The Man Who Cried Wolf. Who’s Afraid of Robert Wolf? Wolf Attacks in Cenla.
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How to Misunderstand and Malign a Man in Thirty Minutes
The Town Talk and KALB are both running with this story about Robert Wolf’s opposition of a proposed ordinance to create a special zoning exception for a couple of single family homes in the Garden District.
Personally, I think this is much ado about nothing, as long as they can define the exception in very narrow, limiting language. And considering the way the Town Talk first reported this story, it seems like Mr. Wolf doesn’t mind his new neighbors; he just wants to make sure that a change in zoning wouldn’t compromise the value of his home.
If I recall correctly, the city set up stringent zoning codes for the building that houses the Adult Emporium on Masonic Drive, and I believe there is even a line in there about the city’s first right of refusal on a change in the lease agreement (or something like that. Maybe someone else can clarify this). If they can do this for the Adult Emporium, they can certainly do this for those two properties.
Mr. Wolf is completely within his rights as a neighbor, a concerned citizen, and an experienced real estate broker and developer. This isn’t a story about Mr. Wolf taking on a bunch of nuns, though I can certainly understand why it would be played that way. “I am opposed to rezoning,” Wolf said. “I’m not opposed to nuns using the project. They are good neighbors.”
But it’s important to understand that a change in ownership could affect the neighborhood unless the proposed ordinance provides safeguards against this.
There’s another story here. The Town Talk’s website has given this story its own thread in which readers are encouraged to e-mail their responses, which are then posted by a moderator. The original story, written by Jim Leggett, was very clear on the facts. The headline, which I understand is typically written by an editor, may have been a little misleading (“Hurricane-displaced nuns fighting to stay in new Alexandria homes”), because the possibility of these nuns being kicked out of their new homes is extremely remote. But the article was deliberate. Mr. Leggett writes, “Wolf said he doesn’t object to the nuns, but he does object to the way the city has handled the matter.” Perhaps this is actually a story about government incompetence. Either way, it’s highly unlikely these nuns will be forced to sale; a compromise seems inevitable.
That’s why the online story and thread are reckless. The headline (“Should New Orleans nuns be allowed to stay in their home on Georges Lane?) implies that a resident of Georges Lane, Mr. Wolf, is attempting to kick them out of their own home. Remember, there’s another home on Elliott Street; this isn’t just about Georges Lane. Readers have been pouring in support for these nuns all day long. Everyone supports the nuns. Of course. I support the nuns. Mr. Wolf supports the nuns. But because the Town Talk has set up this battle between Robert Wolf and these nuns, their readers have been writing in and slamming Mr. Wolf, and the Town Talk has faithfully published a number of these comments, some of which are anonymous. (Remember Sound Off, anyone?). Now, I know the Town Talk isn’t responsible for what other people chose to say, but it is their responsibility to clearly explain this story to the public. Mr. Leggett’s story seemed pretty balanced, but the follow-up story and thread are irresponsible.
CenLamar 
lol @ ur caption. how do nuns afford a glitzy home on georges lane?
I agree. The caption is a hoot. I think you hit it right with this sentence. “Perhaps this is actually a story about government incompetence” I do understand Mr. Wolf’s concern with the zoning. However he could have picked a better venue for his statements. One would hardly think he would actually want to throw a bunch of Nuns out in the street. Small dogs, children, Nuns and the infirm are sure fire ways to create a riot. All you have to do is come across as Snidly Whiplash and the hounds will be set upon you. Do the TT folks have a grudge against Mr. Wolf?
Perhaps he picked the wrong forum or perhaps it was his only opportunity to address this issue, hence the line about the way the City handled this situation.
These nuns have $600,000+ tied up in two houses. How are they doing on chastity and obedience?
I will let you all in on a dirty little secret. The City Planning and Zoning Department is in shambles. That is why Wolf has had problems with rhe way the city has “handled” this matter. Darrell Williamson was replaced by Cecil Raggio, a retread from the Police Jury. Nice guy…but he knows nothing about Planning and Zoning. Assistant Planning Director Merriel Lawson was reassigned to Public Works to clean up the mess that Dorsey left. Several others have quit. There is currently no City Engineer. That position has been vacant since Larry Mathews retired in February. The Assistent City Engineer position has been vacant since last Summer when Marcus Connela left to be Water Superintendent / Acting Utility Director. You get my drift?
Absolutely. It makes sense. And there’s no doubt that what you described is exactly why Mr. Wolf had problems communicating his objection to them.
THE PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT IS IN SHAMBLES!!!
The good sisters have made a fortune on that shill of a book and movie Dead Man Walking, so I would imagine the Lying Nun has made a good donation of her fortune from it to the sisters here.
Good book, good cause, good work – still don’t know what that has to do with zoning laws. And, of all the people who suffered displacement by the storms, these nuns clearly suffered least. They have their same jobs, same security, same income and protection, same everything except address. They certainly have moved into some exclusive neighborhoods. There are very few displaced, homeless, and needy people on George’s Lane. Woudn’t these “dedicated brides of christ” do better work on Bogan or Willow Glen?
This is a spot zoning issue which is forbidden in our city charter and Robert Wolf is right and correct to raise the issue. It is unfortunate that the sisters are involved, but they were evidently promised something that was not true (who would lie to a nun?). Zoning exceptions must be requested and heard before the council prior to actuating them. Think about the implications of disregard and instability of our zoning regulations. Your home will not be safe, whether you own or rent. Neighborhoods prosper and retain value in large part to zoning protection. As an example, why not build a sewer treatment plant on Highway 28 where the highest utility will be in the future instead of having to pump to Lower Third? Would that have an effect on property values in the immediate area? Mr. Wolf has the foresight to grapple with a current problem that has far reaching impact and it is time to think deeply about the implications although that is a tall order for the local populace.
This is a spot zoning issue which is forbidden in our city charter and Robert Wolf is right and correct to raise the issue. It is unfortunate that the sisters are involved, but they were evidently promised something that was not true (who would lie to a nun?). Zoning exceptions must be requested and heard before the council prior to actuating them. Think about the implications of disregard and instability of our zoning regulations. Your home will not be safe, whether you own or rent. Neighborhoods prosper and retain value in large part to zoning protection. As an example, why not build a sewer treatment plant on Highway 28 where the highest utility will be in the future instead of having to pump to Lower Third? Would that have an effect on property values in the immediate area? Mr. Wolf has the foresight to grapple with a current problem that has far reaching impact and it is time to think deeply about the implications although that is a tall order for the local populace.
I think the nuns are in the neighboorhoods where they are because of employment. There was a displaced nun teaching at Bolton that walked home everyday. We could all move to Georges Lane if we got rid of our cars, and lived with NINE people.
Does Robert Wolfe still sell Real Estate, or do development, or does he go to planning/zoning meeting to stir up trouble??
You can ask for a variance, and yes, the administration has to present to council to approve. Despite the vacancies in the Planning and Development office there is a zoning enforcement officer and i am quite certaing the current zoning ordinances for George’s Lane haven’t changed in some time now.
Any citizen should have a right, now matter what their occupation, to question a zoning violation or for that matter any violation of subdivision restrictions or city code.
As for the wastewater treatment plant – there will be one for west Alexandria – doubt it will be on Highway 28 W for everyone to see. The City actually uses some sense when it comes to located things of that nature.
Saintsfan asked how the nuns could afford to live there, I was just responding to that question. It may be a good cause, but the book and movie are full of lies that devastated REAL families and she should be ashamed.
The zoning laws are made for the protection of neighborhoods and property values, and it should not be rezoned to accomodate anyone, including nuns. I have no problem with them living there but once you make exceptions to laws for one group, the end results will end up biting you in the ass down the road.
Saintsfan asked how the nuns could afford to live there, I was just responding to that question. It may be a good cause, but the book and movie are full of lies that devastated REAL families and she should be ashamed.
The zoning laws are made for the protection of neighborhoods and property values, and it should not be rezoned to accomodate anyone, including nuns. I have no problem with them living there but once you make exceptions to laws for one group, the end results will end up biting you in the ass down the road.
Is this another Kelvin Sanders fuck up?