les amis de marignyf a u b o u r g m a r i g n y inmprovement associatio les amis de marigny helping...

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MPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIOI Nwww.FaubourgMarigny.org

Les Amis de MarignyHelping to make Marigny a better place to live, work and play

Volume 41, No. 3 April 2013

Merci!A heartfelt (if belated) thank you to everyone who helped make our First Annual Feté Marigny a huge success!

The 41st Annual FMIA Spring Home Tour

The FMIA Spring Home Tour is scheduled for May 19, between noon and 4 pm, and will be in the Marigny Rectangle this year. Home base for ticket sales and parking will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in the 2300 block of Burgundy. The church will be on the tour, along with the Marigny Opera House (former Holy Trinity church) and Lazarus House. Krewe du Vieux will host a party after the tour where their fl oats will be on display, and if the party lasts past sundown the fl oats will be illuminated.

Join the Fun!This is a great opportunity to volunteer for two hours, and as a thank you for your volunteer time, you will receive a ticket to attend the Home Tour. To become a volunteer for this event email [email protected] cial Festival Sponsors

Gold Level: Mr. Gregor FoxSilver Level: Dr. Eugene Cizek

Bronze Level: Kajun’s Pub, French Market CorporationSponsor Level: Farr & Huson, Architects

The FMIA would like to thank the following individuals, organizations, businesses and musicians for their generous contributions to help make the fi rst annual Fete Marigny a resounding success. Other volunteers, too numerous to list, were equally important to the success of the festival and their assistance and sacrifi ce is equally appreciated.

Musicians Helen Gillet’s Wazozo Zorchestra

Aurora Nealand and her Royal RosesSunpie BarnesGypsy Swing

Food Vendors NOCCA

Crepe a la CarteSentiments Wine & Cheese Dive

Woody’s Fish TacosBratz Y’All

Brigade Coffee

Riverfront Park MeetingMembers of the task force appointed to give the administration input on the Riverfront Park have organized an informational meeting about the Mandeville Wharf section of what is now called Crescent Park, that runs from Poland Avenue to Elysian Fields. The meeting will be held at Café Istanbul in the Healing Center, 2372 St. Claude at 6 pm on Tuesday, April 9. This meeting is open to everyone. For the past few months, representatives of the task force and members of the former Riverfront Alliance have met and developed a set of policies and procedures they are recommending for implementation. We are pleased that Councilmember Palmer and representatives of the Administration will join us.

Change in Meet the NeighborsOur Meet the Neighbors scheduled for the same evening at Schiro’s has been moved to Fatoush in the Healing Center and will follow the Riverfront Park Meeting. Special thanks go out to both Schiro’s and Fatoush for their help and cooperation with this last minute change in plans.Continued on page 9

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MPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIOI N

Happ’ns in the ‘HoodSt Claude Streetcar

Construction for the streetcar line down St. Claude is scheduled to begin in early 2014 and take about 15 - 18 months to complete. Current plans call for a semi-dedicated streetcar lane (during rush hours). Parking lanes will remain and there’ll be one two-way bike lane on the lake side. Stops will be at the intersections.

Bishop Perry CenterRecently the St. Gerard Majella Alternative School at 1941 Dauphine Street has closed. Rather than leave a vacant building, the New Orleans Archdiocese is proposing to house an outreach center there, To be named the Bishop Perry Center. The focus of the center will be outreach to those who live on the streets. There will be no free meals distributed or sleeping accommodations, and all functions are to cease by 4 pm.

All Aboard Gala The Homer A. Plessy Community School will hold its annual fundraising event, the All Aboard Gala, at Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand Street on June 7, featuring live music, food, beer & wine and a silent auction with proceeds helping to fund academic programs at the Plessy School, which opens in August 2013. Those interested in sponsoring the event or donating food, beverages or auction items can contact Jean Hsu at [email protected] or Shannon Faulstick at [email protected]. Tickets go on sale in April at plessyschool.org.

Guardian AngelProject Lazarus will honor some of their most esteemed volunteers and supporters at their 2013 Guardian Angel Award Gala and Patron Party. The Gala will take place on Wednesday, April 17 at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters from 6:30 - 9 pm. The Patron Party is on Monday, April 15 at the Windsor Court Hotel from 6 to 8 pm. For more information contact Steve Rivera at [email protected] or 504-949-3609 x 505.

NOLA Veggie FestA celebration of healthy and delicious vegetable-based cuisine featuring food vendors, restaurants, cooking demos, speakers, fi lms and more. May 11 and 12 at the New Orleans Healing Center. Cost is $10 suggested donation, $5 student/limited income. The outdoor food vendor area open to the public. More information available at www.nolaveggiefest.com.

Les Amis de Marigny is the newsletter of the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association, a 501(c) non-profi t, all-volunteer organization committed to the preservation of the unique architectural and cultural heritage of our historic district, and to improving the quality of life in our diverse community. Contents, editorials and opinions expressed do not necessarily refl ect the offi cial views of the FMIA, its Board or its members. The FMIA does not warrant the legality of any business advertised in its newsletter. Contents of Les Amis de Marigny are copyrighted. Permission to reprint any of the newsletter, including photographs and original artwork, must be obtained from the editor and/or byline columnist.

Manuscripts, photographs and articles dealing with topics of interest to the Marigny neighborhood are encouraged. The editor reserves the right to reject submissions including editorial and advertising content. Submissions must be received by the 7th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s issue. Send contributions to: FMIA Newsletter, 2401 Burgundy St., Box 10, NOLA 70117 or [email protected].

The newsletter is published each month except August and January. Back issues are available online at www.faubourgmarigny.org.

The newsletter is now accepting classifi ed ads. Personals, however, are not being accepted. Contact [email protected]. Classifi ed Rates: $5.00 per each 25 words.

Commercial Advertising

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Ads should be photo ready, or in jpg, tif or pdf format.

All advertising must be received by the 15th of each month for publication in the next month’s issue. For information regarding advertising, contact the business manager at [email protected].

A D V E R T I S I N G

Classifi eds Now Available

About the Newsletter

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President’s ReportBonjour,

On, Tuesday March 26th a majority of the members of the City Planning Commission voted to deny the text amendment to add the use “wine shop, wine bar” in our existing zoning Historic Marigny Commercial -1 (HMC-1). At that hearing, the FMIA position was fi rmly stated as being opposed to that specifi c text amendment. The board also mentioned that it could be supportive of a wine shop (not a wine shop and a wine bar) under very specifi c conditions based on those that exist for our most residential-friendly commercial zoning: the Residential Diversity Overlay (RDO). This decision surprised some in our neighborhood, so I’d like to address this specifi c issue in this letter. A few days before the hearing, the FMIA heard loud and clear the main complaints from our neighbors that have been opposed to the project: chiefl y among them: the concern that it could be a 24 hours business, and that it would be yet another place selling alcohol in an area that already has several business serving alcohol within a two blocks radius.The FMIA’s proposal addressed the fi rst complaint by suggesting it to be only an off-premise establishment and having operating hours between 7 am to 10 pm. As far as the sentiment that there are an excessive number of places serving alcohol in our neighborhood, our experience is that each application deserves an evaluation case-by-case. And when there are specifi c manageable concerns, the FMIA recommend the application of a Community Benefi ts Agreement (CBA) between the proposed alcohol selling place and the community.What is the FMIA recent experience in terms of alcohol? Over the last year and a half, the FMIA is aware of seven businesses that have requested a new alcohol license. Six have been approved:

• Cafe Istanbul (there is a CBA in place) • Mélange (FMIA met with the owner and agreed with

the new restaurant concept after talking to neighbors and listening to the owner’s business plan)

• Cafe Rose Nicaud (their alcohol license had lapsed)• Who Dat Café (the café offers wine only glasses for

consumption during the regular coffee shop hours)• Faubourg Wines (the new wine shop on St. Claude

Avenue), and most recently • Ruby Slippers (located in the same intersection of the

new proposed wine shop). But the application by the Friendly Touch on Touro Street was denied: the FMIA helped residents to oppose its request by providing a report with detailed pictures of the blighted condition of the building among testimony from neighbors. We are glad to see that this particular location on Touro is now under renovation.

The number of businesses that sell alcohol that are or have been the source of issues with neighbors is small. Over the last year and a half, the FMIA has been made aware of four issues with existing alcohol outlets (Café Istanbul, The John, the Phoenix during Decadence weekend, and Mimi’s). Yet there are around 40 such outlets in the Marigny according to our non-residential land use survey available in our website. When evaluating the opportunity for a new business to open its shop here, the issue should not be about the number of alcohol outlets that can sell alcohol in our neighborhood, but about our ability or not to resolve current issues and our ability to create mechanism in place as to minimize and avoid these issues to take place in the fi rst place. To that regard, the FMIA proposal was one that was grounded in our experience as a 40 year old neighborhood association, acknowledged the important concerns from our neighbors, and demonstrated to the City Planning Commission that our decision making process isn’t dogmatic. That being said, the FMIA is certainly very much aware of the need to have a healthy and diverse set of businesses in our neighborhood. This is why the last amendment regarding alcohol supported by the FMIA (to allow Faubourg Wines on St. Claude Avenue) as well as the proposal read at the City Planning Commission hearing was for the new uses to be a conditional use which require each new application to be reviewed by the City Planning Commission and the City Council. Our most recent history also shows that there has been even more non-alcohol business than alcohol outlets opening in the Marigny over the last year and a half. Among them we can fi nd:

• Bike shops that opened on Elysian Fields and on St. Claude Avenue

• A new furniture store at the corner of Dauphine and Mandeville

• A new coffee shop on St. Claude• A cell phone store on St. Claude• A an herbalist on Franklin Avenue• A consignment shop at the Old Fire Station on

Mandeville, and • A pet store at the corner of Burgundy and Spain

Your board is composed of professionals that have absolutely nothing to gain from irregularities in the dealings of your neighborhood. We are constantly getting feedback from the community, at our board and general meetings or privately among friends and neighbors. I hope to see you soon at our Spring Home Tour, if not before.

A bientôt, Alexandre Vialou

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What’s going on behind the fl oodwalls along the river? Here’s the latest:

• The name for the park was decided by the administration to be THE CRESCENT PARK.

• The Mandeville Wharf is about 80% complete. • The Mandeville crossing is currently on hold.

• The pilings are currently in and a new RFP should be issued shortly to complete this crossing.

• The design has once again changed to stairs leading up to a landing and then stairs back down on the opposite side and two elevators on each side of the track and fl oodwall make it ADA accessible.

• There is a panic opening at the Mandeville Street fl oodwall for emergencies.

• The park will have a new at-grade crossing for pedestrians (open only during events) at the end of Esplanade Avenue, near the wharf. This would be accessible to service and emergency vehicles.

• The Crossover bridge (Rusted Rainbow) at Piety Street is complete. It has about 70 steps up and

down, and is not considered ADA compliant.

• Much of the landscaping is now in. The park will have substantial security cameras and lighting in place when it opens.

The City has not yet entered into a formal agreement with the French Market Corporation. Our understanding is they are in discussions but have to work out funding and maintenance of the park, and that the park would NOT open to the public until an agreement has been reached.

Artist rendering of Mandeville crossing

Park name spelled out in eight-foot-tall letters on the fl ood wall is

believed to be visible from

space.

Crescent Park Update

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April 2013

Board MeetingApril 3, 7 pm, 2509 Burgundy Street

Meet the NeighborsApril 9, approximately 7:30 pm following the Riverfront Park Meeting Fatoush 2372 St. Claude in the Healing Center

General MeetingApril 15, 6:30 Pot Luck, 7:15 MeetingSt. Paul Lutheran Church, 2624 Burgundy Street

May 2013

Board MeetingMay 1, 7 pm, 2509 Burgundy Street

Meet the NeighborsMay 7, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Schiros, 2483 Royal Street.

General MeetingMay 20, 6:30 Pot Luck, 7:15 MeetingSt. Paul Lutheran Church, 2624 Burgundy Street

NONPAC MEETINGS

5th District — 2nd Wednesday6 pm, 4015 Burgundy Street

8th District — 2nd Thursday5:30 pm, 1001 Toulouse Street

GREEN MARKETS

French MarketWednesdays & Saturdays, 10 am - 5 pm

Sankofa MarketSaturdays, 10 am - 2 pmIn front of ARISE Academy at Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School, 3819 St. Claude Ave.

FREE FUN

St Claude Arts District2nd Saturday: see www.scadnola.com

Chess LessonsThursdays, 5 pm, Alvar Library, 913 Alvar Street

Rod and Shadow Puppet ShowThursday, April 18, 7 to 9 pmThe Mudlark Puppeteers will be performing The White Snake, by The Brothers Grimm. Run time: 20 minutes. The Mudlark Puppeteers will invite the audience to meet the puppets after the show. Free, light snacks.

If you have an event for the calendar please send it to John Gutekunst at

[email protected]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Food Trucks by Day . . . The popular Food Truck & Art Bazaar popped up once again at the T-Lot on St. Claude on Sunday April 7. This event was organized by My House New Orleans as part of its mission to support culinary entrepreneurs. Residents around the neighborhood and across the city enjoyed a Sunday afternoon full of delicious offerings from vendors including Beignet Roule, La Cocinita, Grilling Shelling, Empanada Intifada, Brigade Coffee, and The Fat Falafel. In addition to innovative food, the event showcases local artists and musicians. We are thankful to have this opportunity for families to meet up and enjoy an afternoon out with neighbors, and for everyone to experience the innovative fl avors of our city. Keep your taste buds peeled for the next event, typically scheduled for the fi rst Sunday of the month. More information about food trucks in the Marigny, and across the city, can be found at myhouse.drupalgardens.com.

Markets by Night . . . St. Claude comes alive at night, so come out and celebrate at the next Night Market on Saturday, April 13 from 6-10 pm. This night market features entertainment and more than 25 local vendors including artisans, designers and culinary innovators from our downtown neighborhoods. This event as also happening in conjunction with the National Main Street Conference, where our neighborhood will be visited by corridor improvement organizations from around the country. Shop. Eat. Enjoy the evening and the energy on St. Claude. Contact us with any questions at [email protected].

Art at all Times.St. Claude Main Street recently awarded $35,000 to nine local arts and cultural organizations around the St. Claude corridor. From Mardi Gras Indians and community gardens to after school writing workshops and youth orchestras, keep your eyes out for their exhibitions and events around the neighborhood. Our community is also lucky to have the dedicated and talented group of visual and performing artists who host exhibitions and events each Second Saturday along the corridor. Most events are centered at the 4000 block of St. Claude in the Bywater and at St. Roch Avenue in the Marigny, but many more are spread out along the corridor. So hop on your bike or grab a pedicab to check them all out. We are pleased to have worked with Constance and our Community Arts Advisory board to produce a map and guide to the St. Claude Arts District. This map recently appeared ArtPapers magazine, a national publication for contemporary art, and you can view it online at stclaude.org.

Happening on St. ClaudeBy Jonathan Rhodes, Volunteer Board President,St. Claude Main Street

Our ever popular Meet the Neighbors for April will be held at Fatoush, 2372 St Claude in the Healing Center following the Riverfront Park Meeting. Plan on being there, and bring your neighbors!The March event at Faubourg Wines on St. Claude was a pleasant evening for all in attendance and featured a special wine tasting.

Meet the Neighbors

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Alexandre Vialou, President: [email protected]

Miles Swanson, Vice President: [email protected]

Mark Malouse, Treasurer: [email protected]

Chris Costello, Past President: [email protected]

Gretchen Bomboy, Corresponding Secretary: [email protected]

Marshall Gries, Recording Secretary: [email protected]

John Gutekunst, Newsletter Ed.: [email protected]

Peter Horjus: [email protected]

Bill Walker: [email protected]

Advertising: [email protected]

Blight: [email protected]

Marigny Green: [email protected]

Newsletter: [email protected]

Community OutreachCrime Prevention

Development FrenchmenFundraising

Education Home Tour HospitalityMembership

NeighborhoodSpecial Projects

VolunteerWalking Tour

Washington Square Park

Web SiteZoning

For comments — email [email protected]

B O A R D M E M B E R S

C O M M I T T E E S

Do You Recieve Our Weekly E-Blast?

FMIA sends out an email blast every Sunday with important news about what’s happening in the Faubourg Marigny and surrounding area — news that you need to know! To sign up for this service, email [email protected] to be put on the list. IMPORTANT NOTE: You may need to change your email settings to allow [email protected] as an approved sender or add it to your contact list.

5th District Report — No Report

8th District Report

By Susan DrongowskiSafe Cams 8 presented on the topic of exterior home security cameras, how they can benefi t citizens as well as the police and information about what to look for when purchasing a new system. If interested in learning more about SafeCams8 or purchasing/registering your cameras, go to www.fqmd.org and click on the link at the bottom of the page for SafeCams8.The NOPD is offering the program Citizen’s Police Academy, which is designed to provide citizens with information on various functions of the New Orleans Police Department and the criminal justice system. Anyone interested can download an application at www.nola.gov or contact [email protected] Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Offi ce and the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission are seeking interested individuals to serve on 15 location-based Community Advisory Teams. Any Orleans Parish resident starting at eight years old is welcome to participate. Residents can pick up applications at the NORDC headquarters, at 800 Race Street, at the Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Offi ce, in 8E05 in City Hall, online at new.nola.gov/neighborhood-engagement, or at one of the active NORDC recreation centers.

NONPAC Meetings

Did you ever wonder who these people are?Find out at the next Meet your Neighbors!

And if you have a favorite place in the neighborhood that you think would be interested in hosting an

upcoming event, let us know by [email protected].

Mystery PhotoLast month’s photo of Rhonda Findley and James Garner at Caroling was corrctly identifi ed by Alison Wells, who won a fabulous FMIA t-shirt.

Submit mystery photos from our past to [email protected].

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By Deborah Oppenheim

To celebrate April, plant an urban garden. Vegetables have only three basic requirements: soil, light and water. Vegetables don’t have to be planted in the ground and they can grow in containers.

Tips for container gardens:• Find the right spot for your pots• Six to eight hours of sunlight a day• Access to water• Make sure your container has drainage holes and

that it is not translucent or opaque (sunlight will fry plants)

Where to grow: • On the roof of a garage

• Hanging jumbo soup cans on patio walls

• Window boxes

• A reuse pallet lends nicely on a wall

• Under roof eaves (hanging baskets)

• Galvanized water trough/drill holes for drainage

• On the patio and doorways

• Salvaged gutters

• Sidewalks

• Woolly pocket planter bags

• Terra-cotta pots

• Canvas shoe organizer

• Wooden boxes

• 5 gallon buckets

What to grow:• In general, shallow rooted plants such as lettuce,

spinach, radishes, basil, chives, peppers and most herbs need only 6 to 8 inches of soil depth to grow well

• Deeper rooted-rooted plants like squash and tomatoes need 12 inches of soil

• Tumbler tomato vines grow nicely out of hanging baskets

Resources:• New Orleans Food and Farm Network (NOFFN)

www.noffn.org was founded in 2002 to improve food and accessibility to local, sustainable, fresh foods. NOFFN is a strong supporter of urban, backyard and community gardens. NOFFN has a strong public education program to assist local gardeners and agricultural projects.

• NOLA Green Roots is a 501© (3) nonprofi t organization that facilitates garden training for participants. The fi rst community garden, Mid City Community Garden was developed by NOLA Green Roots in 2009. Their mission is to build sustainable communities through gardens. Community gardens facilitate employment, education, exercise and recreation. NOLA Green Roots will train and employ youth. The garden is located across the street from the NOLA Green Roots Main Offi ce and Specialty Store, 516 S. Salcedo St. NOLA 70119 www.midcitycommunitygarden.com.

• LSU Ag Center, www.lsuagcenter.com has (in PDF format only) a guide to plant a successful vegetable garden.

If you have a vacant lot in the Faubourg Marigny and want to have a community garden, please contact Deborah at [email protected]

Marigny Green

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Silent Auction Hotel Intercontinental

Royal St. Courtyard B&BMarigny Brasserie

Adolfo’sLe Parc Salon (Jimmy Stokes)

Court of Two SistersMarigny Manor House B&B

Café DegasHarrah’s Hotel

BoucherieFeelings Café

French Quarter Guest Houses (Holiday Inn/LaMothe House)

Bliss McCall (original oil painting)Cochon

Mr. Herman Schomaker (appraisal)Marshall Gries (simple will)

Den of Muses

Donations Boystown for space for

40th Anniversary activities. Homer Plessy School for donation

of children’s activities Catherine Markel’s family’s lumber yard

for Children’s activities too.Gene Cizek for T-shirts for volunteers

and home tour brochures.Southern Eagle for

(Budweiser & Tin Roof beer Jason Patterson and Snug Harbor

for Music sound equipment: Gene Cizek , William Hyland,

Rick Fifi eld for FMIA 40th Anniversary Presentations:

Raffl e: Wine donations from FMIA members Donna Wakeman, Bill Walker (Lost Love Lounge), Catherine Markel (Faubourg Wines), Dan Harris & Diane

Lease, and John Luckett.Chris Wecklein: Guest announcer

for the Costume ContestRick Rolston: Offi cial Fête Marigny

Poster design and performer marquees.Robért’s for Soft Drinks and WaterDan Harris & Diane Lease, Floyd

McLamb & Lion’s Inn, and Cutter’s Bar for cash donations.

Committee ChairpersonsMusic: Luke Hoar de GalvanArtist Vendors: Rick Rolston

Wine & Beer: Michelle MoylanFood Vendors:

Emily Marquis VanlandinghamChildren’s Activities:

Catherine Markel & Laura BrennerPermits and Authorizations –

Gretchen BomboyFMIA 40th Anniversary Presentations:

Dan Harris & Diane LeaseHome Tour: Gene Cizek

Volunteers: Laura BrennerEvents: Marshall Gries

Neighborhood Associations: The following neighborhood associations

publicized the Fête on their websites at no cost:

Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association

Bywater Neighborhood Association, Broadmoor Improvement Association

VCPORA John Gutekunst of GK Productions for

logo & publicity formatting work.New Orleans Sheriff Department for

donation of main festival tent.

Feté Marigny continued from page 1

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Despite your numerous visits to the Alvar Library, you may not have noticed our stunning old piano, tucked snugly away in the children’s book area. This gorgeous late 19th Century Estey piano was donated to the Alvar Library in 2009 by the Steven Spring Foundation. When Branch Manager, Linda Gielec, took over the Alvar Library, she noticed, upon playing the piano, that the piano was in very poor shape and possibly not tunable. Without a lot of money for repairs and tunings, Linda searched through old fi les detailing the piano’s donation, spoke with local community members, and eventually discovered and made contact with the stellar Mr. Marty Lastrapes. For an extremely minimal fee, Mr. Lastrapes amazingly refurbished and then retuned this lovely old piano. The Alvar Library would like to dedicate this FMIA Newsletter article to Mr. Lastrapes’ fi ne work on the Alvar piano.Mr. Marty Lastrapes, a Louisiana native of Cajun origins, began his musical career as a child playing the guitar and later the bass. He became involved in piano tuning and refurbishing when he fi rst observed Peter Spring, of the Steven Spring Foundation, tuning a friend’s piano. Mr. Lastrapes became intensely interested in Peter’s work and soon became Peter’s apprentice; learning to move, tune, and repair the multitude of piano’s donated to the Steven Spring Foundation. When the Steven Spring Foundation in New Orleans dissolved, Mr. Lastrapes took over the work of the Peter Spring Foundation and currently works out of the Lower 9th Ward Village community center in Holy Cross. Mr. Lastrapes is currently working on his stored collection of 10 to 12 pianos. Just as Branch Manager Linda Gielec suspected, the Alvar piano needed a refurbishment far beyond a simple tuning. Mr. Lastrapes threw his whole heart and wealth of musical knowledge into Alvar’s piano, refurbishing

the deteriorated hammers, fi xing the action, adjusting the regulation, and lastly retuning the piano. The parts needed for these repairs were mostly obsolete thus leaving Mr. Lastrapes to laboriously improvise and invent fi tting repairs without exact match parts. All told, Mr. Lastrapes spent over 20 hours working on the Alvar piano throughout the months of July and October, 2012!Mr. Lastrapes’ latest notable local piano refurbishment

was of a 1901 upright Mason and Hamlin piano that he restrung, replaced hammers, and completely refurbished from the inside out. This very special piano may just be the featured piano in the latest recording of King James & the Special Men. Mr. Lastrapes would love to eventually attain his goal of securing his own warehouse to store more pianos for refurbishment and parts and to work further on fully refurbishing more exceptionally worthy old

pianos. If you would like to contact

Mr. Lastrapes about a piano donation or his piano services, you can reach him at (504) 818-8749. Mr. Lastrapes has experience in moving, tuning, and refurbishing old pianos and can also help you fi nd a piano in your price range and he can help you to decide if an old piano you’re considering buying is actually worth buying and refurbishing. We at the Alvar library would like to end this article once again expressing our gratitude to Mr. Marty Lastrapes for his amazing work on our once dismally decrepit, now shining and resurrected, old Estey piano! If you or someone you know is interested in a small performance on this piano, please contact the Alvar Library at (504) 596-2667 to set up an interview and possible recital date. The Alvar Library is looking to further involve local musicians in using our beautiful piano relic.

Alvar Library Piano Refurbished

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Mr. Marty Lastrapes and the Alvar Library Estey piano.

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Members Present: Alex Vialou, Miles Swanson, Gretchen Bomboy, Peter Horjus, Bill Walker, John Gutekunst, Mark Malouse, Marshall Gries, Chris CostelloMembers Absent: NoneGuests: Organization:Brondae Branch, MetroDog Media – New Orleans based media company.Travis Henry, Seidist – Independent art fi rm specializing in music and video.Diana McDermott, Co-chair of My NOLA Park, non-profi t Dabne Whitemore, Co-chair of My NOLA Park, non-profi tLuke Hoar de Galvan, Committee Chairman for music, Fête MarignyMichele Jones, Neighbor from Marigny TriangleSue Hall, Neighbor from Marigny Triangle Meeting called to order (time): 7:00 p.m. By: Alex Vialou Previous Meeting Minutes: Read? No, distributed by e-mail Approved: Yes

ANNOUNCEMENTSNone.

COMMUNITY REQUESTS/PRESENTATIONS1) BRONDAE BRANCH AND TRAVIS HENRY: Brondae Branch and Travis Henry are both residents of the city and they would like to bring the “Balcony TV” series to New Orleans. Balcony TV is a popular online music franchise that features bands performing from balconies in cities the world. Performances can be viewed online from London, Austin, New York, Lisbon, Sydney, Dublin, etc. (www.balconytv.com) Mssrs. Branch and Henry had the opportunity to visit the Healing Center’s rooftop spiritual space and discovered it had an excellent vista of the New Orleans skyline; the perfect location to record a New Orleans edition of Balcony TV. They are sensitive to neighbors’ concerns about this type of project so they contacted the FMIA.Once or twice per month they would like to fi lm/video record 2 or 3 groups on the Healing Center rooftop. The performances and interviews will not be for a public audience so loud amplifi cation is not necessary. Filming/recording of the various performances and interviews would

take place in the daytime against the city skyline; between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. President Alex Vialou responded that quality of life issues are always the FMIA’s focus and the neighbors would need to be consulted. Many service industry employees reside in the neighborhood it is possible that daytime performances could be an issue. The board thanked Mr. Branch and Mr. Henry for their interest and their consideration in coming to the FMIA. Peter Horjus suggested that the FMIA fi rst contact the Healing Center to see how they feel about the proposal. Secondly, the neighbors must be consulted. Lastly, if there is no opposition then a trial period for the recordings could be scheduled. If the quality of life suffers as a result of the activity it could be cancelled. Chris Costello suggested that it would be more appropriate for Mssrs. Brondae and Henry to ask the Healing Center what is permitted under the provisos of their Conditional Use permit. The Healing Center should verify with the City if the proposed activity is even permitted. Chris Costello moved to send an e-mail to Nicole Webre of Cmbr. Palmer’s offi ce as well as the Healing Center ask-ing whether the proposed activity is permitted under the provisos of the Conditional Use that was granted to the Healing Center. Marshall Gries seconded. All voted in favor. Alex Vialou to draft and send the e-mail. 2) Diane McDermott and Dabne Whitemore: Ms. McDermott and Ms. Whitemore are co-organizers for MyNOLApark, a non-profi t organiza-tion whose goal it is to convert vacant space in the Historic Tremé District into a community green space for visitors and residents. They are pro-moting adaptive reuse of several vacant parcels in the Historic Tremé District for community gardens and urban agriculture. Of the 122 vacant lots within the Tremé the parcel located at 1151 Esplanade Avenue, just riverside of the new Aloysius apartments, is viewed as particularly well suited for a farming project as it represents nearly a half a block of vacant property. That property is currently being considered for in-fi ll housing.Current Historic zoning, which the Tremé shares with the Marigny, does not provide for either community gardens or urban agriculture in residen-tially zoned areas. All other neighborhoods (except the Vieux Carré) per-mit private gardens, truck gardens, nurseries, farming, animal raising, etc. subject to certain restrictions. Language in the new draft Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO), if adopted, includes community gardens for the Marigny/Tremé districts.Currently, the historic building next to the area as well as some nearby lots are for sale. This is an opportunity to partner with local groups to build the park and add some new features and programs such as a com-munity garden, farm-to-table cooking classes, and possibly an on-site

FMIA Board Meeting MinutesMarch 6, 2012

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café. They are also excited about the possibility of developing other con-cepts such as aquaponics, where fi sh and plants live together in one eco-system. Because Tremé and Marigny zoning are joined, Ms. McDermott and Ms. Whitemore are asking for the FMIA’s support of the project, at least in principle.The board discussed sustainable green gardens in neighborhood. The new draft CZO allows them in Marigny and Treme. Peter Horjus is to draft e-mail of general support to circulate for review and comment.3) LUKE HOAR de GALVAN: Luke was committee chairman for the Music committee for last year’s Fête Marigny and did a great job lining up musical groups for the day. President Alex Vialou asked him if he would be willing and/or able to take on the role of organizer for a second annual fête, to continue the tradition. Luke said he would be happy to be this year’s chairman. Luke and Marshall Gries will schedule a meeting to go over notes from the 2012 fête and discuss the next steps forward.4) MICHELE JONES and SUE HALL: Michelle and Sue voiced their op-position to the proposed new wine shop/bar in the Triangle. They are not in favor of any change to the current HMC-1 zoning. They noted that there are already two bars and three restaurants that serve alcohol within one block of the proposed location. They see no need for further alcohol sales in the neighborhood. They would prefer to have more needed amenities move into the neighborhood. Discussion ensued about the recent change to HMC-2 zoning which now permits wine shops/bars on a conditional basis. President Alex Vialou noted that the HMC-2 zoning is very restrictive. One problem for expand-ing wine stores to HMC-1 locations is lack of enforcement. If a new busi-ness does not comply with the restrictions, who enforces the activity? Further, a change to HMC-1 zoning would affect all HMC-1 zoned parcels in the Marigny, not just the requested location. It was also mentioned that we share zoning with the Tremé so a change for our zoning would apply equally to the Tremé.Chris Costello moved to reject extending the HMC-2 wine store defi nition to HMC-1 zoned areas. The guidelines and restrictions that were drafted for HMC-2 are not appropriate for the more residential HMC-1 areas. Mark Malouse seconds. All vote in favor. Chris Costello is to draft the letter to the CPC.

ADMINISTRATION1. APPROVALS BY E-MAIL: 2/27/13 8 votes to approve February minutes for board and general meetings. 2. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: President Alex Vialou discussed the impor-tance of following the established process and procedures in dealing with

the City. The FMIA has a process which is important to follow in han-dling its business: 1) listen to neighbors concerns, 2) dialog and discus-sion, and 3) contact the relevant city authorities when appropriate. It is important to remember that the city provides important information to the neighborhoods. Alex explained that the City is genuinely interested in hearing from the neighborhoods and, although the process can be frus-trating, it is important to persevere and stay with the process.3. TREASURER’S REPORT: There were no expenditures and no income since the last board meeting.

4. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a) Information and Newsletter Committee: There will be an additional 100 copies of the Newsletter printed this month to be dropped off at ad-ditional distribution points. It was also suggested to send copies to Nola.com, the Advocate, and the Lens.b) Marigny Green: Chris Costello has spoken with Deborah Oppenheim about distributing energy effi cient light bulbs free of charge at the next general meeting.c) Blight: Alex Vialou noted that 501 Elysian Fields is blighted. He will compose a comprehensive list of all blighted properties in the Marigny.d) Parking: Nothing new reported.e) Zoning: Peter Horjus and Marshall Gries are currently reviewing the City’s proposed changes to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Next up for review is the Riverfront Overlay.f) 511 Marigny: The city reinspected the 511 Marigny project for compli-ance but as of the time of the board meeting no report has been issued.g) Washington Square Park: Nothing new reported.h) Caroling: Nothing new reported.i) Home Tour: Sts. Peter and Paul church will be on the tour this year and will provide parking for tour goers. There are already four homes on the tour. Krewe du Vieux has offered to host a party after the tour where the Krewe’s fl oats will be on display. If the party lasts past sundown the fl oats will be illuminated. The Marigny Opera House (former Holy Trinity church) may be on the tour as well as Lazarus House. There is an immedi-ate need for publicity.

OLD BUSINESSa) Mimi’s: Miles Swanson and Alex Vialou attended a meeting with the owners of 2601 Franklin Ave. and the owners of the business (Mimi’s). Both property and business owners believe that the bar is operating le-gally. The discussion that followed focused on what action to take next. Pursuing enforcement within the City’s rules and procedures was dis-cussed as was enforcement at the State level. Alex Vialou is to contact


FMIA Board Meeting Minutes March 6, 2012 — continued from page 11

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FMIA Board Meeting Minutes March 6, 2012 — continued from page 12

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(Dan McMahan(sp?) with the City Attorney’s Offi ce to continue efforts at the city level. The FMIA will initiate contact with the State Alcohol and Tobacco Control Board (ATC) and arrange to fi le a complaint. Gretchen Bomboy so moved and Chris Costello seconded. All voted in favor. Alex Vialou said the owners have indicated that they would like another meeting to address the issues one at a time. There was consensus that the issues had all been discussed and there was no need for another meeting. Peter Horjus moved that Miles Swanson should write an e-mail summa-rizing the issues for the owners. Chris Costello seconded. All voted in favor.b) Café Istanbul: Nothing New.c) Food Trucks: It was noted that the proposal for additional food trucks had been amended. The distance a food truck may operate from a restau-rant was increased from 50 to 100 feet. There will be no food trucks in the Frenchmen St. Arts and Culture Overlay.d) Habana Outpost: The scheduled meeting with the CPC was postponed pending submission of a modifi ed plan.e) Riverfront Park: Riverfront liaison Ken Caron said that although there appears to be a strong preference for the French market Corporation, there has been no selection yet of the entity that will operate the park. A brief discussion ensued concerning a fi xed stage. It was clarifi ed that the FMIA does not support a fi xed stage. The performance area is to be a multi-purpose facility and should remain fl exible in order to accommo-date various uses.f) 511 Marigny Street: The stadium lighting used in the 511 Marigny park-ing lot which shone in neighbors’ windows has been addressed. There is still concern raised by a posting on Craigslist that indicates there is a swimming pool which was not approved in the original plan. Chris Costello noted that there is a weakness in the planning process which al-lows a subsequent change to an approved plan without public input. The board has already issued a letter asking the city for a compliance review.

NEW BUSINESSa) St. Claude Ave. Streetcar: Bill Walker attended a community outreach meeting on Tuesday, 3/5/13. He will distribute a summary of the meet-ing via e-mail.b) St. Claude Mainstreet Park: Bill Walker to write summary and distrib-ute by e-mail.c) Banners: Neometix, of 1928 Burgundy Street, has volunteered to re-place missing and damaged banners free of charge. There will be only be the $300 fee for the bucket truck which is needed for installation. Mark Malouse moves to approve the expenditure. Bill Walker seconds. All vote in favor.

d) Holy Cross Neighborhood: The city is considering a request for a height waiver for a project in the Holy Cross neighborhood, just down-river from the Bywater. Current zoning limits building heights at 75 feet. The proposed building would be 125 feet tall. In addition, the fi rst (bot-tom) 20 feet will be solely for parking with residences starting above that. The result would be a streetscape of parked cars. Chris Costello moved to support the Holy Cross neighborhood in its opposition to the proposed height variance. Alex Vialou seconds. Seven votes in favor, one abstention.

ORCHIDS & ONIONS:Orchids: Ken Caron for his work as neighborhood liaison for the Riverfront Park.Onions: None proposed.

MOTIONS: 1) Motion to send e-mail to Nicole Webre of Cmbr. Palmer’s offi ce asking whether use of the Healing Center rooftop for fi lming music videos and interviews is permitted.Moved: Chris Costello Seconded: Marshall Gries Vote: Approved unanimously2) Motion to communicate the FMIA’s opposition to extending the HMC-2 wine store defi nition to HMC-1 zoned areas. Moved: Chris Costello Seconded: Mark Malouse Vote: Approved unanimously3) Motion to contact Dan McNamara of the City Attorney’s Offi ce to pur-sue enforcement of ordinances related to Mimi’s bar and to contact the state Alcohol and Tobacco Control Board (ATC).Moved: Gretchen Bomboy Seconded: Chris Costello Vote: Approved unanimously4) Motion to send owners of 2601 Franklin Avenue a letter summarizing the issues regarding Mimi’s.Moved: Peter Horjus Seconded: Chris Costello Vote: Approved unanimously 5) Motion to accept Neometix offer to replace FMIA banners on Elysian Fields and pay the $300 associated with installation.Moved: Mark Malouse Second: Bill Walker Vote: Approved unanimously6) Motion to support the Holy Cross neighborhood in opposition to the proposed height variance to 125 feet.Motion: Chris Costello Second: Alex Vialou Vote: 7 in favor, one abstention7) Motion to schedule a meeting with Cmbr. Palmer around the time of Jazz Fest to discuss the neighborhood’s responses to the draft CZO.Motion: Peter Horjus Second: Gretchen Bomboy Vote: Approved unanimously Meeting Adjourned Time: 9:17 p.m.

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Meeting Called to Order (Time): 7:16 P.M. by President Alex Vialou.

WELCOME / INTRODUCTIONPresident Alex Vialou welcomed all to the March 1j8th General Meeting of the FMIA. New Faces / New Members:Connie Wyant lives in the 2400 block of Dauphine St.David Bess lives in the 900 block of Touro St.

ANNOUNCEMENTS / SPEAKERSAnnouncements: Deborah Oppenheimer, chairperson of the Marigny Green Committee an-nounced a green light bulb giveaway. All guests were invited to pick up an eco-friendly outside porch light bulb for free.Deborah also updated members about the spring Home Tour. This year the home tour will take place without the other activities of the past such as artist booths or music: for spring 2013 it will be solely a home tour. The tour will begin at Sts. Peter and Paul where tickets will be on sale. There are already 8 or 9 houses on the tour. Tour hours will be from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. and this year the circuit will feature homes and businesses in the rectangle. Also featured this year are two decommissioned churches: Sts. Peter and Paul on North Rampart St. and Holy Trinity, now the “Marigny Opera House” on St. Ferdinand St. The day’s activities will end with a tour of the Den of Muses, home to the Krewe du Vieux and its fl oats. If the tour lasts past sundown the fl oats will be illuminated. As always, it will take a lot of volunteers to ensure the tour’s success. Each home will require at least one sitter (docent), many will require two. Volunteers can sign up for two hour shifts, either from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. or from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. All volunteers will be entitled to take the tour free of charge.Money from the tour will go to repair and improve Washington Square Park with a priority to repairing the broken gate at the corner of Dauphine and Frenchmen Sts.Speakers:1) JEANETTE WILLIAMS: Ofc. Jeanette Williams is the Quality of Life Offi cer for the 8th District (from Esplanade to Franklin Avenues). Ofc. Williams confi rmed an increase in crime in the area. Home and car burglaries have both increased, both at night and during the day. Ofc. Williams told the audience to be prudent with their property. It is impor-tant to leave porch lights on, use cameras if possible, and leave nothing

valuable (or potentially valuable) in plain sight. She noted one incident where the interior mount for a gps seemed to be the motivation for break-ing into a vehicle – in the hope of fi nding the missing gps inside. She encouraged everyone to call 911 if we see strangers in the area. It is better to call and have the incident turn out to be nothing than not to call at all.One Royal Street resident reported a shooting by the corner of Royal and Mandeville St. close to the Orange Couch Café on Sunday night, March 17. Ofc. Williams was not familiar with the incident but she reiterated that everyone needs to remain vigilant, especially when walking late at night. The aggravated battery by the Friendly bar is still being investigated. There are no suspects or arrests yet. Ofc. Williams asked for coopera-tion from the residents who have video cameras. They are a great help to the NOPD in solving crime. The 8th district has a public safety initiative called SafeCams8 where video camera owners can register their cameras with the NOPD. Owners provide contact information so when a crime does occur in the area where a camera is registered, the NOPD can contact the owners in the vicinity and ask to review the video footage. NOPD detectives are the only ones with information about the cameras. Anyone interested in the program should contact fqmd.org or safecams8.blogspot.com.2) VICTORIA GUIDRY: Ofc. Victoria Guidry is the Quality of Life Offi cer for the 5th District (from Franklin to the railroad tracks). Ofc. Guidry re-ported that Offi cer John Passaro, who was shot during an armed robbery of the Dollar General store at the corner of Poland and St. Claude was still in the hospital and will likely be permanently paralyzed from the waist down. There have been tips concerning the shooting but no suspects or arrests yet. There will be a fund raiser on April 17th at Generation’s Hall event center at 310 Andrew Higgins Drive by the World War II museum. Proceeds will be used to make Ofc. Passaro’s home handicap accessible. 3) LISA SUAREZ: Lisa Suarez is a Marigny resident and lives by to the new 511 Marigny development. The construction is nearing completion. Lisa advised attendees that the parking variance granted the owner was for 48 parking spaces, based on 80% one bedroom units and 20% two bed-room units. No three bedroom units were in the plans. Lisa reported that there will be 80% two bedroom units and 20% 3 bedroom units. If this is the case it will signifi cantly increase the number of parking spaces needed. She noted that an ad on Craigslist currently advertises a three bedroom unit for $2900 per month with an additional $100 for a parking space. One parking place was to go with each unit at no charge. She stated that the result of this is that even more cars will be vying for parking on the streets. Lisa also reported other violations including parking lot lights and a swimming pool (also advertised in the Craigslist posting) which was not approved in the original plans. Lisa reminded everyone of the need to re-main vigilant during the construction process of a project. Jim Farr, FMIA member and former president, suggested that the neighborhood partici-pate in negotiations for projects and require a pre-construction conference through our Councilmember to review construction hours, variances, etc. Jim expressed frustration that the FMIA is sometimes accused of being anti-business but then when a project is approved, developers do not fol-low their plans or keep their promises. Jim reminded the audience that the redevelopment of Hubig’s and Frankie and Johnny’s will also be coming down the pike. He suggested that not only Councilmember Palmer be included in the communications with the developers but also the two at-large councilmembers.4) TROY GANT AND KEN CARON: President Alex Vialou explained that Troy Gant would like to open a wine bar/shop at 1938 Burgundy St. Wine bar/shops are a newly approved addition to HMC-2 zoning but are not permitted in HMC-1. Mr. Gant’s property at 1938 Burgundy is zoned HMC-1 and so he is seeking to add the use to HMC-1. Because wine bar/shops are conditional uses Mr. Gant is also seeking the condi-tional use permit. The application is currently before the City Planning Commission’s staff. Alex explained that the FMIA had not seen the cur-rent version of the proposal and has not been in the loop. The FMIA did oppose 100% a straight expansion of the HMC-2 defi nition into HMC-1 areas. Ken Caron requested to make a presentation opposing the expan-sion to the location.TROY GANT: Mr. Gant stated that he moved forward with his plans to the CPC when he heard via e-mail communications that the FMIA had taken no position on his proposal. He told members that the project will be the fi rst of its kind inside the neighborhood. Troy presented his as-sociate Mr. Louis Keyes who has worked for 18 years in the spirit and wine business. Mr. Keys is a local New Orleanian who has worked for large food and beverage companies such as Seagrams. Their vision for the business is to become “Marigny’s wine shop”, a boutique wine shop. The building only has 1700 square feet which limits the scope of the busi-ness. While they would like to serve espresso and juices, the emphasis will be on wine. Their wine selection would be comprised of 50% known/marketed wines but for the rest they would like to offer new wines. They would also like to have wine education as part of the business. They sug-gested three tastings per week each one based on a theme, e.g., matching wines to a famous local dish. Anticipated hours are Mon – Thu: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Fri – Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday, undecided.Because wine bars/shops are currently permitted only in HMC-2 Troy has asked to extend the defi nition to HMC-1 which would allow him to open his shop at 1938 Burgundy. In response to concerns that the wine shop could “morph” into a bar, Troy reminded everyone that as an HMC-1 zoned property he currently has the right to ask for a cocktail lounge

FMIA General Meeting MinutesMarch 18, 2013


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Ideas, Comments, Concerns, Suggestions:

permit, but that is not what he is requesting. As for parking, he hopes to lease 6 parking spots behind the building to accommodate customers.There will be an open house at the location (1938 Burgundy St.) on Saturday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m. and Troy invited everyone to attend.KEN CARON: Ken Caron lives on Burgundy Street near the proposed location. Ken opposes the project. Ken clarifi ed that his response to the proposal was initially based on the FMIA board minutes that indicated that the business would be open on a 24 hour basis, it would have delivery service, etc.. Although the current plans are not for a 24 hour business Ken stated that the Marigny already has a wine bar/shop: Faubourg Wines, the new store on St. Claude Avenue. Faubourg Wines is in an HMC-2 zoned area. He said extending the concept into interior residential areas is not in the spirit of the Residential Diversity Overlay (RDO). Ken asked what it added to the neighborhood. Ken then touched on the “morph” factor, explaining how the Marigny has witnessed many businesses start out with one vision but gradually devel-op (morph) into something different. Ken stated that there are currently 50 liquor licenses in the Marigny which should be more than adequate for the population.Ken then asked the membership to consider a moratorium on new liquor licenses. This would not affect any businesses that already have a license but for any new applicants it would require a specifi c waiver from City Council in order to get a license. It would add a layer of protection against new bars but only lasts for 12 to 18 months.President Alex Vialou announced that the CPC Staff Report will be posted on the FMIA website as soon as it is released (Thursday). The ensuing dis-cussion focused on whether a liquor permit would run with the property of if it has to be reapplied for with each new owner. There was no agree-ment on this point. It was also proposed to simply tailor a defi nition for HMC-1 that refl ected a less intensive use than the HMC-2 version. Alex wound up the discussion by reminding everyone how important it is to remain engaged in the process.(HMC-2 zoning is more intensive than HMC-1 and is found along major corridors such as St. Claude and Elysian Fields avenues. HMC-1 is less intensive use. HMC-1 parcels are found on smaller streets and spot zoned inside residential areas.)

UPDATES / COMMITTEE REPORTSCommittees: Parking: Alex Vialou stated that while we are aware of the proposed changes to the Residential Parking permitting rules (one permit per

residence visitor passes only on demand and for a fee) nothing has been fi nalized yet and we have heard nothing from the City.Marigny Green: See above. Home Tour: See above.DISCUSSION TOPICSSt. Claude Avenue Streetcar: Vice President Miles Swanson reported that approximately 60% of the planning for the project is completed. The proj-ect is due to commence in January 2014 and should take approximately 15 to 18 months to complete. Because of the utilities in the neutral ground the streetcar tracks will run in the street. During rush hour the lanes will be dedicated solely to the streetcars but semi-dedicated at other times. There will also be a dedicated bicycle lane on the lake side of N. Rampart Street but only a shared lane on the river side of the street. Miles noted that the data used in the study and upon which the decisions were based need to be reviewed. Riverfront Park: The park is still projected to open this year but initial-ly there will only be one opening; on Piety Street in the Bywater. When events are scheduled there will be access through the public belt railroad tracks at the foot of Esplanade. A Bywater resident, Rhonda, who is also an FMIA member urged the two neighborhood groups to coordinate their efforts related to the riverfront park. A united vision of the park will carry more weight with the City.Sts. Peter and Paul Church: Blake Jones, new owner of the church has asked the neighborhood for possible uses for the property. He hasn’t re-ceived any responses. There are rumors of a Hollywood production com-pany moving there. Currently, the parcel is zoned residential. There was a suggestion to submit ideas to the FMIA website.Bishop Perry School: Bishop Perry School (across the street from La Peniche restaurant) has been used as a school for single pregnant wom-en. However, the last student has graduated and the catholic church is looking to “repurpose” the building. Mark Malouse attended a meeting where Father William Maestri explained the church’s vision for the prop-erty. They would like to have an outreach ministry to the unchurched and transient non-traditional populations in the Marigny and French Quarter areas. There will be no soup kitchen nor will there be any overnight acco-modations. There will be a presentation at the next FMIA board meeting. Café Bamboula: The application for Café Bamboula on Frenchmen street has been withdrawn.Dat Dog: The new restaurant on corner of Frenchmen and Chartres has been approved by both the HDLOC and the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA).520 Frenchmen: Plans for the construction (new restaurant) on what is currently a vacant lot have been approved.The meeting adjourned at 8:35

FMIA General Meeting Minutes March 18, 2013 — continued from page 14

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