Austin -Liveable City Link (Hutto: neighborhoods, tax, store)

[Jennibc]

live able city

So I have been perusing these pages for the last month and half after we decided to move back to Austin. I've noted some posters' ranting about all of the big box development and how the old Austin is fading into obscurity.

So then, I was reading this book called Big Box Swindle and it cited a study done in Austin back in 2003 (I think) where some academics were able to show that if powers that be gave tax incentives to Borders for a planned store to be located right next to City People's Books and Waterloo Records that fewer dollars would be circulating locally and a Borders store would actually do less for the local economy than the City People's and Waterloo. Well, according to the book, a public outcry ensued and Borders backed out of the project. So here was an example of Austinites not acting as "sheeple" and not allowing a big box to crush a couple of indy retailers.

So then, I decided to find more information this study and stumbled on to Livable City's website. According to the site its mission is
to serve as "an inclusive network of individuals working together to create a community consensus to promote policies that address the long term social, environmental and economic needs of the people of Austin. ..The group will help create new community models that focus on the interconnected relationships among growth issues such transportation, housing, environment, affordability, neighborhoods, culture and the economy in an equitable and sustainable manner."


The link at the top of this post leads to the site. I thought it might be of interest to some of you that don't like the direction Austin is heading. In other words, stop typing and GET INVOLVED.

[scongress1234]

Originally Posted by Jennibc

live able city

So I have been perusing these pages for the last month and half after we decided to move back to Austin. I've noted some posters' ranting about all of the big box development and how the old Austin is fading into obscurity.

So then, I was reading this book called Big Box Swindle and it cited a study done in Austin back in 2003 (I think) where some academics were able to show that if powers that be gave tax incentives to Borders for a planned store to be located right next to City People's Books and Waterloo Records that fewer dollars would be circulating locally and a Borders store would actually do less for the local economy than the City People's and Waterloo. Well, according to the book, a public outcry ensued and Borders backed out of the project. So here was an example of Austinites not acting as "sheeple" and not allowing a big box to crush a couple of indy retailers.

So then, I decided to find more information this study and stumbled on to Livable City's website. According to the site its mission is
to serve as "an inclusive network of individuals working together to create a community consensus to promote policies that address the long term social, environmental and economic needs of the people of Austin. ..The group will help create new community models that focus on the interconnected relationships among growth issues such transportation, housing, environment, affordability, neighborhoods, culture and the economy in an equitable and sustainable manner."


The link at the top of this post leads to the site. I thought it might be of interest to some of you that don't like the direction Austin is heading. In other words, stop typing and GET INVOLVED.

Right on!

[love roses]

I like how this isn't limited to downtown. I think I'll send the link to the Hutto Citizens Group and the City Council.

[scongress1234]

Originally Posted by love roses

I like how this isn't limited to downtown. I think I'll send the link to the Hutto Citizens Group and the City Council.

Actually, looks exactly like something I would create.... "Liv cities website"...says everything I've been moaning about on here the last 5 months.....
yep, great website...and I like the urge to get people actively involved....reminds me of portland a bit.....