Walkable and Compact Development Planned for Post-Katrina Rebuilding

Eric Fredericks • Friday October 7, 2005

If the South and New Orleans are to be rebuilt following Hurricane Katrina destruction, then let’s build it right. This is the gist of an article from the Chicago Tribune last week, reporting that the Congress for New Urbanism and Andres Duany will lead an effort of the top planners, architects, and engineers from around U.S. to reconstruct the South with walkable, compact development. Many will be working for free, or at reduced costs. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour is backing the effort. They will be taking on developments of all kinds and will try and avoid the blight development that often happens in the aftermath of hurricanes.

Personally, I love some of the cities of the South. I question whether rebuilding in some places is the correct call, but, I know that my opinion does not matter on this subject – they will be rebuilt. However, I do feel that designing walkable places is the right call, obviously. I think it will be a great chance to start anew or to compliment existing walkable developments that were left relatively intact. The picutre above is one of my favorite local neighborhood convenience stores located in Algiers Point, New Orleans.

Hope for the South Following Hurricane Katrina

Eric Fredericks • Monday August 29, 2005

Our hearts go out to the people of the South who have been suffering through such horrific events the last few years, and particularly Hurricane Katrina. We can only hope that the loss of life is minimal and that the South can recover from this terrible disaster.

Instead of focusing on the tragedies of what has happened, Walkable Neighborhoods would like to profile one of the most unique, beautiful, and walkable cities in the US and perhaps the world – New Orleans, Louisiana. I certainly do not want to minimize the importance of other cities and places that have been affected by this hurricane, however, I have not visited many other places in that region. But I have visited New Orleans three times. I want to share some of my experiences and photos of the city. While I do currently have some photos online of the most walkable places of New Orleans, there are a several more photos that I would like to add to the photo gallery this week. I would invite you to visit the gallery and check back for an article about the great city.

Also, if you have any experiences or photos that you would like to share about some of the places affected by Hurricane Katrina, please contact us. We would also encourage you to donate any resources you have available to the American Red Cross.