Mid-City Messenger: Parks millage vote falls on a Jazz Fest weekend, worrying supporters

The special election that includes the proposal to reallocate the funding for the city’s parks and recreation facilities will take place May 4 — on the second weekend of Jazz Fest, Claire Byun reports in Mid-City Messenger, a day that many locals plan to spend listening to Galactic or Aaron Neville, not heading into the voting booth for a single issue.

Danae Columbus: Upcoming vote on dedicated tax for seniors needs support

On Saturday, March 30, New Orleanians will vote on a 2-mill property tax that would fund services for seniors. If approved, the new millage is expected to generate $6.6 million annually. The “average” New Orleans homeowner would pay less than $100 per year.

I am one of almost 80,000 people aged 55 and over who live in Orleans Parish. Together we represent almost 25 percent of the city’s population. Experts agree that older adults are the most under-served population in our community. Though I have never participated in any of the programs offered seniors by the New Orleans Council on Aging or even through my church, I know how vital they are to the health and welfare of those served.

Dew Drop Inn renovation deal falls through, but hopes for redevelopment remain

By Nicholas Reimann, Uptown Messenger

The future of the historic Dew Drop Inn on LaSalle Street in Central City is once again in doubt, after a deal to restore the dilapidated former music hall fell through.

Ryan Thomas, owner of real estate development company Peregrine Interests, said a difficulty getting investors for the planned two-story development with a hotel, museum and restaurant — along with a music venue — is what held up the deal that was set to close Dec. 30.

Small hotel planned for empty lot in Lower Garden District

By Jesse Baum

Heirloom Properties, the owner of multiple short-term rental properties, is seeking to transform an empty Lower Garden District lot into a two-suite boutique hotel

The lot stands at 1213 Magazine St., between Thalia and Erato streets. Heirloom, its owner, runs 25-30 short-term rental properties, including one directly next door to the 1213 Magazine lot.

Uptown restaurants, cafés to lose outdoor seating over controversial city fees

by Kristine Froeba

Uptown restaurants and coffee houses are about to remove outdoor sidewalk seating due to what some local business owners see as cost prohibitive fees being levied by the city.

Many residents are expressing their unhappiness on social media. “You are killing small businesses that are the lifeblood of this city,” said New Orleans’ Katie Winters on Facebook.

The city is letting businesses know it will enforce an ordinance that requires restaurants, cafés and coffeehouses to obtain a permit for sidewalk seating. Businesses in the high-traffic neighborhoods along the river will pay at least $350 annually for each of their sidewalk tables.