Creates the Lakeview Street Maintenance District in Orleans Parish. (7/1/10) (EN +$1,021,200 LF RV See Note)
Under SB64, the board of commissioners will govern the new district, composed of members from local organizations, the city council, and state representatives. This structure is designed to reflect community input and governance while facilitating more targeted and effective maintenance practices within the district. The legislation authorizes the city of New Orleans to impose a parcel fee, approved by majority vote from district residents, which will support these maintenance efforts financially. The fee is capped at $150 per parcel per year and is designed to expire after a four-year period unless renewed.
Senate Bill 64 establishes the Lakeview Street Maintenance District in Orleans Parish, aimed at addressing the dire need for renovation and upkeep of the streets and alleyways in the Lakeview area due to past neglect compounded by natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. The bill recognizes the historical context of Lakeview's infrastructure development and explicitly addresses the inadequacy of ongoing maintenance compared to the community's residential and commercial character. This legislation empowers the district to provide supplemental maintenance beyond what is typically managed by the city or state, ensuring that residents can enjoy improved road conditions and infrastructure reliability.
The sentiment surrounding SB64 appears to be supportive, particularly among residents of Lakeview who have been vocal about the need for improved street conditions. Local civic organizations and community leaders have rallied behind the bill, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance the quality of life by providing necessary infrastructure support. However, the reliance on a parcel fee has raised concerns about the financial burdens on property owners, necessitating careful consideration of the fee’s implications on the community’s economic landscape.
One of the key points of contention involves the funding mechanism of the parcel fee, where opponents might argue that levying additional fees on residents, even for a critical need like street maintenance, could lead to financial strain, particularly for low-income families. Additionally, there may be concerns about the process for renewing the parcel fee after its initial expiration and ensuring continued community involvement in the decision-making process of the district’s governance. Overall, while the establishment of the Lakeview Street Maintenance District is largely seen as a positive step towards improving local infrastructure, discussions about its funding and governance will likely continue.