A New Clinic For Senior Citizens in Jefferson Parish

 This new clinic will be the second clinic of its type in the area and is also part of Ochsner Health System. This clinic will be in a space that used to be a pizza restaurant in Marrero. The project will require more than $2.8 million to convert the space. This is a perfect location because the median age is 40 and rising.

“We are providing more access to care by responding to when, where and how our patients need us,” said Dr. Kenny Cole, Ochsner’s vice president for clinical improvement. “This unique clinic … will provide participants with access to customized care to ensure they stay healthy and feel connected with resources dedicated to them, including multidisciplinary care teams, fitness coaching and community events.”

The clinic is a 65 plus clinic that will have
physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, a pharmacist, nurse care managers, social workers, dietitians, health coach, fitness instructors and physical therapist. Currently there are Ochsner 65 Plus clinics in Covington, Baton Rouge and Pensacola, Florida, and are under construction at 7060 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie and near Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Corian or Quartz Countertops, What Is Right for You?

 When renovating your kitchen, your countertops are a big part of it. In fact professionals will tell you that one of the most important design elements in your kitchen is your countertops. It is important to choose something that looks good but also something that is low-maintenance and durable. Corain and Quartz are two popular choices, so which is best? Here are some differences from the experts.

What is Corian and Quartz Materials?

Corian is a brand name and not a type of material, but is is often referred to as the name of a general solid surface material. Corian comes in many colors and the pigments are added to the resin so the color goes all the way through.
“Corian countertops are made of solid surface material, which is a blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals, offering a seamless, non-porous surface,” explains Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Studio.

Quartz is a bit different from Corian and can actually look a lot like natural stone surfaces such as granite or marble. “Quartz countertops, are engineered from natural quartz crystals and resins, providing exceptional durability and a wide range of colors and patterns,” says Kerrie.

Which Is More Durable?

Quartz is pretty durable and resistant to stains. Quartz will not scratch, mold and mildew like Corian sometimes will. Corain is still durable but is not as resilient. High tempatures will damage Corian so you cannot put a hot pan directly on Corian counters.

“While hot items shouldn’t be placed directly on quartz, it can withstand some heat as compared to Corian, says Jane Lockhart, founder of Jane Lockhart Design. It can be noisy when placing hard objects on the surface and it can be perceived as hard and cold if you regularly sit at a quartz counter when dining.”

Which Looks Better?

Quartz comes in many more styles and professionals say that is in one of the best countertops for cooking. “Quartz is mostly polished, but there are some options in a matte finish, says Jane. There is a multitude of patterns, colors, and finishes available with quartz, and many that have a layering of colors. Some quartz even has metallic-like gold and silver embedded within them.”

Which Is More Stain-Resistant?

Quartz is more resistant to stain but Corian counters are also resistant. Both are hygienic because there are no seams on the countertops. Both of these types of counters are non-porous and do not have to be sealed. These low maintaince materials do not need to be polished and spills are cleaned off easily.

Which Is Easier To Design With?

Corian is definetly the easier of the two to design with. This material has a higher percentage of binding resins that allows for greater flexibility in terms of shape.  “Corian is very moldable, allowing you to create a seamless sink or rounded corners, says Jane. There truly are no seams, so the opportunities are endless in terms of what length can be used or shape created. It is soft to the touch and relatively quiet when placing dishware or hard items on top. It is matte sheen, making it less of a visual statement than a glossy finish.”

Corian cost between $45 to $65 per square foot and quartz cost from $50 to $200 per square foot. “While Quartz can be more expensive than some other materials and may not withstand high heat as well as natural stone, their resistance to etching and staining is unmatched,” says Kerrie.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

St. Roch Market Jumping Back From the Panedemic

 St. Roch Market, one of the only remaining food halls in New Orleans, almost closed because of losing vendors and having a slow business. CR Coffee Shops which is owned by Kevin Pedeaux came to the rescue.

Pedeaux stepped in an actually took over the lease for the food hall and has been rebuilding and dedicating his money and time to the hall since September. Currently, the hall has eleven vendors with a waiting list. This is amazing news since the historic building that houses St. Roch Market has not been full since before the pandemic.

If your a vendor that still needs a home, there are some other places that have space for food vendors. One is Backatown Plaza market and it is located on Claiborne Avenue. The first phase of the new project will be be able to hold thirty vendors, a stage, rain gardens and other green spaces.

St. Johns is another space, formerly Mayhew Bakery, which will now house Nolita. Nolita has been a staple since three Mardi Gras ago. Owner Martha Gilreath is the founder of Nolita which serves king cakes. Not only will you be able to purchase a king cake, but you will be able to get some crawfish bread, danishes baguettes, and much more.

Gretna will get a new development which will be a three-story building with a restaurant, barbershop and green space. Uptown Brewery is excited to expand to the West Bank along with Port Orleans Brewing. The development is located at Huey P Long Avenue and 2nd Street.

And finally, Seafood Sally’s will reopen with a facelift. This is just in time for Black Restaurant Week in New Orleans. Black Restaurant Week will include Addis Nola, Baby’s Snack Box, Nice Guys Bar & Grill, Nonno’s Cajun Cuisine, Peewee’s Crab Cakes on the Go, Backatown Coffee Parlour, and Meals from the Heart Cafe and much more.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Setting Up Your Home Office

 The pandemic brought out the importance of having a space for a home office, whether it is in a nook or a whole room, setting up a well-designed home office will have many benefits for your work and home life. Here are some tips on setting up your home office so you can have the perfect work-from-home experience.

Room Selection

This is the most important part of setting up your office space. This space will directly go hand in hand with your ability to concentrate. You do not want to set up your home office in the middle of your living room because of distractions, but you also do not want to choose a space with poor natural lighting.

To select the right room, you need to think about natural lighting, the room layout, and how close or far it is from the kitchen or the bathroom. You never want to pick a space that will have high noise levels, so make sure the space you choose is a quiet room where you can focus.

Furnishing the Space

You will be spending a good amount of time sitting in this space so you want comfort and a productive area. Office furniture can help with minimizing physical strain along with providing a seamless workflow.

They say that office furniture can be described as the backbone of your at-home office. When choosing a chair, go for an ergonomic chair. Make sure you have a spacious desk and tons of storage. Standup desks are popular nowadays, allowing you to both sit or stand to work.

Enhance Your Lighting

Office lighting is important when it comes to work productivity. Eye strain can be a problem and make you both fatigued and not alert. Lighting can also make your mood a little better and help you tackle your task with a positive attitude.

The perfect spot will have natural light but this can not always be in the space you choose. Setting different lighting levels and colors can help with your work mood. To reduce eye strain, ensure you have enough light over your writing and reading area, as well as move lights that could cause glare or a reflection on your computer screen.

Automate Your At-Home Office & Get Things Organized

Smart home devices are a must in your home office. They will help automate repetitive tasks such as adjusting the light levels and regulating the temperature in your home office. Wi-Fi, and smart doorbell cameras are great devices for your smart home office.

Having things organized can make your workspace more efficient. You want to have a clutter-free area that has storage for paper so no documents go missing. Also use a cord management system so you will not have your wires everywhere.

Remember a home office, is your space, and will look like you. Using these key factors can help ensure your office space is an efficient area.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Nashville Sake Bar Coming to New Orleans

 Algiers Point is a great area in New Orleans, and it has been chosen as the landing spot of a new sake bar. Rice Vice in Nashville is the original bar that was established by a Nashville sake brewery.

The New Orleans Rice Vice will be located at 143 Delaronde St. The bar is now under construction in what used to be a barbershop. It will be a small venture with 20 seats in about 400 square feet. The bar is located next to the Nighthawk Naploletana a new pizza restaurant. Early 2024 is the time frame for the bar’s opening.

“The whole point is to lower the barrier for people who want to explore this,” said Rice Vice founder Bryon Stithem. “It can be as deep learning experience as you want to make it.”

“There was a time when I was working in New York, and had access to all this great sake,” Stithem said. “When I came back to the South, the only way I could get access to the something like that again was to make my own.”

Stithem started his own sake brewery called Proper Sake Co. in Nashville. To showcase his product, Rice Vice opened its doors. The sake bar has been recognized as one of the best bars in the country by Esquire Magazine.

His love for New Orleans brought him here to start another sake bar and its perfect spot was the location in Algiers Point. His partner in the project, Bryson Aust, lives in Algiers Point and is partner also to the new pizzeria.

“Italian food and sake are great together, it’s umami on umami,” Stithem said.

“I started out as someone with an American understanding of sake, that there was hot and cold, filtered and unfiltered, and that was it,” said Aust. “But it really does run as deep as wine.”

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Common Reasons To Sell Your Home

 “No matter what interest rates and home prices do next, sometimes homeowners just have to move—due to a new job, new baby, divorce, death, or some other major life change,” from Realtor.com. A life change is a big reason for you to sell your home. It is not the ideal time or market but sometimes that just doesn’t matter. Here are several reasons why now would be a good time to sell your home.

Relocation

There are many different things to cause you to have to relocate. They include a job change, needing to be closer to loved ones, or just needing a change of scenery.

Upgrading

You have an addition to your family, or you might just want a larger home. During the pandemic, stay-at-home orders made outdoor living spaces, home offices and home gyms more important spaces. An upgrade could be a move to another home so you have one or all of these features.

Downsizing

If you are soon to become an empty nester, then you might need to downsize. If you have too much space and not all of it is being used, then it probably would be a good move.

Change in Relationship Status

This is not a fun event but it does happen. Divorce, separation or on the brighter side marriage can push someone to sell their home.

Health Concerns

If something changes such as a homeowner that is now immobile, might need to change their living space to accommodate.

Remember selling your home and figuring out the right time to sell your home is a personal choice. “Deciding whether it’s the right time to sell your home is a very personal choice. There are numerous important questions to consider, both financial and lifestyle-based, before putting your home on the market,” says Bankrate.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

LNG's Plaquemines Site Phase Two Approved

 The decision to proceed with the second phase of the Plaquemines LNG export plant comes after the parent company, Venture Global LNG, now has $7.8 billion for the project. This is part of the $21 billion funding for the Plaquemines project.

The Plaquemines project is located on the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. The actual building will be built on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The project also includes the Gator Express pipeline. This is a two-pipeline project that is connected to the existing natural gas pipeline that delivers natural gas to the site.

The facility will house a liquefaction plant with 18 integrated single-mixed refrigerant (SMR) blocks, four 200,000m³ LNG storage tanks, three LNG loading docks, and air-cooled power generation facilities. It will comprise six pre-treatment facilities, with three in each phase.  Again this project will also be built in two phases. Each phase will take up nine blocks that will include liquefaction units and support facilities.

The plan is to open phase one in 2024 and phase two in 2025. The total project will create 250 new direct jobs, 728 indirect jobs and 2,200 construction jobs (during the project’s building). Phase two customers will include Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), Chevron (CVX.N), EnBW Energie Baden Wuerttemberg (EBKG.DE), New Fortress Energy (NFE.O), PETRONAS, China Gas Holdings (0384.HK) and Excelerate Energy (EE.N).

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

The Ins and Outs of a Home Appraisal

 A home appraisal is a big part of the home-buying process. Having a better understanding will allow you to better negotiate and avoid the stumbling blocks. A home purchase is a financial obligation but it also is a very emotional decision. When it comes to the appraisal of your home, this is what the mortgage lenders will be most concerned about.

A home appraiser is a middle man literally speaking. An appraiser will always be your neutral opinion. In order for you to obtain a mortgage, your home must pass an appraisal. An appraisal is an assessment of the property’s value by an unbiased third party.

The unbiased third party is known as the appraiser who is state-licensed or certified. They will look at the home as a neutral party taking into consideration the home’s location, age, condition, additions or renovations and recent sales of comparable homes.

When you are in the midst of your home purchase, you the buyer will be the one who is responsible for paying for the appraisal. The appraisal fee is usually bundled in with your closing costs. A typical fee would be anywhere from $330 and $440. The cost will depend on the home’s square footage and if it has an unusual floor plan.

Once the appraiser completes the appraisal, they will present you with a report. The report will give an analysis of the property and data on comparable homes. Once your appraisal goes to you and your lender. If the appraisal matches the value of the price you and the seller agreed upon, then your loan will go to process. If the appraisal comes in higher, then you gain immediate equity. If the appraisal comes in lower, you will have to come up with the difference between what the lender will lend you and the amount you agreed upon with the seller.

Remember going at this alone is very stressful. Go with a local sales agent who can help you with the homebuying process from start to finish. A local agent will also be a great source for the perfect lender for your needs.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Shell Corporation Moving to the River District

Shell’s corporate, along with the 800 employees, will be moving to the River District. The headquarters is currently located on Poydras Street. The project should be completed by late 2024 or early 2025.

Employees are overjoyed with the decision due to the fact that many energy companies have been moving to Texas. “This is an exciting announcement that further solidifies the long-standing and successful relationship between Louisiana and Shell. This is a significant investment in the city and our state, and I’m grateful to everyone involved in turning this concept into reality,” said Governor John Bel Edwards.

“We have been an integral part of the community and the working coast….and we are committing to stay here with a new building,” said Colette Hirstius, Senior VP of Shell’s Gulf of Mexico location.

Click Here For the Source of the Information. 

Secrets to Finding a Home in Any Type of Housing Market

 The ever-changing housing market will always keep the buyer and seller guessing. If you are a buyer, it is always nice if the market is a buyer’s market. Even when the market is up, down, or somewhere in between, professionals in the industry have some tips on how to buy a home in any market.

1. Help Your Offer Stand Out

In a seller’s market, there will almost always be multiple offers on the home you are making an offer on. To get ahead of the game, it is a good idea to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This will give you a rough estimate of how much you can afford. To ensure that you are able to purchase the home you want to make an offer on, get a verified approval letter from your lender. This will let a seller know that you are a serious contender and you can go through with the offer.

2. Partner With an Experienced Agent

A local real estate agent will be able to battle for you in any kind of market. They have extensive knowledge in the local market and can also refer you to a local lender. You can go into a home showing with the knowledge of the comparable property selling prices in the area and an agent can get you into pocket listings. Pocket listings are usually sold privately and are not listed on MLS. Agents also keep up with one another, so your agent can get the scoop and help you make an informed decision on which way to go.

3. Check Out Affordable Alternatives

Your budget might not be in line with your dream home, so you may want to shift your focus. Focus on your must haves and share these with your real estate agent. If you can move into another area that is cheaper, that can also be a way to get the home of your dreams. To check out other areas, use a cost-of-living calculator which can help you compare housing costs, and other factors in different areas.

4. Sweeten Your Offer

You want to get your offer a second glance, so you want it to stand out. You don’t just have to work with the purchase price on a counter offer, you can also negotiate other factors. An example would be if a seller is still shopping for a home, you can rent back their home after you purchase it. This will make your offer more attractive over others.

Remember purchasing a home is a big deal no matter what kind of housing market we are in. Be sure to choose a lender and a real estate agent who will help you with the home buying process from start to finish.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Jefferson Parish West Bank Might Get A New Movie Production Studio

 The old Celotex building in Marrero might have a new purpose in Jefferson Parish. There are talks that the old eye sore will be revitalized into a movie production studio. The building on Fourth Street has been purchased by Maple Marrero LLC.

The site includes 67 acres with around 400,000 square feet of warehouse space. “We could have one of the biggest movie studios in Louisiana and still have over 200,000 square feet of vacant warehouse space, said partner Andrew Duncan.

Celotex’s Marrero plant opened its doors in the 1920’s and employed over 1,000 workers. The plant remained open until it was damaged by Hurricane Katrina and closed its doors in 2009.

Coincidentally the property has been a set for several films and television projects throughout the years. The Hollywood writers and actors strike has set the plans back.
“As soon as the film and TV industry activates again, the place will become active as a filming location. We can start that in 30 seconds,” replies Duncan.

For the next couple of months, the new owners are going to spruce the landscape on the site. “Like many industrial sites along the river, the Celotex site has fallen into disrepair and been underutilized for a number of years,” Duncan said.

“I’m hopeful that in the next couple of years, that eyesore will no longer be an eyesore and instead will be something that contributes to the economy of Jefferson Parish, ” said Jerry Bologna of JEDCO.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

U.S. Home Builders Beat Expectations for July

 According to data from the Census Bureau home building increased 3.9% in July from June. This stems from the buyers’ interest in new homes since the market is so low on existing home inventory. New home starts bumped up to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.452 million which beat out the expectation from the Census Bureau of 1.448 million.

Single-family homes rose 6.7% in July with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 983,000. This makes the number of units started up to 5.9% from July of last year.

“Buyers embraced new homes in the first half of this year as a welcome alternative to the massive shortage of existing homes. Homebuilders responded to the rebound in demand by ramping up production in the first five months of 2023 and rolling out incentives. The latest readings show activity skewing noticeably toward the single-family space,” said George Ratiu.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Are the Home Prices Dropping Faster Than We Expected?

 Village Aurora Shopping Center opened its doors in the 80’s to its 250,000-square-foot center. Around ten years ago, the shopping complex was renovated and expanded. The shopping center has been purchased by a Los Angeles-based investor, Moisce Belinow. The purchase price set the California investor back $35 million. Belinow believes that the local property is a good investment with upside potential. The current shopping center houses a Winn-Dixie and a Chick-fil-A.

“Our occupancy is 98%, which is attractive. New Orleans doesn’t have a lot of vacancy for high-quality centers, which gives me a lot of comfort about investing in a high-quality property like this,” says Belinow.

The roof needs attention now and the outside needs a facelift. Belinow will sink $1 million into the immediate improvements. The Winn-Dixie will also make some upgrades to its supermarket located in the shopping plaza. Future plans for the shopping center will include a new retail building.

“We focus on adding values to our properties which means renovating, new construction, adding extra pads,” explains Belinow.

“These guys are used to much higher prices on the West Coast, and this is a deal for someone who is willing to take the risk into a tertiary market. There’s a much better return on your investment than you would get for the same asset in Dallas or Houston or Atlanta,” says Steve Reising with SRSA Commercial Real Estate.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Algiers Shopping Center Purchased by California Investor

 Village Aurora Shopping Center opened its doors in the 80’s to its 250,000-square-foot center. Around ten years ago, the shopping complex was renovated and expanded. The shopping center has been purchased by a Los Angeles-based investor, Moisce Belinow. The purchase price set the California investor back $35 million. Belinow believes that the local property is a good investment with upside potential. The current shopping center houses a Winn-Dixie and a Chick-fil-A.

“Our occupancy is 98%, which is attractive. New Orleans doesn’t have a lot of vacancy for high-quality centers, which gives me a lot of comfort about investing in a high-quality property like this,” says Belinow.

The roof needs attention now and the outside needs a facelift. Belinow will sink $1 million into the immediate improvements. The Winn-Dixie will also make some upgrades to its supermarket located in the shopping plaza. Future plans for the shopping center will include a new retail building.

“We focus on adding values to our properties which means renovating, new construction, adding extra pads,” explains Belinow.

“These guys are used to much higher prices on the West Coast, and this is a deal for someone who is willing to take the risk into a tertiary market. There’s a much better return on your investment than you would get for the same asset in Dallas or Houston or Atlanta,” says Steve Reising with SRSA Commercial Real Estate.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

« Annual Krewe of Boo Parade, October 21 , 2023

Gretna's Big Festival Has All the Headliners

 This October the Gretna Heritage Festival will be held and will have some big name appearances. The three-day event will see live music from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kool and the Gang, Trombone Shorty, and Orleans Avenue and The Temptations just to name a few. The 27th annual festival is located along the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Gretna.

According to Gretna’s Mayor, Belinda Constant, patrons will also enjoy entertainment from Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Luke Nelson and POTR, Trampled by Turtles and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone. Saturday along with those mentioned before there will be performances by Lee Brice, JJ Grey and Mofo, Los Lobos, Ashley McBride, Blues Traveler and ZZ Ward. Local performers will include Dumpstaphunk, Iceman Special, Irma Thomas and the Professionals, and Treme Brass Band.

The festival started over 20 years ago with around 500 attending (last year around 50,000 people attended). Last year was the first year that patrons wore wrist bands as their admission.

“The RFID wristbands were new last year, and it took a little time for people to get used to them. But they turned out to be a huge success. Folks really came to appreciate how easy and convenient they made going to the fest,” says Constant.

“Gretna Fest is always such a wonderful event-not only for the city of Gretna but also for the entire New Orleans area,” praises Constant.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Make Your Front Yard More Appealing Yet Private

 You want to show off your lawn, but you also want privacy when you are enjoying it. A great way to do this is by using natural landscaping along your wall or fence. Here are some ways to enhance your privacy and curb appeal at the same time.

1. Install Light and Airy Decorative Screens

A decorative screen is a nice way to add some privacy without saying keep out to everyone. Strategically placing decorative screens is a common tool used to make your front yard a bit more private. A lattice-style wall is both private yet lets light pass through and does not entirely close off a space. Using a lattice-style wall will allow you to add decorative designs, hang things up or run a vine through the wall.

“Decorative screens are a gem. When positioned right, screens can give you much-needed seclusion. The trick isn’t just about hiding away. Instead it’s about creating privacy stylishly without losing the essence of your space,” explains Brian Pal, CEO of Green Pal.

2. Combine Lush Planting with an Ornamental Gate

Iron gates are a nice touch to any front yard. They are welcoming and look great, especially for a Spanish look. Tropical plants are another way to create a private setting in your front yard. These lush green plants help you feel like you are in a tropical oasis.

“Plant fast growing shrubs (like hydrangeas or weigela) either in the ground or in pots that you can move around. This can help block prying eyes while maintaining the natural appeal of your yard, plus it means you can place them strategically,” says Miguel Camperos with SunVara.

3. Choose Evergreen Hedging for Year Round Screening

Evergreen hedges are a great way to create a private setting. You can decide the height that you want. These are fast growing and include Italian cypress, arborvitae or privet.

“Evergreens are my personal favorites too. They’ve got your back throughout the year. If you’re leaning towards hedges, boxwood or privet can be your green guardians, and they’re super moldable as well,” says Clayton.

4. Put Up a Wire Fence and Grow a Pretty Vine Over It

A tall link fence is a perfect way to create some privacy and enjoy nature. All you have to do is install a tall link fence and intwine a vine through it to cover the fence for privacy. This way the fence will look like it is a part of your natural landscaping.

“Vines are one the best plants to cover a fence as they provide a lot of coverage, can grow quickly, and will provide blooms that attract birds and butterflies. Cross-vine is part of the trumpet creeper family, and a super star for being fast growing and giving great coverage, plus it’s super hardy too,” says Amy Hovis of Eden Design and Barton Springs Nursery.

5. Pair a Smart Hedge with a Picket Fence

Having both is a great idea! If you are adding a hedge to outline your front yard, then pair it with a nice picket fence. Make sure you read up on how big the plant that you choose gets.

“Native plants are useful, if possible, and ‘adapted’ plants offer an alternative option. Use something that has proven successful in your area and utilize local nurseries who can help with selecting plants that need minimum care and are adapted to your soil, climate and watering frequency,” says Mike Teal with SSC Services for Education.

These are some great ideas to make your front yard look natural and welcoming with a little privacy. Call in the experts if you are having a hard time with what works best with your home. Remember, there are plenty of creative solutions to enhance front yard privacy landscaping.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Bucktown's Waterfront Project

 Bucktown’s waterfront will be restored to a marshland. The $15.5 million dollar project will be along a one-mile stretch of the shoreline in Jefferson Parish. Projects such as these are called living shorelines that help create bunkers with natural materials and green vegetation.

They will start with barging in rocks that will create nine segmented breakwaters in Lake Ponchartrain. The formations will be between Bonnabel Boat Launch and Bucktown Harbor and will help protect the federal levee system and keep it from eroding. There will be 20 feet of open water between the jetties and the new marshland area which will create a pathway for kayakers and canoers.

This is the first time a living shoreline will be used to protect a federal levee system and if it is successful, it will be used in other areas along Lake Pontchartrain’s shoreline.

“It’s habitat restoration that also protects the protection,” Greg Grandy, the incoming executive director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority said. “This will reduce the wave energy that comes off of Lake Pontchartrain, particularly during winter storms.”

Funding for the project came from grants and government funding. $4.5 million in grant money came from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The remaining included $2.5 million from the National Wildlife Foundation; $1 million from Louisiana’s construction budget; $4 million from proceeds the parish receives from oil and gas revenues in the Gulf of Mexico; and $3.5 million from the CPRA.

“Having this project here, where you can see a marsh, where you can get educated about our environment, where you can see a living shoreline, this is where we can educate the 99% of the population that lives behind our federal levee system,” Jefferson Parish Council member Jennifer Van Vrancken said.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Music and Fun During Bayou Classic Weekend

 Contemporary R&B star Maxwell will also take the spotlight the weekend of the Bayou Classic. The performer will be at Smoothie King Center the night before the annual game. The game is being played at Caesars Superdome between HBCUs Grambling and Southern universities.

The concert tickets start at $63 and part of the proceeds will benefit the Southern University System Foundation. The open act for the concert will be Leela James.

Gerald Maxwell Rivera was born in Brooklyn and is part Haitian and part Puerto Rican. His first album came out in the 90s and was the catalyst for the neo-soul movement. Since then he has released many other albums and is still on the rise today.

New Orleans is a place that the singer has performed in for a long time. Maxwell has a long-standing association with NOLA’s Essence Festival. He has filled the Saenger Theatre to the Smoothie King Center.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Know What You're Working With

 Consider your walls as one cohesive piece to decorate and remember proportions. “It’s just like when you’re looking at a floor and deciding what size rug to put on it,” Paulus explains. “With a huge wall, you want to create an area of interest that’s proportionally appropriate.” She also explains, “How much of this wall do we need to fill for it to feel the right scale?”

No Need To Cover Every Inch

Paulus warns that too much hinders the design of the space. She says that negative space can be very important to have. “I always tell people you don’t have to put something on every wall,” she says. “We don’t want things to fight.”

Embrace Layering

“People are always like, ‘I want my home to feel warm,’’’ Paulus notes. “Well, warmth comes from what you see, but also what you hear. So if we can soften the acoustics of the space through textiles—adding more rugs, bringing drapery up—we can lessen that echo and make it sound warmer.”

Consider Fewer, Bigger Pieces

“People think, ‘Oh, it’s bigger, I can put in more shelves,’” she says. “But they actually make it feel smaller. When you step away from it, it feels like you’re looking at shutters, instead of the massive built-in that it is.” She goes on to explain, “Less is more in this case, but it’s larger accessories,” she says. “You want big things instead of trinkets. Everything scales up.”

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

360insights New Home Is Now New Orleans

 The global software firm, 360insights, is moving its U.S. headquarters to New Orleans. The firm, originally based out of Delaware, will add around fifty new jobs to the New Orleans job market. According to Louisiana Economic Development, the jobs will be added over the next two years and will have an average salary of $85,000.

The company is familiar with New Orleans as it already has an office on St. Charles Avenue. In fact, the found and CEO of the company moved to New Orleans a couple of years ago.

“We’re excited to continue to grow at a fast pace and we’ll looking forward to continuing that growth with the New Orleans community over the coming years,” Heather Margolis, 360insights senior vice president of marketing said.

“This announcement validates that our strategy of being a low-cost, high-culture destination for tech is working, and, with 360insights jobs averaging $85,000, that these companies are providing outstanding opportunities for our residents,” Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., said in a statement.

“Two years ago, my family and I relocated to New Orleans to be part of this amazing city and experience the culture-rich, diverse and service oriented community,” Atkins said in a statement. “The programs, support and incentives offered by Louisiana to help us grow our U.S.-based technology team made it a perfect fit for 360insights. We look forward to welcoming NOLA to the 360 team. We are on an unbelievable journey, and we are just getting started.”

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Five Things To Consider Before Building a Pool

 A swimming pool is a plus during those hot summer days, especially if you just have to go out your backdoor the enjoy. If you do have a pool or want to build a pool, make sure you have money, time and attention to maintain a pool. A swimming pool will add value to your home, but might be a selling point buyers just don’t want. If you want to take the plunge, consider these five factors before deciding.

A well-maintained pool can add value to a home

According to Zillow homes with a saltwater pool will sell for 1.5% more than a home without one and sell two days faster. In warmer climates, inground pools add more value to a home. An older pool that needs updates and repairs will have a negative impact on your home’s value.

Utilities and maintenance add to the cost of owning a pool

Not only can pool maintenance cost money but it can cost on time too. You cannot just fill your pool with water and then sit back and enjoy, a pool takes constant cleaning and chemical treatments. You can do it yourself or hire someone to maintain your pool. According to Thumbtack, it costs around $148 a month to hire pool maintenance.

Pools can be made more sustainable

Energy-efficient pool pumps and heaters are one great way to make your pool more sustainable. A solar-powered pool heater will heat a pool with only the sun as its energy source. Chemical-free pool treatments are another option that can help keep your pool lasting longer. If you are building a pool, use eco-friendly materials such as LED lights.

Pool safety requires vigilance

Pool safety is extremely important and it is your responsibility as the homeowner to keep it safe. Not only can a child drown but a pet can also drown in a pool. Many states around the country have laws in place that require homeowners to install a fence around their pool.

You can pay for a pool in several ways

There are a lot of ways to pay for a pool if you are in the market for one. This makes it a little less intimidating when trying to budget for a big purchase like a pool. Finance options include a cash-out refinance, a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a credit card.

Remember a pool might be worth it for some but not always the best option for others. If you are worried about resale value, check with a local realtor who can tell you the pluses and minuses of owning a home with a pool in your area.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.