January 2021
President’s Report
January 2021
JANUARY IS A MEMBERSHIP DRIVE MONTH. THERE IS STILL TIME TO RENEW OR JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION!!! BECOME A MEMBER TODAY- A SINGLE MEMBERSHIP IS JUST $10 AND A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $20. JOINING IS EASY ON OUR WEBSITE suburbanterrace.org OR YOU CAN MAIL YOUR MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT TO: STCA Membership Committee, c/o 304 Central Avenue, Jefferson, LA 70121. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND TO MEETING NEW MEMBERS. “ALONE, WE CAN DO SO LITTLE; TOGETHER,WE CAN DO SO MUCH”- Helen Keller
Mardi Gras is upon us and although the parades have been cancelled, we can still celebrate in spirit. It is a good time to reflect upon the symbolism of Mardi Gras. Everyone knows the colors of Mardi Gras. Purple represents justice. Green represents faith and gold represents power. During this Mardi Gras season, let’s all draw upon our faith for a happier and healthier new year. Historically, the colors of Mardi Gras were traced back to the first Rex parade in 1872. Purple was chosen because it is the color of royality, gold was chosen because it is a metal fitting for a king, and green was chosen because it was an acceptable color for a coat of arms. Flags have three colors and so the flag that flew over Carnival was purple, green, and gold. According to legend, Mardi Gras colors influenced the choice of colors for archrivals LSU and Tulane.
The practice of throwing beads at Mardi Gras was inspired by Renaissance festivals prior to Lent. Revelers tossed things into the air in celebration of the coming fast. Hopefully this Lenten season of reflection will help faciliatate healing, kindness, and understanding toward others in our community. I am looking forward to the wonders and beauty of Spring but appreciate this time of reflection. As our community continues to grow and change, I look forward to another year of working with everyone.
Neighborhood News
JPSO continues to give us encouraging news about our low crime rates in Old Jefferson. Please keep up the great work we do by reporting any suspicious activities and/or suspicious persons. State Representative Charles Henry resigned. There will be an election on March 20, 2021 to fill this vacancy. There are also two important millage renewals for water and sewerage: Consolidated Waterworks District No. 2 and Consolidated Sewerage District No. 1
Accomplishments by STCA in 2020:
- Continued with our safe streets initiative to address speeding.
- Hosted a successful night out against crime event.
- Identified areas of concern in our neighborhood and presented these concerns to our new Councilman.
- Have assisted JPSO in reducing crime in our area by promoting awareness and encouraging residents to report any suspicious activities/persons.
- Worked with code enforcement to reduce business and residential violations.
- Continuing efforts to maintain zoning restrictions are ongoing. We worked in collaboartion with Councilman Deano Bonano regarding rezoning a piece of property in the neighborhood.
- Have encouraged and supported Jefferson Parish for maintaining the trees on Jefferson Highway and have established a committee to spearhead beautification projects within our neighborhood.
- Continue to assist and support the individual needs of our association members with regards to neighborhood nusiances.
- Added new board members to keep a fresh perspective of our neighborhood needs
November 2019 Meeting Recap
Drainage Director Mitch Theriot spoke about upgrades to the canals and pump stations. The phase I Central Ave Project was completed. The Parish has plans to update waterlines and drainage for the rest of Central Ave.
There was also discussion about the proposed Mesa development on Cross and St. George. Through negotiations, the project was coverted from a multifamily complex to six houses thanks to Councilman Deano Bonano!
As usual, JPSO was present to discuss neighborhood incidents. Reports indicated juveniles attempting to break into cars and a car jacking in Audobon Trace on Halloween.
We had a wonderful turkey raffle. A TREMENDOUS THANK YOU to Kim Catalano Realestate, for Donating 10 Turkeys for the giveaway. She brightened up your Thanksgiving and remind us all that this was the season to give from the heart.
January 2020 Meeting
Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in Jefferson Parish, this meeting was cancelled to help promote the safety of our members. The STCA board continues to meet to plan for 2021. We are looking at a “plant a tree” campaign to beautify the neighborhood and to assist with drainage as the trees mature. We are also identifying other beautification projects that will add lighting and freshen-up entrance points. If you have a recommendation for an area that needs some maintenance/beautification, please send me the information.
Upcoming Events
The following dates have been approved for our General Membership Meetings.
October-Night Out Against Crime TBD
On March 9, 2021, we have Brook Burmaster Director of the Streets Department scheduled to provide an update and address concerns. We will have 2 candidates speaking for the State Representative seat: Edwin “Eddie” Connick and Laurie Schlegel. We will also reach out to see if there are other candidates for the vacant State Representative position and offer them an opportunity to speak at our meeting.
If you have a topic that you would like addressed in the future, please let me know. This is your association and we are here to help provide the information you would like to hear about. We will keep you posted regarding the status of having in-person meetings. Safety of our membership is priority.
Happy Mardi Gras and a Blessed Lenten Season!
Stacey Spies, Ph.D.
Vice President STCA