99% Invisible Not Built For This #4: Unbuilding the Terrace
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Aug 30, 2024 
Trameka Rankins, a resident from Greenwich Terrace in Lake Charles, Louisiana, shares her heart-wrenching journey as her home was bought out due to devastating floods. She discusses the emotional turmoil of losing her cherished neighborhood while confronting systemic inequities and the struggles in disaster responses. The conversation also delves into the concept of managed retreat—an innovative approach to flood management that aims to help communities. Trameka's personal story highlights the bittersweet tension between nostalgia and the need for new beginnings in the face of climate change.
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Life in Greenwich Terrace
- Trameka Rankins bought a house in Greenwich Terrace, Lake Charles, viewing it as a starter home.
- She lived there for over two decades, raising her family and enjoying the close-knit community.
Repeated Flooding
- Greenwich Terrace experienced repeated flooding, starting with Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
- Subsequent hurricanes, including Delta, caused further damage and displacement.
Conflicting Narratives
- Two narratives emerged regarding the Terrace's vulnerability: government officials cited climate change and infrastructure limitations.
- Residents believed the government neglected their community's needs.