Mayor Cantrell Breaks Ground on $2.07 Million Village De L’est Multi-Purpose Building
On June 10, city officials and neighborhood leaders broke ground on the $2.07 million Village De L’Est Multi-Purpose Building that will serve NORD in District E.
“We have consistently worked through the COVID-19 pandemic to move our infrastructure projects forward to serve our residents and keep our contractors active and working. We’re also excited not only to be breaking ground on a NORD facility, as we celebrate the opening of summer programming, but also to continue to serve our residents in District E,” said Mayor Cantrell.
The groundbreaking marks construction of a new 1,758 square-foot community building and the demolition and installation of new playground equipment.
“We know that the best way to show our appreciation for the $500 million in bonds approved by our residents is to efficiently and effectively put that money to use – right back in their neighborhoods. Village De L’Est residents and NORD users will benefit from a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility and new playground equipment for this community to enjoy,” said Ramsey Green, Deputy CAO for Infrastructure.
“This is an exciting project for New Orleans East and the surrounding community, said Larry Barabino, Jr., NORD CEO. “Our parks and playgrounds are essential in providing healthy recreation and social engagement for residents of all ages. The new multi-purpose building and playground equipment will raise the bar for community programming and activities at Village De L’Est Playground.”
Mayor Cantrell was also joined by neighborhood leaders including Ed Blouin, president of the Village De L’Est Improvement Association, as well as Danielle Vappie, principal of Village De L’Est Elementary School/Einstein Charter.
When the project is completed in the fall, the facility will include a large, multi-purpose room, a concessions area that services indoor and outdoor patrons, and pantry and office space Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible male, female, and family restrooms
The project is scheduled for completion in mid-October 2021. In addition to the Village De L’Est Multi-Purpose Building, the City has about $12 million worth of capital projects either starting design or construction in District E. There are also 56 total roadwork projects for District E valued at $311 million that are either completed, in construction, in the bid & award stage, or in final design.
WBOK Moves into New Facilities at Xavier University
WBOK 1230 AM, one of the oldest and longest-running Black-owned radio stations in Louisiana, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new offices and studio.
In a strategic partnership designed to provide internship, mentoring, and career opportunities for students and graduates, the new station is located on Xavier University’s campus.
The station relaunched in January 2020 under new owners, Equity Media, whose owners are New Orleans native and actor/producer Wendell Pierce, Spears Group president/CEO Cleveland Spears, III, Henry Consulting managing partner Troy Henry, and Thomas Media Services founder Jeff Thomas.
