Auditorium Shores
A Sad Situation Captured
RECEIVED Thu., May 6, 2010
Dear Editor,
The recent article "Showdown at David Street: City Regs Broken at Will" [News, April 30] about lax city regulations, forgiven errors, and forgiven violations captures a sad situation very well. Remodel permits have been abused to game code grandfathering. The development/density crowd is often quick to call citizens NIMBY, but you've got to admit that an invested homeowner has reason to be suspicious of infill development with shenanigans like this going on. This isn't an isolated case – let's see better infill. The city has many good staff, but there is a failing in the system when lobbyists and fixers can create confusion in staff, exploit loopholes, and abuse the system while sometimes threatening the city with lawsuits if they don't get their way. It is time for the city manager and the law department to create a framework in which staff can do their best and citizens can be protected. Only then can Austin successfully evolve with denser corridors and more livable communities.
The recent article "Showdown at David Street: City Regs Broken at Will" [News, April 30] about lax city regulations, forgiven errors, and forgiven violations captures a sad situation very well. Remodel permits have been abused to game code grandfathering. The development/density crowd is often quick to call citizens NIMBY, but you've got to admit that an invested homeowner has reason to be suspicious of infill development with shenanigans like this going on. This isn't an isolated case – let's see better infill. The city has many good staff, but there is a failing in the system when lobbyists and fixers can create confusion in staff, exploit loopholes, and abuse the system while sometimes threatening the city with lawsuits if they don't get their way. It is time for the city manager and the law department to create a framework in which staff can do their best and citizens can be protected. Only then can Austin successfully evolve with denser corridors and more livable communities.
Bart Whatley
