NEW ORLEANS — Some residents and business owners in Mid City know the frustration of flooding all too well, and members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club are some of them. After countless flooding events, crucial much-needed funds could help protect the organization's HQ from future damage.
There was flooding at Zulu's headquarters in 2017 and back in 2009. The building has flooded countless times. Zulu president Elroy James said, "For every flooding event outside Hurricane Katrina, it's documented that this property took on 1-2 feet of water, at its highest 3 feet."
Flood damage is continually causing problems for the building on Board St. James says the constant flooding is running up costs. "Because of the repeated flooding issues this property has experienced, it has also experienced escalated insurance costs, which deprived the organization of limited resources to put back into the community for our Toys for Tots drive, our basketball giveaways, even more, our carnival activities."
Just around the corner on Orleans Avenue, WWL Louisiana spoke to several residents on Orleans Avenue and all of them said they're no strangers to flooding. One resident said she lost her car when this roadway flooded.
Kelly Jones says she when it rains she moves her truck because they can get three feet or more of water. Jones says she's lived at her Orleans Avenue home for over 20 years, when asked how many times she's experienced flooding, she said, "In the last two years at least half a dozen times."
As for Zulu's HQ, reprieve is on the way. In 2020 they got $340,000 in FEMA funding to raise the building. James acknowledges it's taken a long time to get through procedural processes. He said they, "Had to get FEMA approval, regarding architect plans, there were some adjustments that had to be made regarding the plans because this area is designated a historical area."
But, finally, four years later, work is slated to start next month. James says construction should be complete with the building ready to go by next Mardi Gras. He says the building will be lifted three feet and six inches.