Mayor Upset with Council's Deadline for Fixing Homes (NOLA)

[uppityperson]

This goes in conjunction with this topic from earlier today. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2239728

http://www.nola.com/newslogs/tpupdates/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_tpupdates/archives/2006_04_21.html#133655

The New Orleans City Council’s vote this week to require homeowners to clean, gut and board up flooded homes by the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina came as welcome news to some but drew fire from others, including Mayor Ray Nagin. The measure gives residents until Aug. 29 to clean out mold, tear out ruined walls and board up what remains of their homes, or risk having the city seize and demolish their houses.

Councilman Jay Batt, sponsor of the council’s ordinance, said it was necessary because ravaged, mold-infested houses, especially if not boarded up, can become “environmental biohazards” that will slow the recovery of whole neighborhoods by discouraging nearby owners from moving back or making repairs.

But Mayor Ray Nagin said he thinks Aug. 29 is too early for such a deadline, though he did not say whether he would veto the ordinance, which passed 7-0. It would take five votes on the council to override a veto. “Homeowners are already making decisions. They’re moving forward. They’re not waiting on anything,” Nagin said in Thursday night’s televised mayoral debate. “We had 125,000 homes that had some type of damage with Katrina. About 60 percent of those homes had less than 50 percent damage. So those folks have already gotten their permits, they’re rockin’ and rollin’, they’re ready to go.

“The rest are a combination of people who are spread out all over the country, particularly senior citizens. I think they need special treatment, and I think Aug. 29 is too soon. And by year’s end, we should have a program in place to contact those residents and make sure they’re coming back.”... (more @ link, good to read it all)

There is hope.

[CottonBear]

1. The whole freaking Gulf Coast is a environmental biohazard at this point

but that doesn't mean we should bulldoze their businesses, homes and further ruin people's lives and what's left of their spirit.

Jesus Christ, bulldozing homes is so awful and unChristian/inhumane. :(

[uppityperson]

2. yup, confiscate your property if you don't clean up in time.

Glad that Nagin is questioning this. Mold, toxic mold, mildew, debris, stuff, moldy stuff, mold. Glad that people may get more time since this just sounds like the wrong way to go about cleaning up.

[merh]

3. So glad Nagin has spoken out against this bull shit deadline

What bothers me is this statement of his, And by year’s end, we should have a program in place to contact those residents and make sure they’re coming back

Jeezeee, by the YEAR'S END, they should have a program in place to contact residents?????

By the YEAR'S END!!!! :argh:

[uppityperson]

4. 1 1/2 yrs later they may have a program to contact residents.

Contact the residents, 1 1/2 yrs after they evacuate for a few days.

[merh]

7. Oh, but the areas aren't being rebuilt because most folks

are irresponsible. :sarcasm:

This is just sick. :cry:

[CottonBear]

5. It's an insane situation. Year's end? WTF?

My sister in law in St. Tammany Parrish still doesn't have her roof fixed and she wasn't even flooded. :grr:

[merh]

6. It is just insane!

And folks just don't get it - the majority of the nation just figures we should get on with our lives and get back to normal! It will take at least 5 years for most places to recover.

:argh:

[uppityperson]

8. you know, it really makes me wonder if this is the beginning of the end

I don't like to overstate things like that, but I wonder sometimes. I have read books about possible futures and it pisses me off that we are getting there rather than seeing it as something to avoid. I looked for your place on that earlier posting about 360degree views but couldn't tell where it was. Hang in there, there are people working with you, just that "people" don't get it. More people need to get their butts down to look around and see for themselves. :hug: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=360&topic_id=491

[merh]

9. Thanks for that link,

I hadn't seen that site before. I can't tell exactly where my lot is on my laptop. I'm on dialup and that leaves a lot to be desired.

I have faith things will work out, I just become discouraged by the apathy. I guess I just have to keep trying to wake folks up.

:hug:

[uppityperson]

10. Well, hang in there. And go to bed, get some rest.

do you really have 3 dogs there with you? I only met Winston who seemed like ample energy.

[merh]

11. Yes, my other 2 moved in with me just after your visit.

My sister was, as she put it "burned out", she couldn't deal with them any longer. :shrug:

So they all are living with me in the femanision!

I'll be going to sleep soon. You get some rest too!

:hug:

[uppityperson]

12. just saw you posting in the lounge, with rev cheesehead

:rolf::rolf::rolf::rolf:

[merh]

13. Just a little innocent fun!

;)

[CottonBear]

14. Hi merh!

Stay strong!

We are coming down to LA soon. My sis in law has been out of state w/ her sick grandson for 3 months...Mr. CB is a NOLA native.
His cousin and some other relatives lost their homes to the flooding in Slidell and on the MS coast. :(
We're going to meet up w/ BOSSHOG. Maybe you can meet up with us in Slidell for lunch or coffee!
We drive down through MS to LA. We hope to come down in May.
Peace. CB

[merh]

15. Hello, CottonBear!

Just let me know when you are coming this way.

I can't make any promises, but I will sure try to catch up with you. (My car is not the most reliable form of transportation.)

pmail me when you know your plans! :hi:

I'm hanging on and keeping the faith, thanks for caring. :hug:

[uppityperson]

16. kick for the morning crew.

morning all. I have 8 teenagers in my living room and none are mine since mine took off to go a school project. Some are making breakfast, most are being kids wanting to set off fireworks, etc.