[StBernard] Debris removal/Demolitions

[Westley Annis]

As usual, the only Parish official that can be contacted for an answer is
Craig, so I regret directing yet another issue to him.
 
Craig:  What is the true story surrounding demolitions and debris pick-ups?
Six weeks ago, the area around St. Mark Chuch (excluding the Church) was
pretty much clear of debris, neighbors were landscaping, and from all
indications, with the exception of a hand full of homes, the neighborhood
looked pretty normal.  Fast forward to today and you find that there is
debris piled in front of 17 different homes. (I walked last night and
counted.)  There five homes that either have demo stickers or "work order
numbers" painted on them, and two have yet to be gutted.  Everyone is
getting frustrated because none of us know when, if ever, the debris will be
removed.  I visited the government complex and was told that "FEMA is only
paying to pick up debris one day a week."  They could not tell me what day
that is, nor if there is a schedule so that we can notify our neighbors.
Unfortunately, the longer "storm related debris" remains, the more trash
from the new construction keeps getting thrown in the pile or next to it.  
 
Craig, is it true that debris is only removed once a week, and if so, are
there plans for the parish to begin weekly trash pick-ups such as before the
storm?  Also, why can't the parish fine the owners of properties that are
rebuilding but throwing the debris in front of their home for pick-up,
rather than boxing it or bagging it?  If it is a contractor doing it, then
the owner should demand that the contractor supply a bin for trash disposal?
If he refuses, they should get one themselves and deduct it from his
payment.  The parish has consistently made it clear than only storm related
debris will be picked-up, but as people continue to return, they are either
unaware or don't care.  For those of us that have lived through this for the
past two years or so, it is yet another frustration. 
 
Last, can you find out exactly what is going on with the canals,
specifically the 90 and 40 arpent canals?  The grass in the canals is over
four feet high, and when there isn't much rain and the mud dries you can see
rats running thorough the weeds.  I was pretty happy that the storm washed
away all the nutria, but unlike the rats, at least they ate the vegetation.
Can't the Levee Board at least spray grass killer?  I realize that once it
dies a heavy rain could push the dead grass down to the pumps, but at least
it would end up in one place where it could be removed,  Cleaner canals mean
less chance of street flooding. 
 
Thank you Craig for always being so responsive, and thank you Westley for
having this valuable web-site to express our concerns.
 
JFR