New Orleans dreams big in rebuilding plan

[funkybutt]

Plans unveiled tomorrow

http://www.nola.com/newsflash/louisiana/index.ssf?/base/news-22/113692584930040.xml&storylist=louisiana

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — This city is dreaming big as it puts together a blueprint for its rebirth in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, considering such audacious ideas as re-creating a long-gone jazz district, building a network of bike paths and commuter rail lines, and establishing a top-flight school system.

In the coming days, beginning Wednesday, a commission appointed by Mayor Ray Nagin will unveil a grab bag of ideas that could become part of the master plan for rebuilding this devastated city, a task unparalleled in American history.

-snip-

At the heart of the proposals is one critical, and controversial, recommendation: All parts of the city — even the devastated Lower Ninth Ward and other neighborhoods that were submerged to their rooftops — should be given a CHANCE to rebuild.

-snip- (on edit)

What the resulting master plan will look like is far from clear. The mayor can accept or reject any of the recommendations, a process that could take weeks. Of course, the plan's final shape will be determined to a large degree by Congress and President Bush, because they hold the purse strings.

[CottonBear]

1. Wow! This sounds great! At least all neighborhoods will get a chance

to rebuild. I'll be interested to see the plan. :)

[funkybutt]

2. It's good but scary at the same time

For Example: Say you're working on your home. Getting it gutted, new roof, mold remediation, new electrical. Then only one other family on your block decides to return.

I've been hanging on watching closely what my neighbors are doing. Now that I know most of them are returning, I feel better about reinvesting in the area.

I'd like to know exactly what is the definition of this "chance" that every neighborhood gets. I've heard it discussed that there would be a 1 year period for an area to show improvement and repopulation. Then there was another 3 year plan. Either way, people need to know EXACTLY before they put their life savings and livelyhood on the line.

[CottonBear]

3. I'll be watching. I'm a land planner and very interested in city planning

and the rebuilding of a city close to my heart. Mr. CB is a NOLA native and I used to have family down on the coast and in NOLA for many years.

I am so glad you are going to stay and rebuild! :)

We hope to come for a visit in February if my sister-in-laws's home in Lacombe is repaired by then.

[DemBones DemBones]

5. Yeah, I read that "will be given a CHANCE" and thought

"But not much of one." The people who were renters aren't going to be able to rebuild their rental homes and who knows if their landlords will? Knowing how "bidness" operates, I'm guessing those "bidnessmen" will be looking for a way to make bigger bucks off their ruined rental properties.

What area are you in? I had a call from an old friend the other day passing along stories from a friend (whom I don't know) in Jefferson, saying things are really bad, lots of murders and suicides. True or exaggeration?

[funkybutt]

7. I'm uptown temporarily

Murders - No

Very few since the storm. Probably some kind of record.

Suicides - Yes

Quite a few since the storm. Probably some kind of record.

[DemBones DemBones]

11. Actually, I think the source said "shootings" rather than

murders, said a lot of people are freaking out, shootings in the streets (which streets not specified) and lots of suicide. The source is an ER doctor, though, which would skew your views on things.

[HeeBGBz]

4. I hope people step up

And help those who want to rebuild, to rebuild.

[DemBones DemBones]

6. If we can rebuild Iraq, why not New Orleans? nt

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

9. Iraq Has Oil.....

New Orleans just has jazz music and good food.

[DemBones DemBones]

10. But how have we benefited from Iraq's oil? nt

[TallahasseeGrannie]

8. It would be great

is something wonderful grew out of that mess.