Downtown Development District : Newsletter

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What's Up Downtown February 13, 2009

		Block-by-Block "Krewes" Prepared for Mardi Gras Clean-up Mardi Gras 2009 kicks-off tonight with the first of many parades that will roll Downtown this season. The DDD welcomes the krewes of Oshun and Pygmalian on their traditional routes, where large crowds are sure to greet them. DDD cleaning contractor Block-by-Block will be working around the clock during the entire Mardi Gras season. "Krewes" of 50 workers -- 30 more than usual!-- will work from the start of the parade until well after their conclusion. Mechanical and manual street sweepers will immediately follow each parade. Large dumpsters have also been placed at the end of each parade route for float riders to dispose of their left-over trash. Temporary trash cans have also been strategically placed throughout Downtown. “The DDD has always assisted the City of New Orleans in cleaning up after Mardi Gras,” said DDD President Kurt Weigle. “But this year, we are making a very strong effort. We know the world’s eyes are on us, and our goal is to keep downtown looking good during major events, not just afterwards!”

		DDD Code Enforcement Efforts Tidy Up Downtown Downtown property and business owners, as well as visitors and investors, have complained for many years about poorly maintained properties that detract from the appearance of some Downtown blocks. In response, the DDD initiated discussions with the City of New Orleans regarding the DDD providing enhanced code enforcement services Downtown. The result was an agreement signed in mid-2008 that allows the DDD to enforce some building, zoning and related codes. In the past six months, 198 warnings have been issued for excessive noise, trash, graffiti, boarded and painted over windows, inproper signage, and insufficient building maintenance. "We are very happy to report that of the 198 issues identified, 124 have been immediately addressed by property owners," says DDD Public Safety Manager Patrick Thompson. DDD President & CEO Kurt Weigle adds, "First impressions are the most lasting, and the small stuff matters. Bringing code violations into compliance has a huge effect on the overall appearance of Downtown, and visitors and locals alike will notice a difference." For more information on the DDD's Code Enforcement program, visit the DDD website, www.neworleansdowntown.com.

		Reminder: City Garbage Collection Services to Cease for Some Stakeholders March 15 While DDD sidewalk cleaning services provided by cleaning contractor Block-by-Block will continue uninterrupted, some residents may need to hire a private contractor for garbage collection by March 15. SDT Waste and Debris Services announced on Thursday, January 29, 2009 that it will handle only 2,911 residences and small businesses Downtown and in the French Quarter as a result of changes to its contract with the City of New Orleans, starting March 15. All other residents and business owners in those neighborhoods will have to make other arrangements for trash pickup. For more information on the changes in City sanitation services, and for an updated listing of private garbage haulers, visit the DDD's website, www.neworleansdowntown.com.

		DDD Retail Attraction Specialist Tours Young Ambassadors Sponsored by the Urban League of Greater New Orleans Young Professionals and GNO, Inc. and in partnership with several local young professional organizations, the Young Ambassadors of New Orleans Industry Tour took place on Thursday, February 5 and was led in part by the DDD's Retail Attraction Specialist, Ryan Bordenave. The joint effort was designed to promote entrepreneurship among local young professionals, create awareness around the industries selected by GNO as potential growth engines, and to stimulate business inovation. "The Young Ambassadors Tour was an excellent opportunity to showcase entrepreneurial opportunities to the Millenial generation, otherwise known as Generation Y. The group was highly engaging and is very interested in enhancing the urban experience. Downtown offers the lifestyle that this young, educated, entrepreneurial generation is looking for, and this tour was a great opportunity for them to see all that Downtown has to offer," says Bordenave.

		Riverwalk Announces 23rd Lundi Gras Celebration Riverwalk Marketplace will host the 23rd annual Lundi Gras at Spanish Plaza with Rex, King of Carnival, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23. The free celebration will again include fireworks on the Mississippi River and musican entertainment by New Orleans' own Living Legends Brass Band, Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters and the Topcats. The 2009 Lundi Gras Celebration entertainment schedule is as follows: 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m Living Legends Brass Band 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Rockin Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Arrival of Rex, King of Carnival & Fireworks 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Topcats

For more information on any of the articles featured in What's Up Downtown, or to submit an item for consideration, contact Lauren Hotard at lhotard@neworleansdowntown.com.