Kenner District 1 Councilman Gregory Carroll sent a letter
to CAO Mike Quigley in response to Quigley’s attempt to put the full financial burden of a new Kenner Food Bank on the backs of District 1 residents.
At Thursday’s Kenner City Council meeting, the Council will
vote on a plan proposed by Quigley, and approved by Mayor Yenni, to build a new
Kenner Food Bank to replace the current Food Bank after Yenni approved selling
the land and certain District 1 streets to the East Jefferson Levee District.
The EJLD is proposing a new headquarters in South Kenner to consolidate
operations.
The EJLD proposal has met with strong community opposition
after the EJLD tried to purchase streets that would severely limit access to
historic cemeteries and discussed a plan to force residents from their homes if
buyout negotiations were not consummated to the satisfaction of the EJLD.
In the letter, Carroll also takes
aim at Quigley’s condescending tone.
“And while you
believe it may be somewhat complex for some of my new council colleagues, who
are a novice to this projects it’s not that from my vantage point. Not only
have I been involved in (the buy-out/new food bank) during my entire tenure on
the Council, I have also lived within the vacant properties and the conditions
endured by not only me but also my fellow constituents,” Carroll wrote.
“While the good
people of District 1 and myself are supportive of the EJLD project and the new
Food Bank we are not supportive at any cost ($$$).”
Carroll then goes on to specify funds that were dedicated to
District 1 but will now be used to construct the new Food Bank, including
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$64k that would have been used to purchase the
Annie Washington Center
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$42k from the CDBG budget Neighborhood
Revitalization and Rental Housing Improvements
-
$60k from CDBG Regular Owner Occupied
Rehabilitation Program
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$14k from CDBG First-Time Homebuyers Program
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$84k from the sale of the Worth St. Food Bank
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$180k from the sale of the Toy Train Museum
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For a Grand total of: $444,000.00
Councilman Carroll rightly asks, “HOW MUCH MORE ARE WE REQUIRED TO
GIVE?”
In addition, Quigley also proposed the sale of more streets
in District 1 to fund the new Food Bank, whether it’s a Chevy or a Cadillac.
Councilman Carroll also reiterates his positions on the
continued sale of streets and use of District 1 funds.
“While I have discussed this with you, the Mayor and the EJLD on more
than one occasion, I think it is only fair to state to my fellow council members
two (2) of the paramount positions of the people of District 1 as it pertains
to the Food Bank and EJLD project.
-
We are not supportive of selling any streets
(Alton, Warren and 4th) that are adjacent to the Historic African
American Belle Grove and Love and Charity Cemeteries.
-
Any proceeds from the sale of ANY streets
that are sold that are not adjacent to the aforementioned properties are to be
used for the sole purpose of improving infrastructure, drainage or other
projects that will improve the Quality of Life in District 1.
In closing, I will not be supportive of any additional funds coming
from any projects, programs or coffers of the People of District 1. The
proposed new Food Bank is a “City of Kenner” food bank and not a District 1
Food Bank and should be supported by all.”
Carroll’s point is well-founded: the new Kenner Food Bank
should be paid for through City of Kenner funds – not just District 1 funds. In
fact, whatever the cost of the new Food Bank, whether it’s a Chevy or a
Cadillac, if Mayor Yenni can’t find the funds in his borrowed stash of 2030
Plan money, District 1 should be obligated for 1/5th of the cost.
The remaining funds arbitrarily obligated by Quigley (like it’s “His” money)
should be used on District 1 projects.
But, that probably makes too much sense.
We are talking about Kenna after all.
The Kenner City Council will discuss Yenni's plan to fund the new Food Bank's construction at Thursday night's meeting. The meeting begins at 5pm in the Council Chambers.
The Kenner City Council will discuss Yenni's plan to fund the new Food Bank's construction at Thursday night's meeting. The meeting begins at 5pm in the Council Chambers.
