The 2011 Louisiana Smart Growth Summit starts this evening in Baton Rouge - although it seems to have nothing to do with the organization called Smart Growth for Louisiana that is active in a number of ways in New Orleans.
In fact, it's rather interesting to see that MAPP Construction, LLC (Skanska/MAPP is the construction manager at risk for the proposed UMC project) is one of the major sponsors.
Here's one of the most interesting panels, set for early Friday morning:
NOLA Rising: How Downtown New Orleans is Redesigning, Rebuilding, and Rebranding Smarter Post-hurricane Katrina
James McNamara
BioDistrict New Orleans
Zoey Devall
Downtown Development District of New Orleans
MODERATOR:
Michael Hecht
Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Session attendees will hear from three New Orleans organizations as to how the city has rebranded and marketed itself to improve its economic future.
Hmmm.
Showing posts with label Baton Rouge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baton Rouge. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Thursday, November 4, 2010
"This is America."
Mr. Greg Guth noted this today, with a bit of exasperation and irony, as he spoke to members of the Committee to Reopen Charity outside a courtroom at Civil District Court in New Orleans.
He tried to explain, for the benefit of those gathered, the many ways he, his property, and his business have been wronged throughout the site preparation process for the new hospital - the building was expropriated, he has not yet been able to access the compensation for his building, he hasn't been given appropriate funds to move his business under the Uniform Relocation Act, etc.
After a very brief bit of interaction with Judge Imbornogne, Guth received an extension, contingent upon payment of a sum to the clerk by end of business Monday, on his appeal challenging an eviction order from the premises at Outer Banks Bar in the VA Footprint.
As he roughly translated for the group outside the door, that means he has "another month" if no other legal action is taken against him. It certainly seems, however, that such a time period may be too long in the eyes of the developing parties, and I would not at all be surprised if the legal situation changes in coming days and weeks.
Another legal complaint by a number of Footprint residents and property owners was being heard in Baton Rouge today - I am still seeking details on that suit or suits.
He tried to explain, for the benefit of those gathered, the many ways he, his property, and his business have been wronged throughout the site preparation process for the new hospital - the building was expropriated, he has not yet been able to access the compensation for his building, he hasn't been given appropriate funds to move his business under the Uniform Relocation Act, etc.
After a very brief bit of interaction with Judge Imbornogne, Guth received an extension, contingent upon payment of a sum to the clerk by end of business Monday, on his appeal challenging an eviction order from the premises at Outer Banks Bar in the VA Footprint.
As he roughly translated for the group outside the door, that means he has "another month" if no other legal action is taken against him. It certainly seems, however, that such a time period may be too long in the eyes of the developing parties, and I would not at all be surprised if the legal situation changes in coming days and weeks.
Another legal complaint by a number of Footprint residents and property owners was being heard in Baton Rouge today - I am still seeking details on that suit or suits.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Closer to a Reprieve for the VA Footprint?
There's certainly a glimmer of hope to be found in the big news out of Baton Rouge today:
Moments ago, by a 7-3 vote, the Commission on Streamlining Government passed a motion ordering an independent study weighing all possible alternatives to, and the efficacy of, the proposed $1.2 billion LSU medical complex. The study will represent the first ever independent analysis in the ongoing controversy over the abandonment of Charity Hospital and new plans to expropriate and demolish private property in Lower Mid-City to make way for a sprawling new medical center campus.
As Save Charity notes, this will be the first state-commissioned independent study on the issue.
Additionally, any potential delay or alternative is a good thing for the residents of the VA Footprint who don't want to be forced out of their homes...as it makes the ultimate destruction of the neighborhood less likely.
It's a very positive development, but its significance should also be tempered just a tad because there is still work to do to ensure that it's a meaningful development. As the Times-Pic article on the Commission's vote notes, providing some context:
It is far from clear whether another study will change anything -- or if it will ever be conducted, as it would first require the Legislature to allocate money. But the hearing gave further evidence that many state leaders, including allies of Gov. Bobby Jindal, are still not comfortable with the administration's plans for building a 424-bed, $1.2 billion academic medical center at a time of financial strain in state government.
Moments ago, by a 7-3 vote, the Commission on Streamlining Government passed a motion ordering an independent study weighing all possible alternatives to, and the efficacy of, the proposed $1.2 billion LSU medical complex. The study will represent the first ever independent analysis in the ongoing controversy over the abandonment of Charity Hospital and new plans to expropriate and demolish private property in Lower Mid-City to make way for a sprawling new medical center campus.
As Save Charity notes, this will be the first state-commissioned independent study on the issue.
Additionally, any potential delay or alternative is a good thing for the residents of the VA Footprint who don't want to be forced out of their homes...as it makes the ultimate destruction of the neighborhood less likely.
It's a very positive development, but its significance should also be tempered just a tad because there is still work to do to ensure that it's a meaningful development. As the Times-Pic article on the Commission's vote notes, providing some context:
It is far from clear whether another study will change anything -- or if it will ever be conducted, as it would first require the Legislature to allocate money. But the hearing gave further evidence that many state leaders, including allies of Gov. Bobby Jindal, are still not comfortable with the administration's plans for building a 424-bed, $1.2 billion academic medical center at a time of financial strain in state government.
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