New Orlean's Massive And Controversial Teardown Effort

The fight over what, where and when to build -- or demolish -- in New Orleans gets muddier by the day.

1 minute read

January 12, 2006, 8:04 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Of the New Orleans districts most ravaged by the floods, planners contest that many of them were never environmentally safe for habitation to begin with. But using the damage as an opportunity to wipe these neighborhoods off the slate is no simple matter. Like the Ninth Ward, many of these areas were occupied by the poor and black, and a number of residents feel that a plot to eliminate their homes is part of a longstanding tradition of political mistreatment. “Historically, [residents of the Ninth Ward] have gotten the short end of the stick,” says Kroloff, quickly amending his statement: “The stick was used to beat them about the head.”

...Meanwhile, wealthier areas that have been equally hurt by flooding, such as Lakeview, are already being rebuilt-not by the city, but by residents who have the financial resources to do so on their own. As a result, services such as water and electricity are returning here more quickly than in the Ninth Ward, where far fewer residents have been able to return."

Thanks to Peter Slatin

Thursday, January 12, 2006 in The Slatin Report

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

May 12 - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

May 12 - Cambridge University Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.