NEWBURGH – As this city on the west shore of the Hudson ponders rapid adoption of a proposed redevelopment scheme, questions have been raised about the goals – and targets – of the proposal. The project’s lead planner boasts of shaping the redevelopment of post-Katrina Louisiana, and has thus far presented to a largely white audience, despite the fact that the Newburgh community predominantly consists of people of color.

In the past week, the city has sponsored two large public sessions and several smaller meetings in a process termed a “charrette.” However, some have instead mused if the charrette wasn’t actually a charade, conducted to provide political cover for the gentrification of the city.

On the table is the future of 30 acres of city-owned land in the heart of the city’s waterfront. Off the table, according to the planner – Andres Duany, a founding principal at Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company – is affordable housing. In reply to community interest in developing a sizable part of the waterfront with parks and ball fields, he said “This is not a Christmas tree, where you just get to hang things on – people somehow or another feel like we’re taking orders, like a waitress in a diner. ‘Um, yes ma’am and what size did you want that gymnasium?’”

Duany is one of the planners circling New Orleans for a crack at its redevelopment. But according to many in that city, the biggest problem of all is the lack of true democratic participation. With almost half of the city’s population still missing, with renters, public housing residents, and residents of the worst hit neighborhoods distracted by more mundane concerns like returning home, securing employment, a roof over their heads, or cleaning up property that will otherwise be deemed blighted soon, it appears that most residents of the Big Easy simply don’t have the resources to participate.

In Newburgh last week, the two public sessions were both held outside of walking distance from the downtown area which is home to much of the Black community. Although each meeting drew at least 200 people, only a small number of attendees were from the areas likely to be affected.

In New Orleans, Duany himself faced criticism for not addressing the claim that the new urbanist “mixed-income” design which he favors has historically created social inequality by catering to the urban needs of more affluent classes and ignoring the political and economic causes of poverty.

For those seeking some insight into his vision for Newburgh, this quote from Mr. Duany in the New Orleans Times-Picayune might be of interest: “The Gulf Coast offers the rare opportunity to start over from scratch, potentially with quick results,” said Mr. Duany, to some local skeptics.

“For a city to become a city that’s planned, it has to destroy itself; the city literally has to molt,” he added.

“Usually this takes 20 years, but after a hurricane, it takes five years. The people can see the future in their own lifetime.”
Planner Andres Duany presenting to New Orleans residents

A final meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 6, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Newburgh Free Academy, 201 Fullerton Ave, Newburgh.