On Wednesday, October 7th, at 6:30 PM, there will be a public meeting to discuss the status of several lawsuits affecting the potential destruction of Lower Mid-City to make way for the proposed LSU/VA medical center at Grace Episcopal Church, 3500 Canal St.

The event will feature speakers including Sheila Joseph of the Childrens' Defense Fund, Maureen Steffek of the Stop Cold Storage campaign, Leon Bradford of Lower Mid-City, and Thomas Milliner, a former city attorney who is among those leading a lawsuit against Mayor Nagin challenging the legality of the city's agreement to surrender private land in Lower Mid-City.

It is being co-sponsored by the Committee to Reopen Charity Hospital along with Holy Cross Neighborhood Association, Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association, United Teachers of New Orleans, New Orleans Pax Christi, National Lawyers Guild (Loyola Chapter), and the Social and Economic Rights Advocates (Tulane).

The lawsuit against Mayor Nagin, brought by residents of Lower Mid-City, argues that Mr. Nagin repeatedly violated City Charter in signing agreements offering Lower Mid-City for forced eviction without public hearings from or the approval of City Council and the City Planning Commission. For more background see here.

For even more context, check out our own analysis that contrasts how the law was followed as city leaders considered moving City Hall this past Spring but circumvented and ignored in the case of the controversial LSU/VA proposal.