NEW ORLEANS -- Residents of a community bordering a New Orleans East swamp are growing concerned about wildlife in the area.
Oak Island is a community of 425 homes next to Michoud Boulevard. Some neighbors have lived there for decades.
"I have been living in Oak Island since 1986. It's really quiet," said Jackie Edmond.
Now they are seeing a growing swamp literally next to their yards. It is along the property at the edge of the old amusement park that closed for Katrina, and never reopened.
"At one time this was a wooded area, and since we have the green slime here, vegetation is dying," said Oak Island Association President Lynette Sparrow. "We have mosquitos, and you can't even stay outside."
Other residents echoed complaints of an area forgotten since the storm.
"It's slime, the slime is so thick it looks like carpet," said Edmond. "My concern is when I'm inhaling this as I pass by, if it's toxic."
Where there were trees, there is now high grass, and wildlife including alligators live in the swamp.
"When it rains the water comes into the street. It's hard for the cars to pass," said Nathaniel Gaten. "We have snakes, rodents, wild hogs."
New Orleans East has been one of the area in the city that has arguably had the slowest and hardest rejuvenation process since Katrina.
"It's just getting ridiculous," exclaimed Edward Gresham. "I've lived out here for 18 years, and this area is just getting worse and worse. It's like we're in the forgotten land. I mean, we pay taxes just like everybody else."
The residents here said it is long past time for the city to come out here, and help them with the critical problems they face.
"I've been working with the city for at least over eight years, and what I would like them to do is solve this problem," Sparrow said. "We didn't have this water before Katrina."
Residents said their concerns surpass beautification of the area; it's about their health and well-being.
"I'm concerned about the Zika virus," said William Peoples, who also wants better mosquito control. "This is a seaport town, and this can breed mosquitoes. I want to see the City drain this water."