Dougherty Arts Center
Fighting to Leave
RECEIVED Fri., April 22, 2016
Dear Editor,
I am a 64-year-old who retired to "luxury living" in South Shore District owned by Houston-based Grayco Properties featured in your recent article "Fighting to Stay" [News, April 15]. I renewed my lease solely because my fifth-floor lakeside view is magnificent, despite nonstop issues involving defective building construction, constantly broken amenities including elevators, security issues that cannot be totally blamed on the gentrifying neighborhood ... the list goes on. I was one of the lucky ones without water intrusion from plumbing and rainwater through ceilings, walls, and windows, all of which continues to be blamed on poor Mother Nature. I wasn't informed before renewal last November what did lay ahead for me: the attempt to patch this sinking ship from the outside, which involves the loss of the use of our balconies and daylight and peace and quiet throughout the spring and summer. All for rent I'm embarrassed to admit I agreed to now. We are "Fighting to Leave" and with our mental and physical health intact, although it may be too late for some – think mold! I adopted Austin years ago and love it dearly, but Grayco has put an ugly stain on this beautiful city and lakeside.
I am a 64-year-old who retired to "luxury living" in South Shore District owned by Houston-based Grayco Properties featured in your recent article "Fighting to Stay" [News, April 15]. I renewed my lease solely because my fifth-floor lakeside view is magnificent, despite nonstop issues involving defective building construction, constantly broken amenities including elevators, security issues that cannot be totally blamed on the gentrifying neighborhood ... the list goes on. I was one of the lucky ones without water intrusion from plumbing and rainwater through ceilings, walls, and windows, all of which continues to be blamed on poor Mother Nature. I wasn't informed before renewal last November what did lay ahead for me: the attempt to patch this sinking ship from the outside, which involves the loss of the use of our balconies and daylight and peace and quiet throughout the spring and summer. All for rent I'm embarrassed to admit I agreed to now. We are "Fighting to Leave" and with our mental and physical health intact, although it may be too late for some – think mold! I adopted Austin years ago and love it dearly, but Grayco has put an ugly stain on this beautiful city and lakeside.
Sherri Alper
