A lively exchange of information and ideas from OJCA's three guest speakers!
Jerry Bologna, President and Ceo of JEDCO attends OJCA's summer 2025 membership meeting to introduce the new Jefferson Parish Design District.
The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is an independent, complementary arm of Jefferson Parish government. JEDCO’s mission is to build a resilient, equitable, diverse and competitive economy by driving the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in Jefferson Parish.
JEDCO recently joined Jefferson Parish leaders to announce the creation of a new business district in Old Jefferson. Located near the Orleans-Jefferson Parish line. which is within the borders of our civic association, the Jefferson Parish Design District is projected to include more than a dozen design-related businesses. The district is planning a new place-based, mixed-use development unique to the region and will stimulate growth by enabling property tax incentives, both to businesses and residential homeowners, providing access to capital through JEDCO, encouraging long-term investment.
For more information, you can visit JEDCO Announces Creation of Jefferson Parish Design District | Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission.
Other guests attending OJCA's July quarterly membership meeting were (left to right) Austin Liberto, Constituent Affairs, Jefferson Parish Council District 2, Deano Bonano, Jefferson Parish Councilman, District 2, Jennifer Van Vranken, Councilwoman-At-Large, Division A, and Clayton Tufts, Chief of Staff, Division A.
Councilwoman Van Vranken presented a slide show of Jefferson Parish projects underway.
Councilwoman Van Vranken discussed the council’s survey regarding the most important issues for Jefferson Parish residents, which was taken via postcards mailed to constituents. Drainage was number 1, and the Jeff Parish Sewerage and Water Board is planning the improvements. Beautification of Jefferson Parish was number 2. Recycling is number 3. Resources and Relief for Seniors
Insurance was number 4.
There is a Wind Mitigation Survey. Homeowners in Louisiana may be eligible for a state tax deduction or insurance premium discount for voluntarily strengthening their homes against storms and hurricanes in compliance with the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code. The first step for homeowners who are interested in this program is to contact your insurance company or agent to discuss what discounts might be available if you submit a completed Wind Mitigation Survey (also known as a Hurricane Loss Mitigation Survey) form. If you would like to move forward, download the Louisiana Hurricane Loss Mitigation Survey Form and complete Section I. Contact a qualified wind mitigation surveyor to complete Sections II and III. To find a wind mitigation surveyor, visit the Louisiana State Fire Marshal Code Enforcement webpage. Once there, select “Wind Mitigation Surveyor” in the Application Type field, complete the security image code verification process, and click the Search button. Click the magnifying glass icon on the right of each surveyor for contact information, then reach out to get quotes and begin the survey process. Once complete, submit the form to your insurance company or agent. The information surveyed is used to calculate what storm mitigation has been completed and if the homeowner is eligible for premium discounts or incentives.
The fortified roof program will be back in lottery form. The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program provides grants up to $10,000 to help homeowners strengthen their roofs against hurricane-force winds, enhancing resilience and safety. If you don’t qualify and get chosen by the lottery, you can use an approved vendor to put a roof on and qualify for up $5,000.00 from the Parish.
She also discussed various economic development projects including Bucktown and Disc Golf. The councilwoman also gave an overview of the Glass Half Full recycling program, including drop off sites and dates.
Councilman Deano Bonano, District 2, wraps up a very informative evening
Our final guest speaker was Councilman Deano Bonano, who represents our district. He opened his presentation by giving a lively and entertaining accounting of his history and background with Jefferson Parish. He began working in government in July of 1988 as Jefferson Parish’s first contract administrator. Over the years, he has overseen Jefferson Parish’s waste management, mosquito control, transit service, carnival operations, and more. He was Citizen’s Affairs Director in 1990, and six years later was named Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the parish which is a position he mastered over 10 years. For the past decade, he has served as a Council-at-Large top assistant.
Councilman Bonano reminded our civic association of his assistance with code enforcement violations at an unsafe apartment complex in our neighborhood. He reminded OJCA members of the importance of identifying code violations and reporting them, this making our neighborhoods safe for everyone. He then turned the talk to District 2, which is the largest and most diverse district in Jefferson Parish, in terms of land mass and population. He went on to state Jefferson Parish has the largest concentration of senior citizens in the state an yet only spends $1.4 million for these citizens. He hopes to divert funding currently utilized on parish libraries to the needs of senior citizens. He discussed his efforts to beautify water retention ponds at the Earhart - Clearview interchange. He was asked when the Senior Center at Jefferson Playground will be reopened and a new Fire Station on Jeff Highway near Shrewsbury would be built. The projects are out for bid. Councilman Bonano wrapped up his presentation by mentioning the exciting news that Conseco's, a local grocer, acquired the old Winn-Dixie location in Azalea Grdens Shopping Center at 3615 Jefferson Highway and that at the existing water treatment plant across the street at will be enhanced and updated as part of a 2.3 billion dollar plan to renovate the nearly 100 year old water treatment facility.