Jericho Road formally launched its new Vacant Land Management Program with recently awarded support from the Greater New Orleans Foundation(GNOF) and the hire of a Program Manager Alison Ecker. The program, a vacant land remediation program, will turn empty properties into neighborhood assets.
Vacant properties and abandoned houses are scattered throughout the Central City community. Many lots lie overgrown and unkempt and numerous houses sit abandoned and boarded-up. Dumping occurs, trash accumulates and weeds grow high over the sidewalks. Although the negative effects may at first seem only visual, these neglected properties contribute to a feeling of a neighborhood in decline, attracting crime, decreasing real estate values and potentially posing serious health hazards. Maintaining this status quo of carelessness is unacceptable.
Jericho Road is committed to a minimum "maintenance" level of landscaping investment on each lot which includes demolition and clearing the lot of debris such as existing foundations, old fences and dumped materials. Jericho Road believes solid and attractive fencing will more than pay for itself with the cumulative benefit of improving land values and discouraging negative activities. The program will also include several special projects like the newly awarded fruit orchard.
If you recall, I asked you to vote for the Jericho Road program in a recent competition to win a fruit garden orchard, which they were awarded, thanks in part to your vote.
Read more about Jericho Road at the website of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.
Jericho Road still has a $25,000 need for supplementing some sites with additional tree plantings and other aesthetic lot enhancements.
If you'd care to help, you can donate here.
Jericho Road was founded in part by Episcopal Relief and Development after Katrina and the federal flood.
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