Despite an official "embargo" of the practice, there are reports of people removing "truckloads of architectural elements" from New Orleans every day. Preservationists fear that what isn't stolen will end up in landfills.
"Historic preservationists and salvage workers are now fighting to keep thousands of tons of building materials from being heaped onto landfills, stolen, or otherwise lost. At stake are period doors and trim, floor-to-ceiling shutters that covered countless shotgun-house windows, wood trim, hardware, plumbing, light fixtures, and other materials."
"Since it is unclear whether forthcoming legislation will address architectural salvage, it appears most residents are taking the issue into their own hands. Rather than wait for guidelines to protect structures and their elements, some residents are actively pursuing preservation before their homes are gutted, demolished or picked apart by thieves."
While a New Orleans police spokesman said no arrests have been made for theft of architectural materials, others note that catching such criminals is a low priority for a department with more pressing concerns.
FULL STORY: With Demolitions, Architectural Remnants at Risk in New Orleans
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
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HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
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Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
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Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
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Oak Park Plans Earth Month Events
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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.
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