The Old Jefferson Community Association (OJCA) formed one year ago as a grass roots response and in rigorous opposition to the rezoning of R1A residential properties on Deckbar and Betz Avenues in Jefferson, Louisiana.
As a collective of engaged, vocal, and active community members, we were recognized as a whole, were heard, and consulted with our Jefferson Parish Councilman Deano Bonano on the Very Hot rezoning issue.
As far back as 2016, there was recognition among parish- and state-wide organizations that in our neighborhood “One problem lies in the lack of an organized neighborhood group in the immediate area.” See the 2016 JEDCO report titled “The Future Growth of the Ochsner Medical Corridor” page 35 (linked below). The creation of OJCA in 2024 addressed that problem.
The “Stop the Re-Zoning” effort of 2024 was the driving force that created the Old Jefferson Community Association. Other objectives – both known and unknown at the start of this endeavor – are now set in motion or were accomplished.
Together, we promote the livability of our neighborhood and protect the neighborhood vibe. If you've found yourself wondering about OJCA when you see our meeting notices as you drive down Jefferson Hwy, consider this: “A neighborhood association is that ‘just right’ level of engagement — large enough to take us outside of our individual concerns but small enough to really get to know people and tackle issues head on with government officials.”
As a celebration of OJCA’s 1st Anniversary we ask that you forward this Year 1 Recap to just one of your neighbors and write “Please join the neighborhood association! We need everyone in OJCA!” Engaged and active neighbors equals a good neighborhood.
Getting Started with the Say No to Re-Zoning Petition
Over 300 neighbors and supporters signed the Say No to Re-Zoning petition. Neighbors walked door to door collecting signatures. An online petition was created via a now retired website.
Two yard signs were created and distributed to neighbors -- SAY NO TO RE-ZONING and MORE OSCHSNER = MORE FLOODING.
Informal meetings were organized. Neighbors gathered and shared stories. Neighbors named the organization, elected a board, and got to work.
OJCA is Born
Formal business matters were attended to:
- Wrote bylaws
- Filed and paid taxes as a non-profit
- Created a website with an active blog
- Scheduled quarterly meetings for membership to transact business and hear from invited speakers of interest to the community
- Recorded meeting minutes
- Maintained financial records
- Created signs to announce next membership meeting
- Acquired permits from Jefferson Parish to post signs in OJCA's corridor
- Created yard signs and t-shirts to fundraise and increase visibility of OJCA
...much of this business is ongoing
Relationship Building
Introduced OJCA to many organizations and formed working relationships with:
- JEDCO (Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission)
- Jefferson Parish Council
- Jefferson Parish Planning Advisory Board
- Jefferson Parish Department of Code Compliance and Enforcement
- Jefferson Parish Department of Planning
- Jefferson Parish Department of Parks and Recreation
- Jefferson Parish Department of Public Works
- Jefferson Parish Library
- Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
- Louisiana DOTD
- Louisiana State Senate
- North Rio Vista neighborhood
- Suburban Terrace Civic Association
- Ochsner Health Systems
- Urban Tree of Jefferson Parish
- Levees.Org
OJCA is Social!
- Attended North Rio Vista’s 2024 Night Out Against Crime and Halloween events
- During 2025 Mardi Gras, held a fun and tasty King Cake social
- Hosted a Summer 2025 neighborhood potluck at Kingfish Cider, a local business
- Regularly posted relevant and hyperlocal information of interest on our social media presence via Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor
- In person quarterly association meetings
Data Collection
- Analyzed Jefferson Parish property records
- Conducted surveys of housing targeted for re-zoning and demolition
- Conducted survey of NO TRUCK ROUTE signs in our boundaries
- Conducted survey of Ochsner's CONSTRUCTION related signs
- Conducted survey of NO PARKING signs in our boundaries for uniformity
- Conducted surveys of tree canopy and live oaks
- Select live oaks were registered with the Live Oak Society of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation
- Created photo collections for reference purposes
- Collected data on flooding in area
Legislative and Judicial Actions
Legislative
- Gave public testimony at Planning Advisory Board (PAB) and Jefferson Parish council meetings as a collective voice
- OJCA came out in numbers to oppose the re-zoning!
- Met with or are actively working with state representatives, parish council members and parish employees on issues of concern
Judicial
- Filed a judicial review of the rezoning issue which was eventually dismissed on procedural grounds
Monitor Area for Changes
- Public Advisory Board signs – investigation and review
- Code enforcement activity on Jefferson Highway – identify neglected properties, review next steps with code enforcement, follow-up
Please spread the word about OJCA.
Thank you for reading OJCA's Year 1 recap!
Link to 2016 JEDCO report referenced above: https://www.jedco.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/JEDCO-Ochsner-TAP-Recommendations-REDUCED.pdf