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December 3, 2006New Orleans Times Picayune (summary)
By Michelle Krupa--Staff writer
Across South, Displaced Chime in With Own Ideas for Rebuilding N.O. But Residents Hesitate on the Tough Calls
Gathered in five cities Saturday to tackle issues related to the rebuilding of their shattered city, thousands of New Orleanians distilled a bevy of such undisputed priorities as the quick construction of Category 5 levees, but they generally foundered when asked to make tough calls on the recovery's most vexing dilemmas.
Asked to choose specific recovery scenarios on topics -- including neighborhood stability, flood protection and public services -- they generally eschewed planners' options in favor of audience-generated alternatives...many of their choices ran far afield of the intended discussion. For instance, after they were asked whether government should reduce flood risk by enacting strict building standards or offering financial incentives, participants were invited to suggest their own alternatives. They proposed Category 5 levees, wetlands restoration and an awkward combination of the organizers' three distinct options, then they ranked those far above the organizers' options...
Given the vast array of priorities offered Saturday, it is unclear how the results will be blended into meetings slated for Dec. 16 and Jan. 6 across the city's 13 planning districts. A final citywide meeting, probably held in one location with Internet or television links to allow viewing from other places, is set for Jan. 13.
Financing for the project has been provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Carnegie Foundation, Case Foundation and Surdna Foundation, with the Ford and Louisiana Disaster Recovery foundations also expected to pitch in.
© 2006 The Times Picayune.
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