In search of a better northcross development

This week's Austin Chronicle included a story by Kathrine Gregor, "Developing Stories, A Public-Private Northcross?", that talks about Jennifer Kim's efforts to pursue a public-private partnership for development of Northcross.  She's not having much success getting other councilmembers to sign on but the article is revealing in regards to councilmembers' worry about being individually sued by Wal-Mart if they were to interfere with the development. Something is not right if your city council cannot look after the interest of it's citizenry because they fear being sued. I encourage you read it.

Comments

[Jason Meeker]

There are a lot of rumors out there about Responsible Growth for Northcross (RG4N). Here's some truth: We are a group of citizens from the Allandale, Brentwood, Crestview, North Shoal Creek, Rosedale and Wooten neighborhoods pushing for a mixed-use redevelopment of the Northcross area. Our group is working to stop the inclusion of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in the Northcross redevelopment. RG4N’s growth-oriented solution for Northcross Mall would preserve the character, diversity and quality of life of the Northcross-area neighborhoods. This solution was developed to address the needs and concerns expressed by Austin citizens, businesses and civic organizations while ensuring a successful, profitable endeavor for the developer.

Please contact RG4N or simply visit www.rg4n.org for details about our efforts.

[Chris Allen]

I should remind everyone that the City Council isn't failing to "look after the interest of it's citizenry". The City Council IS looking after all of us by upholding the rule of LAW.

This isn't "American Idol", folks. Our laws and processes can't be a popularity contest, subject to the whims of interest groups and politicians.

Presently, RG4N wants you to push for a massive rewrite of our City Charter, to swing from a City Manager/council form of government to a "strong mayor" setup. If you want to see neighborhoods bulldozed by developers, by all means, support this effort. If this happened, it would only take a few days for the Real Estate Council and other development groups to raise enough cash to buy complete control of zoning and development in Austin.

On the issue of a public/private partnership for NC, as proposed by Council Member Kim, have y'all thought about what people in other less affluent parts of town would think about the City spending millions of dollars to save Allandale from a Wal-Mart?

I've been staying out of this issue for a couple of months (I'm no longer a member of the Allandale yahoogroup), but it's time for a Reality Check.

Have a great day,

Chris Allen