Last week was the second Old Jefferson Community Association meeting held at the Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jeff. Hwy in Jefferson (the pink house).
BIG, HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that signed the two petitions that we started to save the trees and for no rezoning in response to Ochsner. We have deactivated these petitions and encourage everyone to reach out to their neighbors, asking them to join us as members. Please take all the "no-rezoning" and "say no to 1,000 cars a day" signs out your front yards (maybe keep them in the back -- we might need them again!)
It was brought to our attention that clarification was needed that our association’s intention is not to act as an HOA. I repeat – we are not an HOA! Please read our “We are” and “Mission Statement” sections of the website and be patient with us as we provide more information to you while forming our new association.
Treasurer’s Report
Our treasurer’s report after the meeting noted that our membership is up from 44 to 52! Attendance at the meeting was marked at 23 individuals.
Landscape
The landscape committee presented findings related to the free tree giveaways of years past. Jefferson Parish is not participating in any free tree giveaways, but Orleans parish is, and you can find more information here: https://www.nolatreeproject.org/bigtreesy
The landscape committee’s report sparked discussion over our 70121 zip code being used with city names of both Jefferson and New Orleans. This situation is referred to as a split zip code and occurs all over the U.S. All residents are encouraged to verify with their insurance companies if they are receiving Jefferson Parish or Orleans Parish rates and follow up with them to correct as necessary. This is also relevant for programs such as the Fortified Roof Program. FYI – Ochsner uses “New Orleans” instead of Jefferson in their addresses.
The parkway (space between the sidewalk and the road) is technically Jefferson Parish property, so the parish must be contacted prior to homeowners removing trees in this space.
If a tree is in the middle of two property lines, or between two fence lines, homeowners have the right to trim the overhanging branches (with some safety related caveats pending arborist reviews).
If you need advice regarding tree removal/planting in these shared spaces or help contacting neighbors (individual or corporate) to trim trees, please reach out to the OJCA.
Ochsner
Much of the meeting was spent discussing Ochsner news and previous blog posts on the topic can be found here:
https://www.jpojca.org/blog/2103156_reporting-on-jp-s-parish-council-meeting-10-16-24
https://www.jpojca.org/blog/2096894_ojca-s-response-to-ochsner-s-mailer-received-10-12-24
In person, we discussed the many different efforts that are in the works related to the Ochsner Dilemma. Please keep showing up and engaging with us. We will continue to communicate the progress of these efforts and make formal posts as we are organizing. If you have any ideas, want updates on specific efforts we've shared, or are feeling demotivated, please reach out to us at the OJCA!
Check out the “Lost Homes” section of the website to view a memorial that was created. This was shared to the council at the last meeting and made publicly available. Deepest gratitude to our members who provided this information and put it all together to support our case.
Other Business
Don’t forget to check the strength of your passwords! October is Cybersecurity awareness month. Our blog post related to the topic is linked here: https://www.jpojca.org/blog/2118565_y-all-october-is-cybersecurity-awareness-month
Also, we have beautiful OJCA Yard Signs available for purchase. Just drive down Coolidge St and you'll see plenty of them! This is an easy way to show your support of OJCA and get the word out. Write to us if you would like to purchase a Yard Sign for $15.
Upcoming Meetings
https://www.jpojca.org/upcoming-meetings
Next Town Hall meeting is on October 30, from 6-9 pm at Yenni Building. It is presented by Cameron Henry (State President, District 9) and Laurie Schlegel (State Representative, District 82). Tim Temple (LA Insurance Commissioner) will be present as a special guest.
Our next member meeting will be January 16, 2025, at the pink house! These will continue quarterly from now on.
Happy trick or treating!
Nicolette Ware
OCJA Communications Lead