AFS Cinema
Not Monopoly
RECEIVED Thu., Sept. 30, 2021
Mr. Clark-Madison,
I am writing in response to your article “And Our House is Your House." [News, Oct. 1] In your article, you strongly imply that the city's housing crisis should be everyone's problem, and ask the question "why not?"
Your dedication to solving the housing issue is commendable. But it's not a realistic view. What you're asking people to do is too much.
I resent being attacked and referred to as a NIMBY, simply because I don't want to surrender my land for the cause. This is not a game of Monopoly. City politicians and interests groups are trying to force me off of my land by attempting to rezone my single family home into multi-unit housing. This is a gentrification process designed to raise property tax so high that it forces homeowners off of their land due to affordability (CodeNext). The city battled Austin homeowners in court and lost. Now the city is appealing, attempting once again, to force Austin homeowners off of their land.
Speaking for myself, I am a 50 year old retired Army combat officer of the Persian Gulf War. For 22 years of my life, I wrote a blank check to this nation. I don't owe the city or anyone else a damn thing. I've worked extremely hard all of my life to own a piece of the American dream. So please, don't tell me what you think others are entitled to after giving my life in defense of this country. Thank you for your understanding.
I am writing in response to your article “And Our House is Your House." [News, Oct. 1] In your article, you strongly imply that the city's housing crisis should be everyone's problem, and ask the question "why not?"
Your dedication to solving the housing issue is commendable. But it's not a realistic view. What you're asking people to do is too much.
I resent being attacked and referred to as a NIMBY, simply because I don't want to surrender my land for the cause. This is not a game of Monopoly. City politicians and interests groups are trying to force me off of my land by attempting to rezone my single family home into multi-unit housing. This is a gentrification process designed to raise property tax so high that it forces homeowners off of their land due to affordability (CodeNext). The city battled Austin homeowners in court and lost. Now the city is appealing, attempting once again, to force Austin homeowners off of their land.
Speaking for myself, I am a 50 year old retired Army combat officer of the Persian Gulf War. For 22 years of my life, I wrote a blank check to this nation. I don't owe the city or anyone else a damn thing. I've worked extremely hard all of my life to own a piece of the American dream. So please, don't tell me what you think others are entitled to after giving my life in defense of this country. Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
John Eric Tamel
John Eric Tamel
