Could federal funds help fight blight in New Orleans East?
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Major improvements are planned for New Orleans East, but some who live there say the neighborhood remains littered with blighted properties.
U.S. Congressman Troy Carter made an appearance Wednesday at Household of Faith Family Worship Church International in New Orleans East to celebrate the allocation of federal grant money.
A portion of the funds will go toward the construction of a bridge on Hayne Boulevard to access Lincoln Beach, as well as transportation improvements along Morrison Road.
“Eastern New Orleans has been a major, major part of our development plan, and having 17 checks for 17 organizations that are all doing work in eastern New Orleans is really a big day. One I’m very proud of,” Carter said.
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Anthony Jackson Jr., a Fight Blight NOLA activist who lives in New Orleans East, says he’s happy to know Carter is pushing for the needed resources in his neighborhood.
Despite impending improvements, Jackson says New Orleans East cannot thrive with the number of blighted properties plaguing the area.
“It also affects the quality of life, because in New Orleans East, we have the most abandoned properties, the most dilapidated properties in any other district, which deters potential investors from coming to New Orleans East,” Jackson explained.
The community activist raised awareness about blighted properties in New Orleans East two years ago but says he has seen little improvement.
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When asked if he thinks the problem needs federal assistance, Jackson isn’t so sure.
“Well, I believe that fighting blight starts on a local level, which is why we have rules and ordinances in place on the books to help us fight blight, but we will accept any help on any level when it comes to fighting blight in New Orleans East,” Jackson said.
Carter, however, didn’t completely rule it out.
“We have $61 million that’s in the hopper now slated for eastern New Orleans for capital improvements and connecting communities,” Carter said. “Maybe some of those dollars may be possible there.”
The grant money Carter secured will also go toward improvements to the Sankofa Wetlands Park and Nature Trail and a new public athletic venue in the Lower Ninth Ward.
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