Rebuilding Neighborhoods
Even before Katrina, New Orleans had housing conditions in many areas that were unacceptable. In the wake of Katrina’s destruction, blight has become an even more severe problem that threatens the revitalization of New Orleans’ neighborhoods.
Action Item #5: More Sheriff Sales, Less Blight. As Mayor I will sign an Executive Order to make Sheriff house sales a priority in eradicating blight. I will direct housing enforcement personnel to hold monthly auctions on properties where owners have ignored administrative orders to make repairs. I will also direct that relevant city agencies make available to homeowners all appropriate counseling services and financial assistance to support them in making repairs and maintaining their properties in accordance with housing code requirements, because an effective program of housing code enforcement is not simply about punitive measures; it’s also about helping people maintain homeownership by helping them maintain their properties.
Ongoing Reform: I will direct city housing officials to work cooperatively with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) in devising a coordinated strategy to eradicate blight. NORA should repair or demolish and put back into commerce as soon as possible property acquired through the Road Home Program. Our common goal must be to enlist the private housing market in the recovery and revitalization of New Orleans’ neighborhoods.
