Metairie - can you tell me about it (New Orleans, Kenner: neighborhoods, movies)

[Pook77]

I came from Atlanta, so I know PLENTY about suburbs! They're ugly everywhere, from what I've seen.

The key here is New Orleans suburbs not Atlanta. Not saying it's gorgeous out here, but you know nothing about living in the suburbs here.

[MetroBTR]

Originally Posted by Pook77

I came from Atlanta, so I know PLENTY about suburbs! They're ugly everywhere, from what I've seen.

The key here is New Orleans suburbs not Atlanta. Not saying it's gorgeous out here, but you know nothing about living in the suburbs here.

You are right that most suburbs are ugly and bland. I do like some of the older suburban areas of some of the northeastern cities...like the Main Line outside Philadelphia.

Unfortunately most of suburban New Orleans is very dense with small lots and modest ranch houses. Some places like parts of Terrytown are a little bit more visually interesting because of the abundance of mid-century modern architecture. But most Louisiana suburbs are either overwhelmingly boring or overwhelmingly gilded (that is, ugly in disguise).

[Pook77]

Agreed, as I am in one of those types of homes and I agree that my entire neighborhood is ugly - nice, but "cookie cutter" ugly. I was just offended in how the message was presented and still am. But, I think we all agree on the same thing here and I'm beating my own dead horse so I'll let 'er be now.

Peace y'all.

[thepointykitty]

Originally Posted by Pook77

Agreed, as I am in one of those types of homes and I agree that my entire neighborhood is ugly - nice, but "cookie cutter" ugly. I was just offended in how the message was presented and still am. But, I think we all agree on the same thing here and I'm beating my own dead horse so I'll let 'er be now.

Peace y'all.

I'm sorry for being so blunt, Pook. Really. And I don't think "cookie cutter" is necessarily "ugly", just "bland". You can fix "bland" though, with a few flowering shrubs and other small, interesting touches. (Be the "crazy one" and plant wildflowers in the front yard!)

Unfortunately, a lot of people like "bland" (I'm pretty sure my in-laws do, lol!)

The "ugly" is: strip malls popping up everywhere, the abandoned shopping centers - NOT the storm damaged ones, I know that's a special case. I mean the stores that abandon their original location to build a brand new one down the street, and then the first one sits there for YEARS as nothing but an eyesore. Freakin' billboards, too. Those are out of control, especially the ones with faded and peeling ads. All those things are aesthetically offensive, ESPECIALLY to those who have to look at them every day!

I think the way to fix that is to raise some hell! Maybe there are a lot of people who feel that way but have just been "putting up with it" because they thought no one else minded. Those who are bothered by it could form a group and go to zoning meetings, send petitions around, and at least slow down the sprawl. Maybe turn some of those vacant buildings into community centers and park areas.

Shoot, start with a Facebook group or something. There must be people who feel the same way, and I'd be willing to bet that some of them have influence and would be willing to shell out a nice chunk of change for a beautification project. Just sayin...

[Pook77]

Originally Posted by thepointykitty

!

I think the way to fix that is to raise some hell! Maybe there are a lot of people who feel that way but have just been "putting up with it" because they thought no one else minded. Those who are bothered by it could form a group and go to zoning meetings, send petitions around, and at least slow down the sprawl. Maybe turn some of those vacant buildings into community centers and park areas.

Jefferson Parish is full of dirtier politicians than Orleans (at least in my opinion). The only thing anyone of power cares about is how much they can line their pockets with and which one of their relatives will take over next. Residents are vocal and get nowhere. It's not they don't mind (believe me, I hear them loud and clear!) it's that nobody that can do anything cares to listen. It's been that way for generations and I don't think it's stopping anytime soon. Take a look at the forums at NOLA.com for Kenner and Metairie and you'll see what I mean (once you get past the Obama bashing posts). Frankly, there's no money to make community centers and parks, either and zoning laws in ALL of the New Orleans area are an absolute joke.

I'd get involved but I plan on starting a family in the next 3 years and I don't care to raise my children in Kenner or Metairie. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I just don't think it's the right fit for how we want to raise our future kids. Airplanes at flight level 10 (1000 ft) over my roof aren't good for a sleeping child, either. Haha!

We just have to live with what we have for now. I'm sorry I overreacted.

[Orestes]

Originally Posted by thepointykitty

I have no input on the schools or the "origin of the suburbs" theory. Also, some people like suburbs and I ain't one of them, so there's my disclaimer. If I couldn't live in the actual city of New Orleans, I would move to Mandeville.

To me Metairie is, to use an old Southern expression, 'as ugly as homemade sin'. I would characterize Gwinnett County, which is part of metro Atlanta, the same way. It's strip malls, subdivisions, gas stations, and all around "sprawl". The only things inoffensive to the eye, in my opinion, are the homogenous, cookie-cutter subdivisions, and those are offensive to the soul. (However, I have not seen "Old Metairie" yet, so hopefully that has some real character). Again, this is my opinion.

I prefer to live inside a vibrant city OR out in the middle of nowhere. Mediocrity is unacceptable. Clearly, many people disagree with me on that, and I wish them well in the suburbs or wherever. Different strokes for different folks...

Originally Posted by Pook77

I'm sorry I overreacted.

I don't feel you over-reacted; I think you remained relatively polite. There were elements to that post that went beyond personal opinion, they were down right insulting. However, it's apparent that it wasn't intentional (I certainly hope so).

thepointykitty, I really enjoy and appreciate your posts. I enjoy reading your opinion. I think it's unfortunate that your opinion came off so vitriolic is this instance. If I may, I'd like to offer that you could have presented your opinion in a much less insulting manner (specifically, the underlined items). And, I sincerely mean this with absolutely no sarcasm intended; I hope that New Orleans keeps that 'new car smell' for you longer than it does for many of the people who immigrate in with the best of intentions.

To the OP; given, the suburban atmosphere isn't to everyone's taste. Not to mention, there are issues that must be heavily weighed, such as the education discussion that has been ongoing. However, the suburbs of New Orleans, such as Metairie, are full of residents that are as much "New Orleans" (if not more) than people in the city. You can't necessarily neatly divide up the area with municipal boundaries. They know that their communities share the same problems the city proper does, they also know they they have some of the things that make the city proper what it is. Many choose the suburban life over the city proper for a number of reasons. Quite often, it's because they've been in the metro area their entire lives and have no need (or desire) to immerse themselves in the environment of the city proper. They enjoy the conveniences that suburbs provide and they remain very easily accessible to the city for work or play. Take a look at Metairie, research your individual needs, if it's a fit: rock on!

[thepointykitty]

Originally Posted by Orestes

I don't feel you over-reacted;

Except that she admitted it WAS ugly, she moved there only because she could afford it, and that she wouldn't be raising her children there. It doesn't sound like she's emotionally invested in the area. It doesn't LOOK like very many people are.

I admit that I could've worded my post much more politely. I had actually just spent two hours driving around Metairie and Kenner (mostly lost) when I posted it, so maybe the "culture shock" got to me. I apologize for the wording but not for the message.

And, yes, I am a new resident, but have spent a lot of time here in the last two years. How long must someone be here before a critical opinion is valid? Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can see things that local complacency has let slide.

Btw, I don't think ALL of Jefferson Parish is ugly. Old Jefferson has a lot of nice small to medium sized houses and a great "small town" feel. Judging from the signs in the yards, bumper stickers, etc. it's a bit too conservative for me, but it's not ugly at all.

[Orestes]

Originally Posted by thepointykitty

How long must someone be here before a critical opinion is valid?

4 years, 7 months, 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 33 minutes and 58 seconds

[thepointykitty]

Originally Posted by Orestes

4 years, 7 months, 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 33 minutes and 58 seconds

Well, I'm marking my calendar 'cause I'm still gonna be here! ;-)

(Btw, good job with "vitriolic"! That is a FINE word and I think I might have to work that one in on a regular basis. I love pulling awesome words like that out of the blue!)

[Orestes]

I do have a tendency toward sesquipedalian loquaciousness.