Downman Road auto repair

The applicant's representative said the neighborhood associations' demands on loitering and aesthetics were met with a security guard and property cleanup, and urged the commission to let the business prove itself as a good citizen.

The Pines Village Association president said Mr. Brown misrepresented the neighborhood's position, presented signatures opposing the use, and asked for denial, calling Downman Road an eyesore the city has failed to enforce.

A Pines Village resident recalled when Downman Road was the gateway of New Orleans East and said it's now flooded with illegal body and tire shops; she asked the commission to help restore the corridor.

The interim president of ENONAC asked commissioners to take residents' concerns seriously, noting there are already eight to ten repair shops on the corridor and that responsible citizenship is what would earn neighborhood support.

Applicant's representative said his client met with both neighborhood associations, started improvements early, and only painting remains.

Opposed loitering and blight at the store but said she won't deny the business if it meets the neighborhood's requests.

Alleged flaws in the applicant's neighborhood notification process and said ENONAC plans to hold the body accountable if the neighborhood isn't satisfied.

Pine Village association member detailed nuisance complaints, tires strewn outside, and the owner's failure to support the community.