Here’s local folkie Bill Oliver doing his thing for SaveTownLake.org, cramming more developer jargon in to a three-minute ballad than should be humanly possible:
New Town Lake towers 200 feet high
Like adding three Hyatts … side by side by side
Crowding the river and the hiking path
If they have to build it, make ‘em set back …
Lyrics continue after the jump …
Setbacks and variances, who’s fooling who?
Let these bullies do it, the next ones will too
Enforce the code and protect the shore
Your variances aren’t any fun anymore
They low-ball their numbers, they bargain with threats
With Hike and Bike hostage, they’re upping their bets
F we give in the trail will look like a mall
A canyon of condos and riverfront walls
Refrain:
Setbacks and variances, who’s fooling who?
Let these bullies do it, the next ones will too
Enforce the code and protect the shore
Your variances aren’t any fun any more
You run for office like new Robin Hoods
Patronize small fries and old neighborhoods
Now when we need you where are your powers?
Lining Town Lake with code-busting towers
These codes are on purpose, these codes are our tools
We’re spiting ourselves when we break our own rules
The people are drawing a line in the sand
On the banks of Town Lake we’re taking our stand
This article appears in June 29 • 2007.