Slogging Through Debris Removal
So much done, so much more to do.
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Recently I took a tour around the city with our debris pickup contractor. Basically, I wanted to see what he sees and learn what he thinks as he drives around the town. A couple of takeaways:
1) Due to low limbs and low utility lines (see the electric line on Bennet Rd), most areas south of St. Paul's and particularly Old Landing do not accommodate the large trucks. Hence, smaller utility trailers must be used, meaning more trips to the dump with smaller loads, thus taking more time.
As this smaller equipment finishes up in the zones where they are currently working, they will be shifting closer and closer to Old Landing. Think weeks, not days, to finish the first pass for green waste of Old Landing.
For those of you to the north and west, please understand that debris removal in Old Landing has not even begun. Future passes in your district (demolition, second pass) will likely not happen until Old Landing is serviced (unless specific equipment becomes available).
Parks and cemeteries are last priority. However, availability of certain equipment could change that.
2) AT&T and Charter continue to work and raise lines throughout the city. Their trucks plus school carpool lines and traffic in general make driving difficult. I have requested from AT&T and Charter "scrapper teams" to collect their scrap wire off of poles and out of debris piles.
3) FEMA typically does not reimburse for debris in front of businesses, apartments, churches or schools. This explains why many piles have been skipped. We (the city and our contractor) are going to request from FEMA a one time pass for pickup. If successful, it will be important for these entities to understand it is a single pass (unlike residential which gets first pass green waste, then construction/demolition, then white goods, then a second pass for green waste).
4) Another reason piles may have been skipped is that FEMA does not reimburse the city for debris picked up on state highways. That is the jurisdiction of the State DOTD. This would include Collins Blvd, Lee Road, 21st Ave from Covington High through Boston Street to Claiborne Hill and South Tyler Street from 21st Ave to I-12.
Side note: The city does not own a single traffic signal. All signals belong to and are programmed by State DOTD. Ida had appeared to disrupt the timing on Claiborne Hill. DOTD was notified. DOTD extended the "green time" for signals on Boston Street which has made a noticeable improvement in traffic entering and leaving the city.
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4) Our green waste is hauled north of Waldheim, chipped and used for organic land fill.
As more and more streets get cleared, those folks with debris untouched in their neighborhood will likely become more and more restless. My observation is our contractor, Ceres, is not dawdling. They are moving scores of thousands of cubic yards of debris. This task is tedious, time consuming and dangerous. Our patience may be tested, but it is important we keep it. When possible, please drive around the block they're working rather than through them.
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Reiteration from last E-blast: |
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Spectrum and AT&T continue to rebuild our communications system throughout our neighborhoods. Ceres, our prearranged debris hauler, continues to work through tens of thousands of cubic yards of debris:
Organic only first, followed by a pass for demolition debris, followed by white goods.
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Then, there will be a second and a third pass for more tree debris. For efficiency, Ceres continues to focus on areas where utility crews are not working. Ceres is not yet taking "contaminated" piles.
Please share with your neighbors there will be multiple passes for green waste.
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If you need a Building Permit,
Get it Soon (and save $$)
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The Emergency Ordinance that waives building permit fees will expire on October 26th. We realize that many people who had more significant damage to their homes may still be in the process of working with their insurance companies and contractors. However, we don’t want you to lose out on waived fees.
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If you are going to need a storm-related permit, whether it’s a renovation, demolition, or a new build, then go ahead and initiate the permit application to secure the waived fees. Once you have applied, you can amend the scope of work, add contractors, and add plans as they become available (but before the permit is issued). The Permit Office number is 985-898-4725 or download application online.
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Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
in this little city!
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Sat, October 2nd - 8:00am-Noon, Farmer's Market.
Sun, October 3rd - 4:00-6:00pm, CHF History and Mystery of 200 N. New Hampshire. Free, Register online.
Mon, October 4th - 7:30-8:30pm Covington Concert Band performs Fire, Fury and Fun at Pelican Park.
Tue, October 5th - 6:00pm City Council Meeting.
Wed, October 6th - 8:30am-10:30am, Paper Shred Day offered by The Trace. RSVP 985-400-2999.
Wed, October 6th - 5:30pm Covington Business Association meets at Bogue Falaya Park.
Thu, October 7th - At Sunrise, Recycling Returns.
Thu, October 7th - 5:30-8:00pm Soul Revival makes you dance at Bogue Falaya Park.
Sat, October 9th - 9:00am-6:00pm Bluesberry Festival at Bogue Falaya Park (More Info).
Sun, October 10th - Noon-1:30, Zumba with the Mayor at Bogue Falaya Hall.
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This fantastic community orchestra offers a free performance this Monday evening, October 4 beginning at 7:30pm.
Over 60+ accomplished volunteers come together under the baton of Conductor Erik Morales for an incredible evening of music.
Sponsored by the City of Covington and founded by Executive Director Meredith Berry, the city and the community are proud of this amazing group.
Give 'em a listen.
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This is one of the most fun and informative events the Covington Heritage Foundation sponsors. Stroll from story board to story teller to learn how much happened in just one block of our beloved little city: Hebert Drugs, The Majestic Theater, Harvey's House, Citizens Bank and more.
Good Stuff.
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Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Northshore Harbor Center (Slidell)
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A Little History … of 200 N. New Hampshire
The First Movie Theater in Covington
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The first movie theater in Covington was the Parkview Theater located on North New Hampshire. Opened in 1914 by Sid Fuhrmann, it hosted silent movies, poetry readings and vaudeville acts from New Orleans. |
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Sid eventually owned "talkie theaters" in Covington, Mandeville and Madisonville. He would ride about west St. Tammany with a bull horn announcing what shows would be playing that weekend. His daughter, Pat Clanton, would ride along singing her heart and lungs out as they drove about. |
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Sid married Miss Pauline Frederick, daughter of Emile "Boss" Frederick. They were married in 1914 in the theater. Their first residence was a lovely downtown home on the corner of Rutland and New Hampshire. Today the site is the law office of Rod Rodrigue. The home itself is 1/2 a block down Rutland and serves as the dentist office of Dr. Tyler Case. |
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To learn more History and Mysteries of the 200 block of North New Hampshire, join me along with other story tellers this Sunday, October 3rd from 4:00pm to 6:00pm as we share the whats and the whens of what's there and what ain't dere no more. Presented free by the Covington Heritage Foundation: Free, but please Register Here.
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Today we know that first theater as:
Del Porto Restaurant
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Rooted in History, Focused on the Future |
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Please share this e-mail with whoever you believe may find it of value.
Replies to this e-mail go directly to Mayor Mark.
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Recycling reminder … no glass, no plastic bags : )
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Still Rooted in History, Still Focused on the Future |
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