Jay Batt (R) - Incumbent
Opening Statement:
Jay Batt - I appreciate this opportunity to once again communicate and interact with your members and friends. As you know I have always been an active supporter of slipholders, yacht club initiatives, boathouse owners and West End residents, as underscored by my recent ordinances on behalf of boathouse owners and area residents.
1) Would you support the privatization of either Orleans Marina and/or Municipal Harbor along with the increased fees this would bring, and if so, why and under what criteria would you support this privatization?
Jay Batt - I would consider it ONLY with consultation with, and involvement of the yachting, boathouse and West End community. As you may know, I worked hard, and finally succeeded, in having Carl Robinson removed as harbormaster because he had been a longtime hindrance in dealing with these and other issues vital to the community.
2) With large swaths of District A, primarily Lakeview, devastated and with the many neutral grounds in these neighborhoods already growing wild even before the summer, do you feel that Parks & Parkways will be able to keep up with maintenance and do you feel that it is even important to do so? If so, how will you support and/or direct Parks & Parkways to maintain these neutral grounds?
Jay Batt - It is essential that these kinds of quality of life issues be addressed to successfully integrate the public/private revitalization and restoration of the area. We must restore the quality of life to better than pre-Katrina, and I will continue to direct the necessary agencies and organizations towards achieving this objective.
3) Speculation is rampant that either the existing casino boat based at Southshore Harbor or another casino boat altogether will be based somewhere at West End, do you support this idea? If so, where specifically would you support it locating and surrounded by what other types facilities on the land?
Jay Batt - No, I do not support this idea; therefore the second part of the question is moot.
4) Large scale condominium development was growing rapidly near the marinas even before the hurricane, do you support the further development of large condo towers? If so, would you support condo development on the footprint of the old parking lot for Jaeger's and the Dock? What about along West End Park? What about somewhere on the grounds of the Orleans Marina?
Jay Batt - Jennifer Sneed and myself worked with the RPC and received a grant from Smartgrowth for a Master Plan by NY Associates re these issues. The initial stage of master plan was submitted at a charette 2 weeks ago.The main goal is to create, with the direct involvement of key participants such as yourselves, a family-friendly space that will address all these issues in a comprehensive, all-inclusive manner. Some of the area is, of course, in the purview of Jefferson Parish, and I have established a good working relationship with Jennifer Sneed in working together to protect the interests of the boating and water communities.
5) Are you aware of the many issues in Florida and elsewhere regarding the lack of water access to the general public, caused specifically by rampant development of multi-million dollar condominiums and the privatization of public marinas? Understanding that West End is a very small area providing this access to the lake for New Orleanians, are you concerned about these same issues occurring and what would you do to stop this from happening at West End?
Jay Batt - Yes, I am aware and concerned about these issues and have been deeply involved in understanding them by attending and participating in numerous conferences and symposiums on land use issues across the country. I believe that through my recently passed ordinances regarding West End and eminent domain issues, we have in place key components of the necessary protections.
6) West End has always been a walking neighborhood, where people were able to play volleyball, eat great seafood, enjoy their boats, visit their favorite watering hole, fish off of the piers, and hold picnics or crawfish boils without ever having to get into a car - what is your vision for this area in five years and how will you fight to maintain this neighborhood's pedestrian nature and openness for the general public?
Jay Batt - I believe that my commitment to restoring and protecting these qualities is once again exhibited by my recent ordinances on West End issues, such as my ordinances to retain the residential quality of the boathouses.
7) Understanding that people prefer and choose to live near their boats and that Orleans Marina and Municipal Harbor had a waiting list of several years in order to get a boat slip, which only added to the impetus for some people to move to the Northshore, would you support the plans which were developed many years ago to rebuild and redesign Municipal Harbor so that it could add an additional 200 boat slips? If so, would this be a priority for you after the more pressing and obvious ones?
Jay Batt - Yes. And yes. Also related to this, when the Nagin Administration wanted to raise boat fees, I initially put the issue forward in the Council, but then immediately withdrew it upon learning firsthand of the poor maintenance and neglect of existing facilities by the harbormaster. I could not in good conscience support higher fees for such mismanaged facilities. I deferred it, withdrew it, killed it, and battled Carl Robinson for some time afterwards before he was finally removed from his position as harbormaster.
8) New Orleans was very quietly one of the nation's leading training grounds for competitive sailing, which in turn supported many sailing related businesses located in Orleans Parish and was one of the main reasons that New Orleans and the Gulf Coast together were in the lead to host the U.S. Olympic Sailing Trials in 2007 (New Orleans has since dropped out for obvious reasons), would you support the development of a Sailing Center which could be used to house the UNO and Tulane sailing teams, provide sailing courses open to the general public, and further provide avenues for New Orleans to host many more of these prestigious national and international sporting events? Would this be something that you would be willing to champion?
Jay Batt - I am proud to say that I have served as a member for years (long before taking public office, and continuing to this day) of the Sugar Bowl Committee that sponsors the Annual Sugar Bowl Regatta. I have championed and participated in such efforts in the past and will continue to do so.
9) The area alongside the road leading to the "point" has long been neglected and could very well become an asset to the city again, how would you support this areas comeback?
Jay Batt - Work with and gather input from all relevant parties and move forward accordingly.
10) Do you support the notion of reclaiming more land from the Lake in order to build another marina, more boathouses, commercial development and/or condominiums? Please detail why you would or would not support this and explain any vision you would have for this?
Jay Batt - I have not seen a plan for regarding such a land reclamation project, and again would welcome the opportunity to be involved with those with an interest in the area regarding the vision or development of a livable plan.
11) With every restaurant overlooking the Lake obliterated, what will you do to empower these restaurants and bars to come back stronger than before?
Jay Batt - As I'm sure you are aware, these locations are a combined interest of both Orleans and Jefferson parishes, and I would work with Jefferson parish officials on a package of tax credits and other incentives to spur and encourage their revival.
12) What ideas would you support for the use of the historic and very damaged Lighthouse at the point?
Jay Batt - Pursue grant dollars from national and international entities devoted to the historic significance of lighthouses, and directly participate in fundraising events on a local and national level. One thing I'd like to see is a major musical fundraising event featuring local and national talent to both raise money on and garner more attention to this issue. I think this is very doable.
13) Even before the hurricane, the harbors and marinas of West End desperately needed to be dredged, with boats often running aground in the channels, the problem is compounded now with new layers of silt and massive debris. This will potentially lead to injuries, and it is only a matter of time before this occurs. What will you do to correct this problem?
Jay Batt - As you may know I have successfully helped pass a $200 million bond issue, approved by voters, that addresses this issue. I fought for, and made certain that the dredging dollars were specifically included in that bond issue, as well as successfully pushing the Administration for the removal of the harbormaster who failed to maintain our important areas. The harbors are a diamond in the rough and must be properly maintained for all who love the water. It must and can be a safe, clean, family friendly economic engine for our city.
14) What are the city's plans for trailers in City Park (how many, where exactly, length of time)? Are these trailer sites specified for any particular group (NOPD, NOFD, etc.) or are they geared to pre-K Lakeview residents who were renters or are they open to the general public? What about police presence on the trailer sites?
Jay Batt - Details of the exact criteria for City Park Trailer placement can be found in this copy of my memo to FEMA regarding this precise matter. This letter does govern the lease for any trailers to be placed on City Park property:
Dear Scott Wells, FEMA OFFICER:
This letter is to request that any trailer community in New Orleans City Park be designated for the use of Orleans Parish first responders and medical community, meaning members of any local, state or federal law enforcement body in Orleans Parish including the New Orleans Police Department, members of the New Orleans Fire Department, EMT's, paramedics, other essential members of the medical community, including physicians, nurses, technicians and other degrees and/or certified personnel as well as medical and nursing students all of which must be approved by the Mayor and the Councilmember from District A.
Throughout the planning process for trailer communities in City Park, the site has been designated for first responders and essential personnel and Governor Blanco supports this as well. Given the unique situation we face with a temporary community in the heart of a major operational urban park, we feel that the designation for first responders and essential personnel will create the best atmosphere for retaining these critically necessary employees while allowing the park, which contains the New Orleans Museum of Art, the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, Christian Brothers School, three golf courses, Tad Gormley Stadium, youth soccer facilities and tennis facilities, to remain a safe and comfortable place for children and families, as well as tourists.
Nearly 80% of first responders in Orleans Parish have lost their homes and with many of those homes being located east of the Industrial Canal, they face significant challenges in finding permanent housing solutions in the Greater New Orleans area. Retaining these essential employees is critical to the successful recovery of the City of New Orleans. By having a site designated for these essential, hard working and dedicated men and women, we will be able to focus on meeting their needs. City Park's central location is the ideal site for first responders to reach their posts without a long commute and to be able to access goods and services in the limited time they have off. The site in City Park can be used for housing for no more than 18 months. We feel confident that at the end of the 18 month lease, permanent, affordable housing solutions will be found for all of these hardworking men and women so the site can be brought back immediately to its original use as parkland.
It is our understanding that with your approval, this letter will be attached to the general GSA lease and its terms will become a part of the contract.
That is the case.
15) What are a few specific details of the BNOB Report that you adamantly support and a few that you are adamantly opposed to, and please give a short explanation as to why?
Jay Batt - Overall I am in favor of it, with the exception of the moratorium on permits.
I should also say that a smaller footprint isn't in the hands of the commission or anyone else, that the simple and honest answer to that is that it's inevitable, because it'll take years to create new longterm jobs and businesses, and that people can't rebuild or come home without jobs being available; that large areas of the city will undoubtedly be uninsurable until levees are built properly, that due to lost revenues and workers, city services in some areas will not be available for sometime because the city just won't be able to afford it.
16) What are a few specific details of the ULI Report that you adamantly support and a few that you are adamantly opposed to, and please give a short explanation as to why?
Jay Batt - Worthy of consideration for obvious reasons are: the establishment of a temporary financial oversight board to ensure fairness and equity in obtaining federal funding (with members representing the federal, state and local governments; the recognition that citizen should be able to return to a safe city (with enhanced levees and ecosystem restoration playing a key role in ensuring future safety); the adoption of clear criteria for neighborhood restoration and development, with an emphasis on the inclusion of residents in the planning and restoration; the need for a regional approach on such critical issues as levees, transportation systems, emergency response and economic development.
Against some of the more aggressive redevelopment plans.
Jay Batt - I appreciate this opportunity to once again communicate and interact with your members and friends. As you know I have always been an active supporter of slipholders, yacht club initiatives, boathouse owners and West End residents, as underscored by my recent ordinances on behalf of boathouse owners and area residents.
1) Would you support the privatization of either Orleans Marina and/or Municipal Harbor along with the increased fees this would bring, and if so, why and under what criteria would you support this privatization?
Jay Batt - I would consider it ONLY with consultation with, and involvement of the yachting, boathouse and West End community. As you may know, I worked hard, and finally succeeded, in having Carl Robinson removed as harbormaster because he had been a longtime hindrance in dealing with these and other issues vital to the community.
2) With large swaths of District A, primarily Lakeview, devastated and with the many neutral grounds in these neighborhoods already growing wild even before the summer, do you feel that Parks & Parkways will be able to keep up with maintenance and do you feel that it is even important to do so? If so, how will you support and/or direct Parks & Parkways to maintain these neutral grounds?
Jay Batt - It is essential that these kinds of quality of life issues be addressed to successfully integrate the public/private revitalization and restoration of the area. We must restore the quality of life to better than pre-Katrina, and I will continue to direct the necessary agencies and organizations towards achieving this objective.
3) Speculation is rampant that either the existing casino boat based at Southshore Harbor or another casino boat altogether will be based somewhere at West End, do you support this idea? If so, where specifically would you support it locating and surrounded by what other types facilities on the land?
Jay Batt - No, I do not support this idea; therefore the second part of the question is moot.
4) Large scale condominium development was growing rapidly near the marinas even before the hurricane, do you support the further development of large condo towers? If so, would you support condo development on the footprint of the old parking lot for Jaeger's and the Dock? What about along West End Park? What about somewhere on the grounds of the Orleans Marina?
Jay Batt - Jennifer Sneed and myself worked with the RPC and received a grant from Smartgrowth for a Master Plan by NY Associates re these issues. The initial stage of master plan was submitted at a charette 2 weeks ago.The main goal is to create, with the direct involvement of key participants such as yourselves, a family-friendly space that will address all these issues in a comprehensive, all-inclusive manner. Some of the area is, of course, in the purview of Jefferson Parish, and I have established a good working relationship with Jennifer Sneed in working together to protect the interests of the boating and water communities.
5) Are you aware of the many issues in Florida and elsewhere regarding the lack of water access to the general public, caused specifically by rampant development of multi-million dollar condominiums and the privatization of public marinas? Understanding that West End is a very small area providing this access to the lake for New Orleanians, are you concerned about these same issues occurring and what would you do to stop this from happening at West End?
Jay Batt - Yes, I am aware and concerned about these issues and have been deeply involved in understanding them by attending and participating in numerous conferences and symposiums on land use issues across the country. I believe that through my recently passed ordinances regarding West End and eminent domain issues, we have in place key components of the necessary protections.
6) West End has always been a walking neighborhood, where people were able to play volleyball, eat great seafood, enjoy their boats, visit their favorite watering hole, fish off of the piers, and hold picnics or crawfish boils without ever having to get into a car - what is your vision for this area in five years and how will you fight to maintain this neighborhood's pedestrian nature and openness for the general public?
Jay Batt - I believe that my commitment to restoring and protecting these qualities is once again exhibited by my recent ordinances on West End issues, such as my ordinances to retain the residential quality of the boathouses.
7) Understanding that people prefer and choose to live near their boats and that Orleans Marina and Municipal Harbor had a waiting list of several years in order to get a boat slip, which only added to the impetus for some people to move to the Northshore, would you support the plans which were developed many years ago to rebuild and redesign Municipal Harbor so that it could add an additional 200 boat slips? If so, would this be a priority for you after the more pressing and obvious ones?
Jay Batt - Yes. And yes. Also related to this, when the Nagin Administration wanted to raise boat fees, I initially put the issue forward in the Council, but then immediately withdrew it upon learning firsthand of the poor maintenance and neglect of existing facilities by the harbormaster. I could not in good conscience support higher fees for such mismanaged facilities. I deferred it, withdrew it, killed it, and battled Carl Robinson for some time afterwards before he was finally removed from his position as harbormaster.
8) New Orleans was very quietly one of the nation's leading training grounds for competitive sailing, which in turn supported many sailing related businesses located in Orleans Parish and was one of the main reasons that New Orleans and the Gulf Coast together were in the lead to host the U.S. Olympic Sailing Trials in 2007 (New Orleans has since dropped out for obvious reasons), would you support the development of a Sailing Center which could be used to house the UNO and Tulane sailing teams, provide sailing courses open to the general public, and further provide avenues for New Orleans to host many more of these prestigious national and international sporting events? Would this be something that you would be willing to champion?
Jay Batt - I am proud to say that I have served as a member for years (long before taking public office, and continuing to this day) of the Sugar Bowl Committee that sponsors the Annual Sugar Bowl Regatta. I have championed and participated in such efforts in the past and will continue to do so.
9) The area alongside the road leading to the "point" has long been neglected and could very well become an asset to the city again, how would you support this areas comeback?
Jay Batt - Work with and gather input from all relevant parties and move forward accordingly.
10) Do you support the notion of reclaiming more land from the Lake in order to build another marina, more boathouses, commercial development and/or condominiums? Please detail why you would or would not support this and explain any vision you would have for this?
Jay Batt - I have not seen a plan for regarding such a land reclamation project, and again would welcome the opportunity to be involved with those with an interest in the area regarding the vision or development of a livable plan.
11) With every restaurant overlooking the Lake obliterated, what will you do to empower these restaurants and bars to come back stronger than before?
Jay Batt - As I'm sure you are aware, these locations are a combined interest of both Orleans and Jefferson parishes, and I would work with Jefferson parish officials on a package of tax credits and other incentives to spur and encourage their revival.
12) What ideas would you support for the use of the historic and very damaged Lighthouse at the point?
Jay Batt - Pursue grant dollars from national and international entities devoted to the historic significance of lighthouses, and directly participate in fundraising events on a local and national level. One thing I'd like to see is a major musical fundraising event featuring local and national talent to both raise money on and garner more attention to this issue. I think this is very doable.
13) Even before the hurricane, the harbors and marinas of West End desperately needed to be dredged, with boats often running aground in the channels, the problem is compounded now with new layers of silt and massive debris. This will potentially lead to injuries, and it is only a matter of time before this occurs. What will you do to correct this problem?
Jay Batt - As you may know I have successfully helped pass a $200 million bond issue, approved by voters, that addresses this issue. I fought for, and made certain that the dredging dollars were specifically included in that bond issue, as well as successfully pushing the Administration for the removal of the harbormaster who failed to maintain our important areas. The harbors are a diamond in the rough and must be properly maintained for all who love the water. It must and can be a safe, clean, family friendly economic engine for our city.
14) What are the city's plans for trailers in City Park (how many, where exactly, length of time)? Are these trailer sites specified for any particular group (NOPD, NOFD, etc.) or are they geared to pre-K Lakeview residents who were renters or are they open to the general public? What about police presence on the trailer sites?
Jay Batt - Details of the exact criteria for City Park Trailer placement can be found in this copy of my memo to FEMA regarding this precise matter. This letter does govern the lease for any trailers to be placed on City Park property:
Dear Scott Wells, FEMA OFFICER:
This letter is to request that any trailer community in New Orleans City Park be designated for the use of Orleans Parish first responders and medical community, meaning members of any local, state or federal law enforcement body in Orleans Parish including the New Orleans Police Department, members of the New Orleans Fire Department, EMT's, paramedics, other essential members of the medical community, including physicians, nurses, technicians and other degrees and/or certified personnel as well as medical and nursing students all of which must be approved by the Mayor and the Councilmember from District A.
Throughout the planning process for trailer communities in City Park, the site has been designated for first responders and essential personnel and Governor Blanco supports this as well. Given the unique situation we face with a temporary community in the heart of a major operational urban park, we feel that the designation for first responders and essential personnel will create the best atmosphere for retaining these critically necessary employees while allowing the park, which contains the New Orleans Museum of Art, the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, Christian Brothers School, three golf courses, Tad Gormley Stadium, youth soccer facilities and tennis facilities, to remain a safe and comfortable place for children and families, as well as tourists.
Nearly 80% of first responders in Orleans Parish have lost their homes and with many of those homes being located east of the Industrial Canal, they face significant challenges in finding permanent housing solutions in the Greater New Orleans area. Retaining these essential employees is critical to the successful recovery of the City of New Orleans. By having a site designated for these essential, hard working and dedicated men and women, we will be able to focus on meeting their needs. City Park's central location is the ideal site for first responders to reach their posts without a long commute and to be able to access goods and services in the limited time they have off. The site in City Park can be used for housing for no more than 18 months. We feel confident that at the end of the 18 month lease, permanent, affordable housing solutions will be found for all of these hardworking men and women so the site can be brought back immediately to its original use as parkland.
It is our understanding that with your approval, this letter will be attached to the general GSA lease and its terms will become a part of the contract.
That is the case.
15) What are a few specific details of the BNOB Report that you adamantly support and a few that you are adamantly opposed to, and please give a short explanation as to why?
Jay Batt - Overall I am in favor of it, with the exception of the moratorium on permits.
I should also say that a smaller footprint isn't in the hands of the commission or anyone else, that the simple and honest answer to that is that it's inevitable, because it'll take years to create new longterm jobs and businesses, and that people can't rebuild or come home without jobs being available; that large areas of the city will undoubtedly be uninsurable until levees are built properly, that due to lost revenues and workers, city services in some areas will not be available for sometime because the city just won't be able to afford it.
16) What are a few specific details of the ULI Report that you adamantly support and a few that you are adamantly opposed to, and please give a short explanation as to why?
Jay Batt - Worthy of consideration for obvious reasons are: the establishment of a temporary financial oversight board to ensure fairness and equity in obtaining federal funding (with members representing the federal, state and local governments; the recognition that citizen should be able to return to a safe city (with enhanced levees and ecosystem restoration playing a key role in ensuring future safety); the adoption of clear criteria for neighborhood restoration and development, with an emphasis on the inclusion of residents in the planning and restoration; the need for a regional approach on such critical issues as levees, transportation systems, emergency response and economic development.
Against some of the more aggressive redevelopment plans.
posted by TAG at 3:55 PM
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