ADPSR Katrina Task Force

http://www.adpsr.org/Initiatives/Katrina_Task_Force.htm

ADPSR Katrina Task Force

Statement of Principles


The human tragedy that hurricane Katrina left in its wake illuminates the callous disregard for the needs of the social poor and unprivileged citizens of our society. Government failed at all levels during and after Katrina struck. Many people who lacked the means to evacuate—mostly poor and African American—were simply abandoned. Disasters in the United States, like those that occur internationally, tend to have a disproportionate effect on disenfranchised populations who are typically bypassed in rebuilding efforts. This invariably reinforces their previous social isolation, lack of jobs and capital, and consequently sets them farther back in all the social capacities of life. The idea that poor people could be permanently displaced from their communities and not given a voice in its rebuilding, especially in New Orleans, in the name of “reconstruction” is unacceptable to responsible architects, designers, and planners. The current reconstruction effort is not a suitable response by our professions to the magnitude of these historic inequalities and new injustices. We must turn this opportunity for a new Reconstruction into a process that creates new social and economic opportunities by empowering local communities. ADPSR calls on our fellow professionals, and all others engaged in the process, for a Reconstruction that embraces the following principles:

1. Establish Community Participation and Control in the Reconstruction Process:

Establish the right to return for all displaced people as the first principle in all aspects of rebuilding.
Provide real transitional housing that enables as swift a return as possible through every means available, including filling empty rentals units in the city using Section 8 vouchers.
Establish the right of communities, through their chosen representatives, to participate in all planning processes affecting their current and future wellbeing, including resettlement strategies, temporary housing, reconstruction and redesign.

2. Preserve Communities

Preserve and rebuild injured communities in ways that celebrate their history, traditions and cultural diversity.
Consider communities as clients, and not just individuals, by recognizing a human ecology of social groups. Serve the public first, not just “Bricks and Mortar”.
Respect the historic value of the peoples’ culture, as well as that of New Orleans’ wealth of buildings typologies, in every aspect of reconstruction.

3. Reconstruct a More Equitable Economy and Grow Social Capital

Establish new, “green” industries that pay a living wage and solve environmental problems in areas such as energy, transportation, and housing.
Enhance and build the highest quality early childhood development centers that promote nutrition, provide quality day care, and enhance early childhood education. Make high-quality public education accessible and meaningful.
Promote locally-owned small business development, and encourage institutions that promote entrepreneurship and business building.
Create affordable housing that is developed, built and bought by local neighborhood residents, providing ownership, construction jobs and skills training in the community.
Enforce fair lending practices and support and establish local neighborhood banks that will help anchor communities.
Preserve and enhance local culture as an economic generator.
Strengthen healthcare systems and use them as opportunities for employment and developing skills.

4. Design for Long Term Ecological Stability

Reestablish coastal wetlands that create a buffer for storm surges
Rehabilitate the failing fishing industry, and preserve and rebuild land that supports the diverse indigenous cultures
Demand corporate responsibility for cleanup and upgrade of chemical plants and refineries as well as environment restoration of the surrounding ecology
Strongly promote sustainable and renewable energy programs at all government levels; establish green building standards and planning as the basis for all reconstruction; and adopt a green approach to infrastructure, transportation, and regional development.

5. Act as Public Advocates and Responsible Professionals

Protect public safety by following and exceeding local building codes, educating citizens, local builders and authorities on designs which reflect all the potential hazards of the region
Advocate for the full participation, benefit and empowerment of local communities in design, planning, and reconstruction processes.
Listen to the voices of the indigenous community. Act with respect to their demands for self-determination in shaping their own future, and reparations for historic injustices.