Author: Michael Isaac Stein
- About Michael Isaac Stein
- Michael Isaac Stein covers New Orleans' cultural economy and local government for The Lens. Before joining the staff, he freelanced for The Lens as well as The Intercept, CityLab, The New Republic, and Pacific Standard. He was recently awarded a fellowship from the Heinrich Boll Foundation, which he used to report on water scarcity, division, and colonialism in Cyprus.
New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits: Businesses in most of city can’t host outdoor live music
The department says the city's zoning laws require businesses to close their doors and windows during live performances, meaning outdoor shows are not allowed. The planning commission and Music and Culture Coalition question this interpretation.
Demonstrators say Entergy’s promises of lower bills are deceptive
The company is pushing a new rate plan with a PR campaign, called “Path to Progress.”
S&WB seeks $25 million in bonds for sewer repairs required by sewer consent decree
Money will be used for repairs in eastern New Orleans.
Entergy’s $210 million gas plant could cost customers more than $650 million, advocacy group says
Organization’s analysis says built-in profits, debt payments could add up to $240 million to $280 million. Entergy New Orleans disputes the figures, but does not offer specifics.
City Council passes tighter restrictions on short-term rentals
Some advocates worry that prospectors will use the nearly four-month gap between today’s vote and when the new rules go into effect to skirt restrictions on commercial permits.
City contractor that authored short-term rental study has repeatedly worked for Airbnb
HR&A study urged the council against affordable unit requirements and strict limits on commercial short-term rentals.
Beyond ‘fair share’ deal, city and S&WB still need millions to pay for critical services
At first meeting of council taxing committee, Cantrell officials explain options for raising additional infrastructure funds.
Council raises concerns about accountability, affordable housing funds as it starts process to bring short-term rental tax to a public vote
Under Cantrell’s infrastructure deal, 25 percent of revenues will go to the city’s private tourism promotion group, leading some council members to call for controls on how the money will be spent. Affordable housing advocates worry about a dedicated city revenue stream tied to the STR market.
