News and Updates

July 22, 2016

Spotlight on Dawn Hebert, Vice President of Lake Willow Neighborhood Association

by Sherae M. Hunter, Liaison
Filed under: blight, neighborhood spotlight

Dawn3-(1).png

How long have you lived in New Orleans East?

I have lived in NOE for over 40  years, both in the Castle Manor Neighborhood and presently in Lake Willow. I returned to the Lake Willow Neighborhood in April 2006 after Hurricane Katrina.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

The Lake Willow Neighborhood is the home to many talented and community-minded individuals, both young and old, who care deeply about the New Orleans East Community. We are one of the many Security Districts in the east and have a strong neighborhood association membership that works hard to maintain a high quality of life for our neighbors and the surrounding community. 

What successes have you had in your association?

As a member of the Lake Willow Neighborhood, I routinely share information with neighbors concerning the New Orleans East Community and other subjects of interest in regards to the City of New Orleans. In addition, I assist with organizing our Night Out Against Crime events, Neighborhood Park meetings, and am a member of ENONAC.  By being involved with ENONAC, I am able to share quality of life information, to work with neighborhoods to address their concerns, and to work with city agencies. We have been instrumental in having the traffic lanes from east to west on Lakeshore Drive from the Ted Hinkley Bridge to West End Blvd., which had been closed for over 30 years. Because of our diligence and commitment to our neighborhood, I have attended several blight hearings with community members and have had actions taken to remediate properties we have reported.

In November 2013, I organized a Clean Sweep Day along Crowder Blvd. for New Orleans East residents that included the Trash Mob and Keep New Orleans Beautiful organizations. In December of that year, we also assisted in the clean up of all corridors in New Orleans East.

What advice would you give to other neighborhood leaders?

I encourage other neighborhood leaders to keep their neighbors informed on the procedures to address community concerns and to be involved in city government. To assist your communities, I suggest that someone attend monthly BlightSTAT and QualityofLifeSTAT meetings to address concerns. Being involved empowers residents and makes our neighborhoods stronger.