MAYOR CANTRELL, PARK PARTNERS TO DISCUSS PARKS
MILLAGE PROPOSAL IN NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS
NEW ORLEANS — Join Mayor LaToya Cantrell and New Orleans' Park Partners to learn more about the city-wide parks millage proposal in a series of neighborhood meetings that will run from Feb. 7 through Feb. 25 throughout the city.
This proposal will not raise new taxes. The plan being put before the voters would adjust the millage rates for the Audubon Commission, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) and Parks and Parkways in part to allow City Park to finally receive dedicated funding. Audubon’s proposed adjusted millage would be reduced to 1.95 mills ($6.59 million) from 3.31 mills ($10.92 million); NORDC's adjusted millage would be increased to 1.95 mills ($6.59 million) from 1.5 mills ($4.95 million); and Parks and Parkways’ millage would be increased to 1.8 mills (or $6.08 million). This adjustment would allow City Park to have a millage of .61 mills (nearly $2.06 million). The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance to put the proposal before voters on a referendum May 4, 2019.
All meetings will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
DISTRICT A MEETING -- FEB. 12
City Park, Parkview Terrace Room
DISTRICT B MEETING -- FEB. 7
Lyons Recreation Center
DISTRICT C MEETING -- FEB. 13
Algiers Regional Library
DISTRICT D MEETING -- FEB. 19
Corpus Christi Community Center
DISTRICT E MEETING -- FEB. 25
East New Orleans Regional Library
Here's how each of the Park Partners would benefit from the proposal:
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City Park, which will receive City funding for the first time, will be able to provide security patrols that can operate 24/7 to ensure park safety. Additional funding will also help with repairs to its aging infrastructure while improving its stormwater drainage, among many other benefits.
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NORDC, meanwhile, can leverage its increased funding to expand its programming and open up opportunities to partner with outside entities to provide other services – whether it’s for young children, teens or senior citizens.
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Audubon Commission, with its dedicated funding in place, can enrich recreational programming for our kids, while making capital improvements and increased programming at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center and the Wilderness Park on the West Bank. Audubon also has committed itself to expand access and programs for the community, including free and discounted days, a library pass partnership, and more opportunities that connect New Orleanians to nature.
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Parks and Parkways can use its increased funding to pay for two additional grounds maintenance crews, one additional forestry crew and all of their supporting equipment to continue beautifying our public green spaces, neutral grounds and corridors.
Mayor Cantrell also will set up an inter-agency coordinating group, which is in line with the City's Master Plan to create more collaboration among the managing agencies of four of the city's most important park spaces.
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