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Project Repopulate
Overview
Prior to Hurricane Katrina there were 2,200 vacant, blighted properties
in New Orleans. NORA plans to use the acquisitive prescription
statutes to target these properties for immediate redevelopment in
an effort to address the housing shortage in the city of New Orleans
and to facilitate the return of displaced residents. Redevelopment
of the current blighted property inventory would create an estimated
4,950 housing units which could provide a transitional residence to
people on the FEMA waiting list.
Through Project Repopulate NORA hopes not only to assist displaced residents to return to the city, but also to serve as a leader in the citywide rebuilding effort by bringing safe, attractive, quality redevelopment into New Orleans’ devastated neighborhoods.
Process and Timetable
NORA will carry out all necessary research to ascertain the blighted
status of each property and will obtain all the necessary documentation
and legal work. After research and review, NORA will create a
profile for each individual property with information on the property
size and type, condition (tear-down or rehab), and zoning and density
allowed.
NORA will then form partnerships with local representatives to establish priorities. They will organize design charrettes and design-build competitions for local sites, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly, hurricane- and flood-resistant housing that is consistent with the newly-adopted statewide building codes.
Implementation
NORA will seek a variety of partners for the implementation of Project
Repopulate. Among those who will be invited to participate are:
- Louisiana Legislature
- Louisiana Housing Finance Agency/Louisiana Redevelopment Authority
- Louisiana Homebuilders’ Association
- Habitat for Humanity
- HUD
- FEMA
- City Council and Mayor’s Office
- Neighborhood Associations
- Housing Counseling Agencies
- Faith-based Organizations
- Universities
A diverse financial package will be put together with funding from a variety of sources such as foundation grants; a construction line of credit; HUD; FEMA; developers; and other groups with the means for construction.
With this funding NORA will finance the rehabilitation of viable structures and procure suitable modular housing for the vacant and tear-down sites. Since modular homes are built to order, they will comply with local building codes and are available in a variety of styles such as shotgun, camelback, bungalow, and ranch which can be matched to the unique character of each neighborhood. They also can be easily elevated and tend to be more hurricane-resistant than traditionally-constructed homes. The modular units can be ready for occupancy in as little as 6-8 weeks.
Displaced residents on FEMA’s waiting list would receive first priority for occupancy of the new units and will be responsible only for paying the property’s utilities.
NORA will retain control of the properties for two years, at which point individuals and CDC’s will have the option of purchasing them.
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NORA
New Orleans
Redevelopment Authority
1340 Poydras Street
Suite 600
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
tel: 504-658-4400
fax: 504-658-4551
