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According to authorities, East New Orleans has seen the largest decline in violent crime in about 10 years

Some happy headlines for New Orleans East. The district, which consists of the East and Lower 9th Wards, is reporting overwhelmingly lower crime rates. Councilman Oliver Thomas said it's the first time in about 10 years that overall crime has been this low. Encouraging news for families living in the city's largest urban district. WDSU's Shay O'Connor has covered crime extensively on the east side. She visited with some residents and business owners who reacted to the news Tuesday. Councilman Oliver Thomas said, “Think about it. We are one of the most underserved, stereotyped communities, especially when it comes to crime. Right now, we are leading the way in several important categories of crime reduction.” Thomas said it has been a joint effort that includes a stronger police presence in the district. “But it's not successful unless people come together. From our walks with the pastors on Chief to youth days in the parks with Sess 4-5 and Phil Brock and Rev. Brown. Numbers show crimes like armed robberies are down 61% from last year. Aggravated assault is down 24%. Shootings are down 54% in the district.” “I can definitely say that. Especially because of the community support we've gotten,” said Gerald Butler of Thai NOLA. Butler owns a home and business in the New Orleans East community. Last year his business, Thai NOLA, was robbed. He said that setback prepared him for even more support from the community and beyond. “I have a number of customers that come from Baton Rouge to Metairie to Slidell, even beyond the Gulfport area. I'm talking about dates that come. In New Orleans East. “The story is definitely changing,” Butler said. Now he's doing his part to return the love. Since the break-in, he and his wife have hosted a backpack raffle every year. Thomas hopes the increased community engagement will lead to more community investment in New Orleans East. “If the city is going to grow, we have the land. What is the largest land mass in this city? We don't need to keep stuffing things into downtown. Especially if we can encourage growth in New Orleans East.” With projects like Lincoln Beach and Six Flags, Thomas hopes this news will encourage more businesses and residents to choose New Orleans East as a place to live.

Some good news for New Orleans East. The district, which consists of the East and Lower 9th Wards, is reporting overwhelmingly lower crime rates. Councilman Oliver Thomas said it's the first time in about 10 years that overall crime has been this low.

Good news for families living in the city’s largest district.

WDSU's Shay O'Connor has been covering crime extensively on the east side, and on Tuesday she visited with some residents and business owners who were reacting to the news.

Council member Oliver Thomas said, “Think about it. We are one of the most underserved and stereotyped communities, especially when it comes to crime. Right now, we are leading the way in several important categories of crime control.”

Thomas said it was a joint effort that included a stronger police presence in the district.

“But it's not successful unless people come together. From our walks with the pastors on Chef to the youth days in the parks with Sess 4-5 and Phil Brock and Rev. Brown.

Figures show that crimes such as armed robberies are down 61% compared to last year. Aggravated assaults are down 24%. Shootings are down 54% in the district.

“I can definitely say that. Especially because of the support we get from the community,” said Gerald Butler of Thai NOLA.

Butler owns a home and business in New Orleans East Parish. Last year, his business, Thai NOLA, was robbed. He said that setback has brought him even more support from the community and beyond.

“I have a number of clients who come from Baton Rouge to Metairie to Slidell, even the Gulfport area. I'm talking about evening dates. They come to the east side of New Orleans. The story is definitely changing,” Butler said.

Now he's doing his part to return the love. Since the break-in, he and his wife have held an annual campaign to give away backpacks.

Thomas hopes that increased community engagement will lead to more community investment in East New Orleans.

“If we want the city to grow, we have the land. What is the largest land mass in this city? We don't need to keep crowding downtown. Especially if we can encourage growth in East New Orleans.”

With projects like Lincoln Beach and Six Flags on the horizon, Thomas hopes this news will encourage more businesses and residents to choose New Orleans East as a place to live.

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