Requests the Orleans Parish School Board and the New Orleans City Council to address blighted property near Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School in the Lower Ninth Ward prior to the 2015-16 school year
Impact
The proposed actions outlined in HR227 focus on addressing local blight, which is viewed as essential for community development and enhancement of property values. Local residents and stakeholders have expressed strong support for rehabilitating the area. They believe that tackling these concerns can lead to better educational outcomes and foster a stronger sense of community pride. The resolution indicates a collective recognition of the importance of supporting local schools and maintaining neighborhood standards to facilitate a learning environment conducive to student growth and safety.
Summary
House Resolution 227, authored by Representative Wesley Bishop, urges the Orleans Parish School Board and the New Orleans City Council to address the blighted properties surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School in the Lower Ninth Ward. The resolution emphasizes the need for immediate action to mitigate issues brought on by overgrown vegetation and debris that pose hazards to students and detract from the neighborhood's overall appeal. Through this resolution, the committee aims to highlight the importance of ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for the school's faculty, students, and broader community, especially with the construction of a new facility anticipated to open in the fall of 2015.
Sentiment
Support for HR227 appears to be positive among the community, with many expressing a strong desire for improvements that will benefit local children and enhance the surrounding area. However, there may be differing views regarding how best to address the challenges posed by blight, with concerns being that reforms could take time and require significant efforts from both the School Board and the City Council. The resolution may foster community engagement and discussions, galvanizing residents toward collective civic action.
Contention
While HR227 explicitly calls for action, the resolution does not impose any mandatory requirements on the School Board or the City Council. As such, there could be challenges in enforcing the desired improvements. Local governance can often be complex, involving multiple stakeholders and interests. Discussions may arise regarding resource allocation, prioritization of projects, and timelines for completion, which could lead to points of contention among different community groups and city departments involved in blight removal and urban renewal efforts.
Requests that BESE and the Recovery School District study jointly the feasibility of building a high school at the site of the former Alfred Lawless High School in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans
Creates the Local Schools Commission of Orleans to study the feasibility of returning control of all Recovery Schools District schools located in Orleans Parish back to the Orleans Parish School Board.
(Constitutional Amendment) Authorizes the sale of certain property in the Lower Ninth Ward of the city of New Orleans by the city at a price set by the legislature (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)