AFS Cinema
Understanding Preservation
RECEIVED Wed., July 29, 2015
Dear Editor,
Thank you for printing Cindy Widner's insightful look at the rapid destruction of what identifies Austin and its people [“Protect and Preserve,” News, July 24]. Yes, the tools for preserving what's left of the good stuff are limited almost exclusively to Local Historic Districts, and as Preservation Austin's Kate Singleton points out in the article, most of Austinites' indifference or downright hostility to adopting a tool that gives neighborhoods more – not less – self-determination, while supporting affordability, is due to misunderstanding. When longtime residents as well as newcomers realize that establishing Local Historic Districts doesn't mean freezing a selected area – or their home – in time, they're likely to join in helping Austin keep its identity – if it's not already too late.
Thank you for printing Cindy Widner's insightful look at the rapid destruction of what identifies Austin and its people [“Protect and Preserve,” News, July 24]. Yes, the tools for preserving what's left of the good stuff are limited almost exclusively to Local Historic Districts, and as Preservation Austin's Kate Singleton points out in the article, most of Austinites' indifference or downright hostility to adopting a tool that gives neighborhoods more – not less – self-determination, while supporting affordability, is due to misunderstanding. When longtime residents as well as newcomers realize that establishing Local Historic Districts doesn't mean freezing a selected area – or their home – in time, they're likely to join in helping Austin keep its identity – if it's not already too late.
Cory Walton