New Orleans East residents push for change ahead of mayoral election

NEW ORLEANS — Three neighborhoods in New Orleans East are coming together to demand long-promised change from city leaders.

Residents from Rosedale, Melia, and Pines Village met this week to share frustrations about blight, illegal dumping, and broken infrastructure — and to push for action as the city heads into a mayoral election.

For longtime resident Linda Williams, the issues hit close to home — literally. She’s lived in Rosedale since 1948 and carries a notebook filled with photos documenting overgrown lots and neglected corners.

“Whenever you come out in the streets, you can’t see who’s coming at you,” Williams said. “I brought my book in case they [city leaders] are out here — because I want it done, you know, because that’s a safety hazard, waiting to happen.”

She says neighbo