[StBernard] (no subject)

[Westley Annis]

Rebuilding blueprint unveiled tonight
St. Bernard residents have had key input 
Wednesday, March 15, 2006

>From staff reports


A weeklong St. Bernard Parish planning exercise comes to a close tonight
after more than 1,000 residents have participated in creating a dream
scenario for the rebuilding of their devastated community. 

Town planner Andres Duany, one of the founders of the New Urbanism movement
against sprawl and the leader of the exercise, or "charrette," will unveil
tonight a vision for the parish that incorporates comments from hundreds of
residents. Tonight's presentation begins at 6 p.m. at the St. Bernard Parish
Courthouse, 1101 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. 

More than 1,000 citizens have attended meetings led by Duany and a team of
about 20 designers and planners to get residents to help devise a blueprint
to rebuild the parish. The Louisiana Recovery Authority, or LRA, is
financing the effort. 

"The participation has been wonderful," spokeswoman Lauren Greenberg said. 

A preliminary concept unveiled by the group Friday called for large
detention ponds to be built near the 40-Arpent Canal and for neighborhoods
to redevelop on raised lots around centers that are pedestrian-friendly and
have more green space. The raised lots would allow the streets to act as
channels for floodwaters. 

More than 200 residents who filled the courthouse Friday said they liked the
idea of more green space around their neighborhoods, despite some concerns. 

Unlike most cities, which change over time, Duany has said St. Bernard is
now facing change brought about by a one-day natural disaster. Katrina
flooded almost every home in the parish, many with more than 8 feet of
water. 

Greenberg said 700 residents showed up for the opening night March 7 and
that another large audience is expected tonight. Closed-circuit TV monitors
will be set up in the courthouse lobby so everyone can see the presentation.


"The planning is still going on. They need to come out and take a peek," she
said. 

For information, visit the LRA's Web site at www.louisianaspeaks.org.