[StBernard] Questions for Craig Taffaro

[Westley Annis]

Craig Taffaro,
 
Would you please answer the following questions:
 
1) Your response to Carol Hingle on 12/23 said, "If one chooses not to take
any action and secures the property so that it doesn't look blighted or a
nuisance then the property can sit as long as it is maintained". I know this
was the case before Katrina hit because we tried to get St.Bernard Parish
government to take action against several properties in Arabi that were
uninhabited and didn't look very good, but the owners kept the grass cut and
the structure in-tact, and the parish couldn't do anything about them.
So, does your statement mean that a home flooded by Katrina that has been
cleaned of all contents, and gutted to the bare studs and rafters, with just
roughed-in plumbing remaining in the walls, with all electrical wiring,
outlets and switches removed, that is structurally sound with all roofing,
brick veneer/siding, windows and exterior doors in-tact, with the home's
exterior looking like Katrina never hit,  with the grounds around the house
being kept neat and clean, that is uninhabited, will be allowed to remain
that way indefinitely? 
 
2) Will FEMA reimburse homeowners for the money they have already spent to
have a private contractor clean and gut their homes? If yes, how do
homeowners apply for reimbursement from FEMA?
 
3) Does "proposed hazard mitigation" mean that some government entity
(either federal, state or parish) is going to expropriate the properties in
certain designated "areas", in order to help prevent flooding or enhance
drainage in the future? If not please explain what "hazard mitigation areas"
are all about.
 
Thanks,
          John Laguens