09-18-2009
Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman and the Algiers Development District (ADD) today announced a new partnership dedicated to improving the quality of life in Algiers.
"The OPSO and the Algiers Development District have similar visions - we strive to better the lives of the residents, schools and businesses in the communities we serve," said Sheriff Gusman. "Our Community Service Division works on projects every day, to beautify the community and teach inmates valuable skills they can use upon release. This partnership is a natural fit."
The "Keep Algiers Clean Initiative," utilizes the OPSO's Community Service Division two days a week on projects including:
- o Trash and debris pick up to
- o Painting the Holiday Drive bridge
- o Removal of illegal signs and other items from the neutral grounds
The ADD is the first organization to approach the OPSO for assistance from its Community Service Division. By initiating progress in their community, the ADD is also promoting an important service offered by the OPSO for which other neighborhood associations and communities can benefit. Neighborhoods across Orleans Parish can initiate their own beautification effort by contacting the OPSO at 822-8000.
The newest project is the sanding and painting of the Holiday Drive bridge. This bridge is located at one of the most highly trafficked intersections in Algiers and has long been in disrepair.
"Today we announced not only our partnership, but our newest project," said Jeff Arnold, Chairman of the Algiers Development District. "This is considered by many as the central part of Algiers, and thousands of residents travel this busy intersection daily. The new, improved bridge will contribute to the quality of life of our community by making it a more attractive place for our residents and businesses looking to invest in Algiers. Sheriff Gusman and his team have been instrumental in allowing us to be able to provide these improvements to the Algiers community and we thank him for that support."
"We are able to do this for Algiers because of the great support we are receiving from Sheriff Gusman and his team," said Louisiana Speaker of the House of Representatives Jim Tucker, a board member of the Algiers Development District. "We met with them earlier this year to inquire if they might be able to assist us and we have been delighted with the response."
The OPSO and the ADD will work together to identify new projects throughout the community. This initiative will be an ongoing weekly venture to control blight in Algiers and improve the community as a whole.
About the Algiers Development District
The Algiers Development District of the City of New Orleans is a special taxing district (TIF) created by state legislation. The special taxing district is comprised of all territory within the fifteenth ward (Algiers) of Orleans Parish, State of Louisiana. The district has been designated as a local redevelopment authority for Federal City military base realignment purposes and has been authorized to incur debt, including revenue bonds from revenue sources for its enumerated purposes.
About the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office
The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) operates the Parish jail facilities, providing for the care, custody and control of incarcerated subjects. The Sheriff's Office executes all writs, orders, and processes of the Traffic, Municipal and Criminal courts. Sheriff's Deputies are peace officers with the full authority to conduct criminal investigations and make arrests within Orleans Parish.
