From AP, Dec. 20:

New Orleans council approved the demolition of 4,500 public housing units despite the public outcry outside on Thursday.

The council's decision followed hours of public debate and clashes by some protesters with police.

Chemical spray and stun devices were used on dozens of protesters in New Orleans who tried to forces their way through an iron gate at City Hall.

Police arrested some people as they tried to establish order.

The protest started after the seating capacity of 300 was reached in the council chambers. People began chanting and calling for the council to reject plans by the Department of Housing and Urban development to demolish the housing projects.

From the Times-Picayune, Dec. 20:

Mayor Ray Nagin didn't attend the six-hour City Council meeting over the fate of public housing, but he held a 5 p.m. news conference to compliment the council members for approving the demolition of the four largest developments in New Orleans.

The Council voted 7-0 to approve demolitions at B.W. Cooper, St. Bernard, Lafitte and C.J.Peete.

"The decisions made today were ones of compassion, courage, and commitment to this city," said Nagin. "This is an incredible day. You heard lots of pain today. The City Council in its wisdom has come up with a solution that will allow us to move forward, to hold HUD accountable."

"There's still one more step," said Nagin, adding that HANO and HUD must obtain their demolition permits from the city's office of safety and permits. "We're going to make sure that before those permits are issued" that HUD complies with the council's conditions.

There seems to be some confusion as to whether plans to demolish BW Cooper (formerly Calliope) was previously approved by the City Council or only the project's governing council. Perhaps some New Orleans activists can clarify this for us...