STATEMENT ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC HOUSING

Despite false statements made today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is moving forward with its plan to redevelop New Orleans public housing so that families will have the opportunity to return to better, safer neighborhoods.

It is terribly sad that someone would perpetuate such a cruel hoax and play on the fears and anxieties of families who are desperate to return to their homes.

HUD is working with the local community to redevelop C.J. Peete, B.W. Cooper, Lafitte and St. Bernard public housing developments to make way for a mixture of public housing, affordable rental housing and single-family homes.

HUD also announced plans for mixed-income affordable housing, homeownership opportunities and services for the former families of Lafitte. The Department has also invested $500,000 to the city's Neighborhoods Rebuilding Plan or charrette process.

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