A new report from a watchdog group says that the New Orleans mayor is living in a city-owned apartment, and has been for months. According to the report by the Metropolitan Crime Commission, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been living in the Upper Pontalba apartments for several months. The report asks that the New Orleans City Council investigate whether or not Cantrell has been paying rent while living there.According to the MCC, fair market rent for the two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment she has been reported to live in would value $2,991 per month. The report says independent sources confirmed Cantrell regularly entering and exiting the apartment, and even being picked up in a city-owned vehicle outside of the apartment. Witnesses also told the MCC that they saw Cantrell on the balcony of the apartment, despite her placing a privacy screen. Cantrell owns a home with her husband in the Broadmoor area. The New Orleans City Council President, Helena Moreno, said she has received the information and will review it. Gregory Joseph, the Director of Communications of the Office of Mayor Cantrell, released the following statement: "The Mayor’s usage of the city-owned apartment at the Pontalba remains consistent with the usage of past mayors. In addition, the most recent Franchise Agreement contains no rules governing how that unit should be used or operated.Lastly, according to the French Market Corporation — the owners of the Pontalba Building — Mayor Cantrell, along with past Mayors, are under no obligation to pay for using the apartment."Click here to view the policy from the mayor's office.
NEW ORLEANS — A new report from a watchdog group says that the New Orleans mayor is living in a city-owned apartment, and has been for months.
According to the report by the Metropolitan Crime Commission, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been living in the Upper Pontalba apartments for several months.
The report asks that the New Orleans City Council investigate whether or not Cantrell has been paying rent while living there.
According to the MCC, fair market rent for the two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment she has been reported to live in would value $2,991 per month.
The report says independent sources confirmed Cantrell regularly entering and exiting the apartment, and even being picked up in a city-owned vehicle outside of the apartment.
Metropolitan Crime Commission
A picture of Mayor Cantrell accompanied by personnel entering a black Chevrolet Suburban by the Upper Pontalba apartments
Metropolitan Crime Commission
Pictures of the black Chevrolet Suburban parked right outside the apartment on the night of Sept. 21
Witnesses also told the MCC that they saw Cantrell on the balcony of the apartment, despite her placing a privacy screen.
Cantrell owns a home with her husband in the Broadmoor area.
The New Orleans City Council President, Helena Moreno, said she has received the information and will review it.
Gregory Joseph, the Director of Communications of the Office of Mayor Cantrell, released the following statement:
"The Mayor’s usage of the city-owned apartment at the Pontalba remains consistent with the usage of past mayors. In addition, the most recent Franchise Agreement contains no rules governing how that unit should be used or operated.
Lastly, according to the French Market Corporation — the owners of the Pontalba Building — Mayor Cantrell, along with past Mayors, are under no obligation to pay for using the apartment."
Click here to view the policy from the mayor's office.
