Fredericksburg
Supports South Lamar Neighborhood Association
RECEIVED Wed., May 10, 2006
Dear Editor,
Many of us in the South Lamar Neighborhood Association endorse and embrace Foundation Communities [“Don't Put Their Back Yard in My Back Yard,” News, May 5]. The points made by the one neighbor whom you interviewed are not mine. I do agree that our meetings are tyrannized, but not by the contingency of the north. Often members use tactics, such as impromptu "straw polls" to push their agendas and intimidate others, instead of letting our process work. They did this time, attempting to install an 11th-hour rule that would require a 75% yes vote instead of our bylaws' simple majority before we could back FC. (Meeting minutes available at www.southlamar.org/docs/SLNA%20Meeting%20Minutes%2002-16-06.pdf.) However, that idea was voted down, and in fact a more than 76% majority voted to back the nonprofit. Also, many of us neighbors realize the characteristics of the proposed residents do not reflect the majority of homeless people and that most U.S. families are one paycheck from being homeless ourselves. I am ready to have faith that FC could help people and to recognize those being helped are very much like me. I am happy that my neighbors have opinions. I chose to live in South Austin because it has a robust, diverse community. And, I recommend even more of us pay our dues (or request waivers) and attend the meetings, volunteer, and actively participate in managing our 'hood.
Many of us in the South Lamar Neighborhood Association endorse and embrace Foundation Communities [“Don't Put Their Back Yard in My Back Yard,” News, May 5]. The points made by the one neighbor whom you interviewed are not mine. I do agree that our meetings are tyrannized, but not by the contingency of the north. Often members use tactics, such as impromptu "straw polls" to push their agendas and intimidate others, instead of letting our process work. They did this time, attempting to install an 11th-hour rule that would require a 75% yes vote instead of our bylaws' simple majority before we could back FC. (Meeting minutes available at www.southlamar.org/docs/SLNA%20Meeting%20Minutes%2002-16-06.pdf.) However, that idea was voted down, and in fact a more than 76% majority voted to back the nonprofit. Also, many of us neighbors realize the characteristics of the proposed residents do not reflect the majority of homeless people and that most U.S. families are one paycheck from being homeless ourselves. I am ready to have faith that FC could help people and to recognize those being helped are very much like me. I am happy that my neighbors have opinions. I chose to live in South Austin because it has a robust, diverse community. And, I recommend even more of us pay our dues (or request waivers) and attend the meetings, volunteer, and actively participate in managing our 'hood.
Beth Troell
