[StBernard] LRA Letter

[Westley Annis]

I received the YELLOW LRA LETTER...No change from the 2nd ltr.  The 2nd
ltr revised the errors of the 1st ltr by lowering my repair cost and
provided elevation cost to build.  It appears that the committee is just
trying to please the Governor by issuing batches of letters for the
publicity. LRA has appraised my home for $85 per sq. ft in Deer Creek.
They only disclose appraised value, cost to repair, insurance & other
assistance you received, elevation amount you may receive and the 30%
for relocating out of state.  When you enter into a contract to buy/sell
a home or receive a loan all detailed information is provided. Why are
they NOT disclosing this info?  Example: how much did all three
appraisals come in for and what one they used and why?  They provide
three forms each represents a choice.  You MUST sign one and return in
30 days or you do not receive anything.  There is only that generic
number to make inquires, then you must leave your number and wait for a
call back.  Hopefully you don't miss the return call because if you
do..to bad..then you get to start the procedure all over again.  I want
to be shown what houses they used to compare sales in my area.  By the
way..why are they going by the sale price of other homes?  Prior to the
hurricane one of my neighbors sold low because they relocated out of
state for a job promotion and had to hurry the sale so just broke even
and another in my neighbor sold breaking even because of a divorce.  I
bought my home $5000 below appraisal because the IRS was going to take
the home from the prior owners so they sold fast to keep their equity.
Angelique Estates is our neighbor.  People were giving homes away prior
to the storm because of the influx of crime.  Those houses were same
quality as ours, built around same time, cost about same price as ours
but depreciated because of crime?  Across Judge Perez the houses
averaged 65 years old.  Besides our own subdivision, those other areas
are the only other areas in Violet to offer a comparison. These examples
truly do not represent the value of our home! Why not base value on
construction cost and inflation?  I think LRA is taking advantage of the
people they were suppose to HELP.  It appears that they have OTHER PLANS
for our money!  I know many St. Bernard residents will not accept these
offers. Talk is already around about organizing together to appeal these
figures as a group.  Wake up LRA!  Listen to the 870 AM, the newspapers
and web sites.  Too many people are disgruntled and want answers.  I
wanted option 2..relocate but in state...but I WILL NOT settle for this!