The Grassroots Takes On Planning

The attempt at a master plan to recreate New Orleans is in shreds. Instead, displaced and returning residents are meeting with teams who will help to create new neighborhood designs. The idea is to eventually knit these efforts together into a citywide comprehensive plan.

In the meantime, brick by brick, individuals are taking matters into their own hands to rebuild their homes. Many troubles persist, however, such as outdated pre-Katrina zoning regulations and distraction from establishing a viable infrastructure. "How and whether these problems are resolved will tell us whether our country is capable of assuring the future of American cities," writes New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff.