what do you think? (Austin, Spring: condo, house, neighborhood)
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How does EVERYONE feel? I have no idea. I personally don't FEEL much of anything about it. I THINK there are pros and cons associated with living in a rapidly growing area. Whether those pros outweigh the cons or vice versa really depends on what weight each individual attributes each factor. How noncommittal does that sound?
Honestly, I think this concept has been discussed ad nauseum on this board - you've got your boosters and your Chickenlittles. I don't think I can add much.
I was listening to one of the local radio stations (morning talk) and another one later in the afternoon. All of the dj's were bemoaning what all of the growth has done to Austin. Part of it tied into the Shady Grove controversy and people who live near Shady Grove were calling in saying they can't believe people are actually trying to shut live music down around there because they can barely hear it themselves. One DJ was sad about what they are going to do to the (excuse my spelling here) "Muni". I think he said they are building a retail, condo project there. He also said Austin is no longer "weird" the way it used to be. He said THAT Austin is gone now and it's now more "glittery". He had lots of people calling in and agreeing. So did the morning guy, and he also called austin glittery and its no longer weird.
Both shows also mentioned that this neighborhood group is only selectively targeting certain places and the afternoon guy was talking about how even 5 yrs. ago whenever talk of dozing even one 500 yr. old oak around here would have the environmentalists up in arms and chained to the bulldozer in seconds and that now you barely hear a peep out of them. He cited the Barton Springs tree cuttings as an exception and said he wondered where they were about this "Muni" project considering they are about to mow down a whole lot of trees for it.
I was listening to one of the local radio stations (morning talk) and another one later in the afternoon. All of the dj's were bemoaning what all of the growth has done to Austin. Part of it tied into the Shady Grove controversy and people who live near Shady Grove were calling in saying they can't believe people are actually trying to shut live music down around there because they can barely hear it themselves. One DJ was sad about what they are going to do to the (excuse my spelling here) "Muni". I think he said they are building a retail, condo project there. He also said Austin is no longer "weird" the way it used to be. He said THAT Austin is gone now and it's now more "glittery". He had lots of people calling in and agreeing. So did the morning guy, and he also called austin glittery and its no longer weird.
To clarify on what's going to happen at Muny: no plans have been made at all. An outside consultant's report came back suggesting they use the property for a more profitable venture such as retail and high density housing. However, the regents actually have to take a vote on it. I think people need to slow down, take a deep breath and be sure they have accurate information.
Additionally, I watched on the news that the dude who called in the complaint lives directly across the street from Shady Hollow. The news played the 911 call and the guy sure had one helluva TX twang so he was no outsider, sounded like a long time TX resident.
One caller was asking When did the demographic in Central Austin get so old. She admitted that she was older as well, but she had lived central for over 20 yrs. and loved all the music. So then that started a back and forth about retirees and empty nesters who are trying to "suburbanize" downtown and how some people are just getting so crotchety about everything (not my words, just repeating what they were talking about). It doesn't matter if the guy is a native Texan or not, really. The dj was saying that this guy and the neighborhood group have an agenda and working out a compromise isn't in their playbook.
Another thing that came up was that everything that they are building downtown is being marketed as upscale, therefore, out of the reach of everyday folks and targeted at certain groups of people. He then proceeded to mention the problem they had recently trying to fill what they already had built and couldn't fill and that now they want to build more expensive high density housing that only a certain demographic can fill and if they end up building all the projects they have in mind or breaking ground on them and then not being able to sell them, then we'll be stuck with a lot of big, empty holes in the ground. He also mentioned that other cities are competing for this same wealthy demographic and that we are jumping the gun expecting them all to move here and building stuff before they are here.
A couple of comments:
As for 'Muni' and the area - if they take down those big trees, they have to replace them, city ordinance. Don't think the university system will manage to slide under the radar like some contractors/re-developers. And personally, I would love to see muni stay like it is, but bugets are tight. If the COA really wants it, propose a bond issue and buy it for the millions that it is worth. Then we will have the option to decide if we want to pay for it. Don't know if UT system is looking at selling it at all, though, maybe just developing?
The Shady Grove thing, now that chaps my hide . I am not a huge 'go to live music events' person, but I do get over to unplugged at the Grove at least once per year. Hardly loud.
One caller was asking When did the demographic in Central Austin get so old.
Most 20-somethings can't afford $300/sf for a house in Central Austin. I guess east Austin will take it's place - just speculation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trainwreck20
I would love to see muni stay like it is
Me too. I really hope they leave Muny green, because once you pave it, you will never get it back. NYC realized this in the 1850's when the city exploded and thus created Central Park. I pray the leaders in this city and the University have that amount of prudence and foresight.
There is already enough land available in Central Austin for vertical expansion, why do they need to pave what left?
A couple of comments:
As for 'Muni' and the area - if they take down those big trees, they have to replace them, city ordinance. Don't think the university system will manage to slide under the radar like some contractors/re-developers. And personally, I would love to see muni stay like it is, but bugets are tight. If the COA really wants it, propose a bond issue and buy it for the millions that it is worth. Then we will have the option to decide if we want to pay for it. Don't know if UT system is looking at selling it at all, though, maybe just developing?
The Shady Grove thing, now that chaps my hide . I am not a huge 'go to live music events' person, but I do get over to unplugged at the Grove at least once per year. Hardly loud.
Actually, the University of Texas is exempt from City of Austin land development and building code requirements, as are all State of Texas owned developments.
I'm very unhappy about the proposed development of the Brackenridge tract. Paving over such a vast amount of open greenspace will have climate change consequences. The duty of the Univerisity is to provide a public education to the citizens of Texas, not to be a land developer. If the UT system has such a large parcel of land, shouldn't it be developed instead into more univeristy buildings? UTA is already overcrowded, this would be a perfect opportunity to expand. Right? No...I call this a money grab, and I very much doubt the money will go to professor salaries or scholarships.
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. I am not a huge 'go to live music events' person, but I do get over to unplugged at the Grove at least once per year. Hardly loud.
