Letters From Our Readers

Help Save the Tulane Neighborhood from Demolition

From New Orleans resident and artist Ze daLuz:

Background: 165 historic homes are slated to be demolished for the new VA / LSU
hospital complex, even though other suitable property is available.
If you go to this website you can edit the letter and send to Gov. Jindal and other involved parties.

More information available here.

Here is my sample letter:

Nov 26, 2008

Governor Bobby Jindal

Dear Governor Jindal,

I am writing to comment on your recent decision to bulldoze a historic
neighborhood in order to build new LSU and VA hospitals in New Orleans,
instead of choosing one of the three other options that would provide
equivalent space without destruction of homes. We should not have to
choose between timely, quality health care for residents and veterans
and neighborhood destruction - it is a big mistake and a backwards
step.

The three alternatives suggested by neighborhood residents and
preservationists would provide for a quicker return of health care to
New Orleans veterans and residents at less cost to the VA, the city,
and the state and would avoid the destructive “lose-lose”
situation that is currently presented.

As it stands, to get permission to demolish 165 historic homes may take
years and cause needless heartbreak and bad feelings. While I
understand the desire to have a large hospital complex close to
downtown, it really isn’t necessary, because wherever it is located, it
will be utilized.

A solution that puts health care first, without needlessly destroying a
historic neighborhood, is the winning alternative. Please take steps
to revisit this issue immediately.

Sincerely,

Ms. Ze daLuz