Reply #8: As a recent addition to NOLA... [View All]

[Behind the Aegis]

I think NOLA can be rebuilt. It will be a matter of time. The biggest economic hit has been to tourism. I just read that hundreds of hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and various small-owner shops have gone out of business. Even some of the larger companies are pulling up stakes because there is no money here. In the course of a few days, NOLA went from being the second largest city in LA to the third.

Of course, some residential areas are being rebuilt. However, for some this is not a good thing because they will be "priced out" (i.e. can't afford rent or to buy) of the market. So, why would those people return...no job, no home, no family. The city is trying to attract business owners here, as well as new professionals. The professional health care industry has been decimated! I saw on the local news, something like only 23% of dentists have returned, the same for doctors and only 13% of mental health care providers have returned. Several universities have lost personnel and can't replace them. Currently, one university is being run out of a hotel!

My area is OK. There is still some visible damage, but go a mile or so to the east and it still looks like the hurricane happened last week! Of course there are still signs of Katrina all over the place...even the French Quarter, but you'd have to look hard.

Personally, I am glad we moved to NOLA. Some look at us like we are nuts, but this place is still a wonderful place to live, work, and play! There is much work to do, but NOLA will rise once again!