Saturday outing will end with Q&A session at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church

NEW ORLEANS, LA (July 19, 2007) Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director of Recovery Management, and District E Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis will host a bike ride through a portion of New Orleans East on Saturday (July 21) morning.

Saturday's bike ride is part of Dr. Blakely"s series of neighborhood bike rides that are designed to engage all New Orleans citizens in the recovery process. The 4.5 mile ride will focus on both commercial and residential sites in the area.

"Residents of New Orleans East, like those throughout much of the city, continue to demonstrate their resolve in rebuilding," said Dr. Blakely. "As they do so, we want to ensure that we are in communication with each other and work together in accelerating our recovery."

This is the second of three bike rides that will be held in New Orleans East. Dr. Blakely hosted last week's ride along with District D Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell.

"It is important that everyone have the opportunity to have access to the important information that involves our recovery," said Councilwoman Willard Lewis. "I encourage all the business leaders, civic leaders, and residents of Venetian Isles, Lake Catherine, Oak Island, Little Woods and Village D'lest to take part in the tour and information session."

The ride will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Old Gentilly Road near the Folgers Coffee plant. Residents not participating in the ride may join the group for a question and answer session after the ride at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, 5069 Willowbrook Drive, at approximately 12:15 p.m.

The Bike Rides allow for an up-close look at neighborhoods, during which rebuilding activities, existing assets and investment and rebuilding opportunities. They are intended to encourage civic participation in the city's recovery and rebuilding. They also provide participants an opportunity to see places outside their own neighborhoods.

The Lake Forest Plaza in New Orleans East is one of 17 target recovery areas identified in the city's $1.1-billion recovery action plan. The action plan focuses redevelopment at the level of the neighborhood.

The route for Saturday's ride follows:
Begin at Old Gentilly Road near the Folgers Coffee plant.
Proceed down Michoud Boulevard, past Chef Menteur Highway to Willowbrook Drive.
Right on Willowbrook Drive to Dwyer Road
Left on Dwyer Road to Alcee Fortier Boulevard
Right on Alcee Fortier Boulevard to Chef Menteur Highway.
The group will then turn around and ride back to Mary Queen of Vietnam Church

Labels: Dr-Ed-Blakely, Katrina-Bike-Tour