Monday, June 22, 2009

Rep. Debbie Riddle hosts townhall meeting

Just wanted to pass along word to SGO-readers that State Representative Debbie Riddle (who, along with her District Director Gail Gillien, was an absolute Amazon Warrior on fighting the Gosling Oaks--and other--tax-subsidized low-income apartment projects) will be having a town-hall meeting for constituents, and you are personally invited to attend.

DATE: Thursday, June 25th

WHERE: Brookside Funeral Home, near T.C. Jester and FM 1960
(click here for directions)

TIME: 6:30 p.m.

Be sure to attend to get an update on the recently concluded legislative session... and don't forget to THANK HER for her efforts on behalf of an issue you hold dear.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

First week of June update

Greetings All... wanted to give you an update on where things stand as of this afternoon.

One question we're getting a lot is "Is this project really dead?"

Like so much in life, the answer is "yes and no."

SGO has received official confirmation from TDHCA and the project developers that plans for the Gosling Oaks low income apartment complex have been withdrawn from consideration for the 2009 budget year.

But they could be submitted again for next year... and in any event, the developer has indicated a desire to pursue tax-credit "senior" housing at this site--and we don't exactly know what that means, in reality. (We're suspicious of bureaucratic definitions of what constitutes "senior" housing.)

Bottom Line: We remain wary and vigilant, and urge you to be so as well, by staying informed and continuing to spread the word about stopgoslingoaks.blogspot.com to your neighbors, friends, family and co-workers.

The second most asked question we get is "So now what?"

Trust us, there is no deficit in the "things to do" department... but right now our highest priorities are mostly behind the scenes tasks necessary to get better organized for the long-term, instead of having to continue to run-and-gun in crisis mode.

CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR

The SGO "founders council" (for lack of a better phrase) met last night and asked a particular community member to serve as our "campaign coordinator," responsible for keeping track of the trains and making certain they run on time. She agreed, but we're giving her 24-48 hours to come to her senses and decline. If she's still on-board this weekend, we'll make an an announcement next week. Suffice it to say, we are very excited about the prospect of having this individual bringing her intelligence, passion and skills to the cause.

INCORPORATION

We need to incorporate, for simple administrative purposes like being on the right side of the law, opening a bank account, registering with PayPal, making simple expenditures, etc. If you are a trustworthy, experienced hand at incorporating--especially civic/non-profit groups such as this--the best way you can make a contribution is by stepping up and agreeing to handle these responsibilities for us. Email stopgoslingoaks@gmail.com to express your interest in filling this role.

WEBSITE

At some point in the near future we're going to re-brand and develop an entirely new website; if you are a domain-registration, server-hosting, WordPress blog setting-up whiz who wants to be our official tech-monkey, please throw your name into the ring. Email stopgoslingoaks@gmail.com to express your interest in filling this role.

Finally, folks are still wondering "How do I offer my input and ideas?"

That's simple--share your thoughts in comments below, or email us at stopgoslingoaks@gmail.com.

This a a genuinely volunteer, community effort... and we are listening to what you have to say.

Please let us know what you think.

Thanks again... and don't forget to spread the word!