Rosewood Courts Historic Preservation 101Dr. Fred L. McGhee

Misunderstanding, miseducation and misinformation are swirling about the Rosewood Courts case.  This document is to state the FACTS and why it is important and the right thing to do to support the preservation of Rosewood Courts as is.

Q: Does preservation of rosewood courts prevent the Housing Authority from renovating the property?A: No.   Q:  Does preservation of Rosewood Courts make it more expensive for the Housing Authority to do upgrades?A: Not necessarily.  Q: We have an affordable housing crisis. The HACA project would add more housing. Why would you oppose that?A:  There are other places we can do densification. Places that could be cheaper. Let’s explore those options first.

Q: You care about buildings more than people – you elitist such and such. What about the people? What about the human element?A:  I have lived in public housing. I know what it’s like to grow up stealing for food to eat, watching both parents in jail.  I also know that public housing has made me who I am today. To the residents, past and present of Rosewood Courts I say to them “I get it.” I also know that you deserve better and this nomination fights for that opportunity.  But this is not about me. There’s no real money for me in this and lord knows I’m not making friends over here among the Austin establishment.

I also know there is a double standard in this town about whose history matters. My tax money subsidizes rich West Austinites who live in million dollar homes designated as historic. I’ve read the rules on what it takes to be designated historic and have checked every single box. I’ve not just done my job, I’ve exceeded my job.  My pathbreaking National Register nomination for Rosewood Courts was done 100% pro bono. And as I mentioned, it does not prevent HACA from doing upgrades and building more housing.  I want fairness. I want justice.  I want this history to be treated with respect - just like any other history in Austin.

I want Rosewood Courts to be renovated so that it’s a place for people to be proud to raise their children, live out their lives as seniors if need be.  I know this can be done because I’ve seen it done successfully.  My National Register nomination also documents the New Deal origins of our nation's public housing program, so there

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is ample precedent for upgrading Rosewood. Historic preservation is not the enemy of modernization; that is a false choice. There are many examples around the world, and in the United States of doing this properly. We should demand, especially as people of color, for HACA to walk and chew gum at the same time.  It’s really not hard, once you understand what is actually possible. Q: HACA has compromised to preserve 6 of the original buildings. Why can’t you be satisfied with that?

A:  First you have to ask yourself if 6 was a compromise, what their original intent was.  Was it to destroy everything and completely dismantle the history?  Their track record has indicated that they and the city of Austin are not really interested in preserving public housing history in Austin.  Santa Rita Courts was listed in the National Register over 7 years ago but is still not listed on the city’s website. Compromise would also entail a conversation with the people who want to preserve Rosewood Courts. I haven’t gotten a call to have a serious conversation, neither have my colleagues.  There is no truth  behind this.

Q: HACA has said that the buildings are really f-ed up and need to be taken down.  What’s your response?

A:  First  you have to wonder why that is the case.  Why has HACA allowed this to happen? Neglect? Time and time again across the country this is the same old playbook.  Housing authorities allow public housing to go into disrepair. Cry woe is me, destroy the housing and replace it with substandard shiny new "spec" projects.  Meanwhile, displaced residents end up in Section 8 ghettoes, still in poverty. Who makes money? Developers. Lawyers. Lobbyists. And non-profits. Don’t be fooled by the playbook.  HACA has admitted they did not do their job in upkeep.  Why isn’t the response “take care of your business?”  My nomination helps do that – holds them accountable and responsible for taking care of their business and not just doing whatever pet project that suits people who stand to financially benefit – all at taxpayer expense.

Q: What can I do to show support?A: Send a letter to your city councilperson and the mayor showing your support for preserving Rosewood Courts and the history of East Austin.

Visit us online: http://www.preserverosewood.orgFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/preserverosewoodatxTwitter: @rosewoodatx

Email: info@preserverosewood.org

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