What does the Fontainebleau
Improvement Association do?

FIA sponsors several ongoing programs, both independently and in partnership with others.

Fontainebleau is currently one of the most crime free neighborhoods in New Orleans. That is due in part to the Fontainebleau Police Patrol, which provides for off-duty police officers to patrol our neighborhood.

We are fortunate to have several dedicated NOPD officers who know our neighborhood well. They continued watching over our homes during the Katrina evacuation and deserve credit for Fontainebleau avoiding the problems that afflicted other areas.

Participation in the security patrol is separate from membership in the FIA. Security patrol membership is $24 per month or $144 twice a year. Members receive yard signs and window stickers, the direct cell phone number of the police officer on duty, and a security bulletin every three to four weeks with patrol schedules, a neighborhood activity report, and developing security issue alerts.

 

 

We need your help. The more members we have, the more patrol hours we can provide. To join the Fontainebleau Police Patrol, please fill out this form and return it with your check to:

Millie Fuselier
861-8143

FIA sponsors quarterly programs with guest speakers. Past programs have included competing candidates for City Council, presentations on the Canal Streetcar project, and a talk by the director of Parkway Partners. Our meetings are an excellent way to get to know your neighbors, meet and talk with local officials, and learn more about issues affecting our city.

Quarterly Newsletter

Fountainhead, the quarterly newsletter of the Fontainebleau Improvement Association, is distributed free to every neighborhood household. It is a excellent way to keep up with news, issues, and events pertaining to our neighborhood and community.

Every year, Fontainebleau residents look forward to the FIA's annual block party. With the generous support of local individuals and businesses, the block party's live music, hamburgers, hot dogs, and entertainment always ensure an enjoyable family afternoon.

The 2003 block party was held October 12. Noted Louisiana musician and storyteller Papillion presented a delightful interactive show of Cajun and Zydeco music and stories for the young and young at heart. Dozens of FIAers enjoyed the beautiful evening, which was enhanced by the support this year of over a dozen sponsors. Special thanks to Joy Monahan for arranging the festivities.

"Curb appeal" is not only important in maintaining property values; keeping property maintained and attractive also significantly contributes to a neighborhood's safety and livability.

FIA's Beautification Committee works in many ways to maintain our neighborhood. It:

• coordinates the FIA’s quarterly Beautification Award
• supervises the planting beds at each end of Fontainebleau Drive
• hangs wreaths on the arch at Christmas
• surveys the neighborhood for potential problem properties
• participates in FIA board meetings
• reports on the general appearance of our neighborhood

and contributes new ideas and suggestions for keeping Fontainebleau one of New Orleans' most attractive neighborhoods.

The Beautification Committee oversees some of the Fontainebleau Improvement Association's most important projects. If you are interested in helping maintain the attractiveness and livability of our neighborhood, please considering volunteering to serve on the committee.

"Save Our Trees" is a partnership of the Parkway Partners Program and the City of New Orleans' Department of Parks and Parkways. FIA participates in the "Save Our Trees" program by soliciting donations every year to help defray the cost of fertilizing the oak trees along Fontainebleau Drive.

The beautiful canopy oak trees along Fontainebleau Drive are one of its distinguishing characteristics. For many years, Elsie Martinez has been a leader in helping nurture and preserve them. Please contact Elsie if you would like to help.

FIA also cooperates with Parkway Partners in spraying trees for Buckmoth Caterpillars. The city budget does not provide for these treatments, and so Parkway Partners relies on private donations to treat trees on city property in our neighborhood.

FIA coordinates its work with the New Orleans Police Department Second District Neighborhood Watch Program to help ensure that Fontainebleau remains one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.

The Fontainebleau Improvement Association is an active member of the Carrollton Preservation Alliance, an allegiance of neighborhood associations whose geographical boundaries border on Carrollton Avenue. The group enables members to share information and ideas on improving the quality of our neighborhoods, address redevelopment issues, and provide support for protecting the residential character of Carrollton Avenue.

In addition to FIA, the alliance includes:

• the Uptown Triangle Neighborhood
• the Carrollton /Riverbend Residents Inc.
• the Upper Carrollton Residents Inc.
• and the Mid-City Neighborhood Association