Well it’s almost seven months to the day since Katrina smashed into the gulf coast. I have been working claims in the NOLA area and finally made a trip to Gulf Port last week. I was amazed to find the complete destruction of the coastal communities, well not amazed it was what I have seen many times over the years. What did surprise me was the fact that the majority of the home owners and business owners where actually back and living in their homes. This is a true testament to the people of Mississippi.

On the way back into NOLA, just at dark, I saw something I thought I would never see. A city in darkness. That is a city that no one has come home to. So I started looking into the why and how come.

Here is what I found.

Most home owners have settled the insurance claims. Most have been paid. The City of New Orleans will not issue building permits.

mmm... No permit=no rebuild=no one back.

The Parish (County) must give you permission to have a FEMA trailer.
Well if you had the electrical system in your home damaged you can not get a permit to get it fixed, you have to have power to get a FEMA trailer.

Crime....
should I just say NOLA?
The latest reports are that the thugs are back. Murder is on the rise. along with non violent crime.

If you ran from the storm and found a small town like the one I come from welcomed you with love, hope, and open arms, would you return to a city that you are not allowed to repair your home?
Would you return to live in a travel trailer and be the only person on you block where the murder rate is back to pre storm rates?

In my opinion, The local government is the underlying root cause of the mess in NOLA.
Not issuing building permits
Requiring the home owners to get permission from the Parish/County counsel
Touting that NOLA is back... - the French Quarter, Garden District, and Downtown are open - that’s all.