[FoCHAT] an Introduction and a Question

[Michelle Thompson]

Good Morning!

As a member of the ACORN Housing/University Partnership project team that
recently presented our version of the 9th Ward Recovery Plan, I extend my
greetings! Some may recall that this team was "reassigned" (fired) by UNOP
due to the appearance of a conflict of interest. However our team has
posted the draft of our plan and presented it in New Orleans about 2 weeks
ago. (http://www.rebuildingtheninth.org/) Many of our former team members
are continuing to do work in/for the People of New Orleans.

This semester I am teaching two courses...both of which are focusing on
the 'Road Home' program. I have/am concerned about the (possibility of)
undervalued homes being the basis of funds granted and the obvious lack of
coordination that has prevented the program from getting people 'home'. As
a former real estate appraiser and advocate for communities, I have worked
for many years with the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative. The issue
of value equity (sans race, class) has been a focus of mine for over 15
years and will continue to be.

My goal is to conduct comprehensive and holistic research on the 'Road
Home' program by looking at the prior/existing methods of valuation (1
Assessor, yes!), evaluate the existing system of delivery (application to
closing), conduct mapping and detailed analysis of closed properties
(geospatial  locations and housing attributes)and report these findings so
that the community (our Country) can choose to raise an informed, but
weary, arm up to fight for the People of New Orleans.

At this point I'm reading what I can about the program through the web. If
anyone has specific articles or a summary of issues (besides what I can
find on your site) that would help "get me up to speed", I would be most
appreciative.

Best,
Michelle



Michelle M. Thompson, Ph.D.
Visiting Lecturer
Cornell University
Department of City & Regional Planning
327 West Sibley Hall
Ithaca, New York 14853
mmt7 at cornell.edu
office 607.254.6560
fax 607.255.1971
http://crp.cornell.edu/people/profile.mgi?f=mmt7