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Update on the Re Building of New
Orleans
A Report from Mona Lisa Saloy
7 December 2005
Hey now Rudy,
Thank you so much for the
lovely review you did on my book. Just a short update on the
Re-Building New Orleans Conference with the Tulane School of
Architecture and Xavier University. It was held at Loyola
University last week. I was there to deliver the fourth Keynote
Address.
The conference was
overwhelming with huge amounts of technical info regarding the
topography of New O. and the coast, bold possibilities for
infrastructure remakes. The overall news is that New
Orleans can be saved. The levee system was not built to a
substantial depth for holding back such waters but that it can
be. The time and cost to do it right is more than a notion
but possible.
After architects, urban
planners, policy makers spoke, it was my turn to address
"Social Networks," that is, the complexity of New
Orleans culture. Giving a historical overview, I explained
how the unique Crescent City culture evolved over the last
hundred-and-fifty years, especially why this culture is built
from the ground up, from working-class Blacks. They
actually listened to me on the complexity of the culture.
It was an honor to be a
part of this conference. Practical steps for now as well as
long-term needs were addressed.
Essentially, the lead
architect said that if we want to be safe, we needed first-floor
elevations: 12 feet off the ground! Timelines are
estimated at a minimum of 5 but probably 10-20 years to return
New Orleans to former glory, not what anyone wanted to hear.
Sigh. I'm hopeful, but guarded; how can we pay for all of
this?
In the meantime, there was
still no telephone service, no electricity, no mail service, no
gas so no hot water in the hard hit areas (80%) of the city.
At least UPS and FedEX in Metairie and Kenner, cities closest to
the west.
OK, must return to grading
and reading student work. Thanks again for your concern,
interest, and support.
Red Beans and Ricely
Thankful and Hopeful,
Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa Saloy, Ph.D.,
M.F.A.
Visiting Associate Professor of English
University of Washington
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posted 15 December 2005 / update |
