HUD Poised to Tear Down New Orleans Public Housing Developments

Only 744 affordable housing units will replace the 4,600 units. That"s an 82 percent drop in a region where affordable housing remains a key issue.

New Orleans has an estimated 12,000 homeless people since Katrina, some 50,000 people remain in FEMA trailers, and over 900,000 homeowners from Louisiana are still awaiting federal money to rebuild their homes.

The plans to demolish the four public housing complexes have met with strong resistance from local communities. Dozens of groups have joined together to form a Coalition to Stop the Demolition.

On Monday they cheered as the City"s Housing Conservation Committee refused to approve the demolition of the Lafitte development, one of the 4 developments slated for demolition. But as of Tuesday evening public housing advocates were dismayed to find workmen contracted by the Housing Authority of New Orleans dismantling protective screens on the doors and windows at the Lafitte development.

Alvin Franklin used to live in the Lafitte development before Hurricane Katrina and is now homeless. Bill Quigley is an attorney leading the legal fight for public housing in New Orleans. He teaches at Loyola University.

Bill Quigley, an attorney leading the legal fight for public housing in New Orleans. He teaches at Loyola University.

Alvin Franklin, former public housing resident in New Orleans. He has been homeless since Hurricane Katrina.

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