Post Disaster RedevelopmentPost Disaster Redevelopment

The Punta Gorda ExperienceThe Punta Gorda Experience

By: Mitchell S. AustinBy: Mitchell S. Austin©2008©2008

Short Term Issues-Long Term Problems Temporary housing

How is it placed Where do you put it Location, location,

location: Public schools Healthcare facilities Shopping Workplaces Social services Public Transit

Business is Key Businesses need an

immediate response 80% of businesses open

in Punta Gorda on August 12th, 2004 were not open three months post event

50% of businesses open August 12th, 2004 were not open on August 13th, 2005

Public Infrastructure• Know what you have

and where

o Inventory now

o GPS everything

Public Infrastructure Planning Where should our

stuff really be?

How should it really be built?

Do your “blue sky planning”

Lessons Learned Building Services

need intelligence immediately

Planners & Emergency Managers need to communicate

Dealing with FEMA and DEM

Document, document, document Be prepared to tell your story to dozens

of different people to get the desired results

Don’t be afraid to tell them NO, they know disasters-you know your community

Creative Solutions Never underestimate

the value of well organized volunteers

Be proactive: Reach out to community groups

Be positive about the citizen/business groups that form post event

Private Sector investment dollars chase Public Sector investments….

Before and after:Laishley Park

Before and after:Events Center

Before and after:Housing Authority

Before and after:Sunloft Center

Expect the Unexpected