In New Orleans, high rent prevails
REGARDING “Cafes Tell New Orleans’ Story,” Sept. 3: I felt I had to write on behalf of the many thousands of displaced service industry employees, many of whom lived in the Lower 9th Ward and would love nothing more than to come home and none of whom can afford the new rents with jobs that pay $6 to $8 per hour.
Rent in New Orleans has increased across the board because less housing is available. A friend lived in a downstairs two-room unit in the French Quarter, and he paid $400 per month in rent. The space probably measured 250 square feet.
His landlord has since rented his apartment, with no improvements and including the furnishings my friend left behind when he evacuated, for $750 a month.
JUDITH MICHAELS
Malibu
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