Neighborhood Coalition

Upmost appreciation to the contributions and support provided by Neighborhood Coalition, Director Blake Satterlee and Project Manager Madison Sencial, StoryMap Consultant Jennie Garcia, and UNO professor Dr. Michelle Thompson for their valuable assistance on these projects.

Neighborhood Coalition is a 501c3 organization based in the Hoffman Triangle and aims to address the challenges and inequities of the neighborhood, prioritizing the needs of the community to help grant them the resources they need to thrive. Founded by Blake Satterlee in June 2022, a resident of the Hoffman Triangle, he dug the roots of the organization by maintaining vacant lots owned by the Neighborhood Development Foundation. Neighborhood Coalition saw expansion when Madison Sencial joined the effort in July 2023, adding to meaningful work around the neighborhood. Ongoing projects include the Lawn Care Program which aims to help maintain and upkeep the neighborhood, as well as the City of Lights Initiative which involves stringing LED lights around the neighborhood to increase neighborhood lighting and allow for a distinctive identifier of the neighborhood (Sencial, 2024). 

Additionally affordable housing has been a huge focus of this organization, demonstrated by the Unity Housing Initiative, which has the long-term goal to provide residents with the opportunity for home ownership (Sencial, 2024). Notably, the construction of the neighborhood's first affordable home on Jackson Avenue, intended for a local family of seven, highlights a step forward to addressing housing insecurity in the neighborhood. Furthermore, these projects aim to employ local residents wherever possible to encourage job creation. Driven by a vision of community development, Neighborhood Coalition aspires to restore neighborhoods through strategic partnerships, beginning with the Hoffman Triangle. 

The Hoffman Triangle is in Central City, New Orleans, its boundaries reaching from South Claiborne Avenue to the South, Toledo Street and Washington Avenue to the West, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the East. A neighborhood beholding a vibrant community with a longstanding vision for a better future, it was renamed "Hoffman Triangle" in 2001 by Rosalind Peychaud, a state representative, as an effort to remove itself from the negative stigma connected with “Central City” (Guess, 2013).

In the aftermath of numerous environmental disasters, New Orleans grapples with a complex social, environmental, and economic climate, with low-income black communities bearing a disproportionate impact. The underinvestment of areas like the Hoffman Triangle are widespread throughout the city and are an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. This story map dives into a follow up of the Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Condition Analysis completed by the University of New Orleans in 2011, prepared for the Associated Neighborhood Development, led by Dr. Michelle Thompson (Thompson, 2011). The Neighborhood Development Foundation chose the Hoffman Triangle due to the apparent need to restore homeownership and re-establish a healthy community amid urban blight (Neighborhood Development Foundation, 2015). This story map assesses the revitalization of the 13 historic and 54 Neighborhood Development Foundation properties as an update from the previous survey conducted, utilizing it as a reference point to analyze the changes. Furthermore a 15 Minute City Analysis of the Hoffman Triangle is included. This study also uses site assessments surveys and secondary source data analysis to look at the characteristics of these properties. Collaborative efforts with the UNO Advanced Techniques in GIS class, UNO intern Alexandra Weir, and UNO independent study student Eian Bailey, in partnership with the nonprofit Neighborhood Coalition, took place to conduct thorough surveys for these projects. This story map also dives into the active programs undertaken by Neighborhood Coalition.

The Hoffman Triangle's intricate past and ongoing recovery are underscored by the enduring effects of Katrina, which inundated the area with six feet of flooding, leaving a lasting impact on its residents and infrastructure (Campbell, 2022). Known for its familiarity with drug use and vacant properties, Rosalind Peychaud, a New Orleans civic activist renamed this section of Central City, “Hoffman Triangle” after a nearby elementary school as a rebranding effort to try and change the narrative of this neighborhood (Cohen, 2008). The circumstances of the neighborhood led to disinvestment, and from an outside perspective, many failed to see the opportunity for success in it. This reiterates why the initiatives of Neighborhood Coalition are so vital to the development of the neighborhood. When rebuilding the affordable housing properties, NDF representees stated how their aim was to construct houses and a neighborhood that would be attractive to individuals and families from all income classes and to support this initiative, Fred Johnson, CEO of the Neighborhoods Development Foundation stated “we tried to build a product that we wouldn’t mind living in” (Bahr, 2008). With a comprehensive approach in mind, during the construction of these properties it was a goal for these properties to be a future model for affordable housing, displayed by the quality housing that we see today.

"“You give a name and people can say “I’m from there and I feel proud of that place. People begin to treat the streets differently” (Cohen, 2008).

 Overall, the NDF Hoffman Triangle affordable historic properties have been a success and have heavily contributed to addressing both the ongoing issue of blight and the lack of affordability in this neighborhood. After the 2008 relocation of the historic properties from the development of the LSU and Veterans Hospital, residents were rightfully upset due to the city’s lack of care and respect they had for these properties, adding to the already existing blight issue within this neighborhood. Called a public nuisance, residents questioned how this was helping the “blight eradication” and were now stuck with these public nuisances of property with no input on this subject, stating how if you are going to do something, do it right (Gadbois, 2019). Furthermore, these relocated properties increased concerns for crime and hurricane safety. This being said, the NDF properties not only helped to address this upset but are steps to restoring this neighborhood to a place where it’s residents are proud to apart of, and displays the benefits of doing a project right. Additionally, this project encouraged residents who may not have the financial security to purchase a property, the opportunity to do so, and take financial steps forward. 

Demographics

• Hoffman Triangle is a primarily Black neighborhood: 84% of its residents are African-American and 16% of its residents are White (Tian et al, 2024).

Blight

• 44% of the total properties in the Hoffman Triangle were open blight cases with the city (Thompson et al, 2012).

Property Use

• In 2011, 35% of the properties in the Hoffman Triangle were empty lots (Thompson, 2011).

This report is a follow up of the 2011 Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Condition Analysis prepared for the Associated Neighborhood Development (Thompson, 2011). The Neighborhood Development Foundation (NDF)  provides financial education and homeownership counseling. Primary service area NDF, selected Hoffman Triangle  as a priority area to advance first-time homeownership and re-establish a healthy community amid urban blight (Neighborhood Development Foundation, 2015).  Associated Neighborhood Development (AND) served as the non-profit homeownership development arm, so that NDF was designated by the City of New Orleans to offer soft-second mortgages to eligible first-time homebuyers (NDF, 2015).

The following report provides the current status of the 13 historic properties that were previously surveyed, utilizing it as a foundational reference to analyze and document the changes. The 2024 study adopts a multifaceted approach, combining primary site assessments, photo surveys, and analysis of secondary data sources to explore the characteristics and functional attributes of the properties from their rehabilitation to the present day. Direct site assessment surveys were integral to this survey, offering firsthand insights into the condition, features, and integrity of the properties. By conducting on-site evaluations, a descriptive understanding of the transformations since 2012 could be achieved.

Historic Property Listing: 

All of the structures are in “good” condition, pertaining to structural integrity, maintenance, and safety, and include an occupied residential structure, including mainly single-family houses and two multifamily houses. The empty image , 3619 Fourth street, and 3620 Fourth street, were an inaccessible blighted property and an empty lot and not considered in good condition. At the time of assessment, 3619 Fourth Street could not be inspected due to individuals present outside the dwelling, posing a safety concern, resulting in its omission from the image gallery. The overall sidewalk condition was listed as in good repair, despite two properties, 3228 Third Street and 1323 S Derbigny, and the curb cuts lined accordingly up with sidewalk condition. Moreover, each structure is equipped with functional utility meters, and these properties contribute to the overall enhancement of the neighborhood aesthetic.       

It’s notable that two properties listed adjacent to the Hoffman Triangle, 1323 S Derbigny Street, and 3119 Erato Street are included in this analysis. The former vacant lots were developed by the NDF after 2012, bringing forth the organization's continued involvement in neighborhood revitalization efforts.

In Spring 2024, University of New Orleans (UNO) students enrolled in GEOG 5832/4832, Advanced Techniques in GIS, under the guidance of Dr. Guang Tian and Dr. Michelle Thompson, collaborated with the Neighborhood Coalition (NBHD) to assess quality of life indicators within Hoffman Triangle, a neighborhood in Central City, New Orleans, LA. UNO intern Alexandra Weir, along with UNO independent study student Eian Bailey, and contributors Joseph Hill and Wyatt Mumfrey, participated in the evaluation process. The evaluation involved a comprehensive examination of each parcel in the neighborhood, encompassing the collection and analysis of both primary and secondary data utilizing basic data and spatial analysis techniques, predominantly within a geographic information system (GIS). Primary data collection efforts included surveys on parcel conditions, sidewalk conditions, streetlight locations, and instances of overgrown lots, trash dumping, and tire dumping. Additionally, secondary data specific to the Hoffman Triangle were sourced, such as US Census 2020 demographics, property assessments from the Louisiana Tax Commission, zoning information, and crime data.

The primary feature designation was made to capture the use of the parcel, or lack thereof. Parcels with buildings identified on them were 597 (61.0%), whereas 232 empty lots were identified (23.7%) in the Hoffman Triangle (Tian et al, 2024). Only 13 parcels were identified as being open/recreational spaces (1.3%), 37 parcels identified as parking lots (3.8%), and 68 (7.0%) parcels were identified as overgrown in the Hoffman Triangle (Tian et al, 2024).

This study is initiating the groundwork to implement a 15-minute city concept in North America, collaborating with researchers from Paris, France. The study aims to identify the existing features in the neighborhood and surrounding areas in addition to understanding the strengths and challenges present. The purpose of this investigation is to is to conduct a pre-study of buffering methods around the Hoffman Triangle in anticipation of a fully-fledged 15-minute city case study. This research also continues a longitudinal study on the neighborhood's condition and evaluates quality-of-life indicators within the 15-minute city model. However, it is important to note a limitation that this is only a sample of the areas adjacent to the Hoffman Triangle; we are not measuring 100% of the parcels, equipment, or amenities. 

Disclaimer: Please acknowledge that all amenities were obtained from Google Street View and are subject to potential changes, as their precision may fluctuate without direct on-site verification.

This project was an effort to identify the neighborhood amenities within a 15-minute walking distance of the Hoffman Triangle. UNO intern Alexandra Weir and UNO independent study student Eian Bailey executed the study on April 13th, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The survey commenced at the intersection of South Galvez and Third Street, identified as the central point of the Hoffman Triangle. The survey covered six routes, focusing on identifying quality-of-life indicators within the 15-minute walking distance. The selected routes included walking up and down South Galvez and Fourth Street, as well as visits to two key community destinations: the Rosenwald Recreation Center and the Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center. These sites were chosen because they were meaningful community amenities located just outside the Hoffman Triangle boundaries, yet within walking distance and accessible to neighborhood residents. During the survey, the condition of the sidewalk was assessed, the presence and quality of curb cuts, and the general feeling of safety along the selected routes. Additionally, street view assessments of Earhart Boulevard and Napoleon Avenue were done, given their heavy usage. For example, Ochsner Health Center on Napoleon Street and Booker T. Washington High School on Earhart Boulevard were potential community resources. Furthermore, routes passed near Xavier University, as universities often served as hubs for community resources. The collected data underwent further analysis to identify potential additional amenities for the neighborhood and underscore the value of existing ones. Dr. Michelle Thompson was the coordinator for this project, giving guidance and structure whenever needed to ensure effective execution. The boundaries for the 15-minute buffer analysis were provided by Jennie Garcia, a UNO graduate and GIS specialist. 

Goal:  Complete 20 homes in first 12 months

• A study done in New York where additional high powered LED streetlights were installed at random housing developments “found that allocating temporary streetlights to public housing developments led to a 36% reduction in nighttime outdoor index crime” (Giménez-Santana, 2020).

• By creating a unique signifier to the neighborhood we aim to increase the sense of community amongst neighbors.

• Provide one to two job opportunities for community members through the installation and maintenance of the lights.

Goal: Purchase equipment and storage needed to increase capacity

• “Vacant land indicates lack of control over neighborhood conditions…associated with crime, fear, and further disorder. …perpetuating a cycle of physical and social decline” (Garvin et al, 2013).

• “Associated with higher levels of crime and illegal activity such as prostitution, drug sales, and drug use by adolescents. Vacant land has also been linked to elevated risk of fire injury” (Garvin et al, 2013).

• Employ one community member and seek to expand and create further economic opportunities.

Goal: Build a home for a local family to serve as a pilot program 

• This home will provide a pathway to home ownership for a family of seven who are from New Orleans and desire to raise their family here.

• “Homeownership a powerful tool for building generational wealth. But one often overlooked aspect of homeownership is the potential to leverage home equity to create a lasting financial legacy for your family” (Leicht, 2024).

• “[The Census Report] found that homeownership does have a statistically significant impact of lowering the mover rate. That is, among people of the same age, same income, and same marital status, a person was significantly more likely to change residence in a given year if he or she was a renter rather than a homeowner. Homeowners bring stability to neighborhoods” (Yun and Evangelou, 2016).

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Sencial, M. (2024). Neighborhood Coalition.

Thompson, Michelle M. (2011). Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Condition Analysis. Retrieved on April 16th, 2024, from  https://scholarworks.uno.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1009&context=plus_rpts 

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Tian, G., Thompson, M., Bullock, B., Halling, C., Harris, L., Hansen, E., Hanson, T., Sitter, M., Tifft, M., Weir, A., Bailey, E., Sencial, M., & Satterlee, B. (May 3, 2024). Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Condition Analysis 2024 Reassessment. Retrieved on May 8th 2024, from University of New Orleans Sharepoint:   https://myuno-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adweir_uno_edu/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?login_hint=adweir%40uno%2Eedu&id=%2Fpersonal%2Fmksitter%5Funo%5Fedu%2FDocuments%2FUNO%20%2D%20Neighborhood%20Coalition%20Research%20Project%2FFinal%20Project%20Materials%2FHoffman%20Triangle%20PPGIS%20Report%20FINAL%2Epdf&listurl=%2Fpersonal%2Fmksitter%5Funo%5Fedu%2FDocuments&parentview=1 

Yun, L., & Evangelou, N. (2016). Social benefits of homeownership and stable housing. National Association of Realtors, Research Division. Retrieved on Retrieved on April 16, from https://newarkcollaborative.org/blog/can-street-lighting-reduce-crime 

List of Figures:

Figure 1: Image Gallery of NDF Historic Homes Google LLC. (2016 and 2018). Google Street View [Mobile application software]. Retrieved on March 16, 2024, from  https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9480625,-90.0975124,3a,75y,233.33h,77.74t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sd4ZY6SxPs-HFfilW1yaDgw!2e0!5s20220301T000000!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu