Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline
Eastside Coverage Lacks Depth
RECEIVED Wed., April 15, 2015
Dear Editor,
While I appreciate the Eastside cover story, the article added nothing to the historical coverage or dialogue (or lack thereof) on gentrification. The article, “Eastward Expansion,” [News, April 10] offers no solutions whatsoever. The only reference to a solution is to the 10-year-old Homestead Preservation District legislation that ironically would do nothing to help longtime homeowners stay in East Austin. Our nonprofit, the Eastside Guardians (aka East Austin Conservancy) has raised funding through private donations to provide tax relief for longtime homeowners. We have helped provide tax relief to 25 homeowners already. This is real help to homeowners who are, for the most part, on a fixed income. No one else provides tax payment assistance. If people want to do something to help the Eastside, help us help these homeowners. If our county and city officials care about this issue, they should immediately create a tax exemption for seniors, like AISD has in place. Our research shows that two-thirds of the longtime homeowners who remain in East Austin benefit from the senior (65+) exemption provided by AISD. Year to year, the increased tax burden to seniors is from the city and county. A city/county senior exemption could actually help Eastside homeowners (and anyone else who hopes to retire in Austin). The city and the county have the authority already (with no state legislative action) to freeze taxes for seniors. Let’s stop saying "someone should do something to help the Eastside" and let’s do something. Let's stop the intellectual exercises and the finger-pointing and get to work.
While I appreciate the Eastside cover story, the article added nothing to the historical coverage or dialogue (or lack thereof) on gentrification. The article, “Eastward Expansion,” [News, April 10] offers no solutions whatsoever. The only reference to a solution is to the 10-year-old Homestead Preservation District legislation that ironically would do nothing to help longtime homeowners stay in East Austin. Our nonprofit, the Eastside Guardians (aka East Austin Conservancy) has raised funding through private donations to provide tax relief for longtime homeowners. We have helped provide tax relief to 25 homeowners already. This is real help to homeowners who are, for the most part, on a fixed income. No one else provides tax payment assistance. If people want to do something to help the Eastside, help us help these homeowners. If our county and city officials care about this issue, they should immediately create a tax exemption for seniors, like AISD has in place. Our research shows that two-thirds of the longtime homeowners who remain in East Austin benefit from the senior (65+) exemption provided by AISD. Year to year, the increased tax burden to seniors is from the city and county. A city/county senior exemption could actually help Eastside homeowners (and anyone else who hopes to retire in Austin). The city and the county have the authority already (with no state legislative action) to freeze taxes for seniors. Let’s stop saying "someone should do something to help the Eastside" and let’s do something. Let's stop the intellectual exercises and the finger-pointing and get to work.
Raul Alvarez
