Order your business cards today!

Get your business cards ready, the APA Conference is just around the corner and this is a great opportunity to make some key connections.  What’s that?  You don’t have a business card?  Well, don’t delay an order yours today from the Crescent City Shapers.

For $40 you get 100 of sharp looking cards with the University of New Orleans official logo and all of the personal information you care to share.  What a sweet deal!

To order, email Alexis (alexis.leventhal@gmail.com) or Angela (angelalawson@gmail.com) with any of the following information (if you don’t want something, just leave it blank):

Name:

Address:

Phone (work):

Phone (cell):

Email (work):

Email (personal):

Title in Crescent City Shapers:  member/president/etc.

Program:  Doctoral/Graduate

***All orders are due before Monday, December 7, 2009***

**Your cards will not be ordered until payment is made, which will be arranged between you and** Angela or Alexis.

 

Lunch & Learn 2009

Hello Crescent City Shapers,

The Lunch & Learn Series will be beginning this month. Here are the time, date, and place details.

Time-12:30pm

Date-Weekdays (once a month, but two in November)

Place-351 Milneburg Hall

The idea is to come relax during your lunch hour (brown bag it) and learn about an aspect of Urban Planning from someone who is already working in the field.

Here are my ideas of topics for the year…If you would like to hear about a particular topic or from a particular speaker, feel free to email me.

Tuesday, November 17–David Fields

Tuesday, November 24–Angela Parsons

Wednesday, December 2–Bob Brecker

Jan-Smart Growth (think of the future)

Feb- Architecture (fall in love with the look of New Orleans)

March-Gardening/Slow Food (spring into action with fresh new ideas)

April-Environmental Awareness (new options for energy are everywhere)

May-Politics

As each event gets closer, you will be receiving emails from me with all  the details.

Bridget Tydor

Education Officer

btydor@uno.edu

2009 Lunch & Learns

Hello Crescent City Shapers,

Lunch & Learns will be beginning this month! Just so you know what to expect for the year we will follow some basic time, place, and date guidelines:

Time-12:30pm

Place-351 Milneburg Hall

Date-Wednesdays (once a month, but 2 for November)

The idea is to give you a break from class and a chance to hear about current work in an area related to Urban Planning from those already involved in the field.

Bring your own lunch. Relax for an hour. Get to know something new!

Here are my general ideas of topics for the year

Oct/early Nov-Housing Blight (a spooky issue)

Nov-Transit (bicycles, buses, trolleys)

Dec-Parks & Recreation (a great time of year for parks)

Jan-Smart Growth (time to think about the future)

Feb-Architecture (fall in love with the look of New Orleans)

March-Gardening/Slow food (spring into action with fresh produce)

April-Environmental Awareness (solar, wind, water, power, etc)

May-politics

Please be sure to email me if you have any other topics or speakers you are interested in hearing about and from. I will be emailing everyone with the specifics as each Lunch & Learn gets closer…so look forward to hearing from me soon!

Bridget Tydor

Education Officer

btydor@uno.edu

Not your ordinary TOD

Ready your quarters….Transit Oriented Drinks is next week:  Friday, November 13, 2009.  Ask a 2nd year MURP and they’ll tell you:  taking transit was never so fun!  This event, deeply rooted in planning theory and modern transportation planning ideals, is a great opportunity to socialize with your colleagues, familiarize with yourself with the various modes of public transit as well as some of the city’s finest drinking establishments.  Don’t miss out and make sure you’re at the first stop.  All the details can be found below.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Start:  *5:30 pm, Balcony Bar, 3201 Magazine Street.

First mode of transit:  Magazine street bus, Magazine St. and 7^th St., to leave at 6:26, 6:56, 7:26, or 7:56 (just in case we leave someone in the bathroom).  Ride this all the way to canal. 

Second mode of transit: Yo’ Feet!  Walk four blocks up Canal Street.  Make a left onto Baronne Street.  The next stop will be on your left barely a block up. 

Next Stop:  *7:30 pm, The Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel, 123 Baronne Street, www.therooseveltneworleans.com

Third mode of transit:  Canal Streetcar, Canal and Rampart Street, to leave at 8:12, 8:48, 8:58, 9:08, 9:20, or 10:08 (in case you get caught talking politics).   Ride this all the way to the Canal Cemeteries.

Final Stop: *9:30pm, Mid City Bulldog, 51355 Canal Street, www.bulldog-midcityt.draftfreak.com

Getting Home:  Call a cab or take the streetcar from whence you came—it leaves from the Canal Cemeteries at 10:49, 11:09, 12:09, 12:29, 1:49, and 2:49.

AMA hosts guest speaker John Hopper–Lunch will be served!

The AMA is hosting guest speaker John Hopper Chief Development Officer of Fund raising and PR for City Park next Tuesday. Lunch will be provided for students as we learn how City Park surveyed the New Orleans community and translated that information to create their City Park Master Plan 2018. Please join us on Tuesday, November 10, at 12:30 to 1:15 in KH 325.

LW9 Volunteer Schedule

Below you will find the game days volunteers are need to work concessions in support of the Lower 9th Ward Homeowner’s Association and their efforts to help residents of the Lower 9th Ward return home and rebuild their community.  Show some love for our Lower 9th Ward community and put a game or two (or more) down in your schedule.  Questions?  Reach out to LaVita Tuff:  lavita.tuff@gmail.com

DATE	EVENT	GAME TIME	LOCATION	REPORT TIME
11/8 Sunday	Saints vs Panthers	3pm	SUPERDOME	10am/11am
11/13 Friday	Hornets vs Trail Blazers	7pm	ARENA	4pm
11/17 Tuesday	Hornets vs Clippers	7pm	ARENA	4pm
11/19 Thursday	Hornets vs Suns	7pm	ARENA	4pm
11/21 Saturday	Hornets vs Hawks	7pm	ARENA	4pm
11/25 Wednesday	Hornets vs Bucks	7pm	ARENA	4pm
11/27 Friday	Battle of the Bands	7pm	SUPERDOME	2pm/3pm
11/28 Saturday	Bayou Classic	1pm	SUPERDOME	8am/9am
11/30 Monday	Saints vs Patriots	7:30pm	SUPERDOME	2:30pm/3:30pm
12/4 Friday	Hornets vs Timberwolves	7pm	ARENA	4pm
12/8 Tuesday	Hornets vs Kings	7pm	ARENA	4pm
12/11 Friday	Hornets vs Knicks	7pm	ARENA	4pm
12/16 Wednesday	Hornets vs Pistons	7pm	ARENA	4pm
12/18 Friday	Hornets vs Nuggets	7pm	ARENA	4pm
12/19 Saturday	Saints vs Cowboys	7:15pm	SUPERDOME	2:15pm/3:15pm
12/23 Wednesday	Hornets vs Warriors	7pm	ARENA	4pm
12/27 Sunday	Saints vs Buccaneers	12pm	SUPERDOME	7am/8am
12/30 Wednesday	Hornets vs Heat	7pm	ARENA	4pm
1/1/10 Friday	Sugar Bowl	7pm	SUPERDOME	2pm/3pm

 

Happy Hour…New Place, New Time

New month, new neighborhood, new happy hour location.

Get ready District 4….the Crescent City Shapers are coming to Mid-City for November’s Happy Hour.  We will be gathering at Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, check them out at:  http://www.finnmccools.com/

The Happy Hour festivities will begin Friday, November 6, from 8-the planners go home.  8 pm!?!?!?  That’s right…the Dr. Lance Hill event is that same evening and we wouldn’t want you to put you in a pickle.  So come to the Action Coalition’s hosting of Dr. Hill (details are on the website), then hop…skip…and a jump to Finn McCool’s.  

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Dr. Lance Hill @ UNO Friday, November 6, 2009

The Action Coalition will be hosting Dr. Lance Hill on Friday evening, November 6^th from 6-8pm in Milneburg Hall 351 and all Crescent City Shapers are welcome to attend.   That’s next Friday!!  Food and beverages will be provided, but potluck donations are kindly appreciated.

Dr. Lance Hill is a history professor at Tulane University, a lifelong activist, and the executive director of the Southern Institute for Education and Research (SIER).  The SIER is a highly esteemed non-profit “race relations center dedicated to improving ethnic relations in the Deep South through tolerance education and communications training”.  Dr. Hill will begin the evening with an overview of events since Hurricane Katrina that created racial antagonisms and the “exclusionist movement” in the recovery of New Orleans.  After this, he will guide us in understanding some of the various theoretical strategies for antiracist organizing and communication.  Building both the theoretical and historical perspectives on how to effectively engage in interethnic dialogue will be invaluable for any work that the Action Coalition does in the greater New Orleans metropolitan area.

If you are interested in joining this amazing evening, please RSVP with me so that we can effectively plan the logistics.

Please RSVP to Joel Devalcourt at jadevalcourt@gmail.com

 

 

Ahhh….Fall

  Come check us out at UNO’s annual Fall Fest this Thursday, October 29, from 11-2 on the green outside of the Earl K. Long Library.  We’ll have lots of good information about upcoming events, some treats, and no tricks.  A win-win-win.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

CityWorks Symposium @ UNO on Tuesday Oct. 14th

Submitted by graduate student Lisa Kamuf. Thank you Lisa!

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.

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)

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.

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

CCS General Meeting Next Wednesday

 

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

So, What Did You Think??

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

Going on now….

Ray’s Boom Boom Room

and Dr Guitar

Present

A Benefit Concert

For

United Houma Nation

 

November 15^th, 2008

5PM – till

508 Frenchman

New Orleans, LA

                                                                       

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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

evamacker@cityofno.com

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!

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

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!

 

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

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!

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/

This Saturday: Films, Food and Conversation about Community Power

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.

Inauguration Celebration this Tuesday, January 20

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.

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!

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!

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.

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)

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. He 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/

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Internship Opportunities This Summer!

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

Snacks and Suds Picnic @ Washington Square Park

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.

 

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

April Picnic in the Park A Success!

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

End of Semester Celebration: TOD

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

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

Job Opportunity!

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.

Student Spotlight: Darin A.

Darin graduated is Fall 2008 with his bachelor’s degree. We caught up with him recently to find out more….
So Darin, What’s Next?

Right now I’m working for the Pedestrian Bicycle Resource Initiative, making maps and maintaining our website at www.planning.uno.edu/bikeped. I’m also working on a zine called Geography of Robots that deals pretty heavily with planning, ecology, alternative suburban geographies, and the post-industrial city. I’m riding my bike all over the place and swimming in as many hotel pools and bayous as I can find.

Advice for current/prospective students?

Don’t be shy around the faculty, or fellow students for that matter. We have some amazing people in the department that can really help you along and hook you up with cool projects. Talk to them, make friends with them; they’re great!

CCS is reaching out to recent graduates (undergrad and grad) to get a better sense of life after UNO. This will be an ongoing feature of our blog so stay tuned! If you are a recent graduate and would like to be feature, email us at crescentcityshapers@gmail.com. Answer two questions. What’s next for you? and What advice do you have for current/prospective students?

Crescent City Shaper Tee’s Coming Soon! Order Now!

Place your order now and start the semester off in style. Click the “Buy Now” button below, donate $20 or more and this shirt is yours! A Pay Pal account is not needed.  All proceeds benefit CCS programming.

The front will feature the CCS logo, the back will read “PLanning +Urban Studies @ UNO” (caps intentional, “PLUS”).

Save The Date… APA State Conference

 

As usual there will be opportunities for students to volunteer at the conference for a reduced rate.  More information about this program will be announced soon.  For questions please contact rosielacy@gmail.com.

Save the Date… 2009 Smart Growth Summit

Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) will hold its 4th annual Smart Growth Summit: Creating Complete Communities, August 27 and 28, 2009 at the Shaw Center for the Arts in downtown Baton Rouge.  “Creating Complete Communities” will feature national and local smart growth experts.  Seating is limited and registration is only $25 dollars.  Please register at the link provided below.

http://www.planningexcellence.org/smart_growth_signup.asp

Graduate Student Welcome Party

Marla Nelson, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, is graciously hosting the:

Department of Planning & Urban Studies’

Graduate Student Welcome Party

WHEN:             Saturday, August 29^th at 7pm

WHERE:           Marla Nelson’s house

2741 General Pershing St.

New Orleans

504.259.1435

Drinks and snacks will be served

Feel free to bring one or the other!

CCS Executive Committee Elections

Crescent City Shapers is holding elections for the following positions. Please review the position descriptions and nominate yourself by emailing your name, desired position, and a short bio that explains your interest in the position to ccselections@gmail.com. We will be accepting nominations until noon on Monday September 7th, 2009!

President:

1. Presides over and schedules all meetings.
2. Appoints members to chair committees.
3. Sets annual goals and dictates the official duties of each selected chair.
4. Will cast the deciding vote in case of a tie.
5. The term of service is one year.

The President will be responsible for carrying out the CCS mission: to be the voice of the students, to provide a meeting ground for networking and socializing and to foster personal and professional development among our members and partners. To be successful, the President and the executive committee must dedicate as much time as it takes to accomplish each year’s stated goals; goals that the President should articulate early on in his/her term. In order for CCS to be sustainable, the President must work closely with faculty and staff in the Department of Planning and Urban Studies and within the leadership of the greater university, including the Student Government Association, to obtain resources for programmed events. The President may be called on at anytime to speak on behalf of the student members and therefore must be comfortable with addressing large crowds. In that same vein, the President must maintain open and direct dialogue with all who are associated with the organization. This position is open to anyone who has been a member of CCS for at least one semester. Previous leadership experience is preferred, but not necessary.

Social and Fundraising Chair:

The Social/Fundraising Chair of the Crescent City Shapers is responsible for organizing and advertising, in conjunction with the Outreach Chair, various social events throughout the year. Included among these events are an annual holiday party, a recurring “Transit Oriented Drinks” happy hour, and an annual pot luck picnic fundraiser. Other events include beginning of semester gatherings and any coordination of students to attend various planning-related events throughout the city. The Social/Fundraising Chair is also responsible for posting events and information on the CCS blog and distributing informational emails to the students and faculty.

Community Outreach Officer:

The Outreach Officer is responsible for connecting PLUS students with volunteer opportunities that reflect the interests of planners and those studying urban environments while simultaneously extending the reach, influence, and positive impact of the University of New Orleans and its students on the larger community. The Outreach Officer has the discretion to decide which events and volunteer opportunities are appropriate for the program and worthwhile. The Outreach Officer shall post (or shall have posted by another) an announcement to the Crescent City Shapers website (weblog or otherwise) about selected volunteer opportunities in a timely manner. The Officer shall also send e-mail notification to the PLUS e-mail chain in addition to any other forms of advertisement to ensure the desired level of participation in selected events. The Outreach Officer shall circulate a list (to contain names of students and their contact information) at a group meeting or other venue in order to generate a pool of interested potential volunteers for selected (whether undefined or specific) events and opportunities.
An example of a selected event in the past: students participated in a renovation project in the Holy Cross neighborhood in which a couple from New York was rehabilitating a home at-cost to then sell to a storm-afflicted former resident eager to return.

APA State Liaison:

This position should be filled by a second year CCS member who is familiar with APA conferences and CCS activities. The delegate must be a current APA member and UNO student. This position comes with the responsibility of being an active, voting member for both CCS Executive Committee and the LA State APA Executive Committee. The delegate will have responsibilities to both committees.

Responsibilities:
• attending all meetings with the State of Louisiana APA section typically held by conference call once a month
• liaise with the National APA and the Regional Student Representative Executive Council. For the 2009/2010 school year our regional representative is Anita Hollmann at Texas A & M University (hollmanna@yahoo.com).
• attend the National APA Conference, attend all student related activities and vote for Regional Student Representative for Region III
• organize National APA Conference trip for UNO students and file proposal for financial support with LA-APA
• write articles reflecting CCS activities for the LA-APA quarterly newsletter
• collect articles from student’s who attended the National Conference with compensation
• assist Metro Liaison with state conference volunteers (secondary responsibility)

New Orleans Metro APA Liaison:

Preferably the incumbent would fill this position for two years, the first year liaising with the New Orleans APA and the second year with the state. The delegate must be a current APA member and UNO student. This position comes with the responsibility of being an active, voting member for both CCS Executive Committee and the New Orleans Metro APA Executive Committee. The delegate will have responsibilities to both committees.

Responsibilities:
• assist the State Liaison with National Conference activities
• attend meetings with the New Orleans Metro Committee including special events throughout the year (this might require setup and tear down for events)
• organize student volunteers for each monthly luncheon for the Metro APA (coordinate with the president of that committee)
• work with the State Liaison to organize student volunteers for the LA State APA conference (primary responsibility)

Education Officer:

The Education Officer is responsible for developing educational programs to complement Planning and Urban Studies curriculum. This generally includes recruiting speakers for Crescent City Shapers meetings and on-campus seminars. The Education Officer is responsible for promoting and coordinating all aspects of the programs.

Secretary/ Treasurer:

The secretary/treasurer records meeting minutes and tracks the Crescent City Shapers’ finances. The secretary/treasurer has access to the CCS bank account.

Just another reminder, Nominations are due by NOON on Monday, September 7, 2009!

A changing of the Guard….

A big thank you to last year’s Executive Committee—their efforts, accomplishments, and contributions to the Crescent City Shapers have set this year’s officers up for success.  The new officers are looking forward to taking the lead in providing Crescent City Shaper members with educational, social, professional, and community service opportunities.  Find out a little more about the new Executive Committee and please feel free to reach out to them with your ideas, feedback, and suggestions throughout the school year.

STATE APA LIAISON: Rosie Green Ballinger

Rosie Green Ballinger is a second year MURP student concentrating in Land Use/Environment. She grew up in a tiny (pop. 2,400) town in southeast Michigan, and headed south after high school to Berea, Kentucky. There she attended Berea College and graduated with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Peace and Social Justice Studies. As a Fellow with the Entrepreneurship for the Public Good program at Berea, Rosie interned at the NewCities Institute in Lexington, Ky. It was then that she decided to study urban and regional planning. She followed her husband to New Orleans when he moved here in 2007 and enrolled at the University of New Orleans. Rosie is seriously in love with this city and enjoys almost everything about it, especially its festivals and sporting events.

SECRETARY AND UNDERGRADUATE ORGANIZER: Keely Loyce Hill

My name is Keely Loyce Hill and I am an undergraduate student in the Urban Studies program.  I am a sophomore transfer student with a small amount of experience in the urban studies/planning areas but that experience is constantly growing.  I’m glad that I have the opportunity to work with the graduate planning students through the CSS and I really want to make some great volunteer opportunities available to all students while they are living in New Orleans.  I’m here to learn and to help others do the same so if you have any ideas or any questions regarding the CSS or urban studies in general please feel free to reach out to me.

TREASURER AND LOCAL APA LIAISON: Angela Lawson

Raised in the swamps of Florida, Angela moved up north after college to live the dream of unheated, dirty lofts in gritty urban neighborhoods.  She did this and thirteen years only to decide to leave it all behind to return south to get her PhD in Urban Studies.  While living in Chicago she worked in the Education Department of the American Planning Association, got her Masters Degree in Communication, thrift shopped, discovered the joys of giving her entire paycheck to Whole Foods, and biked every inch of the city.  Seven years after her first snowfall, Angela moved to New York where she took advantage of the million and one opportunities by re-inventing herself yearly.  She worked in the fashion industry, film, and publishing.  She misses the car services, bridges, and Bodega cats but is excited to be in New Orleans. PRESIDENT: Alexis Leventhal Alexis moved to the fair city of New Orleans in the summer of 2007 to work in the city’s public schools as a special education teacher with Teach for America.  Alexis quickly came to realize that, although she adored her students, teaching was not her life’s calling.  Inspired by the rebuilding efforts across the city and drawing upon her undergraduate background (a BA in the Growth and Structure of Cities from Haverford College), Alexis entered the MURP program in the fall of 2008.   With her Teach for America commitment fulfilled, Alexis is now a full-time 2ndyear MURP student concentrating in Land Use and Environmental Planning.   As the Crescent City Shaper (CCS) President, she hopes to draw upon the passion, intelligence, and diversity of her fellow CCS members to create a host of meaningful and fun activities.  To this end, Alexis welcomes input and would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. COMMUNITY OUTREACH OFFICER: LaVita Tuff LaVita Tuff is a native of Atlanta, Georgia brought to New Orleans because of her love for the city and the people here. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at The Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. While there she competed on the world renowned Forensics Team and served as an officer on the executive board for Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. She has a love for her community and shows this through her mentoring program, Just Save One which focuses on teaching children the importance of an education and how to be healthier individuals. She currently serves as the Community Outreach officer and is taking ideas from everyone about what can be done to make a difference around New Orleans. EDUCATION OFFICER: Bridget Tydor Bridget lives by the credo, “variety is the spice of life”. And what spicier city exists than New Orleans? Although it has taken her many years to finally settle here, her roots are deeply embedded in the South. Born in Baton Rouge she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, Dallas, Texas, and back to Baton Rouge for undergraduate work in Anthropology at Louisiana State University. In college she studied and worked in the field of archaeology, learning the nuances of Louisiana history and culture. After graduating from Louisiana State University, she moved to New Orleans to pursue a career in teaching. Always a student at heart, she realized there was more for her to learn. She is currently enrolled in her first year of the MURP program and would like to focus on land use and urban design.

 

Happy Hour will never be the same….

Well, it will actually be the same a few times before it is never the same again.  What we mean is that the universally loved Crescent City Shaper happy hour is changing from the “usual spot” to featuring a different neighborhood watering hole each month.  In addition, in preparation for the Holiday Season, we are kicking off our canned-food drive.  From here on out, we are asking everyone to bring any and all non-perishable food item to happy hour (or a drinks worth of money to donate towards the purchase of canned goods).  Donations will be dropped off at a local food bank in time for the holiday season to help a local family in need.

The first stop and opportunity to donate goodies will be in good ole’ District 3.  Our first neighborhood is the Marigny.  Our first watering hole is Mimi’s in the Marigny (a natural choice).  Please plan to join us, this Friday, October 9, from  5:30 till your mom calls you home at this local favorite featuring delicious tapas and funky-fresh music for the late crowd.   Check out the links below to get more information on this historic neighborhood and this happy hour hot spot:

http://www.mimisinthemarigny.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faubourg_Marigny

The CCS Constitution…

Needs some updates.  The Executive Committee has reviewed and made some suggested revisions which need to receive a majority vote from CCS members in order to be officially adopted.  Check out the revisions and be ready to approve or disapprove come Friday’s happy hour aka the Polls where ballots will be ready and waiting for your vote.  Like/Love/Hate the changes?  Please feel free to make comments about the revisions here on this post.

FYI…Local Conference

http://www.project-neworleans.org/conference.html

Privateer Volunteers Needed

 

The Privateer Volunteers

*       Help rebuild our city one home at a time by volunteering on Fridays in conjunction with New Orleans Habitat for Humanity.

*       No skills needed, just a desire to help.

*       No tools necessary. If you like you can bring your own.

*       Meet on Fridays at 7:15 a.m. at U.N.O. Starbucks.

*       Bring your own lunch and be willing to work until 3:15 p.m.

*       Transportation is not necessary, but if you have transportation, it would be most appreciated.

*       If you have any questions, contact Bernard Engert by email bengert@uno.edu or by phone
          504-228-3189. Call or email Bernard to confirm

Louisiana APA Conference NEXT WEEK

It isn’t too late to register for this year’s state APA conference, which will be held next Thursday – Saturday. The cost for students is $65 (lunches and dinners included!). See the poster below for details (including the state’s APA website that has the conference schedule and registration information).

If you are attending and are interested in carpooling/splitting hotel rooms, please contact the CCS’s state APA liaison Rosie Ballinger (rgreenballinger@gmail.com).

Great Success!

 

 

The people have spoken and the amendments to the constitution have passed.  Thank you for coming out and voting!  Curious what you voted for???  Check out the recently amended constitution below:

Constitution

Department of Planning and Urban Studies (PLUS ) Student Organization

 

Article I           Name

The name of this organization shall be the Crescent City Shapers, from here on out known as CCS.

 

Article II  Purpose

The purpose of this organization is to provide a networking, social, and academic environment for students in the Department of Planning and Urban Studies in which to enhance their experience while studying in PLUS.

                       

                        Membership

                        Section 1:         Membership is open to all students enrolled in PLUS , full or part-time.

                        Section 2:         Active members shall be enrolled students and elected officers.

 

Article III        Officers

                        Section 1:         Only active members are eligible to hold office within CCS.

Section 2:         New officers will be elected once in the academic year, for the duration of two semesters.

Section 3:         The elected officers and duties that follow are as presented below.  Just because a duty is not listed in this constitution does not mean that it does not exist.  Additional duties are to be determined by the President:

                        President:

1. Presides over and schedules all meetings.
2. Appoints members to chair committees.
3. Will cast deciding vote in the case of a tie.

Vice-President:

1. Will act and assume all duties of the president in his or her absence.
2. Will advise all committees and recruitment.

Secretary:

1. Will keep accurate minutes of each meeting, and make them available upon request.
2. Will advise all committees and recruitment.

Treasurer:

1. Will maintain organization finances.

APA State Laison

1. Will communicate social, educational, professional, and volunteer opportunities available through the State APA to CCS.  

APA Local Laison

1. Will communicate social, educational, professional, and volunteer opportunities available through the local APA chapter.

Section 4:         Election of Officers

1. Only active members can run for office and vote in elections
2. Only students who maintain a 2.0 or better grade point average and who are enrolled in 6 or more semester hours may seek election.
3. If vacancies shall arise new officers will be elected at the next meeting.

Section 5:         If positions remain open after elections, the President may appoint those positions to any member of CCS, including members already holding positions in the Executive Committee with the approval of the majority of the Executive Committee. 

Article IV        Advisors

Section1:          There shall be a member of the UNO faculty or staff who will serve as the PLUSS advisor.

 

Article V          Quorum, Meetings, and Voting

                        Section 1:         A board quorum shall exist of at least 3 officers.

Section 2:         Meetings will be held once a month, emergency meetings will be held when deemed necessary by a majority of the officers.

Section 3:         To pass a proposal a simple majority of those present is necessary.

Section 4:         All meetings will be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.

 

Article VI        Financial Structure

                        Section 1:         There will be no dues unless voted upon by the officers.

 

Article VII       Impeachment

Section 1:         An officer may be removed from office due to negligence of duty, inefficiency in officer of any other action which is considered detrimental to the name or purpose of the organization.  An officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire active membership, present and voting, at a meeting of an organization.

 

Article VIII      Amendments

Section 1:         Amendments must be distributed in writing to the membership at least one week prior to the vote.

 

 

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Writing Contest: Win $$!

Enter this contest to win free registration to the National APA conference and a $300 stipend for travel! Sure, you live here and won’t have to travel all that far to get downtown, but you could always use it for a sweet suite at a local hotel! Plus the writing topic choices are pretty darn interesting… so go ahead, make us proud.

The APA Urban Design and Preservation Division is hosting a writing competition for undergraduate and graduate students. The student who submits the best entry will receive a Student registration to the 2010 National Conference in New Orleans and a $300 stipend for the travel to the conference.

Entrants may choose from one of the following questions or pose their own question that they think the review committee will find engaging:

*          How can planners and urban designers best articulate a definition of urban design in light of other current movements in the built environment?  With terms like green building, sustainable building, and new urbanismfloating around the field of planning and architecture, how can urban design fit in and how might we best explain the role of urban design in light of today’s movements.

*          What can planners learn from urban designers and what can urban designers learn from planners? How do the two professions complement each other and where are areas of conflict or mis-communication?  How can urban designers and planners work more collaboratively?

*          How can non-planners visualize the urbanization of the suburbs through urban design? How does urban design help with visualization and how and when can it back fire?  What are some key elements that can keep density and urbanization on track?

*       What are some of the historic preservation challenges in a recession?  What are some techniques that preservationists can use to leverage projects and plans?

Articles must be written by current undergraduate or graduate students who are members of the Division or become members at the time of submission.  Articles should not exceed 1,500 words. Submit your article by November 1, 2009 to:

Executive Committee

APA Urban Design and Preservation Division

c/o  John Maximuk, Immediate Past Chair

jmaximuk@liveablecommunitiescoalition.org

Happy-Hour-Ween!

Friday, October 23, 2009 is the date of the next Crescent City Happy Hour at Mimi’s in the Marigny from 5:30 until the witching hour.  If you can, bring a can–of food that is, for the CCS food drive. 

Last week’s turnout and non-perishable food donations was fantastic–we are looking forward to seeing you all again and hopefully a few more friendly faces too.

Sunday: be “in that number” defending our coast!

On Sunday October 25th, come be in that number as 350 musicians come together to send a clear message that we need action on global warming NOW. Join us at Congo Square in Armstrong Park to send a message that we must defend our climate to protect our coast!

350 musicians will play “When the Saints Go Marching In”! The rally will begin at noon with music and speakers.  Then at 1:45pm we will second line through the French Quarter to Frenchmen Street. Folks are invited to gather at DBA on Frenchmen Street where the Saints game will be televised. We hope you can join us!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

The Saints definitely are marching all over the competition. The Hornets  are preparing for some stinging victories.  Want to join in the action while helping to improve the lives of families in the 9th ward?  Crescent City Shapers and the Lower Ninth Ward Homeowner’s Association are teaming up to help families still devastated by the storm.

You will join your classmates in working a concessions stand at Saint’s and Hornet’s home games and a percentage of the revenue is collected by the Lower Ninth Ward Homeowner’s Association and distributed to 9th ward residents to help them return to their homes and stay in their homes.

The next home game that we need volunteers for is Sunday, November 8th. If you are interested in volunteering please email our community outreach officer at lavita.tuff@gmail.com. There will be many more opportunities to catch a game while helping members of our community–the schedule will be up soon–so plan on making it out to a few games.

We look forward to seeing you in the endzone!!!

CCS Executive Council Minutes 11/12/09

 

• Business Cards
  • Ready for action! Buy Now!
  • $40 for 100 cards
  • Email Alexis
  • Can pay cash, check, ect
  • Money due by December 2^nd
  • Lunch & Learn
    • Bridgette has it together
    • November 17^th Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. in Millenburg Hall
      • With David Fields on Preservation
      • APA
        • M.I.A.
        • Need updates, not sure what’s going on here
        • Community Outreach
          •  Lower 9^th Ward Homeownership Association/ Saints Games
            • First event didn’t go so well
            • May abandon association if organization does not prove legitimacy soon
• St. Bernard Project
  • Still working toward a February 2010 build in Gentilly, updates to come
  • Canned Food Drive
    • Working on getting box in Urban Planning Hall/floor
    • Going to ask students to give their canned goods to any executive member during classes
    • Collect goods from individual members later, decide where we are going to allocate them
    • Also may be a good idea to tally up how much we’ve collected, where we’re giving them in order to give students a summary of their success/ prove we weren’t eating their veggies
    • NEXT FRIDAY! PANEL 11/20
      • 6-8pm
      • In Kirschman hall
      • Start pushing flyers early next week, if you would like a copy of the file so you can print out flyers to share email Keely
      • Facebook event will be set up: attn Keely
      • Be there or be square please!
      • Charity Panel, to occur at UNO?!
        • Public Health Masters Graduate Student organized event
        • Tulane and Loyola student organizations
        • December 3^rd 7-9pm
        • Can’t have event at Tulane due to the fact that this event is in the sole support of Charity
        • Pushing to get this large event, media 500+ people to occur on the UNO campus
        • Also pushing to get CCS and the Action Coalition on the board along with the Tulane/Loyola organizations in order to give UNO students some leverage/representation
        • Updates in general
          • Please stay in contact with members of CCS, let us know what you’re working on ect so we can keep the communication level high
          • Feel free to involve other students who are interested in taking the initiative with CCS events
          • Mayor’s Race
            • How do we decide which mayor we’re supporting?
              • Student survey? Maybe an online one that could be published in the weekly campus newsletter email so that all students would have an opportunity to fill it out?
• CCS table outside of the library to get visibility and get information from students in regards to what they’re looking for in a mayor, aka further surveying
• Mayor’s Race event in April, more official actual event would occur closer to this date
  • Possibly movie night with a fraternity/sorority?
• In mean time get surveying and conversation going
• There are a lot of candidates, (ex: Nadia Ramsey, former judge) so there is a lot of research/surveying to do
• Membership Conversation
  • Set up monthly meeting with general membership in order to keep communication going outside of happy hour events
  • Will start in December
  • Also give opportunity to individual members to take on initiatives
  • Facebook
    • Alexis- get one!
    • Keely working on business card events, other events in order to get better awareness in regards to who’s attending who’s not
    • Get more facebook friends, get people interested in attending CCS events!
    • Other, ect
      • Undergraduate professional development?
      • Perhaps in tandem with graduate one?
      • Keep thinking and let us know your thoughts!