City Launches NoticeMe Online Tool to Track Land-Use Changes
It’s a way to stay on top of land-use changes and information, without having to go to all the meetings.
The NoticeMe app, now available at noticeme.nola.gov, is a personalized notification tool that emails citizens to inform them of opportunities for public input on proposed land-use changes. It generates custom emails filtered by meeting date, geography, and type of issue. Citizens can choose to receive notifications from one or more specific areas including by Council District, self-reported neighborhood association boundaries, or a custom area. Citizens can also specify how often they would like to receive emails.
According to a City of New Orleans press release, NoticeMe was designed to complement the success of City's Neighborhood Participation Program for Land Use Actions which was adopted in 2012. The New Orleans City Planning Commission Office, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Engagement, Mayor's Innovation Delivery Team, and Office of Information Technology & Innovation collaborated to develop the application as part of an ongoing effort to improve customer service.
"Since taking office in 2010, we have been committed to providing an open and transparent government that responds to the needs of our citizens," Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. "In doing so, it is not uncommon for the average citizen to feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available to them and the number of public meetings scheduled. NoticeMe is an innovative tool that empowers our citizens to custom search by geographic location the specific information they need to stay informed on land-use changes anywhere in New Orleans."
Citizens who register for NoticeMe will receive email notices of public hearing schedules and when a report is ready. Types of notifications include board actions related to: City Planning Commission (CPC) notifications for Conditional Use requests, Zoning Changes, Text Amendments, and Major Subdivision; Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) notifications for Variance and Decision Appeals; and Safety & Permits notifications for Zoning Verifications and Non-Conforming Use Determinations
City Council President Stacy Head said, "NoticeMe is a useful and easy-to-use tool for citizens to receive custom, relevant and up-to-date information and notifications about land use issues in their areas of interest. It will assist residents and neighborhood organization leaders in tracking potential changes in their neighborhood and alert them when pertinent meetings are scheduled. I encourage citizens to sign up and begin using the software today."
District A Councilmember Susan G. Guidry said, "As a longstanding advocate for community engagement, I applaud this step toward improving transparency and demystifying the land use process. NoticeMe will make it easier for residents to learn about land use matters in their neighborhoods and let them know when and where they can make their voices heard on important quality of life issues."
District C Councilmember Nadine M. Ramsey said, "Public engagement, openness and transparency are critical to good government. The NoticeMe tool is another great way the City of New Orleans is providing access to information so the public can make informed decisions."
District D Councilmember Jared C. Brossett said, "NoticeMe is a convenient, customizable tool that not only delivers notifications about land-use changes, but also informs citizens of upcoming opportunities to voice their own opinions about changes in their neighborhoods, their District, or any area of their choosing. It's a great resource and an easy way for residents to remain engaged in land-use activities."
District E Councilmember James A. Gray, II said, ""I've attended numerous community notification meetings where I was one of the few people there because citizens don't get adequate notification about proposed land use for their area. We hope this new tool helps to solve that problem."
