‘We’ve kayaked in the street’: Lakeview residents push for real flood fixes as city unveils drainage study

NEW ORLEANS — When the rain comes down in Lakeview, it doesn’t take long for the water to rise.

Resident Peter Crean says his family has experienced serious flooding twice in just five years — once after Hurricane Ida and another time during a heavy summer storm.

“We’ve had serious flooding twice — enough that you could kayak in the street,” Crean said. “We love this city, but the key is what’s being done about it. That’s what tonight is all about — making sure there are plans and somebody’s paying attention.”

On Wednesday, city engineers met with residents inside Hynes Charter School to share the results of a new drainage study for Lakeview and nearby neighborhoods. The computer models track how rainfall moves through streets, drains, and green spaces — helping officials identify where