Suspects sought in thefts of packages, grill

The New Orleans Police Department is looking for information that can lead to the arrest of a suspect wanted in a package theft investigation that occurred on Nov. 9.
At around 3:06 p.m., surveillance video shows a man ride up to a home in the 5200 block of Camp Street on a white bicycle. He removed two packages from the victim’s front porch and placed them inside of a black duffel bag before riding off toward Jefferson Avenue. 

Danae Columbus: Problems with short-term rentals persist

While the new short-term rental rules should better control the industry in New Orleans, problems will always exist. No matter how diligently the mayor and City Council strive to craft policies that address the very real concerns of residents, illegal operators who are trying to make a quick buck and bad actors with licenses who just don’t care will continue to give law-abiding operators – and the industry — a bad name.

Double shooting reported on Toledano Street

Two men were shot Wednesday night on Toledano Street near Broad, according to the New Orleans Police Department.

One of the shooting victims drove himself home before calling EMS to be taken to a hospital, where he was reported to be suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. A second victim, a 19-year-old male, was driven to the emergency room. The age of the first victim was not available.

The investigation of the double shooting was moved from the NOPD’s Sixth District to the Second District and then back to the Sixth as police tried to determine where it actually took place.

Magazine Street office complex design needs more pizzazz, neighbors tell architects

By Sharon Lurye, Uptown Messenger

The monthly board meeting of the Lower Garden District Association on Monday featured a presentation on plans for a new office and retail building at 1335 Magazine St.

The three-story building will include features such as meditation areas, a library, co-working space and a two-level terrace — making it stand out as a modern office building. “When you enter this courtyard, the idea is for it to feel like a spa,” said Patrick Schindler, president of Felicity Property Co., the real estate firm behind the project.

But while the presenters promised that the space would be Zen, some audience members at the meeting seemed to think of the building plan was just Zzzz.

Danae Columbus: Cantrell, BOLD, Richmond were all winners in Saturday’s elections

Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the political organization BOLD scored big in Saturday’s elections. Cantrell built a strong bond with Gov. John Bel Edwards more than a year ago when she sought his help on increasing New Orleans’ share of tax dollars generated here. She became an integral part of his campaign and his victory, which should yield generous dividends for New Orleans during the next four years.

Cantrell’s Action New Orleans team of more than 250 volunteers knocked on 70,000 doors, sent 3,500 text messages and made 50,000 calls in support of Gov. Edwards and Cantrell’s Ballot of Yes. They also assisted with two GOTV (get out the vote) rallies, including an election eve event that drew 5,000.

Rep. Duplessis talks priorities, takes questions on homelessness at Lower Garden District Association meeting

By Sharon Lurye, Uptown Messenger

State Rep. Royce Duplessis, who represents House District 93, visited the Lower Garden District Association meeting on Monday for a question-and-answer session. District 93 includes parts of the Lower Garden District and Central City, where he lives.

The election ended on Saturday for the voters, but it’s only just begun for legislators, who are now all vying for key committee positions. Duplessis said he’s working toward a spot on the House and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Duplessis took Helena Moreno’s legislative seat in May 2018 after emerging victorious from a special primary election to replace Morena, who had been elected to her City Council at-large position. He gained 72 percent of the vote against three challengers in March 2018.

He told the group his priorities for the next legislative term will include water management, “fighting for a pay raise for our teachers,” early childhood education and raising wages.