29th Street Ballroom
Overheated Polemics
RECEIVED Thu., Dec. 22, 2022
Dear Editor,
I disagree [with] David Weinberg's "How to Ruin a Park" column. ["The Zilker Vision Plan Is Deeply Flawed and Should Be Scrapped," Opinion, Dec. 23] He claims that the benefits are all for commercial events for the wealthy.
I've been heavy user of the Butler Hike-Bike trail (both for hiking and biking) and I often have trouble finding parking, especially on weekends. At least some of the parking is free. I also go to arts and cultural events at Palmer, where it is sometimes very difficult to find parking.
Additional parking for these and many other non-commercial uses will benefit ordinary people in a town with inadequate public transportation.
Weinberg also has issues with what outdoor activities will benefit from the re-design and especially laments the loss of the frisbee golf course. Arguments about what kinds of activities should take priority are legitimate. A utilitarian might say that another sports field is likely to benefit far more people – and especially kids – than a frisbee golf course.
In this time of overheated polemics, it would be more helpful and productive to refrain from tarring Austin planners as late-capitalists.
I disagree [with] David Weinberg's "How to Ruin a Park" column. ["The Zilker Vision Plan Is Deeply Flawed and Should Be Scrapped," Opinion, Dec. 23] He claims that the benefits are all for commercial events for the wealthy.
I've been heavy user of the Butler Hike-Bike trail (both for hiking and biking) and I often have trouble finding parking, especially on weekends. At least some of the parking is free. I also go to arts and cultural events at Palmer, where it is sometimes very difficult to find parking.
Additional parking for these and many other non-commercial uses will benefit ordinary people in a town with inadequate public transportation.
Weinberg also has issues with what outdoor activities will benefit from the re-design and especially laments the loss of the frisbee golf course. Arguments about what kinds of activities should take priority are legitimate. A utilitarian might say that another sports field is likely to benefit far more people – and especially kids – than a frisbee golf course.
In this time of overheated polemics, it would be more helpful and productive to refrain from tarring Austin planners as late-capitalists.
Davida Charney