Jackson Announces Redvelopment Of C.J. Peete And Restoring Public Housing In New Orleans

November 2, 2005

HUD to invest more than $1.8 billion to begin long-term recovery effort in Gulf Region

NEW ORLEANS - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today announced HUD’s plan to revitalize public housing in New Orleans, beginning with the C.J. Peete public housing development that was damaged in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This development will become a model of mixed-income, mixed-use development that will breathe new life into the city’s Uptown neighborhood.

HUD’s actions follow the President’s request for an additional $17.1 billion for the long-term recovery effort in the Gulf Region, including more than $1.8 billion in HUD assistance. The funding would be to redevelop public housing, mold remediation and to help local leaders with the strategic planning necessary to revitalize devastated areas.

During his third trip to New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, Jackson met with members of the New Orleans City Council and said the eventual return of residents to public housing communities, such as C.J. Peete, will occur once health and safety inspectors determine it is safe.

“There should be no doubt that we are committed to making certain that New Orleans’ public housing residents will have a place to call home,” said Jackson. “Working closely with our local partners, we will put hammer-to-nail and restore this great city.”

Jackson stressed that any redevelopment of damaged public housing must involve local officials and citizens in the planning process. As for the development of C.J. Peete, the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) will be the developer and HUD funding will be provided through HANO’s capital fund. Over the past several years, HUD has invested more than $133 million to revitalize public housing throughout the city.

Jackson added, “I understand there are a great many public housing residents who are desperate to begin rebuilding their lives, but HUD is responsible for their safety when they return to their units. While many units may seem to be safe, mold is a serious health hazard.”

Jackson also toured the city’s Ninth Ward and welcomed members of HUD’s New Orleans field office staff who returned to the Hale Boggs Federal Building to resume limited operations.

HUD is the nation’s housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

Contact Information

Brian Sullivan

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

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