By Ariella Cohen, The Lens staff writer | Streets and infrastructure topped the list of budget priorities for Algiers residents who came out Wednesday night for the second of seven public hearings regarding Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s 2012 budget. “More than a year ago, we were sitting in this exact spot and I told you about […]
Posted inInvestigations, Schools
Pioneer of urban farm and school learns lessons of his own, hopes struggles lead to success
An idealistic New Yorker last year drew praise and donations for his urban farm and alternative school in the Lower 9th Ward, but after barely making it through the year, he admits he has a lot to learn.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Schools
$40 million oil bonanza for public schools attracts little in the way of public input
By Jessica Williams, The Lens staff writer | Ho hum. Another day, another $40 million. The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education invited comment from the public Wednesday on how to spend a chunk of trust fund money that has topped out at that amount in recent years. The Baton Rouge meeting lasted all […]
Posted inOpinion
Speed bump slows dozers closing in on Gert Town public pool
Karen Gadbois, The Lens, opinion writer | Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s on a tear — a tear-down tear, to be precise. He has vowed to tear down 10,000 abandoned or derelict structures in his first term. (So far we’re at 1,378 and counting, according to the midyear report on ResultsNOLA.) But sometimes the juggernaut gets a […]
Posted inOpinion
Goldring redraws plan, but avenue mansion still faces wrecking ball
By Karen Gadbois, The Lens opinion writer | In 2007 liquor magnate William Goldring applied to the City Planning Commission for a zoning change at 5428 St. Charles Avenue. He proposed to tear down the stately four-unit residence and replace it with 13 luxury condos in a four-story structure built above a parking garage. Actually, […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
‘Inconsequential’ D.C. spells catastrophe for south Louisiana
Scanning my blogreader, I couldn’t believe it. Susan at Juanita Jean’s and MacAoidh at The Hayride — two bloggers with very different perspectives — both liked the same quote from Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s speech announcing his presidential run: And I’ll promise you this: I’ll work every day to make Washington, D.C., as inconsequential in […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Others dispute sheriff's contention that deal will happen without federal court oversight
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman insists that he and the U.S. Justice Department will reach an out-of-court agreement over conditions at his jail, but Mayor Mitch Landrieu, a Justice Department official and others familiar with the negotiations tell a different story. The department first threatened Gusman with […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Schools
Judge upholds BESE's decision to revoke charter at Abramson; appeal planned
By Jessica Williams, The Lens, staff writer | The former managers of Abramson Science and Technology Charter School lost an opportunity today to regain their authority as a Baton Rouge judge ruled against them. Nineteenth Judicial District Court Judge William Morvant sided with the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and its decision to revoke […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Schools
Project connects donors to school teachers
By Jessica Williams, The Lens staff writer | Teachers in need of classroom supplies take heed: One national non-profit has stepped in to help fill the resource gap at area public schools – if you’re interested in exactly what they’re offering. The Generation Project, an online education philanthropy that funnels resources to low-income kindergarten through […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Anyone want to buy a used theme park? City seeking bidders on decaying Six Flags site
By Ariella Cohen, The Lens staff writer | An eastern New Orleans icon of post-Katrina abandonment is up for the taking. After nearly six years of handwringing over the future of the city-owned former Jazzland/Six Flags theme park, the city put out a call Wednesday for companies to submit proposals for the redevelopment of the […]