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Lionel J. Washington Community Pool at Possum Hollow Park opens Memorial Day; COX donates $20k to help maintain the pool

On Tuesday, May 24, Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer and members of the Slidell City Council gathered at Possum Hollow Park to rename the city pool the Lionel J. Washington Community Pool. Mr. Washington’s family also joined city administrators for the dedication ceremony.

“Lionel wasa trailblazer and a pioneer in our community,” said Cromer, “He was the first African-American person on the Slidell City Council. He served on the council for 24 years and was as an educator with St. Tammany Parish Public School System for 35 years. He was instrumental in getting the CDBG money for this community pool back in the 1980s. Swimming and water safety education were important projects for Lionel and this pool that he helped bring to our city adds to his legacy in our community.”

COX Business also made a donation to the Slidell Boys and Girls Club to assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the community pool.

“We are dedicated to creating meaningful partnerships with the City of Slidell and the community. The Boys and Girls Club plays a vital role in providing safe and educational environments where students can connect with one another,” said Leigh King, Vice President of Cox Business Louisiana. “Some of the best memories for adults were created spending time at their community pools, and Cox is excited that we could invest in making summer fun for children.”

“We are grateful to COX for the investment they have made in Slidell,” said Cromer. “We look forward to a continuing partnership with COX for the benefit of our community.”

The Lionel J. Washington Community Pool opens at 12 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. The pool is open during the summer, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 12 to 6 p.m. The cost is $1 per person.

Group swim lessons through Lakeside Swim Club are also available at the community pool  for $125 for six lessons. For more information, please call Nicole Beebe at (228) 363-2601.

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‘Some Enchanted Evening’ Celebrates 20th Anniversary with concert on Sunday, June 5

It’s the perfect recipe for an enchanting evening. Enjoy a picnic with family and friends, sprinkle in some great music by the Northshore Community Orchestra, add a gorgeous sunset over scenic Bayou Bonfouca and voilà! You have “Some Enchanted Evening!”

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer and the Slidell City Council are pleased to present the twentieth annual “Some Enchanted Evening” concert on Sunday, June 5, in Heritage Park. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

“Some Enchanted Evening” is the perfect family event for both the young and young at heart. A celebration of family, friends and fellowship, this event encourages the community to come together to enjoy timeless music from the Northshore Community Orchestra.

The Northshore Community Orchestra is the only symphony orchestra in St. Tammany Parish where both youths and adults can make learning and performing music a lifelong endeavor. The orchestra was established in 1987, and has operated continuously ever since. The orchestra performs several full orchestra concerts as well as some smaller group ensembles throughout the year, with genres including classical, jazz, pop, folk, ethnic, traditional, movie themes, and Broadway hits. Each year, the orchestra typically performs for Slidell’s Patriot Day ceremony and Christmas and spring concerts.

The members of the orchestra come from Slidell, St. Tammany Parish and from surrounding parishes in the Greater New Orleans area and south Mississippi. The members represent a diverse assortment of backgrounds such as students, medical professionals, engineers, skilled tradesmen, scientists, homemakers, members of the military, educators, and retirees. Though our student members typically begin with us around late middle school or junior high age, currently our youngest member is just 9 years old, and our oldest is in his 80s. Some of the orchestra’s musicians are family members who play together – spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

The orchestra’s conductor since 2006 has been Mrs. Susan Messina, a Slidell native who has a master’s degree in music from Southeastern Louisiana University, and over 30 years experience as a music educator. She has served as a band director at several area schools, and currently teaches private lessons on a wide variety of instruments at Christy Music in Slidell.

Guests are encouraged to bring their ice chests, picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs to enjoy a picnic in the park. On-site catering from participating vendors will also be available for a nominal charge.

Some Enchanted Evening is brought to you by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, its Commission on the Arts and the city’s 2021/2022 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine; Lake 94.7; Plus Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Savings Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner; In Memory of Ronnie Kole; Silver Slipper Casino; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; Home Instead; Lori’s Art Depot; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; P. David Carollo, Attorney-at-Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90; Dr. David Hildebrandt – Slidell Family Dentistry; Old School Eats Food Truck; Pizza Platoon; Pontchartrain Investment Management; Slidell Historic Antique Association; and Tanya Witchen – Engel & Völkers Real Estate.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook and Instagram.

In the event of inclement weather, please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information. Cancellation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

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Slidell Olde Towne Master Plan Public Meeting on May 17

We want to hear from you!
 
Mayor Cromer is inviting the public to participate in the Olde Towne Slidell Main Street Master Plan Public Meeting on Tuesday, May 17, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Slidell City Hall.
 
The City of Slidell, Louisiana, in collaboration with Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, is working on an Olde Towne Master Plan with Phillip Walker of the Walker Collaboration.
 
The public is encouraged to attend to hear about starting the Master Plan and to give input on what they would like to see addressed in the plan for Olde Towne Slidell.
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NOTICE: Technical Issue with Printed Water Bills

May 1, 2022

Dear Customers,

The Utility Billing department experienced a technical issue in regards to the past due balance on the printed bill. As a result, all penalties for past due accounts were waived. We have worked diligently to correct the issue and currently the past due balance is now reflected on the printed bill as of this date. The past due amount will be accurately reflected without penalty as of May 31, 2022. If not resolved by June 21, 2022 penalty will be incurred.

If you have any questions, please call Utility Billing at (985) 646-4309.

Thank you,

Utility Billing

Ways to pay your water bill:

Please remember:

  • Bill is due the 20th of each month
  • Should your bill reflect a past due balance, payment of the past due balance is due immediately.
  • Failure to pay the past due balance may result in an interruption of service.
  • Failure to receive a bill does not release the customer from obligation to pay.
  • 10% penalty if not paid by the 20th of each month.
  • $50.00 service charge for non-payment
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Slidell’s Chief Building Official recognized with Professional Achievement Award

Joe France, the City of Slidell’s Chief Building Official, was recently recognized by the Building Officials Association of Louisiana (BOAL) with a Professional Achievement Award for his years of outstanding service and dedication to building safety.

“I would like to congratulate Joe France on winning this award,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “Joe and his entire team do a great job protecting the lives, health and property of the citizens of Slidell.”

France has been with the City of Slidell for 13 years. As the Chief Building Official, he supervises the Building Safety & Permits and Inspection divisions which enforce the adopted codes and ordinances in the City of Slidell.

“I am honored to receive this award, not only for myself but on behalf of my great team at Slidell Building Safety,” said France. “I would like to thank the City of Slidell administration, who are very supportive of training and continuing education. You can have the best people in the world working for you, but you have to have the knowledge and the drive to stay current and keep learning.”

For more information about City of Slidell news and upcoming events, you can sign up for our email news list on our website at MySlidell.com or visit the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

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New regulations announced for portable storage containers and solid waste disposal in the City of Slidell

The Slidell City Council recently amended two sections of the city’s Code of Ordinances concerning the use of portable storage containers and the disposal of solid waste at construction sites.

Effective March 31, 2022, anyone wishing to use a portable storage container inside the city limits must first obtain a permit from the city’s Planning Department.

Other storage container restrictions include:

  • No more than two portable storage containers may be placed on the property, unless permitted by the planning department
  • Container must not be placed on unpaved surface and must not obstruct or interfere with public sidewalks, streets, or rights-of-way
  • The containers cannot remain on the site for more that 90 days, but the planning department can issue up to two 45-day extensions
  • Permit approval must be posted to the side of the storage container

To read the entire ordinance regarding portable storage containers, please visit: https://library.municode.com/la/slidell/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH7BUBURE_ARTIINGE_S7-3POSTCO

Also, effective as of March 31, 2022, in the event a property is vacated or a tenant is evicted, and the contents that are disposed of cannot fit within a standard trash can, a dumpster with the appropriate permit is required. Dumpsters may remain onsite for the following periods. A Louisiana licensed contractor has up to 6 months and two 45-day extension periods when permitted by the Planning department. Any other person has up to 90 days, and up to two 45-day extension periods when permitted by the Planning department.

To read the entire ordinance regarding disposal of solid waste, please visit: https://library.municode.com/la/slidell/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH23SOWA_S23-5DIWANOCLGATR and https://library.municode.com/la/slidell/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH23SOWA_S23-18TILI

For more information, please contact the City of Slidell’s Department of Planning at (985) 646-4323.

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City offices closed on Good Friday

Mayor Greg Cromer and the members of the Slidell City Council would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter!
 
In observation of the Easter holiday, city offices will be closed on Friday, April 15 for Good Friday and will reopen during regular hours on Monday, April 18, 2022.
 
Essential personnel will remain on duty, should an emergency arise. If Slidell residents experience problems with their water or sewer service, they should call the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.
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Survey for Slidell Waterfront Plan now available

We want to hear from you!
The City of Slidell is working on a Master Plan to revitalize its waterfront areas, spur sustainable economic development, facilitate effective stormwater management, and improve connectivity to promote recreation activities.
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Soul Revival to add some heart and soul to Bayou Jam concert series on April 9

The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series continues on Saturday, April 9, with a performance by Soul Revival from 5 to 7 p.m. in Heritage Park. Admission is free.

“Bayou Jam concerts are a great way to celebrate as a community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We invite you to come enjoy a free concert in Heritage Park with your family and friends and start your Saturday night right here in Slidell!”

Soul Revival was formed in 2001 around core members and sisters Fadra White and Zondra White Jones. The two sisters grew up singing in church, always having a passion and natural talent for entertaining. Leading Soul Revival for over 20 years, Fadra and Zondra have a connection with each other when performing that can only be described as family! The band’s diverse song list consists of the soulful sounds of Motown, R&B, Today’s Hits and Funk. Soul Revival is a dynamic band, made up of seven fantastic musicians who bring an amazing southern Louisiana flare to all the high-energy music that will have people dancing in Heritage Park.

The Bayou Jam Fall Concert Series continues on Saturday, April 23, with a performance by Witness from 5 to 7 p.m.

Concert‐goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. While the event is outdoors, attendees should follow all state mandated health and safety protocols and wear a mask if they go indoors to use the restroom facilities. Please note that park regulations prohibit pets in the park as well as the use of skateboards, scooters, barbeque grills and glass items.

The Bayou Jam concert series is brought to you by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, its Commission on the Arts and the city’s 2021 – 2022 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine; Lake 94.7; Plus Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Savings Magazine; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner; In Memory of Ronnie Kole; Silver Slipper Casino; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; Home Instead; Lori’s Art Depot; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; P. David Carollo, Attorney-at-Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90; Dr. David Hildebrandt – Slidell Family Dentistry; Old School Eats Food Truck; Pizza Platoon; Pontchartrain Investment Management; Roberta’s Cleaners; Slidell Historic Antique Association; and Tanya Witchen – Engel & Völkers Real Estate.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

In the event of inclement weather, please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information. Cancellation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

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Mayor Cromer one of four Louisiana mayors invited to participate in Mayors’ Institute on City Design

The Honorable Greg Cromer, Mayor of the City of Slidell, will participate in the Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD) at Tulane University’s School of Architecture from March 29-31, 2022. At the invitation of the National Endowment for the Arts and the United States Conference of Mayors, Mayor Cromer will have the opportunity to receive pragmatic recommendations on urban planning and design challenges from six of the nation’s renowned design and development experts.

“I am truly honored to be invited to participate in the Mayors’ Institute on City Design and learn from colleagues across the country as they share best practices for enriching the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors through thoughtful design and innovative practices,” said Greg Cromer, Mayor of the City of Slidell. “This will also be an opportunity for me to share how the City of Slidell is harnessing our strategic geographic proximity to markets across the Gulf South to attract businesses and residents and leveraging our Olde Towne area to bolster our creative arts, cultural, and recreational assets. Here in Slidell, we also understand the responsibility we bear for designing and maintaining infrastructure that protects our natural local ecosystem and has a focus on resilience to meet the current and future needs of our community.”

As cities emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic with a renewed focus on equity, safety, and opportunity for all, this Mayors’ Institute session will provide actionable ideas for city leaders rising to meet this moment of change. MICD is the nation’s preeminent forum for mayors to address these issues through the lens of city design and development.

“The selection of Mayor Cromer to participate in the Mayor’s Institute on City Design is an honor and a testament to his commitment to innovation and creativity in generating economic opportunities in the city of Slidell,” said Chris Masingill, Chief Executive Officer of St. Tammany Corporation, the economic development organization for St. Tammany. “During Mayor Cromer’s tenure, the city has revamped its permitting process for consistency and ease of use, reaffirmed its commitment to planning for a sustainable future with its facilitation of its current strategic planning process, and demonstrated its willingness to partner with economic development to align business development and talent retention initiatives.”

Since 1986, the Mayors’ Institute has helped transform communities by preparing mayors to be the chief urban designers of their cities. MICD sessions bring together experts in the allied city design fields – architecture, planning, landscape architecture, equitable development, and more – to help mayors put their ideals into action in the built environment.

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