Replacing Trees With Buildings Ludicrous

I am not sure from where Mr. Patrick Goetz ["Postmarks," Sept. 12] is transplanted, but could it be from somewhere along the Eastern Seaboard megalopolis? Might I suggest he leave all that behind and try to get a better feel of where he is living now? These old urban neighborhoods give Austin its inherent feel.
   Is he, maybe, just stuck in his head and doesn't easily see the reality of what already exists and the reality of change? A change leading to crowding and concrete, more stress, and a type of insanity large cities breed – then add long hot summers.
   Travis Heights is an old, established neighborhood. Our centuries-old trees are integral. Most of us moved to the neighborhood for the life in it, not explicitly for profiting from its property.
   That Ms. Barkley does not live on the property emphatically makes her not a member of the community, nor a neighbor, and her behavior reinforces the fact. Now, to call the neighbors "unneighborly" is beyond twisted.
   If you look at most properties in the Travis Heights area, there is not room for a second residence. Therefore, it does not apply, regarding Barkley's property, to talk of creating an "urban village." Hers has no potential to be part of a "building to the sidewalk" design. As to a Kinney Street without variances nor trees: no thanks.
   I've lived in New York City and cities in America and Europe. The truth is, when I got here 25 years ago, it was the trees, throughout, that attracted me. To consider replacing them with buildings is ludicrous in this town – or any town.
   What Austin has is just right! The sense of community is strong, the intelligence level is high, and, in most, the sense of what is right and what is wrong is well intact.