French Quarter Business Association 

Volunteer with our VC-GAP on May 21st!  
May 2011 Around the Quarter Newsletter
In This Issue
FQBA Committee Reports
City Council Redistricting
Following Up
Crescent City Connection
RTA Streetcar Expansion
LA State Commercial Tax Credits
Graffiti Cleanup
Get Away in the Vieux Carre
Member News
May Events
2011 Lunch Forums
Photos
Association Information
Quick Links
 
 
 
  

Join Our Mailing List

 

Find us on Facebook

Member Specials
each will click through to more information
Special Hours

bayona

degas house
Come Shop & Park!
fmc parking
A New FQ App
irvin's playhouse
New Design Company 
gk productions
Official Jazz Fest Express "Inside the gates like no other shuttle"
grayline
Office Space for
Sub-Lease 400 N. Peters
green fields
Private Event
Special Offer
HOB

Mahalia Jackson
Theater Events
MJT
 Jazz Fest eBible
OffBeat
IOB
Special Jazz Fest Hours
La divina
Tuesday & Wednesday Wine Dinners
FQ wine fest
Special Events All Year
at Hotel Monteleone
monteleon 125
jazz camp
Entertainment Listing
palm court logo
New Website: iknowrick.com
ricks
Downtown Parking
royal parking 
shrek 

The New Orleans Office of Film & Video

 

FQBA will no longer forward all of the notices.  If you would like to receive filming notices contact the office and join the list.

 

City of New Orleans

Office of Film & Video

phone: 504.658.0923

email:

kagunnell@nola.gov

www.filmneworleans.org

 

 
Dear Members & Friends:
  
It is spring in New Orleans, although recently the weather has made it feel like summer was already here!  The city is bustling with excitement and many businesses are thrilled with the visitor spending on retail, services, restaurants, hotel, and attractions.  We know that New Orleans is reclaiming its place on the outstanding destination calendar.  fqfi
  
But FQBA knows that after spring, summer can be a challenge.  For the past few years vacationing families have filled in where conventions and corporate meeting were missing. We have had huge numbers of Lutheran Youth and volun-tourism groups.  And one arena of "fans" of the Quarter during this time can, and should be our locals.  Your Marketing Committee, led by Monique Sullivan, is once again beating the drum on summer business with the "Getaway in the Vieux Carre" contest.  They are still looking for prizes so be sure to let Annie, our Executive Director, know if you can contribute to the prize package.
  
A special thank you to Steve Pettus and Palace Café for hosting our April Forum.  The lunch was delicious and the service superb! We also thank Glazer's Companies for donating wine to accompany the meal.  Our guest speakers, Rob Chappell (RTA Program Manager, Rail Expansion) surely opened our eyes to the multiple proposed routes for the Streetcars.  Some routes are already in the bid process and they have taken extraordinary means to make certain the neighborhoods along the routes have input on the progress and are kept informed of street closures.   Laurie Toups (North Rampart Main Street Inc.) informed and entertained us with old and new images of North Rampart Street while she told us of their plans on revitalizing this gateway to the Quarter.  A major push is underway by NRMS to have Armstrong Park reopened as soon as possible, as promised before Mayor Nagin left office. 
  
Join us for the June Forum, rescheduled Graffiti Clean-up (the FQ Blight Campaign), and keep in touch with the latest news on the FQBA newsletter and our every expanding website FQBA.org.
  
Sincerely,
Adrienne Thomas
FQBA President 2011
president2011@fqba.org

FQBA Committees 

 

Marketing Committee
Chair: Monique Sullivan

Our summer campaign will start at the end of the month please let us know if you would like to participate.  This campaign is tagged with a sweepstakes in which 3 "Get Aways to the Vieux Carre" will be awarded to a lucky registrant in June, July & August.  It will be marketed through a number of media outlets this year including print, web, social media and a PR push.  So, help us continue the success of this annual awareness campaign to "Get Away in the Vieux Carre." 

 

Public Relations & Events Committee

Chair: Christine Sory

Our committee would like to thank all of those that attended the April Lunch forum and especially those that took our "Penny for your thoughts" questionnaire.  We are all working to add value to your membership and your experiences with FQBA.  We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events: May 21st Graffiti Cleanup, June 1st Press Announcement at the 8th District Police Station and of course our next lunch forum on June 16th!

 

 

Vieux Carre - Graffiti Abatement Program Committee
Chair: Gene Sausse

We were very sorry to cancel the April cleanup, but have rescheduled for Saturday, May 21st.  We hope you will be able to join us along with French Quarter Citizens and VCPORA for the next community cleanup.

More information below.   

 

Membership Committee

Chair: Nancy Tusa

We'll be hitting the streets to visit our future members soon.  We've also set the date for a summer member appreciation and awareness event, more information in next month's newsletter. 

 

 

Governmental Affairs Committee

Chair: Jeremy DeBlieux

 Committee has made sidewalks and sidewalk repairs its #1 priority and will be formulating a plan to address this most important issue in the French Quarter.  All committee members will be dividing our government contact list and subscribing to these offices newsletters to be on the watch for upcoming legislation that may affect the French Quarter.  The Committee has been monitoring the following issues: Swipe Fee Legislation, Formosan Termite Legislation, State House Redistricting, City Council Redistricting.

 

 To join a committee please email Annie@fqba.org or the committee chair. 

New Orleans City Council nola city council

and the Redistricting Process

  

The New Orleans City Council is in a redistricting year.  With each U.S. Census calculation comes the possibility of redefining districts.  Due to the shifts in population it is required by law that the City Council redistrict itself to comply with federal guidelines. 

 

Each district is currently holding public meetings and requesting the input or residents from each district.  FQBA had representation at the District "C" public meeting on April 25th, and strongly advises any interested parties to attend these very informative and well run community meetings. The city council will take into consideration public comment when constructing the proposed plan this June & July. 

 

The next District "C" community meeting will be held at Delgado Community College - 2600 Gen. Meyer Avenue 6:00- 7:30 pm on Tuesday, May 10th.  

 

For more information and listing of all public meetings on this topic visit the NOLA City Council website. 

 

Some Follow-up Information on Previous Newsletter Articles

  

Pedicabs:

Approved Changes Recommended in Ground Transportation Bureau's System for Awarding Licenses in Pedicab Service Pilot Program
 

The Council passed Motion M-11-185, authored by Councilmember Gisleson Palmer, recommending changes to the Ground Transportation Bureau's proposed lottery system for awarding licenses in the Pedicab Service Pilot Program. Pedicab service was approved by the Council in September of 2010. The approval of the Council is required for all policies and procedures relative to how the Ground Transportation Bureau reviews applications and awards pedicab licenses (CPNCs). The Council provided a scoring system for awarding licenses and recommends a merit-based selection system for the pilot program.

 
District "C" Councilmember Gisleson Palmer said, "With the merit-based system for awarding pedicab licenses the Landrieu Administration can assure the public that the most deserving and most qualified applicants will be awarded licenses."

  - taken from the City Council April 28th Regular Meeting Summary

 

 

Swipe Fee Legislation:

This is a current and active debate between retailers and bankers. Click here to view a recent Times Picayune Article.   

 

Operation Full Stop:

Due to budget cuts this program is losing funding and   French Quarter groups are very concerned.  An April 5th Times Picayune Article detailed the issue. 

 

The Future of the Crescent City Connection

 bgr - ccc report

The Bureau of Governmental Research released Over the River: The Future of the Crescent City Connection Bridge & Ferries. The report examines the implications of allowing bridge tolls to expire and options for funding the bridge and ferries in the future.


 

Visit the BGR website details and to read the report. 

 

 

 

  

Regional Transit Authority Announces French Quarter Streetcar Expansion
As part of a larger multi-phase rail expansion

 rta logo

 

 The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in New Orleans recently announced plans to extend streetcar lines through the French Quarter between the Canal Streetcar line and Press Street. This expansion will include a tie-in to the existing Riverfront Streetcar line via Elysian Fields Avenue. The expansion will encompass approximately 2.48 miles and will have 13 stop locations.


This expansion brings streetcars back into our neighborhoods, providing affordable and reliable transportation to a large segment of the community. This expansion also represents a viable new mode of transportation that reconnects us to our rich history and heritage. In addition, it will provide a significant portion of our residents with transportation to pursue employment opportunities, creating a better environment for economic development along the expanded rail lines, and building the local business community.
 
The agency will finalize environmental documents for the French Quarter Rail Expansion Project in May 2011, with the design phase scheduled for July 2011 - Spring 2012. Construction of the corridor will take place from Summer 2012 - Fall 2013 with revenue service beginning in Fall 2013.
 
The French Quarter Rail Expansion Project is a segment of a larger RTA rail expansion program.  The agency will begin construction on the Union Passenger Terminal (UPT)/Loyola Avenue corridor in June 2011 with revenue service of this segment scheduled for June 2012.  In addition, the agency has future expansion plans that will continue to grow the transportation system and provide world-class transit service to the residents of New Orleans.
 
For more information about the Regional Transit Authority or any of its projects call 504-827-8300 or visit us online at www.norta.com

Louisiana State Commercial Tax Credits

 la state

The tax credits currently in place to encourage the preservation of historic buildings through incentives supporting the rehabilitation of historic buildings are set to expire at the end of this year. 


A number of French Quarter businesses have benefited from these credits and the Association would certainly like to see these credits remain available for future investments that improve our businesses and in turn our community as a whole. 
For more information on the proposed extension or to contact your delegates with your stance on the program reference HB349.   

For more information on the current program visit the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation website.

 

Graffiti Cleanup Call for Volunteers

Saturday, May 21st

LaTrobe Park, 1000 Decatur Street 

9 am Check-in

9:30 - 11:30 am Cleanup

  vc-gap logo

This is a call to action to all of those passionate about making the French Quarter graffiti free.  We need group leaders as well as many other hands on workers to participate in a community wide graffiti cleanup the
 morning of May 21st. 

 

If you are interested in participating as a group leader you will be required to attend an orientation meeting.  Your role as a group leader will be to have a working knowledge of the graffiti removal program set in place by VC-GAP.  You will also need to learn about the products and process for safe and effective removal.  Please contact us as soon as possible to sign up for this important role. 

 

Other volunteers are asked to sign up in advance and will be required to complete and return this volunteer agreement form. 

 

Let's work together to make our historic neighborhood graffiti free! Funding for this cleanup is provided by FQBA, French Quarter Citizens & VCPORA. This is collective effort and we can always use more help and support!

 

Call or email with any questions: 504.309.1423 -or- graffiti@fqba.org

 

Get Ready to "Get Away in the Vieux Carre"
 get away
This project, in only it's third year, has become a huge success for the French Quarter Business Association.  The campaign is designed to bring awareness to all of the diversity that the French Quarter has to offer and promotes the area in the otherwise slow summer months.  Our partners in promoting are New Orleans Tourism & Marketing and New Orleans Convention Bureau. 
  
Starting at the end of may you will see print ads, web ads and hear radio promotions on for this summer campaign.  Members can participate by simply offering an item to the sweepstakes packages.  We are assembling prize packs for monthly drawings in June, July and August. All items must be in by the end of May to be included in the campaign.
  
Winners will be selected monthly from a pool of online entrants.  The winner of each prize pack will receive Hotel stays, dining certificates and other items from area businesses.  The packages are designed so that the winner can experience a fun filled full weekend in the French Quarter.  If you, or your business, have merchandise or a gift certificate that you would be able to contribute to the "Getaway in the Vieux Carre" campaign, we would greatly appreciate it, please contact the FQBA office 504.309.1423 or email us.
  
For those of you wishing to register for the drawing look for the link to register online in next month's newsletter and on the FQBA website soon.
More Good News to Report from Membership 
  • Congratulations to Mr. Gordon Stevens from New Orleans Steamboat for being named one of The Young Leadership Council's 2011 Role Model Award Recipients. 
  • FQBA's board member, Gene Sausse was selected to participate in the Goldman Sachs Small Business Program
  • Where Magazine celebrates 75 years! In celebration of Where® Magazine's 75th anniversary, free trips to destinations throughout the U.S. are being given away. Go to www.wheretraveler.com to register.
    Additionally, all Where Magazines are available now through Zinio distribution, so one can get a copy before leaving home.
  • Magnolia Physical Therapy  is fundraising for the North Rampart Community Center in May!  We will be selling tree sponsorships for $15.  For every sponsorship, 1 tree will be planted in a U.S. National Forest in your name or the name of your choice.  $10 of each $15 sponsorship will go directly to the North Rampart Community center, while the other $5 goes towards the purchase and planting of your tree.  Please call Tiffany purchase your Trees today! New Orleans 504-943-8026 or Harahan 504-733-0254.  
    June 2nd we will be holding a reception in Honor of the North Rampart Community center and all sponsors at our Marigny clinic. 

May Events

 

French Quarter Marigny Historic Area Management District Monthly Meeting
Monday, May 2nd

Where: Law Offices of Phelps Dunbar 365 Canal Street, Suite 2000

When: 12:00 - 2 p.m.
click here for agenda

 

"The Louis XIII Experience" A Rémy Martin multi-course wine & cognac pairing, featuring Louis XIII cognac 

Thursday, May 5th

Where: Broussard's Restaurant

When: 7:00 p.m.

click here for more information

 

Warren Haynes Band

Thursday, May 5th

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater

When: 8:00 p.m.

click here for ticket information
 

Kentucky Derby Day 2011 New Orleans

Saturday, May 7th

Where: Hotel Monteleone

When:12:00 - 7:00 p.m.

click here for more information

 

GNOYO Presents: Mother's Day Concert with Ellis Marsalis

Saturday, May 7th

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater

When: 7:00 p.m.

click here for ticket information

 

Mother's Day Events

Sunday, May 8th

Special Menu at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse

Brunch at Hotel Monteleone

Brunch at LeMeritage

Riverboat Cruise on the Natchez

Special Lunch Buffet at Redfish Grill

VCPORA's Annual Mother's Day Concert in Cabrini Park

 

Travel Channel's Mark DeCarlo for a Comedic Reading & Show followed by a Book Signing, A Fork on the Road: 400 Cities, 1 Stomach

Monday, May 9th

Where: Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone

When: 12:00 p.m.

click here for more information 

 

Tourism Matters Parade

Tuesday, May 10th

Where: Astor Crowne Plaza

When: 8:30 am

click here for the event flyer

 

Exhibit Opening: "Threads of Memory: Spain and the United States"

Wednesday, May 11th

Where: The Historic New Orleans Collection

When: Regular Museum Hours

click here for more information 

 

KIPP McDonogh 15 School Jazz Night

Thursday, May 12th

Where: KIPP School 721 St. Philip

When: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

click here to view the event flyer

 

LPO Presents - H.M.S. Pinafore (Sarah Jane McMahaon)

Thursday, May 12th

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater

When: 7:00 p.m.

click here for tickets

 

New Orleans Wine Festival Closing Reception

Friday, May 13th

Where: Maison Dupuy Hotel

When: 7:00 p.m.

click here for more information

 

Hermann Grima Historic House "Amazing Grapes" Wine Auction Dinner

Friday, May 13th

Where: Omni Royal Orleans

When: 6 p.m.

click here for the invite & ticket purchasing information 

 

NOBA presents - Corella Ballet Castilla y Leon

Saturday, May 14th

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater

When: 8:00 p.m.

click here for tickets 

 

St. Louis Cathedral Presents Jean-Baptiste Monnot in Organ Recital

Sunday, May 15th

Where: St. Louis Cathedral

When: 6:00 p.m.

click here for more information

 

Lecture with Emily Clark: "Family Geographies: Free People of Color in Spanish Colonial New Orleans"

Tuesday, May 17th

Where: Historic New Orleans Collection

When: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

click here for more information

 

Corks N Canvas Painting Class of the NATCHEZ on the NATCHEZ

Wednesday, May 18th
Where: NATCHEZ Steamboat
When: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
click here to register online through Corks n Canvas

 

Mahalia Jackson Theater Volunteer Usher Training

Thursday, May 19th

Where: Mahalia Jackson Theater

When: 5:30 p.m.

click here for more information

 

Concerts in the Courtyard: Otra

Friday, May 20th 

Where: Historic New Orleans Collection

When: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

click here for more information 

 

North Rampart Main Street, Inc's 2nd Annual "Rollin' On Rampart"

Friday, May 20th

Where: New Orleans Steel Building at 318 North Rampart

When: 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

click here for more information 

 

VC-GAP Volunteer Graffiti Cleanup

Saturday, May 21st

Where: LaTrobe Park (1000 Decatur in the French Market)

When: 9:00 a.m. Checkin, Cleanup until 11:30 a.m.

click here to volunteer 

 

Book Signing: Lake Douglas author of Public Spaces, Private Gardens

Saturday, May 21st

Where: Historic New Orleans Collection

When: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

click here for more information

 

NOCCA's Art & Soul Gala

Sunday, May 22nd

Where: NOCCA

When: 7:00 - 10:30 pm

click here for tickets & event information 

 

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience: Royal Street Stroll

Thursday, May 26th

Where: 300-900 Blocks of Royal Street

When: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

click here for the full NOWFE website

 

   

Continue to check the FQBA website calendar, events are always being added!

 

Mark your calendars for the
2011 FQBA Bi-Monthly Lunch Forums

 

next up
  
Thursday, June 16th

 gwfins

GW Fins
 
11:30 am Networking
12:00 pm Seated Lunch
  

 

Thursday, August 18th ~ Court of Two Sisters

Thursday, October 20th ~ Steamboat Natchez

 

Advanced Reservations are Required for Each Event

$35 FQBA members

$45 non-members

April 21st Lunch Forum Photos
palace cafe
4/21 photo 4/21 photo
4/21 photo 4/21 photo
4/21 photo 4/21 photo
4/21 photo 4/21 photo
4/21 photo 4/21 photo
4/21 photo   
The Association, Membership & Newsletter
 
The Association
FQBA is a member based association focused on "Developing and protecting the liveliest neighborhood in the world".  Receipt of this email does not indicate current membership.  Click here to view the current FQBA membership directory.
 
Membership
Joining the association provides members with a larger network and stronger voice.  Please consider becoming a member now.  Click here for membership rates and to join online.
 
Newsletter
The format of the monthly email newsletter hopes to keep you informed with FQBA's current projects that may affect your business or the community at large.  The monthly calendar listings and member specials are submitted by members.  More information may be accessed via the association website.