As of May 26,  2025

Hi Everyone and I hope y’all are having a nice holiday weekend!

Just a short recap and thank you to all who attended our neighborhood meeting last week.

Street Repairs and Maintenance

Joe Giarusso from District A, and Elise Williams and Antonia Holden from the Mayor’s office of engagement were present and provided much insight and answered questions during the meeting. Of note is that our street is not currently on the active list for planned upgrades or repairs. We, as a Board, will work to regain a position on this planning list and keep everyone updated along the way.

Security Patrols & Schedules

Steve Canal led the conversation and was joined by the Sheriff officer who leads our security patrol. They shared current strategies, challenges, and schedules with the group.

Neutral Ground Repairs and Maintenance

The board provided a recap of our recent meeting with Parks & Parkways regarding our neutral ground maintenance. It was shared that P&P had mistakenly not been maintaining our street due to a MOU signed in 2013 with the Audubon Blvd. Association. P&P is now providing turf cutting and edging and will begin trimming of trees along the neutral ground shortly. They will also be capping existing water spigots. The area between 448 and Walmsley will not be included in these cutting and trimming services until we, as a neighborhood organization, vote on if, and/or how, we want them to do so.

Financial Report

Jamala Roux presented our current financial status which shows an approx 30% increase of dues paying members (from 51% to 67%) since the new Board took office in January. We currently have funds to meet our minimum obligations for security, but we still seek additional paying members to allow beautification, social, and security improvements in our neighborhood.

Survey Responses

Allison Lestelle provided a recap of the survey results which showed that neutral ground beautification, social events, and improved security were the top responses. She also pointed towards volunteer opportunities that could help fill these voids.

Volunteer Opportunities & Sub-Committees
Janell Kalifey led an effort to organize volunteer sub-committees for landscaping beautification and social events. She circulated a sign-up sheet and reminded neighbors to clean out their catch basins as hurricane season is almost upon us. Please note that although there are a few cleaning crews around the city, it largely falls upon residents to maintain their own catch basin for the health of our street drain system.

Residents who would like to participate in the sub-committee(s) can emai Janell directly at jkalifey@gmail.com.

Newsletter, Website and Social Media

Jamala and Steve presented updates on our website and our Newsletter. The website can be viewed at abpanola.com, and our direct email Newsletter will have its 2nd issue shared soon!

Board role needs

Unfortunately, Steve Canal who currently serves as our Security liaison and communication & social media manager will soon be moving out of state and will be removing himself from the board after July. The board is seeking others who are interested in helping with these activities. Please contact Jon Vogl if you are interested and have experience in these areas. jon@apexpost.com

Thanks, everyone and please look for additional communications regarding the neutral ground maintenance towards Walmsley, sub-committee participation, summer social(s), and other activities relevant to our neighborhood.

Jon

Jon Vogl, President

Audubon Blvd Parkway Association