Tuesday, February 27, 2007

One of my frustrations with the new Commercial Design Standards and VMU Overlay is
that these programs are designed for developers, penthouse dwellers and boutique
shoppers. The article in today's Statesman subtitled "Luxury apartments are above world-class shops and within walking distance of restaurants" describes the government subsidized housing project going in at the domain.

The new VMU overlay will provide incentives to developers already building mixed use condos in East Austin quite profitably. (Think Saltillo Lofts, Pedernales, 1620 E. 6th, 2124, Este, 1305 Lofts, Sixth & Brushy, The Ends on Sixth).

Why not provide subsidies to poor and middle class residents to encourage them to make choices that support dense, vibrant neighborhoods? Subsidies like small, quality neighborhood schools. AISD is closing schools in some of the densest neighborhoods in the city while building modern, new schools in the sprawling suburbs. If the goal of VMU is to provide vibrant, diverse cities where people can work and shop within walking distance of their homes, then lets not send the kids to schools across town.

Why not provide mass transit that has as its goal allowing people in dense neighborhoods to function without a car or allow families to get by with a single car. Dependable, frequent and affordable mass transit would make it easier for working class families to trade their car payments for a more expensive apartment.

Its frustrating that whenever the city tries to control patterns of development one group get the carrots and the other group gets the sticks.

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