Walnut Bend Cardinal

Tucked between Holiday and Kabel and McArthur and Meyer you'll find a pleasant community of mostly two story homes lining peaceful suburban streets.

Built in the 1960's these homes made it through Betsy and Katrina with little damage. Sure there was some tree damage and numerous blue roof repairs, but there was no flooding. The northern half of the neighborhood is in flood zone B (above flood level, above sea level) by virtue of proximity to the river.

Originally a bird sanctuary there were plenty of trees in the area, but time, termites and the storms have taken a heavy toll.

The greatest impact has come after the storm. Originally people were prevented from returning home for four weeks. Some found new lives in this time. Others returned to find minor damage that had grown serious in their homes. Others had no damage but found their jobs were gone. Some didn't return at all. Utilities were restored quickly after the storm. Garbage, debris and trash pickup have been slow and erratic. Everyone is now on notice that the system of levees around the city may not work. From the "For Sale" signs around the neighborhood, it looks like about a third of the residents of this unscathed enclave have made the decision to move on.