Mixed feelings
Yesterday, after two different contracts with two different potential buyers and five different dates for act of sale, my ruined house was finally sold–to a gentleman from California who apparently wants to repair it with Road Home money (good luck actually getting that). He insisted on having the official damage estimate lowered–from 53%–in order to get a building permit. Anything that is officially considered less than 50% damaged can simply have new flooring and wallboard put in and new wiring and appliances installed, no problem. Anything more than 50% must be rebuilt at a higher elevation–which in my neighborhood of slab-on-grade means demolition (including demolition of the foundation) and rebuilding from scratch with the living quarters several feet above ground. The city has been very accommodating–if you want to repair, they lower your estimate below 50%; if you want to rebuild they raise your estimate above 50% so that you can get demolition money from your flood policy. I don’t know whether the gentleman from California plans to live in my house after he repairs it or, perhaps more likely, intends to flip the repaired house for a profit. I do know, however, that the house on its present foundation is too low and too close to the canal, and I think it is irresponsible to repair and reoccupy as it stands.
So my feelings are mixed. On the one hand I am relieved to be rid of the responsibility of a ruined property, now without insurance of any kind. I no longer have to worry about gambling on the future of New Orleans with my very limited resources. I don’t have to hassle with the State of Louisiana over the Road Home money. But I miss my house and the city of New Orleans as it was more than I would ever have thought possible. And I now have no permanent address, no place to vote, nothing I can call home, and I don’t know where I am going next and whether I will ever be able to have a home of my own again. The State of Louisiana very kindly reminded me that I am still legally domiciled in Louisiana and will be until I establish a domicile elsewhere if and when that ever happens. So I have a domicile, but no home and no address. The State is eager to claim me, but only for the purpose of collecting income tax from me. So now I can be taxed without being represented. Fortunately State of Louisiana pensions are not subject to State of Louisiana income taxes, but still….
February 13th, 2007 at 1:06 am
I’d view it as liberating and a great chance to start the next chapter.
Easier typed than done, of course.
February 13th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Unfortunately, at my stage of life the next chapter may be the epilogue….
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