Kenner · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kenner public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Accessory building setback appeal — 3804 Connecticut Avenue
A homeowner on Connecticut Avenue is appealing how the city's accessory-building rules apply to their property. Kenner's code requires detached accessory buildings — sheds, garages and similar structures — to sit at least six feet from the main house. The board's decision could affect how strictly that rule is enforced.
Police Lieutenant exam with time-in-rank waiver
Sergeants who haven't usually spent the required time in rank can now sit for the Police Lieutenant exam, but only for this one exam — widening who can compete for promotion.
Fire Prevention Officer classification amendment
Kenner's fire department wants to update the Fire Prevention Officer job description to match new statewide certification standards for inspectors and investigators. A public hearing is set for December 15, 2026, and the change only takes effect if the department first shows how employees will earn the required certifications.
Special Industrial rezonings in Kenner Heights
Two rezonings put recently sold street parcels and a former planned-unit-development lot into the Special Industrial district, matching the surrounding airport-area uses.
Westminster Towers senior housing rehab
A PILOT deal cleared the council, unlocking $2.6 million in private equity to renovate Tower Two's 82 senior apartments after a $4.1 million Tower One makeover that never displaced residents.
Odor and pest complaints at LA Fish and Seafood
A District One resident says foul odors from the fish market at 606 Shaw Street seep into homes and draw swarms of flies; the councilwoman promised to revisit the site.
Flock camera oversight
A resident asked whether Kenner's license-plate cameras have been abused, after scandals elsewhere. The police chief reported audits since 2023 have found no abuse and new AI audit tools are coming.
New Orleans Aviation Board appointment process
The seat has been vacant since February; the council sent three names forward but not before a fight over whether incoming members should get a say. The New Orleans mayor makes the final pick.
Retirement of CAO Jose Gonzalez
The council honored — and jokingly tried to block — the retirement of CAO Jose Gonzalez, credited with roughly $100 million in infrastructure work and countless grants over nearly 50 years of public service.
Waste tire dumping enforcement
The city contracts with Waste Pro to collect and track dumped tires, with costs historically under $10,000 a year. Council members flagged heavy commercial dumping near the railroad tracks and urged residents to report it.
Kenner Loop transit overhaul
Starting Sunday, one bus runs straight up Williams Boulevard while a modified loop serves the rest, cutting the ride by about 40 minutes. The northwest corner (two-lane and West Loyola north of West Esplanade) becomes a door-to-door lift zone paid by the parish. Hospital and Social Security Office stops are preserved.
North Kenner town hall after South Lake Village/Woodlake incident
After Tuesday's SWAT-level incident in North Kenner, the chief plans a town hall with Councilman Riehm to answer residents' questions.
Laketown playground construction
The recreation director reported the gym repair is stuck in a dispute with FEMA over more than half a million dollars of a roughly $1 million estimate, but new playground equipment for the north side arrives this month and should open by summer.
Rivertown amphitheater moving to bid
Jefferson Parish took a procedural vote Wednesday to start advertising the amphitheater construction bid — the culmination of two years of funding and permitting work, including Army Corps sign-off near the levee.
AED donations to Kenner Recreation
Councilman Riehm's family foundation — created after his cousin Chad Barcia died of sudden cardiac arrest — donated five AEDs to the city's recreation department. Three will go to Muss Bertolino.
Muss Bertolino Stadium upgrades and fall football
New wall pads approved and members celebrated the stadium's rebirth — expanded seating, donated AEDs and Catholic League football coming to Kenner, which officials say could bring an economic boost.
West Esplanade bridge condition
The 50-year-old westbound bridge was limited to 5 tons in February but emergency repairs reopened both lanes at higher load ratings; officials will seek federal money to replace it.
CDBG and HOME grant plan
The council approved the annual action plan for about $519,022 in federal community development money that funds programs for the public.
287(g) Immigration Agreement and Local Economy
Three residents urged the council and Mayor Glaser to reconsider the 287(g) agreement that lets Kenner police work with ICE, saying it's hurting Kenner's economy and making immigrant families afraid. Administration staff countered that sales tax revenue is up about 5% this year.
Naming Veterans Park exhibit area for Claude Tadaro
The council honored the late Claude Tadaro, the volunteer who spent years securing military equipment for Veterans Park, by naming the exhibit area after him. A split debate over deferring the honor delayed the vote but the measure passed unanimously in time for the May 21 Memorial Day ceremony.
Ponchartrain Center renovation bidding process
A resident objected to the renovation bid going out on first reading with no bidder name or price. Officials explained sealed-bid law requires it, bids open April 22, and the name and amount will be inserted before the May 7 vote.
Fire Station 38 completion
Phase one of the fire station construction was formally accepted; officials explained the ~$6.2 million total covers construction plus design, inspection, and testing, with the $5.2 million guaranteed maximum unchanged.
Fast-food restaurant at 357 West Esplanade
A new international-cuisine fast-food restaurant got final approval in the Audubon Subdivision shopping center, with 220 parking spaces far exceeding requirements.
Litter and Keep Louisiana Beautiful affiliation
Resident Anna Hernandez praised city crews but called private parking lots and gas stations an embarrassment, asking that code inspectors cite repeat-offender businesses. She urged Kenner to become a Keep Louisiana Beautiful affiliate to unlock grants for beautification and tree planting.
Brake Tag Policy Change
Kenner is considering scrapping brake tag inspections, which would remove one required stop at the city office when you renew your car registration. That could make renewals faster and less annoying for drivers, though the city may lose inspection-related revenue.
Lafreniere Park Recreation Service Charge
Kenner households pay roughly $400,000-$600,000 a year into Lafreniere Park through a parish fee, and Councilman Branigan wanted that money redirected to Kenner parks. The parish's councilwoman said the fee is fixed by law and the parish has invested $19.5 million in Kenner parks. The council indefinitely deferred the resolution 6-1, so nothing changes — but the fight may return with the next council.
Road resurfacing and new bike path
Council took first reading on accepting federal TAP funds to build a pedestrian/bike path along West Loyola Drive and West Esplanade, connecting to the existing path at the West Return Wall.
Sales tax revenues mixed
February sales tax came in 6.75% below last year (about $292,000 short), but the fiscal year overall is up 6.73% — roughly $2.1 million ahead. One soft month, healthy year so far.
Police helmet cameras for tactical teams
Police get helmet-mounted cameras that relocate the body-cam view onto tactical operators' helmets, improving footage and letting commanders see live what's happening inside structures.
Fire truck repair backlog
A resident flagged a social media list of fire trucks needing repairs, asking whether trucks are out of service. The fire chief confirmed all front-line trucks remain in service, issues are minor, and a new maintenance contract takes effect after second reading.
Local Election Coverage
Kenner candidates are making a play for minority voters, pitching change and attention to communities that often get overlooked. The coverage matters because those voters could decide who wins—and what City Hall prioritizes next.
Entergy debris left along Williams Boulevard
A resident says Entergy abandoned tree debris, trash and damaged telecom equipment on the Williams Boulevard Neutral Ground nearly six months ago, with no cleanup or citation. The administration promised to contact Entergy and may send Public Works if needed.
Unenforced lighting code provisions
A resident pointed out Kenner's building code bans lights above rooflines but has no day-to-day enforcement mechanism, letting businesses install bright floodlights — like the Star station on Williams. The code director said the rule was written for new construction, and the city is actively pursuing court summons on commercial-to-residential light complaints.
Immigration Enforcement
A Border Patrol surge is headed to Kenner, and the city’s large Hispanic community is worried about how it could affect everyday life. People are anxious about neighbor check-ins, kids at school, and workplaces as enforcement ramps up.
Event Cancellation
Kenner canceled its Hispanic Heritage Fest, reportedly because of concerns about ICE involvement. That’s a big loss for local Hispanic residents and anyone who planned to go.
Wildlife Nuisance Control
Kenner is bringing in a St. Rose native to help tackle a growing hog and coyote problem. If you’ve seen wild animals around your neighborhood, the city is finally taking action. The goal is to reduce nuisance wildlife and the safety and property headaches that come with it.
Local Election
Kenner’s state House seat is on the ballot, with Mike Sigur trying to unseat incumbent Joe Stagni. The winner will be the area’s voice in Baton Rouge, so the choice could affect what Kenner gets—and how loudly it’s heard—at the state level.
Hispanic community engagement appointment
Kenner just brought on a Telemundo news anchor to lead outreach to its Hispanic community. It’s a clear signal City Hall wants to communicate better with a big share of residents who’ve often been left out of the loop.
mayor Nike ban for booster clubs
Kenner’s mayor reportedly banned Nike products from city booster clubs, apparently tied to the Kaepernick ad backlash. That means local youth sports groups may have to swap uniforms, equipment, or fundraising plans. Why care? It’s a city policy pulling public youth sports into a brand controversy.
mayor memo on Nike ban
Kenner’s mayor reportedly told city booster clubs to stop using Nike products, according to a leaked memo. It’s a local sports decision with political overtones, and it could pull City Hall into youth athletics and fundraising.