Cheer Up Charlies
Dawson Neighborhood 'Elite' Putting Out 'Misinformation'
RECEIVED Tue., May 22, 2007
Dear Editor,
I am sick of all the misinformation coming out of the Dawson neighborhood "elite.” I am one of the supposed "developer group" who is requesting a FLUM (Future Land Use Map) change. I have been a property owner and fellow Dawsonite for almost 10 years. I am not a developer, nor are any of the property owners requesting the change. Despite what these people have been saying, city staff, commissioners, and council members have a right to their opinion and do not have to side with the neighborhood. The neighborhood plan is a tool to work with the city, not the law. I agree with Chris Cosart's letter dated May 17, “Austinites Prevent Smart Growth, Not Facilitate It” [“Postmarks” online]. We have been upfront and honest and have tried to work with the neighborhood elite, but they want no change. Why do they think they have more say about my property than I do? What have they really done to improve the neighborhood? Nothing! Dawson is stagnant, and the only thing they want is status quo. Wake up, people. Austin is growing, and whether you like it or not, the changes we are requesting make sense. Every property owner requesting the change was included in the presentation to the Planning Commission, but I guess Donald Dawson would have to check facts in order to get it correct. And it has been very clear he and others voicing their opinion and sadly, representing the neighborhood have no clue. Their tactics are to confuse these elderly neighbors and incite the neighborhood. They have never tried to consider how the change might benefit the neighborhood. By the way, a FLUM change and zoning change are two completely different things. Do you get it?
I am sick of all the misinformation coming out of the Dawson neighborhood "elite.” I am one of the supposed "developer group" who is requesting a FLUM (Future Land Use Map) change. I have been a property owner and fellow Dawsonite for almost 10 years. I am not a developer, nor are any of the property owners requesting the change. Despite what these people have been saying, city staff, commissioners, and council members have a right to their opinion and do not have to side with the neighborhood. The neighborhood plan is a tool to work with the city, not the law. I agree with Chris Cosart's letter dated May 17, “Austinites Prevent Smart Growth, Not Facilitate It” [“Postmarks” online]. We have been upfront and honest and have tried to work with the neighborhood elite, but they want no change. Why do they think they have more say about my property than I do? What have they really done to improve the neighborhood? Nothing! Dawson is stagnant, and the only thing they want is status quo. Wake up, people. Austin is growing, and whether you like it or not, the changes we are requesting make sense. Every property owner requesting the change was included in the presentation to the Planning Commission, but I guess Donald Dawson would have to check facts in order to get it correct. And it has been very clear he and others voicing their opinion and sadly, representing the neighborhood have no clue. Their tactics are to confuse these elderly neighbors and incite the neighborhood. They have never tried to consider how the change might benefit the neighborhood. By the way, a FLUM change and zoning change are two completely different things. Do you get it?
Julie Alexander
