On this 18th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, while some would argue parts of New Orleans improved while other parts of the city continue to struggle, it’s a date for many that is still as vivid as if it happened yesterday. President of Greater New Orleans, Inc. Michael Hecht says it’s a mixed bag comparing the city before and after.
“Some still look shockingly as if it’s the immediate aftermath of Katrina where we still have Katrina blight. And then there’re a few that have actually gotten worse that have lost the vibrancy they had before the hurricane,” said Hecht.
As for areas that grew post-Katrina, Hecht says they include the Northshore, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes. As for a comeback story, Hecht says his favorite is the Arabi, Chalmette area of St. Bernard Parish.
“Despite being the most completely devastated parish by Katrina, that area has been rebuilt and it’s now one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the country,” said Hecht.
Among the misconceptions about Katrina is that only the area of the city that flooded was the Lower Ninth Ward. Hecht says several areas were inundated with water, but areas that had better resources were able to rebuild.
On the flip side, Hecht, unfortunately, says the Lower Ninth Ward area of the Crescent City is one that has not recovered. He says often people forget just how vibrant that area of New Orleans once was.
Hecht says residents in the Lower Ninth Ward didn’t have the means to rebuild compared to wealthier parts of the city who did. He says there were unintended consequences on how rebuilding programs were based on the home’s value.
As for where the city is headed, Hecht says there’s enormous opportunity across the economic spectrum and tourism is thriving as well. On the other hand,
“There are some forces in terms of public safety, and infrastructure that are really creating drag, and we’re all very determined to make sure that ultimately the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina has a happy ending for the city and this region of the state,” said Hecht.
Today is also the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Ida. Lengthy power restoration was a widespread issue of the Category Four storm.
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