NEW ORLEANS (BP)–Many residents of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s main campus received news they have been waiting for -– at least a partial reopening of the campus after the evacuation cause by Hurricane Gustav.
Just after noon on Friday, Sept. 5, a text message notified students of the opportunity to return. A more detailed explanation of the return plan was posted on the seminary’s website.
Seminary President Chuck Kelley said power has been restored to the Manor Apartments, Staff Village, Courtyard Apartments, Oaks Apartments, Farnsworth Apartments and all townhomes except 4303, 4305 and 4307 Iroquois. Kelley said power was restored to the units late Thursday. Seminary officials monitored the power for approximately 12 hours to insure its stability before announcing the reopening of the housing.
All other housing on campus is still without power. Residents of apartments without power are not yet allowed to return. Louisiana safety code prohibits the occupation of multi-housing units that do not have power.
The campus was open for the partial return starting during the daylight hours of Friday, Sept. 5.
Kelley remains hopeful that the other campus housing units will receive power in the next few days. He encouraged members of the seminary family to watch for status updates on the seminary website, www.nobts.edu.
Kelley issued a few words of warning for those who return.
“We are told a curfew is still in effect, so plan to arrive during daylight hours only,” he wrote in his update. “If you come, fill up your car with gas before entering New Orleans. Bring groceries with you. We think much of New Orleans will be back to normal by Monday. It is not there yet.
“If you come, be prepared for inconvenience,” Kelley said.
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Gary Myers is director of public relations at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
