Country Club in New Orleans forced to close after investigation

The New Orleans Fire Department is now enforcing a cease and desist order on a country club in Algiers after WDSU Investigates published a report. The Aurora Recreational Club on General Meyer Avenue was issued a cease and desist order back in May, according to NOFD. Neighbors in Algiers were outraged by the late-night pool parties and feared someone could be hurt or killed if nothing was done. NOFD confirmed Tuesday that the country club must close and wait for the appropriate permits to be approved before it can reopen. A statement from the NOFD read: “On May 28, 2024, a cease and desist order was issued for the venue at 5244 Gen. Meyer, NOLA 70131 until all necessary permitting paperwork is completed and submitted. An NOFD fire inspector responded to that address on the evening of June 7, 2024, to enforce the cease and desist order after neighbors complained and NOPD was dispatched to the scene.” The New Orleans Police Department responded to a call at the club at 11:16 p.m. Friday night. NOPD took no action as NOFD inspectors took action under the cease and desist order. WDSU reached out to the country club’s owner for comment. The owner said he was at a meeting at City Hall. As of this publication, WDSU is still awaiting an official statement. It is unclear when and if the club’s permits will be granted. Previous reports: “The city needs to step in and stop this before it’s too late,” said neighbor Gilbert Crowden. “It looks like something college kids do on spring break.” Crowden fears someone could get killed. Crowden is one of many in Algiers concerned about parties at the Aurora Recreational Club on General Meyer Avenue. “I don’t want to stand out there at the end of the summer and say we told you something was going to happen here,” Crowden said. Neighbors provided videos of the noise from their homes. “Be a neighbor and turn the noise down at 10 p.m. when you should be letting everyone enjoy their homes,” neighbor Christy Lynch said. “The type of music is extremely vulgar,” neighbor Patty Jones said. “They should be shut down immediately, immediately,” said New Orleans City Councilman Freddie King. “They need to be shut down today.” King said he has received about 30 complaints. “There are several violations at this establishment,” King said. “The first is zoning. It’s not zoned as a reception facility. It’s not zoned as a nightclub. King also has major concerns about the serving of alcohol. WDSU went to the Aurora Recreational Club to get answers from operator Myles Cooper and asked if he plans to close. “Not going to happen,” Cooper said. WDSU showed Cooper video of a recent party that the city says is under investigation. “I agree with the decibel level,” Cooper said. “The way I see it is that this could be harmful to neighbors, I definitely see it that way. Me too – this is a cultural expression,” Cooper said. WDSU reached out to Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office for comment. Her office provided the following information. “The Aurora Recreational Club – Algiers has been issued a business license as a social club at 5244 General Meyer.” “An Alcohol Beverage Outlet (ABO) license is pending. An application for a live entertainment license was not approved and has been closed. “The events previously announced and held at this location are not permitted.” WDSU asked if the club is allowed to serve alcohol. “After receiving an ABO, alcohol may be served to members.” “The department launched an active investigation due to numerous complaints from neighbors. There was at least one violation of live entertainment without the proper license/permit.” Cooper told WDSU he has certified lifeguards. A spokesperson for the mayor said it is “unknown” if the club has certified lifeguards. “This club is not just about the noise they hear one day a week,” Cooper said. “This club does a lot more for the community that was not broadcast at the appropriate time it is broadcast.” Cooper said he wants to have additional conversations with neighbors. “The issue I have as well is that our privacy is being violated. We have people with cameras taking pictures of naked people,” Cooper said. “I’m not here to destroy the quality of life here. I’m here to improve it.” Neighbors are concerned about the children at the club. WDSU asked Cooper if he thought it was appropriate for children to work at parties. “We have not had children working inside the party at events,” Cooper said. “We have adults working here as well. If something is not age appropriate, I will not allow it. There may be children working on the perimeter, inside, while a party is going on. I have not seen anything here that grown, consenting adults have done that they don’t do all over town. You see (expletive) quakes all over town.” While Cooper says the club is safe, neighbors WDSU has spoken to say they are open to a conversation to prevent anyone from getting hurt. “We are not targeting anyone,” Crowden said. “We just want a good quality of life like any other community. That would not happen outside of Orleans Parish.” Cantrell’s office did not respond when asked if she plans to call for the club to be shut down.