Quote:
Originally Posted by The ATX
|
It's amazing how perspective can change so much on either side of an issue...quotes below are from the article linked above.
For the project:
Quote:
Alex Fleming, a resident of the Robertson Hill neighborhood, spoke in favor of the development, with the understanding that “change is inevitable.” He said he would rather see the amenities offered by this project than another development.
“We as east-siders can either choose to fight this change, or we can rally our voices together to embrace these changes to ensure positive impacts are implemented within our neighborhood,” said Fleming. “This site will be developed whether or not the neighbors agree.”
|
In opposition to the project (one of many possible quotes):
Quote:
Houston’s post ends with, “This project will set a precedent for further development on the east side of the access road. It will be in fact a vertical barrier that will marginalize and negate the neighborhoods and communities that exist today in central east Austin.”
|
What gets me is that the latter quote doesn't take into consideration what this project is replacing (a nasty old bingo hall, etc., as opposed to houses of folks who've lived there for generations) and what will be added: a grocery store, pharmacy, etc., that will benefit the community and all of the folks who live within 200 feet. They can WALK to a grocery store and a pharmacy...that's pretty terrific, in my book. The senior housing and affordable housing is also a plus, of course.
Granted, there is always a need compromise with anything. Views will be affected, but wouldn't they still be affected at 150 feet? What's the difference? Made up traffic numbers that we've already discussed are way off?
That's why I love the "for" point of view, quoted above. Change is inevitable. The choice is to work with it to shape it into something that is best for everyone (with everyone compromising to a degree for the greater good) or face the reality that something will eventually be built there either way, be pissed off by the fact that your voice isn't heard at all, and still miss your view. I'd go for accepting that a great tract of land can be developed - one that happens to be right across the freeway from a booming central business district, is part of a booming east side district, and is part of one of the fastest growing metros in the country...
I completely understand that perspective changes for every single person, but this can absolutely be a win-win if everyone takes a breath before simply shouting.