Is a huge NOLA land grab coming?
When I think about New Orlean’s reconstruction I really worry that the renters and poor residents will be squeezed out. A LARGE portion who are African American. With the huge amount of land and property that will have to be rebuilt there is a serious financial opportunity for developers. There is also a GIANT opportunity for developers to DO THE RIGHT THING and correct decades of unfair housing practices. In just a few years we could create new neighborhoods that will house and raise wonderful families with the ability to live the american dream. But developers won’t do this on their own. In their eyes community development just isn’t cost effective. That’s why citizen journalist need to hold developers feet to the fire!
Ed Cone links to a Atrios blog post with similar concerns. It is also the moral responsibility of the main stream media to keep a VERY close eye on this. The real story will be seriously obfuscated behind the bueracracy of planning boards, corrupt politics, and back room meetings. Bloggers, podcasters, and other citizen journalist can really help with this. We have the collective time to record all that goes on. Let’s keep the rebuilding process of New Orleans honest and fair for all!