$4 Million Per Year Will Be Dedicated To Teacher Recruitment

 New Orleans (NOLA) Public School board approved for approximately $4 million a year to go to teacher retention and training. This funding is part of the “System Wide Needs Program” and was formed by the state Legislature in 2019. The approved spending plan will go from July 2023 to June 2026.

Hopefully this plan will help with NOLA public schools’ problem with declines in enrollment and teachers. The first part of the funding that is being released will help boost teacher growth. The $7 million released over three years will go to recruiting, training and placing teachers. This will hopefully help the system to reach their goal of 750 hires over the next three years. Without this funding there would be a lot of teacher programs that would go away.

The next part of the funding that will be released will be dedicated to specialized programs for students. Around $10 million over the next three years will go to partnerships that will provide an alternative school for middle school students – currently The Bridge run by Educators for Quality Alternatives – and programs targeting specific student populations. It will also include mental health and attendance support services for students with autism and career and technical training students.

They are also looking into using some of the funding to train a handful of teachers in the areas of English learner instruction, social-work services, crisis supports and trauma-informed practices. This process is already taking shape, as New School for New Orleans reported that 430 new teachers were hired in the system due to the current funding.

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Hungry Eyes A New New Orleans Restaurant and Bar

 Hungry Eyes, named after the term “hungry eyes” in the famous 80’s movie, “Dirty Dancing” will be opening in Uptown on Magazine Street. The space at 4206 Magazine Street will be a place locals can go for just a cocktail or a full dinner.

The restaurant’s co-founder, chef Mason Hereford wants the vibe to be 80’s style with a wide range of different food, appetizers and cocktails. ” It’s punchy flavors, big fun, a lot that are meant to be shared,” Hereford says.

The plans are to open Hungry Eyes later this spring. The space will be a 40-seat restaurant that also includes a back patio and will have a dedicated bar and full table service. This is different from Hereford’s other two spots, Turkey and the Wolf and Molly’s Rise and Shine. There are several employees that will move from the other locations to work at Hungry Eyes.

“There’s way too much talent working in those two buildings, so it’s time to provide and opportunity to grow together,” said Hereford

The menu is still in the works but will be guided by the same concept as Turkey and the Wolf and Molly’s Rise and Shine. The new restaurant will be a bit more refined with mid-range prices. Patrons will enjoy a comfortable atmosphere that is welcoming to parties or solo guests.

“We want everyone that comes in here to feel welcome and cool and sexy in this space,” he says.

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Interior Design Trends For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

There are trends out there that are popular one day and then gone the next so what makes a trend long lasting? Today’s interior designers are using timeless designs and pieces for the current look in today’s home. If you start with ageless finishes then you will have a space that will be more flexible when it comes to updating.

A popular trend that fits the bill is using layers of neutral finishes, especially those made out of organic materials. Areas such as kitchen countertops, cabinetry and flooring are harder to change out, so using a neutral finish gives the space more of a neutral canvas to recreate a new look. A good way to do this is to go in and change out the rugs and furnishings, leaving the flooring, counters and cabinets the same. Not only are neutrals good for timeless looks but using grays, taupes and creamy colors also gives the space a calm, cool neutral environment.

Going green will never be out of style, so using natural materials will always be a popular choice. Natural stone can be used in so many places in a home from the countertops to a whole accent wall. Tongue and groove wood ceilings or accents on walls, also gives a warmth to a room. This trend can be used in both modern and traditional designs.

“The beauty of a trend is to provide knowledge and inspiration, but the beauty of design is being able to take that trend and create something unique to each space,” says Kristin Hazen of Kristin Hazen Design out of Arizona.

A great way to make a space stand out is to use artistic lighting. Adding pendants and chandeliers give a room a wonderful artistic focal point as well as being functional. Hanging a chandelier closer to the ceiling will also give a room more depth making it look bigger than it actually is.

During the pandemic a trend that has been around became even more popular due to the at home restrictions. This is the indoor-outdoor crossover space with retracting glass doors. This is especially popular in areas that have a milder winter climate because they can be used year round. Add an outdoor fireplace and it can be the perfect spot for even a cooler winter’s night.

Trendy designs that come and go can be added to a design, but should be mixed with timeless pieces. If you are looking to purchase a home, contact a local real estate agent in your area who can help with the home buying process.

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A New Development on St. Charles Avenue

 The former Rite Aid on St. Charles Avenue will become a new live, work and play development.

The Besthoff family has owned the property ever since the original K & B drugstore was there over sixty years ago. The family is excited to get construction going on the project.

The plans call for redeveloping close to the entire city block of St. Charles and Louisiana Avenues, and Carondelet and Delachaise Streets. The new 200,000 square feet development will have two apartment buildings, and 18,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The development is one of the many new projects that are along St. Charles Avenue.

So far, 3401 St. Charles, LLC, the name of the Besthoff’s company, has approval from the Historic Districts Landmarks Commission and the city Board of Zoning Adjustments. They have also settled a lawsuit with the Garden District Association over the height of one of the apartment buildings. The next step will be to obtain permits from the city and finalize financing for the more than $55 million project. The company hopes to break ground later this year.

“We are lining everything up and are optimistic we will be ready once we get our permits, which we know will take some time,” the statement said.

They have purchased the land that was once Ochsner Health Center and will demolish the center along with the drugstore to make way for the two apartment buildings. One of the buildings will be U-shaped in design and house one, two and three bedroom units. The complex will have a swimming pool, dog park and enclosed parking garage that will all be for residents only. Retail space will fill the ground-floor area that will hopefully house retail, a local restaurant and a local coffee shop.

The other apartment complex will have 20 units on three stories and will be permanent housing with no short term rentals. Along with the buildings and amenities they will add new street lights, landscaping, outdoor seating and protected bike lanes.

“Everyone wanted something on that corner, other than a vacant old Rite Aide. So, we are hopeful they will do a quality development that will benefit not only them but the neighborhood,” comments Garden District Association President Allain Hardin.

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Your Homeowner To Do List

 The first time you become a homeowner, you automatically get a nice to-do list which will continually grow. A homeowner shouldn’t stress about this to-do list as it helps with making sure every facet of your home operates to perfection.

When a buyer goes to look at a new home, they usually focus on their wish lists, and not the nuts and bolts that keep it functioning. Potential buyers look at the design and architectural style and how their furniture and decor will fit in the space. But once you become an experienced homeowner, you will know that you have to look at things such as the HVAC unit and the roof when you are thinking about purchasing. If you love the home but it has a faulty water heater, this could turn into a major issue down the road. Good news, issues can be resolved but you need to know about them first.

A great place to start with your list is The Home Depot’s Home Services center. They will help you hire the right person to come and fix a problem or check for a problem. They will only send vetted local providers who are experts on the parts of your home you didn’t really think about until you moved in. Once you have this down, you can partner with them to help keep everything in your home running smoothly.

Your HVAC is one of your biggest systems and does not need to go unattended. A good HVAC should keep every room good and cool without making tons of noise. One way to know when it’s time to call in the experts is when your system starts running louder, keeps turning off and on or not keeping the temperature consistent.

Another big unit is the water heater. Without your water heater, you will take constast cold showers. Not only does it heat up the shower, but also the dishwasher, washing machine and more. The Home Depot service center will deliver a new hot water heater and take the old one away for free.

There is nothing worse than a drafty house during the winter and a warm house during the summer. Your windows are what keep the outside elements out. An expert can help you find the perfect windows that will fit your home and lifestyle. Make sure to hire an expert who installs windows. If your windows are installed correctly you will save a ton on your utility bills.

Remember with the help of The Home Depot’s Home Services, your to -do list becomes no big deal. Homeownership should be a joy not a burden.

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New Orleans Is Home to the Oldest Family Run Restaurant in the Country

 Antoine’s Restaurant opened its doors in New Orleans in 1840. Today, the restaurant is still run by the same family. Antoine Alciatore and his wife Julie Alciatore founded the restaurant and it is one of the first places to serve French-Creole cuisine.

The 183-year-old restaurant is now in its fifth generation of the same family which makes it the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. Antoine’s is the oldest restaurant in New Orleans and is world-famous due to its exceptional service and very unique atmosphere.

There are several dining rooms within the restaurant that each have their own story to tell. The walls of the space have photos hung of famous diners such as George Patton, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pope John Paul II, and Bill Clinton.

The dining rooms are all decorated with a different theme. For example, the 1840 room was designed with a wealthy 19th-century home in mind. Most of the rooms are named after Mardi Gras krewes that visit the restaurant on a regular basis.

In 1840 Antoine’s restaurant began as a small eatery and has since grown into a world-famous dining establishment. Today it is a well-known staple in the French Quarter for both locals and visitors alike.

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Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home

 Even if this is not your first time purchasing a home, you still need to stop and think before you buy. Make sure to think about your future financial and housing needs. Data from the National Association of Realtors reports that a homeowner stays in their home an average of eight years before moving on. Here are questions to think about before purchasing your first or next home.

1. What can I comfortably afford?

If you are working with a lender, they will pre-approve you for a specific loan amount. The amount will be determined by your credit score, income, assets, and debts. Remember to try and keep your total housing payment (including tax and insurance) under 28% of your gross monthly income.

2. Which loans do I qualify for?

There are many options out there when it comes to home loans and your lender will be able to sort out which loan is right for you. A conventional fixed-rate mortgage will have the same payment amount over the life of the loan, whereas an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) will have a variable rate that may go up or down after the initial fixed-rate period has ended. So with a 5/5 ARM , you will have a fixed rate for the first five years, then after that, your monthly payment will change.

3. How much will you need for your down payment?

Lenders love to see at least 20% of the purchase price as a downpayment so you do not have to pay PMI. Some loans such as a VA loan will allow low or no-down-payment but you will need to check with a lender to see if you qualify for a VA loan. Remember that the higher your down payment, the lower your monthly payments will be.

4. What’s PMI? Do I have to pay it?

PMI stands for private mortgage insurance and is required when your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s sale price. As stated earlier, VA loans and some other specialty options may not require a down payment.

5. What interest rate do I qualify for? How can I lower it?

Your interest rate impacts how much your monthly payments will be. The higher the interest rate, the higher your payment. Your credit score will also play a factor in determining your interest rate. A better credit score, the lower the interest rate.

6. What will my monthly payment be?

A lender can run numbers and let you give you a ballpark of what your monthly payment will be. Your payment depends on the purchase price, down payment amount and interest rate. There are also monthly mortgage payment calculators online that you can use to help you figure out your monthly payment.

7. What are closing costs?

Upfront closing costs consist of origination fees and discount points, appraisal, document preparation, title insurance and home inspection. As mentioned before, your lender can give you an estimate of your closing costs and an itemized list. There are also closing cost calculators out there which can help you with determining an estimated closing cost.

8. Is my interest rate guaranteed? When does that happen?

Interest rates are always going up or down and this can happen from the time you submit a loan application to the time you close. So if you do not want your rate to change, you can lock a rate in for a specific time period (usually 30 days).

9. Will the monthly payment include taxes and homeowners insurance?

As mentioned earlier, the majority of loans do include taxes and homeowners insurance in the monthly payment, but you can opt to pay these annually and leave them out of your loan. If you do have them added to your monthly payment, the money collected is held in escrow and your lender will pay the taxes and homeowners insurance at the end of the year.

10. How long will the closing process take?

When making an offer on a home, make sure to leave yourself enough time to get all your financing in order. This can take from 30 to 60 days to obtain a mortgage. A lender can usually help you determine how long it will take, especially when you get a pre approval letter from them.

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