Antone's Nightclub
In Favor of PODER
RECEIVED Mon., Nov. 28, 2005
Dear Editor,
I am slightly perturbed by a letter you received that only bashed PODER [“Postmarks,” Nov. 18]. As a lifelong resident of East Austin I would like to take the opportunity to speak out.
I really doubt that the development projects in East Austin will revitalize my community. Most of these projects cater to affluent, white, young professionals. The housing units (aka condos and lofts) are overpriced, and the small coffee shops and businesses (art galleries) don't appeal to us because they were not made to serve us.
An ounce of research will uncover the fact that the white population in East Austin from 1990 to 2000 has increased by 31%. It may be that Mr. Edwards, along with the other neighbors whose opinions differ greatly from PODER, falls into that first wave of gentry.
PODER gained the respect and trust of East Austin residents. During the 1990s the East Austin community, with the help of PODER, shut down the tank farms (home to major oil companies) that were poisoning our air, land, water, and families. We shut down the BFI Recycling Plant, which brought filth and rats to our community. By 2007 we will have shut down the Holly Power Plant, right down the street from Mr. Edwards' home. Power plants in the United States are responsible for 72% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 33% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 32% of particulate matter emissions, 23% of mercury emissions, and 36% of carbon dioxide contaminating our air.
Ironically, now that we live in a healthier community we are being displaced.
It may be easy for people such as Mr. Edwards to ignore this reality. Unfortunately some of us have to face it and wonder if we will be able to afford these property taxes. If not, where will they push us next? Farther east?
I am slightly perturbed by a letter you received that only bashed PODER [“Postmarks,” Nov. 18]. As a lifelong resident of East Austin I would like to take the opportunity to speak out.
I really doubt that the development projects in East Austin will revitalize my community. Most of these projects cater to affluent, white, young professionals. The housing units (aka condos and lofts) are overpriced, and the small coffee shops and businesses (art galleries) don't appeal to us because they were not made to serve us.
An ounce of research will uncover the fact that the white population in East Austin from 1990 to 2000 has increased by 31%. It may be that Mr. Edwards, along with the other neighbors whose opinions differ greatly from PODER, falls into that first wave of gentry.
PODER gained the respect and trust of East Austin residents. During the 1990s the East Austin community, with the help of PODER, shut down the tank farms (home to major oil companies) that were poisoning our air, land, water, and families. We shut down the BFI Recycling Plant, which brought filth and rats to our community. By 2007 we will have shut down the Holly Power Plant, right down the street from Mr. Edwards' home. Power plants in the United States are responsible for 72% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 33% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 32% of particulate matter emissions, 23% of mercury emissions, and 36% of carbon dioxide contaminating our air.
Ironically, now that we live in a healthier community we are being displaced.
It may be easy for people such as Mr. Edwards to ignore this reality. Unfortunately some of us have to face it and wonder if we will be able to afford these property taxes. If not, where will they push us next? Farther east?
Ana Villalobos