It’s an exciting time for complete streets. The city just had a pre-construction meeting to present improvements coming to four corridors in Algiers, and in a few days they’re having another pre-construction meeting to present SIX MORE STREETS slated for improvement.
We wanted to give you a quick debrief of this past pre-construction meeting. Jennifer Ruley of the Department of Public Works presented improvements coming to four different streets in Algiers: Florence Street, Lawrence Street, Newton Street, and Mardi Gras Boulevard.
This is what we’ve been working towards for more than a year. Protected bike lanes, curb ramps, pedestrian crosswalks, increased signage are all improvements the City said we should expect to see on these streets over the next 3 months.
With more than 40 people on the call, folks were excited. Leaders like Councilmember Kristin Palmer thanked the City for bringing these improvements to Algiers, and residents spoke up in support and asked follow up questions about the other improvements coming to Algiers.
Thanks to all of our supporters and everyone else in our coalition, we demonstrated to the City just how much grassroots support there is for building complete streets, streets that are less stressful and safer for people who walk, bike, drive, and take public transit — for everyone.
This week, on Thursday April 30th, the City’s Department of Transportation is having a second meeting to discuss improvements coming to six more streets in Algiers.
In response to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, the City turned these meetings into teleconferences. It’s the same format as before just over a video call. With this adjustment, we wanted to give you some quick instructions on participating in the pre-construction meeting:
- Register for the call on the City’s Neighborhood Engagement page. Just click here and then hit ‘sign up’.
- When registering, add your name, email, click the box to get an email reminder 15 minutes before, and add a response comment expressing your support. Here’s a template you can copy: “I’m excited to see more complete streets being built in Algiers and am looking forward to learning more about the details”
- After you click the OK button, click the ‘Add to Calendar’ button so it’ll show up in whichever digital calendar you use. All the information to log on will be included in the calendar event.
- On Thursday April 30th, a little before 6pm, go to your calendar event and click on the link to join the meeting. Just in case it doesn’t show up, here’s the link. You can also dial in on your phone by calling 504-658-7001 and then entering this access code: 197 547 57
- You may be asked to download the video conference software, go ahead and follow the pop-up instructions to do so. Then, the webex software will appear on your screen. It might take a couple minutes, be patient. If after a few minutes nothing happens, try emailing neighborhoods@nola.gov or send a text to 504-470-0740.
- Once you’re on the call, mute yourself, sit back, and enjoy. You can also take some notes and jot down any questions you might have. We highly recommend joining by video so you can follow along with the Powerpoint presentation.
- After one of the city officials goes through the details for construction, they’ll open it up for questions. This is your chance to ask any questions you have about the upcoming construction and to express your support for complete streets! On a teleconference it’s hard to read the room, so we need people to vocally express their support.
- Congrats! You’re part of building complete streets in New Orleans. Now, just look out for an email from a city official with the Powerpoint attached. Let your neighbors and friends know about these exciting improvements by sharing the powerpoint on social media!