N.O. group fixing 61 apartments in 60 days

Officials with New Orleans-based Downtown Development Group say they plan to finish redeveloping 61 low- to moderate-income apartments in the city and in Metairie within 60 days.

The buildings are Washington Gardens, 2119 Washington Ave.; Washington Place, 2316 Washington Ave.; and Metairie Heights, 1609 S. Arnoult Road.

The apartments are being marketed to returning residents and migrant workers. Apartment managers will speak Spanish and English, and parking will be available for oversized trucks and other machinery.

The apartments will consist of studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom units that will range from $550 to $950 a month with water and gas fees.

DDG officials say they are now pre-leasing the apartments.

DDG President Joshua Bruno, a native of New York who attended Tulane University, said he will start a neighborhood crime watch at each apartment to ensure tenant safety. Each building will be equipped with closed-circuit televisions and gated off-street parking.