July 2, 2009

Job Opportunity!

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Job Description: Research Analyst

The Policy & Research Group, a research firm based in New Orleans, and specializing in research and evaluation of social welfare, public health, and education programs is looking for candidates to fill a Research Analyst position.

The Research Analyst will manage ongoing research and evaluation projects. Primary duties will include oversight of evaluation project components, managing data collection, contributing to new proposals, preparing grant applications, and preparing written evaluation reports under the guidance of senior staff.

Tasks that an Analyst should be able to perform:

  • Preparing grant applications for clients;

  • Writing evaluation sections of grant applications;

  • Managing the day-to-day operations of evaluation projects;

  • Communicating the evaluation plan and its details to clients;

  • Managing the collection of  quantitative and qualitative data;

  • Summarizing research findings and their implications;

  • Writing sections of evaluation reports;
  • Reviewing and abstracting published research.

The position will be based out of the New Orleans office. Some local and out-of-state travel will be required.

Qualifications:

A Master’s degree in social science or related discipline, plus relevant experience;

Strong communication and organizational skills;

Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and under pressure of deadlines;

Exceptionally strong attention to detail.

The Research Analyst is expected to work constructively on their own and with others, contribute ideas, use time effectively, produce high-quality work, and represent the company in a professional manner in their dealings with outside individuals and organizations.

PRG offers competitive salary and flexible work schedules in a demanding but casual work environment.

See www.policyandresearch.com for more information about our work.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and a university transcripts (unofficial) to Lynne Jenner, Director of Projects at: ljenner@policyandresearch.com or 504-865-0293 (fax). Include contact information for two references in your resume.

No phone calls.

PRG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

June 4, 2009

5th Annual Hike the Lafitte Corridor

Join the Friends of the Lafitte Corridor on Saturday, June 6, 2009 for the 5th Annual Hike the Lafitte Corridor.

This is your last change to hike the corridor in its undeveloped state.

A.  10 am – Meet at the front entrance to Louis Armstrong Park

B.  Noon – Lunch at Massey’s

C.  1 pm – Finish at Canal Blvd.

Transportation will be provided back to point of origin.

Please dress appropriately as it will be hot, and parts of the corridor are a little rough. Sunscreen is recommended. Flip-flops are not.

Friends of the Lafitte Corridor

folc-nola.org

May 28, 2009

Incoming MURP Student is Seeking Roommates

…I’ve decided  to rent a place that has several bedrooms, and look for some roommates.  I figured a lot of the other incoming grad students might be in the same situation, so do you know of anybody else that might be interested?

Best,
Peter

peterdbennett@gmail.com

May 5, 2009

End of Semester Celebration: TOD

todflyer212

April 7, 2009

April Picnic in the Park A Success!

Thanks to all who came out on Friday for our Potluck in the Park!!

April 2, 2009

Please Join Us at Tulane University to Hear

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR

B I L L    M C K I B B E N

ask “What is the economy for?” and present a compelling solution aimed at prosperity beyond growth and promising a more sustainable future.

 

Part of the 14th Annual Tulane Law School Summit on Environmental Law and Policy.

 tulane-series

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009

6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30)

MCALISTER AUDITORIUM

T U L A N E

U N I V E R S I T Y

N E W O R L E A N S , L A

O P E N T O T H E

P U B L I C

A D M I S S I O N

I S

F R E E

 

FOR MORE INFORMAT I O N V I S I T:

S U M M I T . L A W . T U L A N E . E D U

March 30, 2009

Snacks and Suds Picnic @ Washington Square Park

flyer

September 23, 2008

What’s in a name?

Professor Marla Nelson, director of the Master’s in Urban Planning graduate program and faculty advisor to our yet to be named association, will soon be reaching out to all students to drum up interest in reviving the PLUS student organization. 

Details about the first official meeting will be sent out at that time.

In the meantime, be brainstorming. We need a name!  That will  be our first order of business…

Here are some ideas that have been thrown around so far…..

A-PLUSS, Association of Planners and Urban Studies Students

or should we stay away from acronyms?

UrbaNOphiles–name says it all.

Tell us what you think!

September 24, 2008

First comprehensive zoning meeting to be held at Xavier University on Saturday

Saturday, September 27th is a big day for the city of New Orleans, but it’s an even bigger day for planners.

Why?

It marks the beginning of a citywide planning process that will shape future development in the city of New Orleans! This is something few planning students get a chance to be a part of.

 

 Volunteers are needed. Come out and be a part of history!

 

 “Citywide Forum 1″

Time: 8:30am- 3pm.

Location: Xavier University

1 Drexel Dr. The Wm McCaffrey Ballroom, Room 308

Contact: 504-658-7033

City Planning Commission,  if you would like to volunteer.

 

 

 

VISIT NOLAMASTERPLAN.ORG FOR MORE INFO

September 28, 2008

More than 200 come out for the Master Plan kick-off

The first city-wide master plan forum was widely considered a success. Thanks to all the Privateers who came out to facilitate and contribute to the discussion.

Rosie Lacy, Lisa Kamuf, Michael Powers, Matthew Mourning and Jenna Burke

Left to Right: Rosie Lacy, Lisa Kamuf, Michael Powers, Matthew Mourning and Jenna Burke

Details about future forums can be found at WWW.NOLAMASTERPLAN.ORG

October 2, 2008

Nice turnout for the still-unnamed student association’s first meeting!

On October 1, 2008, at least 20 students showed up for the first meeting of the incipient student association.

Marla Nelson officiated and kicked the meeting off by describing what the student group has done in the past and what direction our new group could choose.

For those of you that were unable to make the meeting, here is what went down:

  • We didn’t elect anyone to any offices yet, since it was discovered that Urban Studies students did not receive the email announcing the meeting. In the spirit of democracy, we decided to wait to elect any sort of officers. Many students spoke on the need for wide participation in the new group, and some stressed that responsibilities should not be in the hands of just one person, or a group of five, or whatever other limited arrangement.
  • Michael Powers and Matt Mourning did accept the only half-serious “interim co-president” title just to maintain the blog and keep communication with everyone until the organization is farther along.
  • You  guessed it: since we didn’t choose officers, we didn’t choose a name yet either! Be thinking of a name!
  • We did decide that there would be committees–something along the lines of an “Events” or “Social” Committee, an APA representative (from both the state and the Metro branches), and a president. Michael Powers suggested a total of four committees (and a head of each), and one president, for five people with votes, the president being the tie-breaker. We haven’t crossed the Rubicon yet, so don’t think this isn’t up for discussion still!
  • As a group, we want to bring people together socially and academically. This blog, for example, was discussed. We intend this blog to be a site for all sorts of social events, academic events, and a hybrid of those two. If you were recently published in a newspaper, journal, magazine, etc., drop an email to crescentcityshapers@gmail.com! If you want to tell everyone about an upcoming meeting–large or small–send an email to crescentcityshapers@gmail.com! If you want fellow students to experience the wonders of your neighborhood’s art or farmers’ market, shoot over a quick email to crescentcityshapers@gmail.com! We will put it on the site for all to see and digest. By the way, that email is crescentcityshapers@gmail.com!
  • We will be hosting social events as past organizations have done. But we also want to include a service component, and maybe even “comparative urban analysis” trips. What do we mean? Well, how about going to Houma to assist in their recovery from Hurricane Gustav and Ike? Or Galveston? Or right in our backyard in Jean Lafitte? Anything is possible. Want to explore fellow river cities Memphis and St. Louis next summer? Or take a trek over to the first New Urbanist town, Seaside, Florida? Nothing is off the table right now. It’s all up to you.
  • We might seek the avenue of going “official” with the UNO Student Government, which would open up the opportunity for funding.

There’s more that we discussed at the meeting. But if you want any more details, please don’t hesitate–nay, you must–email this blog at crescentcityshapers@gmail.com

That’s all for now!

October 2, 2008

Mike Prats to host first Student Association social event: the Saints game on Sunday, October 12th

Here is the email Crescent City Shapers received shortly after our initial meeting:

Hey this is Mike,

I suggested today in our first meeting that I would like to host a gathering on Sunday October 12th, at 11:45am.  The Saints play at 12:00pm.  I need to know how many people want to come.  I am willing to make food and get drinks, as long as people will show up.  We can easily meet at a bar or restaurant for better convenience.  Especially if some do not have a car.  My address is 1913 Houma Blvd. Metairie, LA 70001.  I would paste google directions, but I’m not sure how.  I don’t want everyone to feel like we have to do it at my house, I just think it would be a good excuse for everyone to hang out and get to know one another.  A bar or somewhere else will serve that purpose just fine.  Keep in touch so I will no what concessions will be needed.

Thanks,

Mike Prats

If you’re interested, please email crescentcityshapers@gmail.com to RSVP and let Mike know if you can make it.

October 7, 2008

PLUS Lunch and Learn: Green Building

An email from Nicole:

On October 27th, PLUS will host a Lunch and Learn program about Green Building.  Our speaker is Dr. Aurora Sharrard, her bio is below:

Dr. Aurora Sharrard manages all of Green Building Alliances (http://www.gbapgh.org/) research projects, most notably for the Green Building Product Initiative, where she manages the Product Innovation Grants and focuses on green labels, certifications, and life cycle assessment.  She also manages DASH: Database for Analyzing Sustainable and High Performance Buildings, which is a national effort to create a building metric database for real estate, operational, and occupant-related building metrics.  In addition, Aurora assists in facilitating the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative and, upon occasion, provides technical support to Pittsburgh projects.  Aurora holds a Master’s and Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with an emphasis in Green Design from Carnegie Mellon University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Tulane University. Prior to entering graduate school, Ms. Sharrard was a geotechnical engineer in Greater New Orleans. She is a member of the Connect Greenfield’s Steering Committee and volunteers for UPMC’s Living-at-Home Program. She is also one of the youngest members of the Frick Park Lawn Bowling Club.

-Nicole McCall

October 9, 2008

Annual URISA Conference: Going On Until Oct. 10!

Lisa Kamuf sent the following to Crescent City Shaper’s attention:

Hi, if anybody gets a chance, stop by the URISA conference at the 5th floor of the Sheraton on Canal Street. You should be able to register for free to see the exhibitors. I sent my request early last week, but I don’t see a problem with registering on site, it is a pretty laid back group.

Some of the Exhibitors: ESRI,iLOOKABOUT Corp., NOAA. Vertices/GIS4Kids, and U.S. Census Bureau.

Lisa

For more information on the conference, please visit their website.

URISA stands for Urban and Regional Information Systems Association.

I’ll let them explain who they are:

The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) is a non-profit professional and educational association that promotes the effective and ethical use of spatial information and information technologies for the understanding and management of urban and regional systems. It is a multidisciplinary association where professionals from all parts of the spatial data community can come together and share concerns and ideas.

New Orleans has not hosted this event since 1981! So, if you’re interested in GIS/mapping/community development, you better not take the risk of having to wait 27 more years for the next time it rolls into town.

From their site:

This conference is vital to professionals concerned with the effective application of information technology in all state and local government agencies, including:

  • Community & Economic Development
  • Emergency Services/Public Safety/Homeland Security
  • Environmental Management
  • Land Records
  • Public Participation
  • Public Health
  • Public Works
  • Tax Assessment
  • Transportation Planning
  • Urban Planning & Design
  • Utilities

Yes, the conference has already started. Sorry for the late notice, and thanks to Lisa for pointing this out to us! See if you can make it for one of the remaining days of the conference (Oct. 9th and 10th).
-CCS

October 9, 2008

Gentilly Neighborhood Festival: Saturday, Oct. 11

Brought to our attention, again, by Lisa Kamuf. Thanks Lisa!

Since UNO is technically a part of “Greater Gentilly”, we at Crescent City Shapers expect to see lots of PLUS students to support our neighbors!

——————————————————————————————

It’s Finally Here!!!!!!!!

Gentilly Fest 2008
“Back From The Breach”
Saturday, October 11, 2008
11am to 7pm

Pontchartrain Park Playground
6039 Press Drive

Free Admission!

80% of Festival Proceeds Donated to New Orleans Police and Fire Stations in Gentilly area!

Come celebrate Gentilly’s recovery and party for a good cause!

Hotard Gentilly Fest Buses will run all day picking up Festival attendees on Press Drive and from parking lots on Leon C. Simon, the Golf Course and SUNO. On Saturday afternoon, RTA will provide additional bus service for drivers to get to their cars. For directions to Pontchartrain Park, please visit www.gentillyfest.org.

Great Local Music!

10:30am    Voices of the Big Easy
11:30am     Bamboula 2000
12:30pm    N. O. Helsinki Connection
1:30pm       Charmaine Neville
2:30pm      Fredy Omar Con Su Banda
3:30pm      Philip Manuel & Friends
4:30pm      Rebirth Brass Band
5:30pm      Kermit Ruffins

Food!

Café Roma’s Cajun Crawfish Pasta
Lil Dizzy’s Fried Chicken/Potato Salad
Loretta’s Pralines, Cakes/Pies/Sauces
Merlin’s Hot Tamales
Montrel’s Crab Cake Plate
Praline Connection’s Gumbo
S&J’s Catfish & Stuffed Crab Plates
Smoothy King Smoothies/Red Beans
Sweet Potato Café’s Stuffed Peppers
Teen Challenge’s Hot Dogs/Snoballs
TJ Gourmet Alligator Sausage/Steaks
Vaucresson’s Hot & Crawfish Sausage

Children’s Village

“Stilt” Dancers and free Pony Rides, Games, Face Painting and activities from Children’s Museum, Home Depot, Longue Vue Gardens, and more

Arts & Crafts

Silk ties and purses, jewelry, the “twisted hat lady” from Jazz Fest and a treasure trove of handmade items from the area’s most talented

Gentilly Fest 2008 Sponsors include

The Gentilly Shopping Center at Elysian Fields & Gentilly Boulevard,   New Orleans Musicians Clinic,  Sweet Home New Orleans,  Liberty Bank and Trust Company,  Miller Beer, Harrah’s, Whitney Bank, Doerr Furniture, Bedding Plus, Hurwitz & Mintz, Mike’s Hardware,  New Orleans Recreation Department, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, LouisianaChildren’s Museum, Coca-Cola, Cypress Productions, Longue Vue House & Gardens, Entergy, Zephyr Homes, Iberia Bank, UPS, bayoutitle.com, Larry S. Stokes, Ph.D, REMAX, New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, Holy Cross High School,  and the New Orleans Police and Fire Departments.

We have also received contributions and/or donations from New Orleans Criminal Sheriff Marlin Gusman, New Orleans Civil Sheriff, Paul Valteau, State Senator Edwin Murray, State Representative Cedric Richmond, New Orleans District D City Councilmember Cynthia Hedge Morrell,  Constable Lambert Boissiere, Youth Development Association, New Orleans City Council Vice President Arnie Fielkow, and the Committee to Elect Byron Lee.

For more information, log on to www.gentillyfest.org, or call 504-483-9820.

October 9, 2008

Early reminder: the next New Orleans Master Plan meeting is on October 18th!

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008  |  9:00am – 3:00pm
Citywide Forum 2: How We Live
Tulane University, Lavin-Bernick Center
More information to be found here, at nolamasterplan.com.
Don’t worry if you’re a procrastinator and think this message is coming to you too soon–you’ll be getting an email and another post next week.
-CCS

October 13, 2008

CityWorks Symposium @ UNO on Tuesday Oct. 14th

Submitted by graduate student Lisa Kamuf. Thank you Lisa!

City-Works logo

Where & When
University of New Orleans
Kirshman Hall Room 129 – 1st floor

Tuesday, October 14
6:00-8:00PM

Yes or No – A Master Plan with the Force of Law
October 14

An introduction to the ballot initiative – Master Plan with the Force of Law  -

A City-Works Symposium Series

City-Works, in partnership with the Center for Urban and Public Affairs at the University of New Orleans, is hosting a Symposium Series addressing issues of sustainable land-use and development in New Orleans.

Voters in New Orleans will go to the polls on November 4th to decide whether or not to approve an amendment to the Home Rule Charter that will give legal standing to the city’s Master Plan.

This is a very important, but complicated issue. We will, therefore, have four of the city’s most knowledgeable individuals speak on the issue on Tuesday night. Bill Borah, Marshall Truehill Jr., Janet Howard, and John Lovett will each present their analysis of the ballot initiative.

Bill Borah is the director of SmartGrowth Louisiana and has been advocating for this change for many years.

Marshall Truehill, Jr. is a former City Planning Commissioner and has been intimately involved in land-use decisions all across the city.

Janet Howard is the President of the Bureau of Governmental Research and will explain the position BGR has taken on the ballot initiative.

John Lovett is a professor at Loyola Law School and is a premier land-use expert in the city.

We are very pleased to bring together these experts to help us all understand a very complicated question.

“Yes or No – A Master Plan with the Force of Law” will take place Tuesday, October 14th from 6-8:00 pm.

October 30, 2008

Got plans for election night? Now you do!!!

To students of all political persuasions:

Come out next Tuesday evening to The Rusty Nail for food and drinks and to watch history unfold as the results come pouring in.

The owners are offering all Shapers HAPPY HOUR PRICES!!

So cheers!! To the end of an exhausting political process, to the next president of the United States and to The Rust Nail for being so generous.

*A big THANK YOU goes out to Katie Gunnell for setting the whole thing up. You’re the best Katie!

The Rusty Nail

1100 Constance St.

New Orleans, LA

(Use the comment section for rideshare)

November 6, 2008

Citywide Forum #3, Saturday in New Orleans East

 

 

Come see the planning process in action and listen to residents voice concerns over flood protection, environmental quality, infrastruactre & community facilities.new-orleanslogo

Speakers will update the community on the rebuilding process and inform residents of ongoing and upcoming improvements to streets, waste management, water and sewage, electricity, cable and phone services.

Now is our chance to get involved in a BIG way.

So come out to N.O. East on Saturday and be a part of the discussion!

Breakfast & Lunch will be provided.

WHERE:
St. Maria Goretti Church

7300 Crowder Blvd. (at Morrisson)

More info can be found @ WWW.NOLAMASTERPLAN.ORG

November 7, 2008

CCS General Meeting Next Wednesday

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As a reminder, Crescent City Shapers will hold its second general meeting on Wednesday, November 12th in the 3rd floor lounge, Room 351. Meeting begins at 5:15pm.


AGENDA

  • Select Officers & Committee Chairs
  • Appoint a student representative to the APA
  • Upcoming Events
  • Ideas for outreach, fund-raising, networking, partnerships, etc.
  • The Blog
  • Open discussion

*We are currently building our email list serve! Are you on it?

If you want to receive updates from CCS, please

SEND US YOUR PREFERRED ADDRESS!

crescentcityshapers@gmail.com



November 10, 2008

So, What Did You Think??

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At least 13 PLUS students and faculty came out to New Orleans East this Saturday to facilitate and participate in the 3rd citywide forum.

CCS would like to know what those who have participated thus far think about the planning process…..

Is it all that you thought it would be? Any surprises?

Share your thoughts!!

Reminder: Send us your email address so we can put you on the list serve. CRESCENTCITYSHAPERS@GMAIL.COM

November 16, 2008

Going on now….

Ray’s Boom Boom Room

and Dr Guitar

Present

A Benefit Concert

For

United Houma Nation

 

November 15th, 2008

5PM – till

508 Frenchman

New Orleans, LA

uhn

                                                                       

 

November 18, 2008

Meet your Crescent City Shapers officers!

At the general meeting of Crescent City Shapers, held last Wednesday, November 12, 2008, we selected the officers for our fledgling organization. See their profiles below! Get to know them. Talk to them. Tell them what you want for your student organization.

PRESIDENT

Michael Powers

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BIO: Michael grew up in a small town two hours south of St. Louis. Unable to resist the draw of “big city” life, Michael moved to St. Louis after graduating high school to further his education at St. Louis University and further his passion: small business entreprenuerialship. His love for urban areas and desire to improve the quality of life in St. Louis inspired a change of direction: from a high powered business school to a burgeoning “Urban Affairs” undergraduate program. It was in this program that Michael solidified his desire to revitalize “forgotten America”–its irreplaceable and often underappreciated cities. Today, he is finishing his Master’s Degree in UNO’s MURP program and working as a Mayoral Fellow in the City Planning Commission where he is responsible for zoning variances–and, as of late, facilitating the city’s ongoing Master Planning process.

Michael lives in the French Quarter.

Email: michaeljamespowers@gmail.com

APA LIAISON

Rosie Lacy

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Rosie moved to New Orleans after completing her service as a community development Peace Corps volunteer in Western Samoa, South Pacific.  In 2002, Rosie graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and Historic Preservation.  She worked in the field of architecture and design for several years before and after her service abroad and currently works for Manning Architects on the Comprehensive Master Plan for the City of New Orleans.  Rosie will be the acting student representative for both the State and New Orleans Metro American Planning Associations.  She will liaise between the student body and these two associations and will update the Crescent City Shapers website on upcoming events and information relevant to APA.  Please contact her if you have any questions or would like to be involved with these organizations.

Rosie lives in Central City.

Email: rosielacy@gmail.com

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Ryan Galvin

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BIO: Seduced by the warmer climate and good living, Ryan recently moved to New Orleans from Brooklyn. Prior to beginning her Masters in Urban and Regional Planning, she worked in housing policy and led a team of policy analysts for the Manhattan Borough President.  Ryan completed her undergraduate degree in Anthropology and African Studies from the University of Virginia in 2003. Ryan attends UNO part-time and works as a Research Analyst for the Bureau of Governmental Research.

Ryan lives in the Marigny.

Email: rgalvin@uno.edu

SOCIAL/FUNDRAISING

Melissa Ehlinger

melissapic21

BIO: Melissa grew up in New Orleans, but left the city to attend college at the University of Texas at Austin.  After college, Melissa received her JD from George Washington University in Washington DC.  She was a lawyer for the federal government in DC and then in New York City.  Melissa moved back to New Orleans this August to attend UNO and be a part of New Orleans’ renewal.  She loves all things urban, traveling, reading, and sports.  Melissa organizes the social and fundraising events for the Crescent City Shapers.  Please let her know about fun events around town!

Melissa lives in the Warehouse District.

Email: melissaehlinger@yahoo.com

EDUCATION/”LUNCH AND LEARN”

Nicole McCall

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BIO:

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Nicole moved to New Orleans and fell in love with the City a decade ago. A dedicated cyclist, she relishes riding through the City’s historic neighborhoods on way to UNO. After completing a dual degree in printmaking and economics at Tulane University in 2001, she worked as a federal economist, in international trade development, and for a local planner. In 2007 she began pursuing her Masters in Urban and Regional Planning, first as a part-time student and now as a full-time student. Nicole is identifying speakers for Crescent City Shapers’ Lunch and Learn Program. Please contact her if you would like to invite a speaker to the program or if you would like to present information about your organization or research.

Nicole lives in Algiers Point.

Email: nicole.mccall@gmail.com

OUTREACH

Matthew Mourning

mattpic

Bio: Matt grew up in a tidy old working class German neighborhood on the South Side of St. Louis, Missouri. Suddenly, around the turn of the most recent century, St. Louis began to bloom after decades of decline. Matt’s own neighborhood rapidly became the country’s largest Bosnian neighborhood. The rest of the city, inured to abandonment and decay, started to come to life by the hand of rehabbers. Matt couldn’t resist the energy of the revitalization and quickly became enamored with his home city, studying every facet of its history, which ultimately led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Urban Affairs at St. Louis University. On August 29, 2005, his plans changed. A service trip brought him (along with CCS President Michael Powers) to New Orleans to assist in the recovery. A couple months later, Matt became a full time resident and a MURP student at UNO with an interest in historic preservation and community development. Though Matt’s heart is now taken by two cities–New Orleans and St. Louis–he maintains a blog about St. Louis preservation from a newfound New Orleans perspective. Check it out at http://stldotage.blogspot.com.

Matt lives in the French Quarter.

Email: matthewmourning@gmail.com

November 25, 2008

To All Do-Gooders Wanting to Do Something

Young Community Volunteers are encouraged  to Apply for the 2009

Do Something Awards

The Do Something Awards, formerly the Brick Awards, are designed to provide recognition and funding for young community volunteers.

Do Something Award Winners receive a community grant, participation in a special award ceremony, media coverage, and continued support from Do Something.  

Deadline: March 1, 2009

More information can be found @  WWW.DOSOMETHING.ORG/AWARDS

December 2, 2008

APA New Orleans Metro Section Invites You to the 2008 Christmas Luncheon!

Where:                        Commander’s Palace
                             1403 Washington Avenue
                                    New Orleans, La. 70130
                                    (Free Valet Parking)
 
When:                           Thursday, December 4, 2008
                               11:30 AM :  Registration & Check-In 
                              11:30 – 12 PM:  Full Service Cash Bar
 
Topic:                Holiday Social & Networking Experience
 
Lunch:                        Gumbo Du Jour                                                                               
                                   New Orleans Style Barbecued Shrimp
                                   Wild Louisiana white shrimp

                                    Crème Brûlée
                                    Pecan tuile garnished with fresh fruit
 
Commander’s Palace Dress Code:  No shorts, no t-shirts and no blue jeans are permitted.
 
Cost: 
·        Students and APA Members – 
         $55 after November 21st
 
·        Non-members –
        $60 after November 21st
 
Our space is limited to 40 participants.  So please, RSVP early to assure your seat.  Cash or checks only (please make checks payable to: APA METRO N.O. SECTION).  Payments will be received at the registration table. 
 
APA members whose status is not verified as current will be charged the non-member price. RSVPs that do not show will be invoiced if we are charged for your meal!  Please RSVP by email to metronoapa@gmail.com.
 
We hope to see you there!!!

December 10, 2008

The 4th Citywide Forum for the Master Plan is coming up! Facilitators needed!

Saturday December 13th is the 4th Citywide Forum for the Master Plan and Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.  We need people to help facilitate for Saturday.  For those of you who have facilitated before note that we will not have facilitator training this Friday as we have done before.  We are looking for table facilitators and note takers.  Please let me know if you are interested in helping.  If not, please come anyway.  This is an important process for New Orleans and the next forum will not happen until Spring 2009.
Location:  Behrman Gym 2529 General Meyer Avenue (Algiers)
Time: 8:30am – 1:30pm
Facilitators and Note Takers arrive earlier.
If interested in facilitating and/or note taking, please contact me as soon as possible.
Editha Amacker
(504) 658-7036

December 10, 2008

Meeting Minutes.

If you missed a meeting of the Crescent City Shapers or need a recap, please visit the new “Meeting Minutes” page that can be found in the bar at the top of each page!

December 11, 2008

315
Friends of Faubourg St. Roch Project
 Invited to Participate
 
Faubourg St. Roch Project & Arts Council of New Orleans
“Moments & Markings”,
First Community Workshop for the St. Roch Community Public Art Project
 
WHAT:              “Moments & Markings” is the first community workshop for the
                         St. Roch Community Public Art Project. In conjunction with the
                         Faubourg St. Roch Project, friends of FSRP and the community
                         are invited to initiate this exciting new project and meet
                         JEFRË, the environmental artist selected in a national competition
                         to design the Art Walk located on the St. Roch Avenue Neutral Ground.
 
 
WHERE:             St. Roch Avenue Neutral Ground
                         (Marais St. to North Roman St.)
                         located behind the historic
                         St. Roch Farmers Market and
                         neighbor to the Home Space Gallery
 
 
WHEN:              Saturday, December 13, 2008
 
                         Workshop                      1-2 p.m.
                         Temporary Installation   2-5 p.m.
                         Viewing and Reception   5-11 p.m.
 
 
WHO:                Jefre Figueras Manuel, known nationally as JEFRË, is an
                         inventive public artist from Orlando, Florida selected in a
                         national competition to work with St. Roch neighborhood 
                         residents to design the St. Roch Art Walk.
                         The winning entry is based on investigating the moments and
                         markings of the St. Roch community and embedding the
                         community history within six blocks of the Neutral Ground.
 
 
PURPOSE:          The first workshop is designed to gather and collect
                         community data through a series of public art exercises.
                         The exercises include a visual preference survey,
                         creation of a historical timeline, photographic documentation
                         exercises and participation in a temporary public art installation
                         entitled “Marque d’eau – Watermark.”
 
                         The installation is in
                         collaboration with the
                         neighborhood and local school
                         children to recall the height
                         of the water level during  
                         Hurricane Katrina as one
                         significant moment in
                         New Orleans history.
                            
 
                         The temporary installation will be composed of 30 neon pink, 
                         inflatable 6′ rafts that will be wrapped around the large oaks
                         along the Neutral Ground to demarcate the water line.
                         The installation will be internally lit and on display during
                         the duration of the evening.
 
                         For more information about the artist and the Faubourg St. Roch Project,
                         click here.
                   
 
CONTACT:         Denise Estopinal / Carey Jiran
                         The Estopinal Group
                         504-269-9233
news@estopinalgroup.com

December 15, 2008

You’re Invited!

PLUS faculty, alumni, students and friends:
 
Wear your ugliest holiday sweater and BYOB to Ryan’s house this Friday (Dec. 19th) to celebrate the holidays and the end of the Fall semester!

sss

 

The party is at 2039 Dauphine St (at Frenchmen) at 7:00pm…feel free to bring friends, family or significant others.

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If you think you’ll be able to make it, please shoot Ryan an email so we can make sure to have enough snacks: rgalvin@uno.edu or call 314-629-6911.

Hope to see you there!

January 2, 2009

January 7, 2009

APA Update

State APA Conference January 14-17, 2009:

Next week several Planning and Urban Studies students will be attending the State APA Conference in Lafayette.  Although volunteer positions are full, we hope you will consider attending the conference at the student fare.  There are still beds available at the hotel for Thursday and Friday night.  If you are interested please contact Rosie at rosielacy@gmail.com.

I also want to remind everyone that the National APA Conference will be in Minneapolis this April.  Here are some dates to keep in mind for the conference:

January 22

Conference scholarship applications due

February 3

Exhibit/sponsorship applications due

February 26

Early registration deadline

March 26            Last day to pre-register
    Hotel reservation deadline
    Student volunteer applications due
    Sightseeing Tours registration deadline
    Last day to register for child care

April 25-29         Conference

 

After the State Conference I will begin organizing hotel rooms for the National Conference and discussing the financial support we will receive from the State APA Executive Committee.  For now please take note of the dates for early registration, volunteer applications and scholarship opportunities.  For more information please go to the conference web-page:

http://www.planning.org/nationalconference/

January 15, 2009

This Saturday: Films, Food and Conversation about Community Power

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Come celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy  at Dillard University’s Cook Fine Arts Center (2601 Gentilly Blvd).  Watch 4 films about how neighborhoods across the nation are reclaiming control over their communities, followed by conversations about community power in New Orleans.

Fit for a King Community Power Day is free and open to the public.

10:00-10:15 AM- Introductions

10:30-11:30 AM- Concurrent screenings (click to learn more about the films)
1. Holding Ground: The Rebirth of Dudley Street retells the story of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston, a neighborhood group that organized effectively to provide a community based approach to urban renewal.
2. Homes and Hands: Community Land Trusts in Action features three community land trusts that have addressed needs for affordable housing, maintaining housing affordability, and who have worked with the concept of co-operative housing.
3. Third Ward TX spotlights Project Rowhouses in Houston’s Third Ward, where artists and organizers have worked to connect art, culture, and history to community needs like affordable housing.
4. Some Place Like Home, a documentary recently produced by the Brooklyn group Families United for Racial and Economic Equality (FUREE), is “about a community’s fight to save its neighborhood and have a voice in planning its future” and addresses gentrification in downtown Brooklyn.

11:30-12:30 PM- Lunch from Stewart’s Diner (cash only, click for menu)

12:45-1:45 PM- Concurrent conversations about the films and community power in New Orleans

2:00-3:30 PM- Special presentation of Broderick Webb and Edward Holub’s film, Cut Off: It’s not about the buildings. It’s about the people, which explores the issue of public housing demolition in New Orleans and ties the recent demolitions to global trends. A panel will follow the screening.

January 19, 2009

Inauguration Celebration this Tuesday, January 20

barackobama

Please join the Crescent City Shapers on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, to celebrate democracy and the Inauguration of our newest president, Barack Obama.  Faculty, students and alumni are invited to The Rusty Nail (1100 Constance Street, www.therustnail.org) for music, food and happy hour specials all night.  Festivities begin at 7pm and will last all night!
 
Contact Melissa Ehlinger at (202) 270-2264 if you have any questions.

January 23, 2009

First CCS General Meeting of 2009–Friday Jan. 23rd

We are hosting our first gathering of the year and would love, especially, to meet any newbies to the program and anyone interested in getting involved this semester and beyond. Last Fall three committees were formed:

social/fundraising- members are tasked with planning happy hours and retreats and coming up with creative ways to get PLUS students together. They also look out for the organization’s bottom line. Contact Melissa Ehlinger if you have an interest in becoming a member. melissaehlinger@yahoo.com

outreach- this committee will orient the student organization to a mission broader than the program itself. Members will plan a service learning trip and coordinate in-town volunteer opportunities. Contact Matthew Mourning at matthewmourning@gmail.com to join in this effort.

education/Lunch & Learn series- this committee, under the leadership of Nicole McCall, has already lured many inspiring planners and urbanists to UNO’s campus. Check out the Lunch & Learn page for upcoming events. Contact Nicole at nicole.mccall@gmail.com for more information and to get invovled.

Now all we need is YOU! Urban Studies and Planning majors with a devotion to rebuilding New Orleans and a desire to advance the cause of the Crescent City Shapers.

Join Us! We will be hosting a representative NORA, who will have an eye out for ambitious Shapers looking for internship opportunities.

———–MEETING DETAILS——–

Where: Garage Pizza, 220 South Robertson in the CBD.

When: Friday, January 23rd @ 5:30pm


View Larger Map

Garage’s amazing pizza will be provided!

January 26, 2009

More than 20 Students Attend the First Meeting of the Semester

CCS would like to say ”THANK YOU” to all those who came out to the first general meeting–it was a huge success. We would also like to recognize John and Ariana from the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) for a wonderful presentation. You guys were great!

To learn more about NORA, click here. For internship opportunites contact the Shapers at crescentcityshapers@gmail.com.

If you were unable to attend Friday’s meeting, no worries. All meeting minutes will be posted to the “Minutes” page of this blog within the next few days!

January 28, 2009

Renew-Renovate-Reopen Charity Hospital Meeting Tonight at 6pm

With the New Orleans & state budgets  facing major cuts this year, a  rational Gov. Jindal, Mayor Nagin & New Orleans City Council should  perceive we can not afford LSU’s hospital plan & the only fiscal responsible solution is the renovation of old Charity.

Alfarez made reliefs for a number of buildings, including the Charity Hospital Building. Here we see a 15 by 12 foot "screen" above the doors at the hospital.  Around the large male figure in the center can be seen smaller images of  workers, farmers, laborers, factory workers, and people at play.

Alfarez made reliefs for a number of buildings, including the Charity Hospital Building. Here we see a 15 by 12 foot "screen" above the doors at the hospital. Around the large male figure in the center can be seen smaller images of workers, farmers, laborers, factory workers, and people at play.

There has never been a public hearing before the New Orleans City Council or the City Planning Commission on this issue.

The secrecy, waste and flawed planning procedures should be investigated by New Orleans inspector General, Bob Cerasoli. 

Take action now!

Come to the Meeting to Support “Renew-Renovate- Reopen” Charity

Wed. Jan. 28.2007 at 6pm
St. Joseph Church Rebuilt Center
1803 Gravier (near Tulane & S. Claiborne)

January 29, 2009

Lunch & Learn with Kevin Fitzwilliam, February 4th

Kevin Fitzwilliam co-created the Hollygrove Market & Farm (HM&F) and is currently the marketing director. He has developed professional relationships on behalf of the HM&F with rural farmers throughout southeast Louisiana and Mississippi, and with local urban growers in the New Orleans metro area. kevinhollygroveHe currently manages the wholesale segment of the HM&F, which has begun to sell local produce to New Orleans restaurants and institutions. Kevin also helps to coordinate the Saturday buyers’ club at the store each weekend.

Hollygrove Market & Farm description

The Hollygrove Market and Farm (HM&F) is a non-profit retail store selling locally-grown and organic produce, as well as a training location for residents interested in organic urban farming. Centrally located in the heart of the Carrollton-Hollygrove community, this unique store provides healthy and affordable fruits and vegetables to residents of Hollygrove, adjoining neighborhoods, and New Orleans. Mr. Fitzwilliam will talk about the many positive aspects to the Hollygrove Market: access to fresh, local produce; economic development; blight eradication, and sustainability.

See the Lunch and Learn Page for more details!

To get involved at the market, email us at kevin@hollygrovemarket.com or visit http://hollygrovemarket.com/

January 31, 2009

Welcome New Faculty!

Join the Department of Planning and Urban Studies (PLUS)
in welcoming our new (and soon to be new) faculty members:
Michelle, Hiro and Earthea.

When:              Saturday, January 31, 2009
~8:30 pm

Where:            Marla’s house
2741 General Pershing Street (at Clara)

February 4, 2009

Part-time Job Opportunity

The University of Michigan Displaced New Orleans Residents Study will gather information

from 1800 respondents who lived in selected addresses in Orleans Parish in August 2005 at

the time that Hurricane Katrina struck the city. The interviews are expected to average

60 minutes and they will be conducted by phone when possible. Because we have to

locate residents from three years ago, we anticipate the need for a large amount of tracking,

both online and face-to-face, and will be staffing those positions as well.

 

Applicants for this project will be evaluated for these qualities:

• Good communication skills
• Computer proficiency (especially important for IT applicants)
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently
• Attentiveness to detail
• Willingness to learn and continually improve performance
• Flexible schedule: 20-25 hours per week during day, evening, and weekend hours
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Willing and available to work FTF in a variety of neighborhoods (FTF applicants)
• Prior data collection experience (FTF or phone) a plus

Candidates will be trained on all aspects of the necessary tasks required to perform the job.

Pay rate for the New Orleans area is $12.00/hr. Interviewers are reimbursed for mileage

and expenses.  An additional $2.00/hr. differential will be given to hires who

certify with the University as Spanish speaking.  Higher starting rates for applicants

with prior data collection experience may be available.

 

For a full description of the project and to apply, please visit our website at

https://recruit.isr.umich.edu

1-877-712-7284

The University of Michigan is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. 

February 6, 2009

American Planning Association New Orleans Annual Crawfish Boil

When:         Saturday,  April 4, 2009
                  
Where:       Popp’s Bandstand
                   City Park (next to the Casino building)
 
Time:          11am – 3 pm
 
Price:          Free to all active APA Metro Section members and their families
                   $25 per person for Non-Members
 
RSVP:        Please RSVP by Friday, March 27th with the number in your party and bring yourfavorite goodie to share at the dessert table.

February 12, 2009

Internship Opportunity this Summer

The Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) is interested in hiring student interns with backgrounds in landscape architecture, landscape contracting, horticulture, environmental science, urban planning and community/regional planning for a 10-week service learning internship this summer. Interns will help plan, design and install community-based revitalization projects in Pennsylvania. This year’s projects range from community gardens to pocket parks to residential landscaping demonstrations.
PDC is working with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program to implement the 2009 Internship Program. Interns will receive project-specific training and orientation in Philadelphia, professional mentoring throughout the internship, summer housing (at no cost to the student) and a $2,750 stipend or scholarship.  Interested students may apply online at http://www.padowntown.org/programs/internship/apply.asp.

March 4, 2009

Job Opportunity

 

Community Planner – GS – 0020 – 09 / 11 / 12 / 13 BP 

With the  Federal Transit Administration: http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=79308084&AVSDM=2009%2D022D13+003A033A00&Logo=0&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&customapplicant=15513,15514,15515,15669,15523,15512,15516,45575&q=New%20York,%20New%20Yorkministration 
This position is located in the Region II, New York, NY Office of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The office is responsible for administering Sections 5309, 5303, 5307, 5333(b), 5335, 53 …[more]

Vacancy Ann.#:      FTA.R2-2009-0002
Who May Apply:      Public
Pay Plan:      GS-0020-09/13
Appointment Term:      Permanent
Job Status:      Full-Time
Opening Date:      2/13/2009
Salary: from 52,398.00 to 117,469.00 USD per year

March 4, 2009

General Meeting this Friday, March 6, 2009

Save the date: this Friday, March 6, 2009, the Crescent City Shapers will hold a general meeting at a location to be announced shortly.  The meeting will begin at 6:00pm and is open to all PLUS students and faculty.

March 16, 2009

Rebuilding Innovatively Presentation this Wednesday, 6:30pm

This Wednesday at 6:30 pm, Dr. Elizabeth English will join us to discuss innovative hurricane mitigation tools including buoyant foundations and cascading levy walls. The presentation will be held in Milneburg Hall Room 351.

March 18, 2009

City Planning Commission Looking for Volunteer Facilitators at Upcoming Master Plan Meetings

In April, the draft Master Plan will be reviewed by citizens at ten District Meetings, to be held on five nights (two locations each night). Following the overview presentation, participants will work in small discussion groups. Your job as a volunteer would be to facilitate the small group discussion.  Volunteers must attend a mandatory training session to be held twice. You can choose the most convenient time.

• 2 hours training on April 7 or April 14

• 3.5 hours the night of the event.

Sign up by emailing Paul Cramer,pcramer@city of no.com, with your name,

 

phone number and a bit of your background. You can also call Paul at (504) 658-7012. Be sure to leave your phone number and e-mail in your message.

Deadline: April 1.

March 18, 2009

Internship Opportunities This Summer!

Contact us for more information on interning with the City of New Orleans!!

June 2, 2009

Housing for Incoming Students

$450/month + cable/power (internet and water included) 1 bedroom in a 3 bedroom house, near Lake Pontchartrain. 6930 Pontchartrain Blvd. Spacious 2 story house, with large kitchen that opens to living room. Less than 10 minute drive, or 4 mile bike ride to campus. Roommates are 1 male undergraduate planning student, (graduating in Dec.) and 1 mid-twenties male. Lease would be through the end of 2009. Good short term opportunity for an incoming graduate student to have a temporary place while deciding which New Orleans neighborhood they would like to live in! The possibility of staying in the house and finding more roommates for past Dec. 31 could be discussed with landlord. Contact Madeline Brozen MBrozen@uno.edu

May 1, 2009

Bicycle Second Line

The Metro Bicycle Coalition is hosting a Bicycle Second Line on Saturday, May 9th.  All Crescent City Shapers are encouraged to attend.

Hope to see you there!

Hope to see you there!

April 6, 2009

Passenger Data Survey – Temporary Assistance Wanted

Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc. (BKI) is seeking temporary, part-time assistance with a passenger data survey for the Coast Transit Authority in Mississippi.

Presently, assistance is needed on the following days, although additional days may be added:

Friday, April 17 – 5 am to 4:30 pm

Saturday, April 18 – 9:30 am to 6 pm

Thursday, April 23 – 1 pm to 9:30 pm

Sunday, April 26 – 8 am to 6 pm

1.  Compensation will be $10/hour.

2.  All surveys will be collected inside busses.

3.  Transportation will be provided between New Orleans and Biloxi.

4.  No previous survey experience is required, but is helpful.

5.  Bilingual communication skills, although not required, might be helpful.

A mandatory orientation will be held on Monday, April 13th from 12 to 1 pm at the BKI Offices (4176 Canal St., New Orleans, LA).  For more information, please contact Nicole S. McCall at nmccall@bkiusa.com.


Positions available until filled.