How junction boxes on Uptown neutral grounds are transformed from blight to works of art

As Uptown resident Ivana Dillas drove home from work every day along Louisiana Avenue, she noticed how the junction boxes on the neutral ground attracted tags and graffiti and were surrounded by litter. “Studies have shown that neighborhood beautification reduces these unsightly activities, as well as crime,”  Dillas said. 

She saw the website address for Community Visions Unlimited, the organization behind the beautification initiative, written on painted boxes elsewhere and contacted them. She asked how she could help, especially along the Louisiana Avenue corridor. “I loved the idea of putting artists to work, and I began fundraising and directing donors to the CVU website,” Dillas said. Then Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who had supported the project when she was on the City Council, got wind of the effort, and her office stepped in with a significant donation. The section of Louisiana Avenue now has almost all of the junction boxes painted. 

Two of the Louisiana Avenue boxes, the “Horn Players” at Baronne and “The Dancers” at Carondelet, were painted by Linda LeBoeuf, the artist behind 39 art boxes citywide.

Police blotter: Suspect injured by gunshot during armed robbery; woman robbed in panhandling attempt

Two robberies were reported in the Central City area on Sunday (March 21). The first was an armed robbery that resulted in two injuries, one to the victim and a self-inflicted wound to a suspect. The New Orleans Police Department has identified a suspect in the armed robbery. Police said Byron Coleman, 29, approached the victim, a 33-year-old man, at about 12:30 a.m. in the 2300 block of Washington Avenue, between LaSalle and Liberty streets. He pulled out a gun and demanded money from a previous drug deal.

Sponsored: New ‘Pop-Up @ Tchoup’ with local food vendors and live music debuts this Saturday

New Orleans’ hottest new culinary pop-up is here
This Saturday and every Saturday this spring, Rouses Markets will host a family-friendly weekend vacation for your tastebuds. Nearly 20 local food vendors from all over the city will be featured at Pop-Up @ Tchoup, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rouses at 4500 Tchoupitoulas St., with live music from Piano on a Truck. The kickoff event this weekend is sure to be a great time for the whole family. This outdoor space is the new hub for emerging culinary artists. Safely enjoy the fresh air with plenty of space to physically distance, as you munch on some tasty treats.

Gogo Jewelry’s entire inventory stolen from Magazine Street shop

 

Gogo Borgerding’s entire inventory of iconic cuff bracelets and other handmade pieces was stolen from a Magazine Street shop, where Gogo Jewelry had held a pop-up sale on Saturday (March 13). The robbery was discovered Wednesday morning. Chad Ramey, Borgerding’s assistant, said he arrived at the former Francesca’s boutique at 3333 Magazine St., where the pop-up was held, at about 10 a.m. on Wednesday and saw the display jewelry was gone. He started to get anxious, but thought maybe Borgerding had moved it. Then he walked in.

Man shot in leg while riding four-wheeler in Central City

A man was shot on the street in Central City on Tuesday (March 16), the New Orleans Police Department reported. The 30-year-old man was riding an ATV four-wheeler on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Robertson Street at about 3:30 p.m. when he was shot in the leg. He said he saw a gunman point the firearm out of the window. Further details were not immediately available. Anyone with information is urged to call the NOPD Sixth District station at 504-658-6060 to speak to a detective, or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 to leave an anonymous tip that could be eligible for a cash reward.

Sponsored: Join us in celebration of Women’s History Month hosted by Chelsey Richard Napoleon, Clerk of Civil District Court

In continuation of our virtual exhibits, we invite you to join us in celebration of Women’s History Month. Our March blog will explore a sampling of historical records relating to free women of color as property owners in our collection. Visit orleanscivilclerk.com to view the blogs. Visit us at the Research Center, where exhibits can be viewed in person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday. For more information, please contact the Research Center at 504.407.0106 or civilclerkresearchctr@orleanscdc.com.