public safety

Driver killed in car fire after vehicle stalls at Tchoupitoulas exit

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A driver was killed early Sunday in a sport utility vehicle that burst into flames at the Tchoupitoulas exit off of U.S. 90. At about 2:30 a.m., a Ford Explorer stalled in the middle lane of the exit and was struck by a 2016 Chevy Malibu, setting off a fire in the Explorer. A third vehicle, a 2016 GM Yukon XL, then collided with the Malibu in a three-car pile-up. The driver of the Explorer died at the scene. The other two drivers were injured.

public safety

Fire Marshal inspections of D2Ds yield no violations, report states

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office found no violations during the inspections of Uptown buildings believed to be “doubles-to-dorms” student housing developments. In an effort organized by state Rep. Aimee Freeman, University area neighbors had cited more than 100 buildings in complaints to the Fire Marshal. The complaints stated that the buildings are unlawfully occupied and require safety inspections. The Fire Marshal’s Office announced Monday (Nov. 7) that its team of 19 deputies encountered no life safety concerns or improper commercial use of one- or two-family residences during the inspections.

flood protection and drainage

Roadwork ahead: Eastbound lanes on South Claiborne closed for water main repair

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From the Sewerage & Water Board

Beginning on Wednesday (Nov. 9) at 6 p.m., the Sewerage & Water Board’s contractor, BLD Inc. will temporarily close two right lanes of eastbound traffic on South Claiborne Avenue at Calhoun Street with emergency repair work and road restoration taking about 24 hours. The roadway is expected to re-open on Thursday (Nov. 10) at around 6 p.m.

Weather permitting, crews will work through the evening on Wednesday.  This closure is required for an emergency repair to a 48-inch water main that runs along South Claiborne. Signage will be in place to direct traffic.

doubles to dorms

State Fire Marshal begins inspections of doubles-to-dorms, Town of Carrollton Watch reports

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The State Fire Marshal followed through Tuesday (Nov. 1) on warning letters sent in October to the owners of more than 100 student-housing conversions in the University area. The letters stated the buildings may be unlawfully occupied and require safety inspections, according to media reports. Buildings that house four or more unrelated residents are considered commercial properties and must have fire exits, sprinkler systems and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Preservation advocate Susan Johnson of Town of Carrollton Watch reported on Tuesday’s inspections on the organization’s Facebook page:
State Fire Marshal officials went ahead with fire safety inspections of private dorms (D2Ds) in the university neighborhood today (Nov.

doubles to dorms

State fire marshal warns doubles-to-dorms owners about safety violations, NOLA.com reports

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The owners of more than 100 student-housing conversions in the University area were issued a warning letter over the weekend from the Louisiana fire marshal that their building may be unlawfully occupied and require a safety inspection, Stephanie Riegel reports on NOLA.com. Buildings that house four or more unrelated residents are considered commercial properties and must have fire exits, sprinkler systems and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The fire marshal’s office, which got involved at state Rep. Aimee Freeman’s urging, told Riegel it is not likely to shut down the doubles-to-dorms, but neighbors said they welcome the extra burden on the D2D developers.

events

Community effort clears out trash, fills up potholes in Hollygrove-Dixon

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More than 60 bags of trash and more than a dozen bulk items were carted away from the Hollygrove-Dixon area on Saturday (Oct. 8), the Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office reported. The cleanup was part of the Neighborhood Cares Initiative, a comprehensive, coordinated initiative combining the efforts of multiple city departments and volunteers from the community. More than 30 volunteers participated. On Saturday and throughout the previous week, city departments patched over 100 potholes, cut 29 overgrown lots and cleared dumping sites throughout the neighborhood.

fire

Two dogs, three cats rescued in Irish Channel fire that displaces three households

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Two dogs and three cats were rescued from a burning triplex in the Irish Channel on Thursday (Oct. 6), the New Orleans Fire Department reported. The fire displaced three residents. Firefighters were called to the wood-frame building at 822-28 Toledano at 12:39 p.m. Nine units with 29 firefighters arrived at 12:44 p.m. and found a blaze extending from the attic of 822 Toledano. It quickly spread through the attic to the other units.

Roadwork ahead: South Carrollton closure between Fig and Earhart postponed (updated)

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From The Mayor’s Office
Editor’s note: The city announced on Oct. 3 that the closure has been postponed until further notice. 
South Carrollton Avenue will close to traffic between Fig Street and Earhart Boulevard beginning Monday (Oct. 3) at 7 a.m. and lasting through 5 p.m. on Dec. 5. The city’s Department of Public Works contractor Wallace C. Drennan, Inc. will install new water lines and drainage as part of the Marlyville-Fontainebleau Group C infrastructure improvement project.

roadwork

Roadwork ahead: St. Charles Avenue to close between Fern and Burdette

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Beginning on Monday (Sept. 26) at 7 a.m. the Department of Public Works contractor will temporarily close the westbound travel lane of St. Charles Avenue between Burdette Street and Fern Street for about four weeks to accommodate waterline installation work. During this time, westbound traffic on St. Charles Avenue will be detoured either south onto Broadway Street and rerouted to Leake Avenue or north onto Broadway Street and rerouted to South Claiborne Avenue.

fire

Austerlitz Baptist Church heavily damaged in fire

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A three-alarm fire broke out in the Austerlitz Baptist Church on Friday morning (Sept. 9), the New Orleans Fire Department reported. Firefighters arrived at 9:24 a.m. to find heavy smoke billowing from the rear of the church at 819 Austerlitz St., a block from Magazine Street in the Touro-Bouligny neighborhood. Two people said saw a “ball of fire” coming from a pipe when they turned on the lights, the NOFD said. The fire climbed through the walls into the attic.