THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
A U.S. Census Bureau survey says the parish was home to 423,520 people in July, which parish officials call low.The latest attempt to size up Jefferson Parish has stripped it of two distinctions its politicians have spent more than a year heralding: its steady growth and its status as the most populous in the state.
The U.S. Census Bureau says the parish was home to 423,520 people in July, about 30,000 fewer than those tracked in the 2000 census. The figure also knocks Jefferson down to second place behind East Baton Rouge Parish in the population race that emerged from New Orleans’ flooding and displacement in 2005.
Jefferson leaders aren’t buying the count and plan to formally contest the federal estimate, just as they did earlier this year when the state notified Parish President Aaron Broussard that Jefferson’s size for state purposes was similarly low. More on Jefferson Parish Drops to Second Most Populous in Latest Estimates
by Bruce Nolan, The Times-Picayune
A network of private relief workers that helped thousands of battered families put their lives together after Hurricane Katrina has begun unraveling with thousands of families still on waiting lists, even as its managers cast about for new sources of money to keep it going at a reduced level. More on Cash Crunch to Close Hurricane Katrina Relief Network
by Kate Moran, The Times-Picayune
Friday March 07, 2008, 2:04 PMBy Kate Moran
Business writer
Comprehensive Central City Initiative, a partnership that includes faith-based groups, private developers and a major local bank, plans to build 178 houses that will be leased to low-income renters who will be encouraged to buy the property one day.
“We’ve been trying to address the problem of blight and inadequate housing, both before and after Katrina,” said Terrell Clayton, the group’s president.
The group acquired the land from the city, which took some lots through eminent domain and others through the tax adjudication process. A few of the lots were previously owned by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority.
Ashton Ryan, president of First NBC Bank, said the partnership had already completed more than 30 houses around the city and planned to do 178 more. He said public and private investment in the project amounted to $20 million.
To be added to a waiting list for the program, prospective renters should call OSC-Management at (504) 887-0900.
