Alley, Cabildo Alley and Pere Antoine Alley. The project restored approximately 5,200 square yards of the flagstone in the alleys, as well as reset 316 total feet of stone gutter in the center of each walkway.

The City of New Orleans has mailed supplemental property tax bills for 4,600 properties in the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority - West Bank, on behalf of the Algiers Levee District.

This afternoon Judge Rosemary Ledet heard arguments on the motion for a new trial in the matter of Zurik versus Nagin that was filed on behalf of Mayor Nagin, City Attorney Penya Moses-Fields, and the City of New Orleans. After more than a hour of arguments on several points of law, the court altered its judgment previously rendered in this matter.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of repairs to historic sidewalks and curbs surrounding Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. The event will take place on tomorrow, March 20th at 3:30 p.m. in the Pere Antoine Alley next to the St. Louis Cathedral.

On Thursday, March 19, the City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works will hold its second abandoned vehicle auction this year, and its third since Hurricane Katrina. The auction, located at the Almonaster Auto Pound, 10200 Almonaster Avenue, will begin at 9 a.m.

The City of New Orleans has extended the deadline for applying for a new forgivable loan designed to help elderly residents and people with disabilities repair their storm-damaged homes.

During the first month of pilot testing for the City of New Orleans Pay by Phone Parking Service, 123 residents registered for the service, and the system logged 306 transactions totaling approximately $1,000 with an average transaction of $1.70. Subscribers are able to use the Pay by Phone Parking Service at 291 on-street parking spaces throughout the Magazine Street and Riverbend areas.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) is working to restore New Orleans communities by rebuilding facilities that house the athletic, recreational, educational and cultural programs which shut down following the effects of Hurricane Katrina. City operated playgrounds, stadiums, basketball courts, swimming pools and multi-purpose centers throughout the city suffered an estimated $60 million in damages from the effects of the storms of 2005.

In order to better serve the citizens of New Orleans as well as our guests, the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the LSU Healthcare Services Division have joined forces to provide free emergency urgent care services during the upcoming Carnival weekend.

The City of New Orleans issued 61,531 citations in 2008 as a result of the implementation of the safety camera program.

In an effort to avoid further delays to the city’s recovery, Mayor C. Ray Nagin today suspended the portion of his executive order that established Selection Review Panels as part of his competitive selection process for awarding RFPs (Request for Proposals). The Mayor has retained all other components of his executive order, which requires that RFPs be published online and that they include participation from disadvantaged businesses. This is not required in the Home Rule Charter, which gives both legislative and executive branches of government authority to establish their own selection process for RFPs.

The nation's mayors have been invited by U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden to the White House for a meeting with The Conference of Mayors leadership on the morning of Friday, February 20, 2009.

WHAT: Demolition of New Orleans East Regional Library.

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS/ORLEANS PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO HOST ORLEANS PARISH PRISON RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin along with Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman will host a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of reconstruction to Orleans Parish Prison on tomorrow, February 10 at 2:30 p.m.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and the Algiers Development District today announced that construction on General DeGaulle Drive from Holiday Drive to Behrman Place will be completed before the first Mardi Gras parade, scheduled to pass on the Westbank on Friday, February 13. The 0.2 mile rehabilitation project began on Monday, February 2.

Today, immediately following a press conference with members of the New Orleans City Council and Sidney Torres, president of SDT Waste and Disposal, Mayor C. Ray Nagin spoke with the Chair of the Economic Development Fund Committee to discuss expediting the approval of $2.5 million in funding to pay for the remaining two (2) enhanced services in the Vieux Carre. The Chair expressed support for the funding and will work diligently to move the process forward quickly.

The weather forecast indicates that the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24-hour period. Weather conditions will require all individuals to seek shelter.

On tomorrow, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell and Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a groundbreaking ceremony with residents of Council District D to commemorate the start of roadway construction on Desire Street from N. Roman Street to N. Dorgenois Street. The event will take place at the intersection of Desire Street and N. Prieur Street.

The weather forecast indicates that the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24-hour period. Weather conditions will require all individuals to seek shelter.

I wish Mr. Cerasoli the best as he leaves to address his health concerns. Despite his departure, I believe the Office of the Inspector General can play an important role in this community. I re-instituted the Ethics Review Board, which appoints and supervises the Inspector General, because such an administrative auditor can help us improve city policies and procedures on behalf of the citizens we all serve.

The City's Freeze Plan will be in effect to provide temporary shelter for homeless citizens tonight and Friday night. Shelters will be open free of charge during this time period.

Today, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with city leaders, residents and community members in District B to mark the completion of the West Riverside Overlay project. During the ceremony, city officials also offered additional updates on recovery projects.

Today, in response to the New Orleans City Council’s approval of the 2009 operating budget last week, Mayor Nagin outlined the impact of the city’s newly adopted budget on city services, departmental operations and the city’s future financial position in 2010.

On Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 11:00p.m., officials from the City of New Orleans will join with PARAPLEX mansion owner, Jeff Borne and parapsychologist and project developer, Dr. Larry Montz, to unveil a new $4 million dollar complex focused on the paranormal. The attraction, located on 4800 Canal Street, is a completely remodeled, 14,000 square-foot historic and haunted mansion built in the late 1800’s as a private residence and later used as a funeral home. The PARAPLEX is the

The weather forecast indicates that the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next two nights (Tuesday and Wednesday). Weather conditions each night will require all individuals to seek shelter.

The weather forecast indicates that the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24-hour period. Weather conditions each night through Thursday require all individuals to seek shelter.

On Sunday, January 18th at 2 p.m., Mayor C. Ray Nagin will make a presentation to the Executive Committee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, offering recommendations to reform the Stafford Act and FEMA.

While the CAO’s office awaits the final vehicle fleet report from the OIG’s office, we have assembled a working team to review the OIG’s findings and data as it is received. When deemed necessary, the CAO’s office will develop action plans and implementation timetables.

The City of New Orleans is reminding citizens interested in obtaining a fixed location permit for the 2009 Mardi Gras season that they must register for the permit lottery with the Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue by 4 p.m on tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2009.

The U.S. Census Bureau has accepted a challenge by the City of New Orleans to the July 1, 2007 population estimates and has adjusted the estimates upward by nearly 50,000.

Less than a week after the grand re-opening of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts, the City of New Orleans and the Canal Street Development Corporation (CSCD) today signed an agreement that will lead to the re-development of the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans. The Saenger is located on Canal Street at Basin Street and North Rampart Street, an important cetner of downtown commerce, and is on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places. Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall 2009. Work is expected to be completed to return the beloved, historic performing arts theatre to its former grandeur and glory by the fall of 2011.

The weather forecast indicates the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the overnight hours for the next 4-days. All citizens should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of this weather. Exposure to temperatures near freezing, combined with strong winds, for an extended period of time can cause serious medical problems. Beginning tonight, and each night through Thursday night, weather conditions require all individuals to seek shelter.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will hold an auction for abandoned vehicles on Thursday, January 15 at 10 a.m. at the Almonaster Auto Pound, 10200 Almonaster Avenue. Vehicles will be available for viewing on Wednesday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans' Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Commission will host the nnual kick-off press briefing to announce a series of events to commemorate the life of civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The briefing will take place on Friday, January 9 at 2:30 p.m. in the Mayor's Press Room, second floor of City Hall, 1300 Perdido Street.

On Friday, January 9, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host a Cultural Winter Formal concert to showcase music and drama program participants. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Avenue.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by members of the New Orleans City Council, other federal and state elected officials, and local arts organizations at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 8, as he hosts a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially reopen the historic Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. The ceremony, which will be followed by a tour of the refurbished facility, precedes a week of performances showcasing renowned local, national and international talent.

Citizens interested in obtaining a fixed location permit for the 2009 Mardi Gras season must register for the permit lottery with the Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue next week. Registration will be available from Monday, January 12 until 4 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2009. The lottery will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2009 in the lobby of the Civil District Court Building, 421 Loyola Ave.