The breach in the 17th Street Canal, visible in this aerial photo taken Sept. 4, 2005, flooded much of New Orleans' Lakeview District. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Lakeview
Neighborhood Description: The Lakeview neighborhood is bordered by water on three sides: Lake Ponchartrain in the north, the 17th Street Canal to the west and the Orleans Avenue Canal on the east. Like much of the surrounding areas, it was first developed over drained swampland. At first a middle-class neighborhood, it later became more economically upscale. By the late 20th century, mansions began replacing some of the older, more modest homes in the neighborhood.
Damage After Katrina: A breach in the 17th Street Canal flooded Lakeview with as much as 9 feet of water.
State of Reconstruction: Just less than half the residents of the area have filed for some sort of rebuilding permit, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. But by some estimates, perhaps just 10 percent of residents have returned. Those who are back now live in FEMA trailers, or are in their still-damaged or renovated homes.
