Controversial

In New Orleans, it is apparently controversial to say, "people are more important than property."

Ramsey also addressed her recent controversial remarks on preservation. Last month, in arguing in favor of granting a property owner’s request to tear down her 1920s-era building, Ramsey said she believed people were more important that property and that “preservation is important but not at the expense of forcing people without means or of limited means to take their property away from them.”

The comments did not go over well with Council President Stacy Head or preservationists.

During her address Wednesday, Ramsey said that protecting the integrity of historic structures and accommodating the needs of people who live in them is a “very delicate balance.” “I see the value of both goals and I do not believe that they are mutually exclusive, but rather that they can work hand in hand,” she said. “These matters will have to be decided on a case-by-case basis.” She added that she would work with property owners and preservationists to obtain the “highest use” of buildings.

Also, Ramsey said she's working on an ordinance to crack down on the Airbnb-ification of everything.  That sounds good, but remember, Bob Ellis has already organized a lobby of property owners pushing for laws that loosen restrictions on short-term rentals.  So chances are whatever ordinance finally gets passed will end up doing more harm than good.