Dougherty Arts Center
Latinos Pushed Out
RECEIVED Wed., March 3, 2010
Dear Editor,
Re: “What's Historic?” [News, Feb. 26]: More than 80 years ago the city relocated to the Eastside my parents and all Mexicans that were living in the now historic zone of west Downtown. In the mid-Eighties an overgreedy real estate broker cheated my family out of our property at 51 Rainey St. He didn't hesitate a second to demolish our possibly historic house, stone archway and all. Unfortunately, similar aggressive actions continue today in Austin. The ambitious desires of the powerful elite should never be allowed to trample on the basic rights of others in a humane society.
East Austin has few houses with the required architectural look and significance. There was at least one building that had a great deal of community and cultural value to us. But some ruthless businessmen demolished it for yet another IHOP restaurant! The task force definitely needs to look more closely at how historic zoning is unfair and inequitable. The less privileged do not have the needed money and resources to restore their homes and take advantage of city abatements, etc. Also needed is further investigation in how this zoning and encroachment causes gentrification. With increasing property values and taxes, Latinos are being pushed out of their East Central neighborhood again. They lose their family homes, and the community loses its character. These longtime Austin residents deserve more consideration and respect than those businessmen and newcomers who are taking advantage of them. Affordable houses really should have been built instead of expensive condominiums.
Now our old family property is being used as an unofficial dog park for the condo residents across the street! At least still standing is the mighty cottonwood tree that I would climb to the top of for an unobstructed view of the river and Downtown.
Re: “What's Historic?” [News, Feb. 26]: More than 80 years ago the city relocated to the Eastside my parents and all Mexicans that were living in the now historic zone of west Downtown. In the mid-Eighties an overgreedy real estate broker cheated my family out of our property at 51 Rainey St. He didn't hesitate a second to demolish our possibly historic house, stone archway and all. Unfortunately, similar aggressive actions continue today in Austin. The ambitious desires of the powerful elite should never be allowed to trample on the basic rights of others in a humane society.
East Austin has few houses with the required architectural look and significance. There was at least one building that had a great deal of community and cultural value to us. But some ruthless businessmen demolished it for yet another IHOP restaurant! The task force definitely needs to look more closely at how historic zoning is unfair and inequitable. The less privileged do not have the needed money and resources to restore their homes and take advantage of city abatements, etc. Also needed is further investigation in how this zoning and encroachment causes gentrification. With increasing property values and taxes, Latinos are being pushed out of their East Central neighborhood again. They lose their family homes, and the community loses its character. These longtime Austin residents deserve more consideration and respect than those businessmen and newcomers who are taking advantage of them. Affordable houses really should have been built instead of expensive condominiums.
Now our old family property is being used as an unofficial dog park for the condo residents across the street! At least still standing is the mighty cottonwood tree that I would climb to the top of for an unobstructed view of the river and Downtown.
Anita Quintanilla
