STCA September President’s Report
As we enter the PEAK of hurricane season, we should not let our guard down. We remember all too well the events of last year. It only takes one small storm to destroy our livelihood. Let us remain vigilant and keep ourselves updated with the changes in our weather patterns. Hopefully, we can enter Fall/Winter safely and start to look at our homes for proper insulation, check heater pilot lights, etc.
July 2022 Meeting Recap
Our guest speaker was Ron Camarota from the Louisiana Department of Insurance, Office of the Consumer Advocacy. He addressed hurricane preparedness and insurance. His presentation afforded us the perfect opportunity to talk about the difficulty some have with obtaining Homeowners Insurance as well as the impending rate increases in Flood Insurance. He will be back to speak at a future meeting.
Neighborhood News:
Just a reminder to check out our beautification project on Dodge Ave. and Jefferson Hwy. The Jefferson Parish Parkway Department planted a garden by our new “Welcome to Suburban Terrace” neighborhood sign. This is just the beginning of upcoming projects that make our neighborhood welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. We are grateful for Jefferson Parish and Councilman Deano Bonano for working with us on these projects.
Another area of focus is the Little Jefferson Park on the corner of Jefferson Park Avenue and Jefferson Hwy. The old playground equipment has been removed. New playground equipment will be installed.
The neutral ground on Jefferson Park Avenue is also receiving improvements. The Nandina bushes have been removed and beautiful Nutall Oak trees have been planted. In addition, new signage on the neutral ground will welcome all to our Old Jefferson neighborhood. Much appreciation to our Parish Councilman Deano Bonano, Bryan Parks, Jefferson Parish Parkways Director, and Chappie Eppling, Beautification Director for Suburban Terrace Civic Association on their hard work and dedication to our community.
Councilman Bonano has been able to obtain a court order for the demolition of the old carwash on Jefferson Highway between Newman Ave and Dodge Ave. That work should begin shortly, and we cannot wait!
There is also a court order against the gas station/tire shop on the corner of Causeway/Jefferson Hwy. This is a legal process that has been in the works for years. We are now one step closer, and we are now waiting for a court order to have it demolished as well.
Councilman Bonano invited the Advisory Board of the STCA to meet with the developers for 219 Central Ave. project. This project seeks to build a senior living facility for those who are suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Originally, the developers wanted to subdivide the property for two residential homes. After much push back from our board, the developers withdrew their plan to subdivide and will now build one senior residential home with more green space fronting the property and parking to the rear. We were again able to protect against subdividing properties. This will continue to preserve our beautiful large lots in our neighborhood. More details to follow.
September 2022 Meeting
Our next meeting will be on September 13th, 2022, at the Pink House (Thomas C. Laughlin Building) located at 4518 Jefferson Hwy. We are using this venue until further notice.
The doors open at 6:30pm and we will start promptly at 7:00 pm. Our guest speaker will be Bryan Parks, Jefferson Parish Parkways Director. His presentation will include urban reforestation and its importance for the preservation of our environment in Jefferson Parish. He will update us on the beautification projects that he and Chappie Eppling have in the works and will answer any questions regarding trees, future beautification projects, etc.
JPSO will also be in attendance to present crime stats and answer questions. Our goal is to continue to keep our neighborhood safe and to have open communication with the Sheriff’s Department.
Upcoming Events:
Night Out Against Crime is scheduled for October 4, 2022.
Location: Pink House (4518 Jefferson Highway)
Time: 6-8 pm
Details: We will have a band, face painting, snowballs, hotdogs-chili, nachos, and fun times for all!
Our November meeting date is the 8th which is Election Day. We are diligently working with our councilman to change the date to November 1, 2022. More info to follow.
Happy Fall to All!
Charles Jarreau, ACNP-BC
Vice President STCA