Katrina 10: Ask Tanya

 

Rhonda asked:
Do you think there are improvements to New Orleans living conditions since Katrina hit, or do you think there is still room for improvement?

Tanya says:
I’m encouraged by the strides in infrastructure replacement as well as changes to the antiquated business practices of pre-Katrina New Orleans. But as a city, we must still address crime, education, blight and economic opportunities. I believe that improvements from increased youth job training / trade programs (like those available through Make It Right) to neighborhood beautification will have a significant impact on not only continued recovery but the city’s future.

Gloria asked:
Why has the Lower Ninth Ward been so grossly neglected by City Hall officials (e.g. high grass, slow rebuilding efforts, etc.)?

Tanya says:
While I can’t speak for the city of New Orleans, I can say that organizations like Make It Right and others were formed in reaction to the slow pace of recovery in the Lower 9^th Ward. Community activism forged strong leadership and more cohesiveness and cooperation among existing groups in the neighborhood.

Recovery lagged, but the residents were galvanized around the goal of resurrecting the community. Residents, organizations and volunteers have made faster recovery of the Lower 9 a priority. Our organization has hosted thousands of volunteers who have cleared grass, brush and debris from the neighborhood. By being proactive and working together, residents of the Lower 9 and those who support us have increased not only the pace of neighborhood recovery but neighborhood hope as well.

Danielle asks:
Being as the ten year anniversary is coming up I just wanted to know how much longer do you think it’ll take for the city to finish rebuilding the Lower 9?

Marianna asks:
When is the Lower 9^th Ward going to really come back?

Tanya says:
There are many factors affecting recovery and rebuilding in the Lower 9^th Ward. I believe that residents must be involved in planning and implementation as well as stay actively engaged to shorten the timeline on that process.

That said, many people don’t realize all the rebuilding progress that has been made. The city has repaved roads, partially in pervious concrete to reduce flooding, and planted new trees along the new streets. Dr. Martin Luther King High School, a $38 million dollar building, is currently under construction just blocks away from Make It Right’s neighborhood. The wonderful Sanchez Community Center, a 65,000-square-foot facility with a pool, a gym, commercial kitchen, performance space, health clinic and senior center opened in the neighborhood over a year ago. Restaurants and retail shops are cropping up around the community – and Make It Right is working to redevelop commercial space along Claiborne Avenue.

So, to sum up, we’ve still got a long way to go – but we’re growing and rebuilding more than a lot of people realize (partially due to hand-wringing press coverage by reporters who don’t dig far enough into the story here).

Janet asks:
What do you see as the most positive thing happening now in New Orleans that is helping the city to begin to recover from Katrina?

Tanya says:
Quite a few things, but here are some at the top of my list:

• Community activism/organizing
• Greater community participation in issues that affect the neighborhood
• New standards and accountability
• Critical thinking about long-term sustainability
• New interest in green building
• Fresh ideas / approaches to old, chronic problems

Nikki asks:
Hurricane Katrina placed a heavy financial burden on African American families in the Lower 9^th Ward, many of whom have not returned to their ‘Beloved City.’  What are some of the resources in place to ensure that these families have the opportunity to rebuild in New Orleans and return home?

Tanya says:
Affordable homeownership organizations like Make It Right have given hundreds of residents the opportunity to come home in a safe and sustainable way. We work with homeowners to make sure that they can take advantage of every subsidy available to them, secure affordable and fair loans and ensure that mortgage, insurance and tax payments make up no more than 30% of a homeowner’s income. Many other groups are working in the neighborhood to provide similar services, including legal aid and rehabbing existing homes.

Ann asks:
I was one of the earlier applicants to have my house demolished after Katrina. They left the slab and at a later date the City started removing the slabs but they refuse to remove mine.  Now I can’t sell my land, thanks to the City of New Orleans. I’ve gotten calls from private companies for years claiming that they an file a claim with my insurance company and rear of the slab for free under NFIP but when I contact my insurance company the agent said that they would not honor such a claim. I want to know what I can do to get the City of New Orleans to complete their demolition.

Tanya says:
Demolition isn’t my area of expertise – but the Lower 9th Ward Homeowners Association has advocates on staff who may be able to help you get your slab removed.