[StBernard] TAFFARO recall attempt - my opinion

[Westley Annis]

"I don't agree with demoing houses that people are rebuilding, but what do
you suggest for houses that they have literally abandoned  ?  Some have
started new lives in other areas & have just left their houses to sit & rot,
with no intention of coming back.  Until last week, a house on the corner of
Genie & Karen still had gutted material on the carport.  How long should you
wait for this house to even be started ?  If it took 3 1/2 years to get rid
of the gutted moldy material, how long do you think it will take them to
finish it ?  If they even intend to.  People who are trying to come back &
are showing even a little effort by doing some stuff on their house, should
not be penalized by having it demoed.  At least they are trying.  I am
concerned about the ones who have not done a single thing. --Syl"

Jer Responds:

This argument centered a report that a homeowner poured $50,000 into a
rebuild and was "targeted" to depletion/demolition

We keep on subject where started repairs were made, and either the homeowner
has tried to gut, begin repairs (but either ran out of money and cannot get
a loan to finish the job, or has been laid off a job, etc..

The traditional good sense to do is to get help.

How is it possible that those who placed themselves nationally in a position
by getting loans for a house they wished to buy but couldn't really afford
that large or expensive of a house.

There is a notion that many of these will receive a bailout. Where are the
bailout team and sympathy for St. Bernard residents who wants their home and
is so bad off financially that he/she is struggling simply for the basics,
(eating, expense to look for a job, family, etc.). 

Strange how help is on the way for those away from the area, but damn those
who are STILL attempting to recovery their home and lives in our area. As
mentioned previously, $800 BILLION for everything else (much PORK than
comprises the pig population).

Where is St. Bernard's share of recovery for those who haven't qualified,
can't afford to at this time, or have begin to rebuild (as above) and
getting their homes torn down while those who are very fortunate are in the
very blessed position. Again, there are those in various stages of recovery.
Not everyone is at the same level because of specific circumstances. Etc.

Regarding the one instance (and I don't know the situation). But, if that
home on Genie and Karen is in question, that's one issue. I believe each and
every homeowner should be allowed to present proof of present income,
insurance and Road Home reinbursements/grants, etc. to qualify or not to be
spared the "headsman's ax" so to speak.

The perfect thing to do if there is financial or health woes to
reconstruction is the old-fashion way: Barn-building mentality where for
many, years, a barn burned and neighbors living in the area rallied to their
"friend in need" to help him and family rebuild the barn. 

That's the perfect thing. However, I've seen each generation become more
distant from their neighbor (what's in it for me attitude), and even ignored
that a neighbor exists, in exception where there is a home next to him/her
that has high grass, un-gutted or not rebuilt.

Then these things mentioned in the current augmentative situation presently
exists. "Why should I help anybody, because they won't help me?"

Wouldn't it be nice to bring back the good old days?

--jer--