ERTCA Flag Contest

We proudly present the winners of the ERTCA  Flag Contest open to students of Clark High School and judged by Rhodesia Douglas, pPat O'Brien and Jonas Nash. The First Prize Winner will soon be available as a full size flag for purchase thru ERTCA.

First Prize Winner- Kariem Ramee

Second Prize Winner- Greg Brumfield

Third Prize Winner- Troy Williams

TUESDAY, JULY 8th, Properties for Sale in Various Neighborhoods: An Informational Workshop

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. July 8th, 2008, 6:00 p.m. at the PRC, 923 Tchoupitoulas St.

Gumbo: In Memorium

I-10 Overpass Removal

The ERTCA Board has voted to support the long term plan, included in the United New Orleans Plan, to remove the I-10 overpass and restore Claiborne Avenue with its neutral ground from the superdome to Elysian Fields.

Before the interstate’s construction Claiborne Avenue was a vital commercial corridor for our neighborhood and also, with its wide neutral ground, provided green space in an area of the city sorely lacking in parks. With the addition of the overpass, the commercial buildings of Claiborne have fallen into disrepair, been abandoned or fallen victim to fire. The green space has been replaced with dark, uninviting concrete expanses under the highway. Access ramps have divided our neighborhood in two, creating dead ends and cut-off streets that have lead to blocks and blocks of abandoned housing.

With the removal of the overpass our neighborhood could restore its natural main street, Claiborne Avenue, and St. Bernard Circle, replant the great oaks that once marched down the avenue, knit the community back together again and begin to stabilize a community that for over 30 years has been under assault by the destabilizing and destructive influence of the I-10 overpass. A recent example of what could happen with the highway’s removal is in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Camp Street in the Lower Garden District.  In the 1990s, neighbors successfully lobbied the Department of Transportation to remove that up ramp that marred the neighborhood and was built on parkspace.  Those blocks are now completely occupied and mostly restored, and the neighborhood has thrived since then.

The ERTCA Board supports the study for cost and traffic implications in removing the I-10 overpass.

HDLC – New Esplanade Ridge Representative

Long time neighborhood resident James Perry has been nominated for the now empty seat for Esplanade Ridge at the HDLC with the full backing ERTCA. James attended the March General Membership Meeting and discussed his views on HDLC enforcement, expansion of full control of the district and public education about HDLC requirements. He hopes to lead the HDLC in setting up educational programs on public access cable television and through educational mailers. He also stated that he supports expansion of full control the Esplanade Ridge District to beyond the narrow corridor along Esplanade.

James should be installed on the board by mid May. We hope to have im again at future monthly meetings.

Treme Charter Elementary School

Treme Charter Elementary School Board President Roslyn Smith spoke at the February General Membership meeting about the exciting, high standards academic program they are implementing at the former McDonough 42. Treme Charter is looking to expand student representation from the immediate neighborhood. They are also looking for a neighborhood resident with business experience to volunteer to serve on their Board. If you have the know-how and the time please call Roslyn Smith at 942-3660.

Tree Plantings

In January ERTCA received 15 crepe myrtles and a magnolia tree for planting in public ways and parks in our neighborhood through the Releaf New Orleans Program by Parkway Partners. These were distributed by Bill Edwards to ERTCA members who had signed up for planting in front of or near their house. This is a continuing program so look for future opportunities to sign up for plantings donated by Parkway Partners.

Lafitte Housing Project

Now that Mayor Nagin has signed the demolition permit for Lafitte Housing Project check out the rebuilding plans by Providence Community Housing at http://www.providencecommunityhousing.org/Designs.html