Robert C. Mendoza Jr.'s Concept

of Road & Sidewalk Repair in the Fontainebleau Neighborhood (2010)

This photo collection amply illustrates why the work contract would be terminated shortly after its publication. Puzzled residents and crew members alike expressed their disbelief at the blatant inadequacy of these repairs.

The official job spokesperson, Ondina Canales (currently with New Orleans Grants Management Group, Jacobs/CSRS), informed us that the scope of repairs would be vastly expanded – based on incoming citizen complaints – to include a "complete repaving of State Street Drive from Claiborne to Earhart."

She also indicated that such a complete overhaul will require coordination between agencies like DPW, S&WB and FEMA, to avoid duplication of effort. Work has not yet resumed, "pending funds from FEMA's 'million dollar queue' to be obligated toward a new contract."

Less than a year after these photos were taken, Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza himself was terminated by the Landrieu administration. Inquisitive residents often recall Mendoza telling them, with a smile, "Your street will never be repaved."