[StBernard] A New St. Bernard Awaits You

[Westley Annis]

Marvin:

I  like  your ideas.  This really sounds GREAT, especially the landscaping,
green spaces, parish entrances, River Park, and ESPECIALLY the state of the
art  Sport  Complex.   I  would just hope they don't forget about the girls
(with  regard  to  the  sports  complex).   Also,  you need to also look at
Alpharetta, GA for architectural ideas... It's beautiful up there.

That all being said, in my humble opinion, the most important issue is what
you  have  listed  as #1 - CLOSE MRGO.  I would also add to that: build the
levees  higher  and  stronger  to  withstand a CAT 5.  Without these things
being  done,  #2  on  down  on your list does NOT mean a thing.  All of the
state of the art improvements will be gone when KATRINA II rolls through if
the  protection  isn't  there.   Not  to  mention, #1 has to be done FIRST,
before you even think about starting #2.

I  did  hear that Junior is already squirming on the closure of MRGO.  What
Junior  needs  to  say  is  "NO  DEAL,  CLOSE  MRGO IF YOU WANT THIS PARISH
REBUILT!"   I feel he is scared that some will move back no matter what the
"Hurricane  Protection  Status"  is  and will blame him when the next storm
comes  in  and  they have nothing to protect them.  What the people need to
understand is that THE FLOOD GATE WON'T PROTECT THEM EITHER.   Junior NEEDS
take the stance of, "Do what it takes to protect this area (MRGO CLOSED AND
THE  BEST  LEVEE SYSTEM EVER) or we won't rebuild it".  Let it become marsh
land, industrial, let the State take it over, whatever.  I know we all love
our  Parish,  but  does it honestly make good sense to leave ourselves that
vulnerable  again?   Who  wants  to live in the "Hurricane Buffer Zone" for
everyone  North  of  here?   Without  the proper protection, ANY ATTEMPT TO
REBUILD ONE YARD SHED WOULD BE A FUTILE ONE!

-Tony Henry