An environment for opportunities.(Editorial)(Editorial)

The manager at the Aunt Sally's Creole Pralines store in New Orleans' French Quarter asked me to spread the news. "Tell everyone you can to visit because we're open and ready for business," said the 30-something manager. I was surprised by her comments. The last time I visited the store, about eight days before Hurricane Katrina's landfall, I had the impression that the clerk then really didn't care whether we bought anything. In fact, I thought I'd never return. After all, the store had become rather dungy.

Aunt Sally's was one of only a few of the traditional tourist shops reopened on this day. While the exterior retained the architectural style of the neighborhood, the inside was refreshingly bright and clean. This shop's owner had obviously used the opportunity to update and improve the business.

I discovered the spirit of renewal in several other places during my visit in July. In an adjacent storefront, workmen were cleaning damaged plaster and wood lathes. Masons were installing new stone slabs on the structure's sidewalk. And our favorite restaurant had even repaired its restrooms so that all the stations worked.

True, some of our favorite places weren't open. In fact, they showed no signs of any life. Dated spray painted red marks still denoted the neighborhood search for hurricane survivors back in those troubling dark days last August and September.

Everyone has an opinion on what should happen next for this city. During my six-day stay, I literally spoke with hundreds of residents on the subject. While they may disagree on the politics, they are committed to rebuilding the city.

The post-Katrina Southeast is quickly becoming society's urban and regional planning battleground. Experts from all disciplines are telling anyone who listens their opinions on how to best rebuild the area.

Up until now, I've been reluctant ...