Living in Another Austin

Dear Editor,
    I live in another Austin from city attorney Casey Dobson ["Wal-Mart Case Could Take Several Weeks to Decide," News, Nov. 23, and "Quote of the Week," News, Nov. 16]. My other Austin does not need to take the city to court to enforce city ordinances. I live in an Austin where citizens vote and approve the city’s neighborhood plan for livable density. My Austin has a city staff and council that believes in the community. The Austin I live in does not need a group of developers to tell me what is best for my neighborhood.
    My Austin home is not above Walled-Mark. My Austin lets citizens vote on how they want their neighborhoods to look! My Austin is the live music capital of the world, and Lady Bird Lake is my playground.
    When Mr. Dobson mentioned “this city,” he was correct that we “believe - everybody was just out to get them.” City staff’s recommendations are usually for the developers and against the neighborhoods. The Planning Commission has voted against the neighborhoods and for the developers. Judges have ruled against neighborhoods and against enforcing existing city ordinances.
    Developers are currently taking over neighborhood associations and planning teams. Neighborhood planning team officers are worn out! There is so much financial gain for the developers; there seems to be a conflict of interest. There is so little financial gain for the neighborhoods, except a decent place to live, which is another Austin.