Destroying Intel Building an 'Incredible Waste of Opportunity'

Dear Editor,
    When the Intel frame is destroyed by the General Services Administration on Sunday, everyone loses. The city loses the chance to gain $60 million to $75 million in tax base in the form of a mixed-use residential building which could occupy the frame. The federal judges lose an opportunity to have their much-needed courthouse years sooner if it were built by the private sector and leased back (a proposal was on the table). In short, a win/win solution becomes a lose/lose expensive disaster, and the GSA loses credibility in addition to about a $5 million profit by selling the frame. (That offer had been made.)
    The main fact that everyone including the GSA seems to have missed is that the GSA actions directly defy a standing presidential order requiring the expenditure of federal money on a courthouse to be spent in an area which needs economic development. If there is any one spot in the U.S. right now that doesn’t need help from federal spending, it is the Southwest quadrant of downtown Austin.
    We should all be very proud of Mayor Wynn for standing up for what would have been best for everyone. Sen. Lloyd Doggett and the offices of all of our elected officials were very cooperative when asked for time to discuss alternatives.
    By contrast we should be sickened by the bureaucratic arrogance of the GSA, Scott Armey of Fort Worth in particular, as well as the incredible waste of opportunity that will result.