Commercial Blight
Post Katrina has brought lots of excuses. Our less than tidy Commercial Neighbors have used the Katrina excuse more than anyone. This propery at the corner of Carrollton and Claiborne is a great example. In spite of the fact that they are collecting large rents they have allowed the property to become a dump site.
This paticular piece of property has been leased for 7 years from Pivach Realty to Walgreens
The obvious disregard for the people who live here, work here and try and raise children here is an appalling affront.
We have been told that Pivach Realty has also bought the remaining structures on site and will bulldoze them. In spite of the fact that these homes are in sad shape I feel we should protest the demolition. This tactic of demolition is one way to destroy the scale of the Neighborhood, create a new scale and destroy the value and lives of those who stay.
Many times in this debate people have brought up the Veterans Blvd. comparison. I feel a better comparison would be Claiborne Ave.
This once vital Avenue has seen the destruction wrought by I10 and subsequent development.
Can Claiborne Ave be brought back? I would like to think it can, I know that it should
When we destroy a Street Scape we do more than destroy a visual connection to the past. We destroy our Culture.
There are those that believe our entire Neighborhood to be “full of blight” believe me I have recieved e mails from them.I would suggest that the actions of our Commercial Neighbor have done nothing to improve our Neighborhood in fact it has slowly sucked the life from it.
If Walgreens and Pivach Realty is interested in the Rebuilding of this City and Neighborhood. They would endevour to do the homework neccessary to create a vibrant commercial enviroment, one that serves not just the cars whizzing by but the pedestrains, bike riders and children who live here.
We, the Citizens of New Orleans deserve better.