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Frequently Asked Questions
Hurricane Katrina
Who wants neighborhoods to plan their post-Katrina future?
Federal, state and city officials, community groups, and citizens all want neighborhoods included in the post-Katrina planning process — our Renaissance Plan will have a national audience.
How will CARI help our neighborhoods after Hurricane Katrina?
Successful rebuilding requires communication and cooperation between government, planners, and neighborhoods. CARI will facilitate dialogue between neighborhoods and City Hall, allowing our neighborhoods to “speak with one voice.”
Why do we need planning for our high and dry neighborhood?
The Bring New Orleans Back Commission “calls for every district, flooded or not, to come up with a plan covering everything from transit, to parks and recreation, to schools and neighborhood centers.”* As the City rebuilds we want to avoid overdevelopment and decreased quality of life in areas spared from Hurricane Katrina flooding.
Why not let Washington, Baton Rouge, and City Hall plan our future?
The neighborhood is the basic unit of planning; it should control its own destiny. “If locals don’t plot their own future, it will be done by outsiders who may not share their love of the city, or their understanding of it.”*
Renaissance Plan
What is a Renaissance Plan?
It is a grass-roots planning study for a local neighborhood. The Plan contains neighborhood-specific visions and policies to promote the well-being of a neighborhood.
Who in the community is involved in our Plan?
Neighborhood residents, property and business owners, and representatives of educational and religious organizations in the Carrollton-Audubon area will participate in our Renaissance Plan.
How are decisions about our Plan made?
Decisions about our Plan will be made using a transparent, consensus-building process to ensure full citizen participation.
What will our Plan study?
Our Plan will study land use, housing, transportation and public service needs, safety, crime, social services, neighborhood history, alcohol-related issues, and other ideas to improve our neighborhood.
Who will advise us?
Stephen Villavaso, FAICP, J.D. is our Plan adviser. Mr. Villavaso is a city planning and zoning expert, and was adviser to the New Orleans East Economic Development Foundation and their successful Renaissance Plan.
What can a Renaissance Plan change?
A fully implemented Renaissance Plan can modify existing zoning regulations governing land use, building height, density, lot area, etc.
How will the Plan help our neighborhood?
It will allow neighborhood residents and property owners to revitalize our neighborhoods by adopting a strategic plan and set of rules to guide our future.
What will it accomplish?
The Plan will establish a vision for our community, promote maintenance and upgrading of our neighborhood, encourage development of vacant and underutilized property, and promote resolution of neighborhood-developer disputes.
What is the role of City Planning Commission?
City Planning Commission staff will help prepare the Plan and will take part in community discussions and public meetings with our community stakeholders.
What is the role of the City Council?
After we complete the Plan, we will work with the City Council to review, adopt, and incorporate our local neighborhood Plan into the City’s Master Plan.
How long will the Renaissance Plan take?
The Plan will take about 18 months to complete.
Who will fund our Plan?
Carrollton-Audubon Renaissance, Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 corporation and will seek tax-deductible donations and grants to fund the Plan.
What happens after the City Council adopts our Plan?
A Carrollton-Audubon Renaissance Committee will oversee the implementation of our Plan. CARI representatives and City Planning Commission staff will participate on the committee.
What will the Carrollton-Audubon Renaissance Committee do?
It will monitor the effectiveness of the Renaissance Plan and allow it to evolve to meet the changing needs of our community.
Has the City Council adopted other neighborhood plans?
Yes. The City Council adopted the New Orleans East Economic Development Foundation Plan in 2004 and the Lower Garden District Plan in 1998.
How can I receive CARI updates?
* Russell, Gordon, and Frank Donze. “Planners Anticipate a Better City.” The New Orleans Times-Picayune, January 22, 2006.
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