'Don't Fall for Developers' PR Tricks'

Dear Editor,
    Who exactly is going to destroy the Ranch 616 ["Developing Stories," News, Feb. 2]? It happens to be the same developer that is claiming to save it … hmmm. They are demanding 400 feet, or they have no project. So tell me, if they don’t get the zoning change they require to put up a 400-foot tower, and they have no project, does the ranch still go away? Not likely, because that’s not what this zoning change is really all about.
    This zoning will drop a 400-foot tower directly across from the original city neighborhood – a Downtown, mixed-use, historic neighborhood that is far more iconic. Bigger is not always better everywhere Downtown. Supporting an out-of-context zoning change like this hurts Austin’s character and diminishes the texture and diversity Downtown. Please don’t fall for developers' PR tricks, rather than supporting the city of Austin’s commitment to planning and creating a thoughtful Downtown Plan that ensures Downtown is everyone’s neighborhood.