AP: Nagin wants the FEMA trailers gone
Source: Associated Press
The end of the FEMA trailer in NOLA is dawning:
"We need to get everybody out," Nagin said. "We need to find out if anybody's health has been harmed and how do we deal with that, and find the housing that's necessary so these people can get their lives together."
Nearly 5,700 trailers remain in New Orleans, most on the private property of residents who lost their homes to Katrina.
"I want to be gone as much as anybody," said KC King, whose home was heavily damaged by Katrina and later demolished. He said he has been dealing with a series of contractor delays in rebuilding.
Federal, state and local efforts are under way to assist families with housing needs. It's probable that some families now in trailers will end up in hotels or apartments, at least temporarily.
But Nagin, in an interview late last week, said he has no choice but to push an end to use of the trailers, given health concerns and the June 1 start of the hurricane season.
The tough stance is a post-Katrina departure for Nagin. Until now, he has refused to pressure residents in trailers because of issues including a lack of affordable housing and problems with them getting timely rebuilding grants or enough money to finish building their homes.
What we need here are some alternatives - or a reduction of the red tape that is keeping people in the trailers. Perhaps the mayor's office should look at each case, talk to the resident and come up with individual plans. That might deal with these last trailers once and for all. (Do I expect individual solutions? No, but boy I'd love to be surprised.)
