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Bonnabel Civic Association
General Meeting
November 30, 2006 
Lakeshore Playground
1125 Rosa Ave., Metairie, LA.

Robert Evans, president, called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. The pledge to the flag followed. 

Francis Haydel moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes. Hugh Cowan seconded the motion. Josh Loeske reported approximately $12,000 in the bank. Robert Evans introduced the BCA board members.

Robert Evans introduced the speaker, Jennifer Sneed to speak on the beautification of Bonnabel Blvd. and the effects of the I-10 improvements on traffic flow. Ms. Sneed first recognized Ruby Noble, an activist who leads our delegation on the state legislature. Ms. Sneed said that Pontiff playground is in a fight with FEMA about repairs. The parish feels the buildings need to be completely torn down and rebuilt, but FEMA says the buildings do not meet the 50% test.

We are in a better position now with hurricane protection than the meeting held at The Ridgeway after the hurricane. The levees must be repaired. There are still areas of Jefferson in need of adequate protection. The pump station safe houses are in operation. They can withstand tornados and tidal surges. The air suppression systems are fully operational and the remote controls are installed. The pump operators will not be evacuated again. Pump station #6 and the Harvey Canal still need work.

There is still some uncertainly about the future. The newspaper reported on Nov. 30, 2006 that 3,614 new businesses have opened. Sales tax collection us up 50%. Our bond rating is an A, higher than the state bond rating. The parish has budgeted conservatively, and is not dipping into reserves. No one has been laid off. The Sheriff is well aware of safety in neighborhoods. He wants to step-up neighborhood watches. Ms. Sneed suggested that when in doubt, citizens should call 911. The parish is optimistic about the business climate. There are concerns about the Corps of Engineers. There is a need to move on to the quality of life we deserve in Jefferson Parish and that we have come to expect.

Ms. Sneed has drafted a resolution to protect the landscaping when the state and/or parish does work on a right of way. Greg Cantrell will develop a long term and a short term beautification plan for Bonnabel Blvd. and the live oaks on the median.

There are concerns about traffic changes in the neighborhood. The parish is advertising for a firm to do a traffic impact study. We want to preserve the quality of life in the neighborhood.

Michael Stack from the transportation department said that the state will not post a detour into a neighborhood. The major part of the construction will be completed in 18 months to 2 years. There is major work to be done on drainage and on the westbound ramp. The project is on schedule. There are 2 projects at Causeway and 1 at Clearview and Veterans that will be coming soon. 

Scott Schayot, an attendee, requested that the construction trucks drive more slowly on Hesoid. Another attendee suggested a shopping center exit at Severn.

The discussion moved to beautification. We want to improve beautification on Codifer Blvd. also. Greg Cantrell, a landscape architect, has developed a base plan. He has looked at the overall site and how it will tie into the intersections. He is doing a site analysis. He is working closely with Jefferson Parish and with current maintenance practices. The goal is to have a long lasting, majestic boulevard. It will take 2 months or more to complete the plans. He would like input from residents and from the parish. We must protect our existing assets.

Ms. Sneed feels Cox and Entergy must develop a plan so that indiscriminate chopping of trees will not happen again. We are poised for more donations for beautification.

Michael Stack said that the sate has money for an enhancement program for the space between I-10 and the sound wall. 

Greg Cantrell said that the base plan for Bonnabel Blvd. would include the median on Codifer Blvd. Jennifer Sneed said that there is money set aside for Codifer. Some trees will be removed that were haphazardly planted. 

Several attendees requested that a traffic signal be installed at the corner of Codifer Blvd. and Bonnabel Blvd.

Bob Evans recognized Kai Adams, the parish parkway director.

Hugh Cowan discussed zoning violations. He stressed the need to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood. He noted that when we pursue a zoning violation, there does not seem to be any follow through by the parish.

Ms. Sneed stated that the parish has formed an environmental court to address quality of life issues in the parish. Lakeshore Library recently received a grant from the Gates foundation. The parish is trying to decide whether to build a larger library in another location, to repair the present building, or to tear the present building down and build another one on the same site. Lakeshore branch will reopen in the area

Robert Evans thanked Ms. Sneed and the other guests. 

Sally Bourgeois moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 pm. 

Respectfully submitted,



Marilyn M. Malone, secretary 

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