Austinist: Raising a Stink in East Austin

seth

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 22:13:43 -0600

A woman who represented PODER at last year's COA bond input meetings said that we shouldn't spend money on a 'dog motel' and instead should increase spending to provide affordable housing. She was referring to the bond money designated to build a replacement for the Town Lake Animal Shelter. Ironically, East Austin has long been a region plagued with unwanted pets born from un-fixed dogs and cats. Seth

slick

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:37:04 -0600

Agreed, and the "good intentions don't prevent bad outcomes" applies equally to PODER and Pure Castings.

RK

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:03:52 -0600

That may be, slick, but good intentions don't prevent bad outcomes.

slick

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:47:41 -0600

I suppose you believe that was the rationale for PODER dedicating years of thier lives to move the tank farms that were leeching harmful materials into their neighborhood? I hate to break it to you, but if you think PODER is doing this for financial gain, I beleive you are mistaken. These folks are true belivers -- not interested in money or making way for "creative class" types in fancy condos.

me

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:39:25 -0600

And it has been located a stone's throw away for 40 years. It's only a problem now because the area's real estate is hot. And because the super rich can see it from their windows in their over-priced condos.

Scooby

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:39:21 -0600

"me", I'm sure PODER is judgement-proof (a la SOS Alliance, who declared bankruptcy to avoid paying a big judgement against them). The officers and spokespeople are probably functionally judgement-proof to all but the most well-heeled plaintiff (willing to sue on principle). This small company probably can't afford the luxury of paying a lawyer to go after broke people who spout (probable) lies.

slick

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:09:50 -0600

I agree that PODER needs solid evidence -- but lets keep in mind that this is an industrial site located a stone's throw from a single family neighborhood, a playground and rec center. If you can cite an example of where the City would allow these types of incompatible uses to exist in Tarrytown, I'm all ears. It should be noted that the City had a policy on the books for many years to push minorities and industrial uses into East Austin.

me

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:29:38 -0600

I hope PODER has evidence to back up those claims because saying things like "emits noxious fumes and presents a general health hazard" without proof is a good way to get sued. It's nice that PODER is only interested in helping the environment if the offenders are on prime real estate.

shilli

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:25:51 -0600

If you asked PODER, they would tell you that they also want to stop gentrification: http://www.poder-texas.org/mission.html (not in the statement, but prominent in the picture). It's a tricky thing - getting rid of the power plant and industrial factories seems like a good plan, but then the rich people move in.

ol'pappy

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:53:15 -0600

Gentrification in action. Shazam.

Stew

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:34:35 -0600

Hey East Austin STFU!

D

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:28:33 -0600

Complete and utter crap. A perfectly legal business attempted to get run out of town by people who have no right to say so. Neighbors knew the place was there when they moved in since it's been there for 40 years. Maybe I'll try to have the city force my next door neighbor to move since he smells bad.