Mayor Ray Nagin presented his plan for resuscitating this hurricane-battered city, saying residents should be allowed to rebuild anywhere – as long as they do so at their own risk.
Nagin said the city would continue issuing building permits to all comers, but warned that low-lying neighborhoods like New Orleans East and the Lower Ninth Ward could flood again if another hurricane hits.
“I don’t recommend you going in areas I’m not comfortable with,” the mayor said Monday. “I’m confident that the citizens can decide intelligently for themselves.”
The report also recommended a host of other ideas, from revamping schools to consolidating some city offices. The wish list of projects included new light-rail systems, more farmers’ markets, new riverfront development, job-training sites and better flood protection.