Upcoming Meetings and Past Meeting Highlights
Upcoming Meetings
| Date and Time | Meeting and Sponsor | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, April 16, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Old Jefferson Community Association Meeting | Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (the pink building) |
| Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Old Jefferson Community Association Meeting | Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (the pink building) |
| Thursday, October 15, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Old Jefferson Community Association Meeting | Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (the pink building) |
Past Meeting Highlights
General Membership Meeting of January 15, 2026
Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance/Standard of Conduct - Renee
The first guest speaker was Councilman-At-Large Scott Walker, who began his presentation with a brief outline of various parish projects underway, including road work and drainage improvements on Edwards Avenue and Mounes Street in Elmwood. For more info, go to Jefferson Parish Announces Edwards Avenue Closure for Roadwork Until.
The councilman also spoke about the smart water readers currently being installed in Jefferson Parish. There will be gradual billing increases for improvement, repairs and replacement of the current outdated system. Also mentioned, an app is available to monitor household meters. For more info, go to: Jefferson Parish Utility Services | Jefferson Parish, LA.
He then opened the session to questions:
There were requests for information regarding the proposed work on L&A Road and the Dakin Street connection to Earhart Expressway, which has not been approved by LaDOTD to date. Lighting on Causeway between Jefferson Highway and West Metairie needs replacement and the councilman said he would get that repaired. The issue of the “NO PARKING” signs and residents receiving tickets on Betz Avenue was addressed. Renee stated that Councilman Deano Bonano’s office is currently working on this issue with the parish.
The traffic light at Diboll and River Road exiting Ochsner Health Systems' main campus will remain. The issues relating to crosswalks, sidewalks and striping on River Road were discussed and Councilman Walker referred us to State Representative Laurie Schlegel, District 82. A request was made for the stop sign at Deckbar Avenue at River Road to be replaced as soon as possible. A construction vehicle knocked it down while making a turn onto River Road.
Councilman Walker concluded his presentation by encouraging OJCA members to keep attending parish meetings and events and to "wear those green t-shirts"! When citizens actively participate, they help hold elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions. By staying informed, asking questions, and expressing their opinions, citizens can help ensure that government officials are responsive to the needs and concerns of the people they serve.
The next speaker was Dean Goodell, LaDOTD , who recently retired from work with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and the Southern Rail Commission, where he worked primarily on passenger rail projects. Mr. Goodell spoke to OJCA members about the Proposed Railroad Overpass Project on Jefferson Highway.
Mr. Goodell stated that the proposed work is still in the “study” phase. The joint project, involving two railroads, was tasked with presenting options for review that could help eliminate the delays on the highway and prevent accidents.
Of the 4 submitted options, the only version acceptable to all parties is option 4, which could cost $250,000,000.00 in today’s dollars. The study phase ends in 2026. All parties could then request additional studies which could add an additional 2-3 years to the review process. Then funding would be requested from both state and federal levels. It should be noted that this project is currently considered a low priority project for the state.
There were questions regarding the Move Metairie Tracking Forward App for railroads and the cameras at crossings which would help prevent delays of traffic as there are available alternative routes. OJCA has previously reached out to Councilman Deano Bonano about the possibility of the Move Metairie Tracking Forward App being installed at this at-grade rail crossing while the project study is underway. Mr. Goodell stated that if there is a train stopped on the track, one can look for the sign with the railroad’s phone number and call in the matter. The contact info is either on the RR crossing X or on the mechanical box.
Public comments about the planning study are being accepted on-line. If you want to comment about the planning study or their presentation (linked below), please complete the fillable online Comment Form:
https://dotd.la.gov/media/3hedbzfj/norg-jefferson-alternatives-meeting-comment-fillable-form.pdf
Robert, OJCA Vice-President, read the results of the January 2026 meeting the board had with representatives of Ochsner Health Systems regarding the on-going demolition of Levee Run Apartments at 222 Deckbar Avenue, and the up-coming concrete pour at the Ochsner Children's Hospital site. A comments/concerns opportunity followed with much lively and informative discussion. The feedback from Ochsner will be made available via e-mail to paid OJCA members and a follow-up for new questions/comments will be mailed out to members in early April prior to that month's quarterly OJCA membership meeting.
Renee, OJCA President, gave a report sharing the good news that OJCA membership continues to steadily grow and the OJCA board continues to build positive relationships with elected parish officials, as well as state representatives. OJCA has formed working relationships with JP offices such as parish council, the planning advisory board, code compliance & enforcement, JP planning department, JP library system and JP parks & recreation. OJCA has also formed relationships with local and state organizations such as JEDCO, LaDOTD, Urban Trees and the Louisiana Regional Planning Commission. Last year, OJCA implemented a quarterly meeting with representatives of Ochsner Health Systems to communicate to them the questions/comments/concerns members have and to receive feedback.
Lastly, our outreach and marketing board has identified over 50 businesses within OJCA borders and has plans to visit these businesses in 2026 to offer a business membership to them. The president encouraged members to sign up to attend Jefferson Parish meetings and to join the business membership drive to thus increase OJCA involvement and visibility throughout the parish.
Due to time constraints, the reading of minutes from the October 2025 membership meeting and the treasurer's report were not able to be presented. If any paid member would like a copy, those can be obtained via e-mail. To ensure this does not occur at future membership meetings, the treasurer's report will be presented before any guest speakers.
The next General Meeting is April 16, 2026, 6-8pm at Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (the pink building). Scheduled to speak are Louisiana State Senator Cameron Henry and Bess Martin, Director of Planning, Jefferson Parish.
OJCA Events
On Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 2pm, OJCA will hold its second annual King Cake Social. In the event of rain, alternative arrangements will be announced.
Adjournment.
General Membership Meeting of October 16, 2025
Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance/Standard of Conduct - Renee
Roll call, recitation of the pledge, standard of conduct for all meetings.
Opening Statement/Guest Speakers - Renee
The president gave the opening statement. The OJCA meeting on October 16, 2025 was well attended and several new members paid dues to join our organization. All attendees were welcomed & the president discussed the reasons why Old Jefferson residents should join OJCA, including the many successful negotiations with elected officials, local businesses and Ochsner and events held this past year to allow for more social interaction with our neighbors since we started. A blog post Why Join the Neighborhood Association? is available for review to members who were unable to attend this October meeting.
The first guest speaker was Christine Vinson, owner of Kick, Pull, Swim. She provided her resume and a brief description of her business which she hopes to move to property she purchased next to Bowties and Scissors, 2001 Jefferson Highway. Kick, Pull Swim, is a swim lesson course for infants and small children to teach them how to self-rescue if they fall into a pool. She is a the only certified instructor in the area. The program is broken into 10-minute classes daily for 6 weeks.
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OJCA Reports
Treasurer’s Report - Monica
Provided the treasurers report and the website statistics. Our membership is steadily continuing to grow, which is so encouraging.
Reading of Minutes from Prior Meeting - Margaret
Vice President’s Report - Robert
Reported on the dismissal of the Writ OJCA’s legal representative had filed earlier this year with the 24th Judicial Court after the JP Council voted in favor of Ochsner’s Children’s Hospital build. A writ is a request for judicial review to establish whether the Council vote was based upon proper research and information. Robert then spoke of OJCA’s implementation of our new meeting model of compiling and submitting membership questions/comments/concerns to Ochsner Health Systems prior to the October general membership meeting and then reviewing Ochsner’s written response with our members was very successful and contributed to a more open dialogue. Earlier in October, the OJCA board met on the Ochsner campus with the heads of Facilities Management, Community Affairs and Real Estate to roll out this new plan.
The next General Meeting is January 15, 2026, 6-8pm at Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (the pink building).
OJCA Events
On October 7th, 2025, from 6-8pm, Old Jefferson Civic Association hosted a Night Out Against Crime Observation. Representatives from Councilwoman Van Vrancken's office, from Councilman Bonano's office and from Jefferson Parish Sheriff's office were present to speak to members and hand out relevant information.
Adjournment.
General Membership Meeting of July 17, 2025
Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance/Standard of Conduct - Renee
Roll call, recitation of the pledge, standard of conduct for all meetings.
Opening Statement/Guest Speakers - Renee
The president gave the opening statement and welcomed all attendees.
She introduced guest speakers: Jennifer Van Vranken, Councilperson-At-Large, District 2, who discussed JP’s survey regarding the most important issues for Jefferson Parish residents. Drainage was number 1, and the JP Sewerage and Water Board is planning 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. Louisiana has a state list of approved inspection vendors.
Speaker – Councilman Deano Bonano, District 2, stated District 2 is the largest, most diverse district in JP. JP has the largest number of senior citizens in the state and spends $1.4 million for them. He plans to increase corporate economic development with clean industry and he outlined efforts to beautify the water retention ponds at the Earhart - Clearview interchange. He was asked when the Senior Center at Jefferson Playground and the Fire Station on Jeff Highway near Shrewsbury would be reopened. They are currently out for bid. The councilman stated Canseco Market will soon be opening on Jefferson Highway. The out-dated water treatment plant on Jefferson Hwy. is slated to be replaced.
Speaker - Gerry Bologna, President and CEO The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), spoke regarding the newly formed Design District. There was much interest in the location of the boundaries and the possibilities of tax abatement for residential landowners. He said that JEDCO wants to provide an alternate location for business that is close to NOLA. The boundaries of the Design District will be amended to include more streets in our neighborhood boundaries. The zoning of the area is determined by the JP Council.
OJCA Reports
Abridged versions of all board reports and prior meeting minutes were given by the president due to time constraints.
The next General Meeting is October 16, 2025 6-8pm at Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (the pink building).
Adjournment.
General Membership Meeting of April 17, 2025
Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance/Standard of Conduct - Renee
Roll call, recitation of the pledge, standard of conduct for all meetings.
Opening Statement/Guest Speakers - Renee
The president gave the opening statement and welcomed all attendees.
She introduced guest speakers:
Austin Liberto, Constituent Affairs | Jefferson Parish Council District 2, Jennifer Van Vrancken, Councilwoman-At-Large, Dist. 2, who discussed early voting for new millages on the docket & the plans the parish has concerning the drainage or lack thereof in the neighborhood. Austin stated (and the Councilwoman confirmed) that the number one priority project on their list is the project to expand the pipe diameters of our area’s drainage into the 17th St Canal. Our area is dependent on this canal, which is shared with New Orleans.
Captain Dave Roddy and Deputy Tony Canatella, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, who gave an overview of the year to date (YTD) crime statistics for Jefferson noting some of which have been the lowest since 1976. The officers advised everyone to lock their home and auto doors & report all suspicious activities & individuals.
Shelly Ferro, Founder of Jefferson Parish Urban Trees, A beautiful presentation was given, sharing science-based facts and the demonstrable benefits of trees and tree coverage. Having trees on your property increases the value of your land. The trees provide a natural drainage system and create another layer of protection. They provide wind protection and energy savings.
OJCA Reports
An update of the Judiciary Review was given by Richard.
Abridged versions of all board reports and prior meeting minutes were given by the president due to time constraints.
The next General Meeting is July 17, 2025 6-8pm at Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (the pink building).
Adjournment.
General Membership Meeting of January 16, 2025
Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance/Standard of Conduct - Renee
Roll call, recitation of the pledge, standard of conduct for all meetings.
Opening Statement/Guest Speakers - Renee
The president gave the opening statement and welcomed all attendees.
She introduced guest speakers: Liza Caluda, East Bank Director of Jefferson Parish Code Compliance and Enforcement, who provided a pamphlet containing the department’s mission statement, the common violations which are reported and investigated by the department and the contact information for the department.
The second guest speaker was Austin Liberto, Jefferson Parish Constituent Affairs, District 2 & he discussed the on-going issues residents have with the no parking and 2-hour parking signs in our neighborhoods. The guest speakers departed after their presentations.
Treasurer’s Report - Monica
Reading of Minutes from Prior Meeting - Margaret
President’s Report - Renee
Spoke regarding OJCA’s goal for 2025 to foster a relationship between our neighborhood and Ochsner Health System. Members of the OJCA Board and advisers recently met with Emily Arata, System Vice President of Community Affairs at Ochsner Health. OJCA has proposed the formation of an advisory committee to meet with Ochsner on a regular basis regarding issues pertinent to the community and neighborhood.
1st Vice President’s Report - Robert
Took the floor to report regarding his discussion with the DOTD about a study which will be completed on the planned Dakin St. overpass/connection of Jefferson Highway to Earhart or Airline. The plans are not finished but it is under review. Also, before the DOTD is the plan to create a new Causeway - Jefferson Highway interchange. This plan includes an on ramp from River Road directly up to Causeway and the construction of an off-ramp from Causeway to eastbound Jefferson Highway, and elimination of the left hand turn lanes.
2nd Vice President’s Report - Robin
New Business
A design for new OJCA meeting signs and membership yard signs was approved. A question was asked about cleaning up the neutral ground/median of Causeway and making it more welcoming. That needs to be asked of Streets Dept. and DOTD. Robert will follow up on this project.
Upcoming OJCA Events
There will be an OJCA KING CAKE PARTY on February 8th from 2-4. Bring a king cake if you would like, dress to celebrate if you want to and we hope to see you there.
The next General Meeting is April 17, 2025 6-8pm at Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (the pink building).
Adjournment
General Membership Meeting of September 24, 2024
Roll Call/Introduction of New Officers/Standard of Conduct - Suzanne
Roll call, standard of conduct for all meetings
Summary of Previous Meeting - Suzanne
The president gave the opening statement and welcomed all attendees. She advised that the
boundaries of OJCA are Monticello to Causeway and River Road to the railroad tracks.
Treasurer’s Report - Monica
Monica, our treasurer discussed the website, status of finances and non-profit status.
President’s Report - Suzanne
She advised that Jefferson Parish Councilman, District 2, Deano Bonano would be present to speak and answer member questions.
1st Vice President’s Report - Renee
Renee discussed OJCA branching out into social media. There is an upcoming Night Out against crime in a nearby neighborhood that OJCA plans to attend as part of an outreach effort.
2nd Vice President’s Report - Robin
Ongoing Business
Richard spoke regarding the history of OJCA and the dispute with Ochsner over re-zoning, demolition of Levee Run Apartments and encroachment starting with the May 2024 PAB meeting. Drainage issues and traffic gridlocks were also discussed.
A member voiced his strong opposition to Betz Avenue homes being demolished. There was discussion of the need for crosswalks on River Road and who handles truck traffic issues.
New Business
There is a link to Planning Advisory Board dockets on our website. Next Door Neighbor has information regarding local businesses which is useful.
There is a Town Hall meeting with State Senator Cameron Henry regarding insurance and other issues on October 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Jefferson Council Chambers.
The next General Meeting is October 24, 2024, 6-8pm at Jefferson Senior Center, 4518 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson (the pink building).
Adjournment.
General Membership Meeting of August 7, 2024
Roll Call of Officers and Standard of Conduct - Monica
Summary of Previous Meeting - Suzanne
Notes that were emailed after last meeting
Treasurer’s Report - Monica
Membership and Roof Grant
President’s Report - Suzanne
Accepting nominations for Secretary, review dockets on agenda at the upcoming Planning Advisory Board meeting
1st Vice President’s Report - Renee
Encroachment into our neighborhood
2nd Vice President’s Report - Robin
Importance of Attending PAB
Ongoing Business
Suzanne: Status on current street leads distributing flyers, topics and speakers for PAB on 8/22
Richard - Petition update, signs update, traffic report
Ellen - Old growth oak trees update
Robin, Renee, Monica: Accepting volunteers & nominations for committee roles
New Business
Next PAB on 8/22/24 at the Joe Yenni building at 5pm. Please attend if you can.
Next neighborhood meeting will be in September - time, day and location TBD.
Adjournment.