"New" New Orleans ..let's get it right this time

I have visited New Orleans quite a few times in the past few years..usually conventions or trade shows. In fact, I was scheduled to be there the last wek in September. I was never impressed by New Orleans. During my last trip I dined with a colleague at one of New Orleans finest establishemnts, Antione's. The food was excellent and the best smoked gumbo I have ever had. My colleague bemonaned the fact that the city has become so low brow. It used to be a great city with outstanding restaurants and jazz. It had all the elements to be a world class, French and Spnaish influence in Cuisine and African American jazz. It was all there. Unfortunately, the city decided to become a touirist mecca without handing its infrastructure problems. The convention center in so far away from Bourbon Street, one needs to take a cab. The convention center, itself was becoming old and dated. Your typical executive would prefer not to do business in New Orleans or hold conventions, there. Reason being, the city has become associated with drunkenness and crime. I have heard of stories where speakers had to cancel their talks because they had partied all night. Bourbon Street is no more than one T-shirt shop after another. Many a conventioneer has been warned to avoid all side streets off Bourbon Street.

The city needs to renew itself after this tragedy. That is why I believe Mayor Nagin's call to have residents return is plain stupid. Before anyone returns to New Orleans, permanaently, he owes it to his citizens to present a master plan....beyond fixing the levees. His call is no better than the plantation master calling back his slaves. If this offends, so be it...I am a liberal. The pooreer residents of New Orleans were trapped in their homes. They had no means to evacuate. You do not begin repopulating those areas. What is the rush, anyway? In fact, if the poorer residents find employment elsewhere and a life..... wish them the best...that is true America.

I mentioned a Master Plan, didn't I? Well. here are my recommendations:

(1) Do not allow the government to solve the problem. They could not fix the levees. As such they are part of the problem. Their role is to provide an environment so investors are willing to come back. That inculdes effective law and order and getting rid of curruption. The goverment needs its own hurricane sweeping through it.

(2) The private sector will solve the problem...... i fyou have not noticed despite the recnet slowdown, this country is on a continuing real estate boom. Yes and the land around New Orleans in prime real estate...near the Gulf and warmer, albeit, more humid climate. The provate sector would build better homes and more solid construction. Obviously, these homes will be more expensive. Yes, New Orleans could become a prime place for retirees....active communities.

As for displaced residents, developpers are very generous in this way. The government could even stipulate it.... I am certain there will be many takers....

(3) The government's role is limited to reasonable zoning, demanding green spaces be built with water features, designed as retention ponds.....and yes, in exchange for the property they turn over to developpers, they may request the builing of low to moderate income housing. Again, if the private sevtor begins investing heavily, they have a reason to invest in the needed infrastructure

(4) As for the downtown area...it should be allowed to keep its charm but needs a face lift. That will only happen with stricter bylaws.... I am not suggesting we turn New Orleans into Disney World....but closer to what the Las Vegas strip has become. Above all else, New Orleans has to become high brow, once again...... and that is not easy.

Let's not pour monet down the drain in New Orleans.. instead let's provide seed money and the environment to allow the city to renew itself.