[StBernard] Grand Opening of St. Bernard Parish Government Complex and Council on Aging

[Westley Annis]

Grand openings to be held today Feb. 2 at newly built St. Bernard Council on
Aging and renovated Parish Government Complex 

 

A grand opening celebration will be held today, Feb. 2 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
for the newly built St. Bernard Council on Aging and the renovated Parish
Government Complex. 

 

"It's a great way to start 2009 off to continue the momentum we have built
in 2008," Parish President Craig P. Taffaro Jr. said. "This is anticipated
to be one of many celebrations of our growth this year."

 

Officials will cut ribbons at both adjacent facilities at 11 a.m. on the
Torres Park side of the buildings at 8201 W. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette,
President Taffaro said. Paul Rainwater of the Louisiana Recovery Authority
will be on hand to mark the significant step in St. Bernard's recovery,
which represents an investment of more than $7.15 million in FEMA funding.

 

A combination of funds from FEMA and insurance proceeds covered the repairs
to the hurricane damaged buildings, including $4.4 million to the Parish
Government Complex. That included renovations to the second floor as well as
a complete rebuild of the first flood. The repairs affected about 50,000
square feet including the Council Chambers, which were completed this
summer. 

 

The renovation of the government complex allowed many government offices
that were operating out of trailers since Katrina in the parking lot to move
into a permanent home. Those office trailers were auctioned and removed in
November and December. 

 

Now the new building offers public friendly access with the important Office
of Community Development and Resident Services and Compliance located on the
first floor right off the main atrium lobby. The offices of Housing and
Development, Registrar of Voters and the Parish Council also are located
downstairs in brand new offices that include multiple new conference and
meeting rooms. 

 

The Parish Government Complex also has a new phone system with a switchboard
operator at 278-4200, something that had been lacking since Katrina.
Upstairs saw renovations as well including new flooring, ceilings, paint and
other minor renovations. There will be a much welcomed brand new elevator in
the building as well. 

 

Since June 2006, the Council on Aging has been located in trailers next to
the Parish Government Complex at 8201 W. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette. 

 

The repairs on the complex began in early 2008 and the original Council on
Aging building was demolished over the summer.  

 

The new 10,000 square feet facility built at a cost of $2,750,000 includes a
state-of-the-art, commercial kitchen, a media room, an exercise room,
laundry facilities and a huge eating and recreation area. It also contains
staff offices, a conference room and multiple storage areas. Various
programs and activities are offered daily specifically designed for seniors.
A monthly calendar of events is available at the COA  Center or online at
www.sbcoa.org <http://www.sbcoa.org/> .

 

Also, the buildings repairs were funded by a combination of funds from FEMA
and insurance proceeds. 

 

Chalmette Refining and Murphy Oil will sponsor the grand opening
refreshments. 

 

Learn more about St. Bernard's Recovery and Growth at its website,
www.sbpg.net.

 

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