The Mueller Development of Austin

         A recent developer wrote an editorial in the Austin American Statesman entitled “Wendler: Was the Mueller project a mistake,” in which he argues that the way in which the city recently handled the development in east Austin of the Mueller neighborhood at the site of Austin’s old airport was a poor decision for the city of Austin that will bring in no money. Jim Walker responds in an editorial that presents a counter argument that I personally, as an East Austinite who lives minutes away from the development, support. His editorial can be found here. It is directed at Wendler and those who read the initial editorial as well as other citizens of Austin, especially taxpayers. 

         Walker himself is an Austin citizen and a taxpayer who supports what his city is doing. His credibility as an author is increased by the apparent knowledge he displays through his writing and understanding of the Mueller development. His occupation is not cited and this detracts from his credibility, especially since his editorial is a rebuttal of a developer and a former Planning Commission member.

         Walker lays out his argument as though it is an academic paper. He claims that the Mueller project was not a mistake. The city chose to make a long-term investment by giving the land to the developer for free and having the developer pay for park, utilities, roads, etc. Walker acknowledges Wendler’s idea that this move obviously did not bring in the amount of money to the city of Austin  as it could have if they sold the land to the developer. He goes on to claim that this was not stupidity nor a fantastical dream of the city of Austin leading to nowhere,  instead it was an ambitious vision for the city that encapsulates Austin’s own personality.

         Walker cites the Statesman story he is responding to in the beginning of his editorial. Other types of evidence Walker incorporates into his piece include numbers, such as the reference to Mueller as a “700 acre city-wide asset,” quotations, as well as knowledge of community organizations/groups that are involved in the project and nation-wide information. For example, he shares that even though two-thirds of the Mueller development is not yet complete, it has received awards nationally and other recognition. He names lists of actual places that are linked together and benefit because of the nature of this development such as The Dell Children’s Hospital, Austin Film Studios, and UT academic health facilities. He also lists entities that the project helps, such as Austin ISD, Travis County and even ACC!

         As I mentioned previously, the logic used by walker to support his argument is professional and academic in style. His piece works up to his ultimate conclusion that the city of Austin will be debt free and have billions of dollars of taxable land in the future. What captivated my attention, is the emotional appeal to Austin citizens that he initially incorporates into his editorial. He claims that the city of Austin’s decision to develop the Mueller area in this way is an example of the “spirits of Austinites working together,” because it plans for future gain while holistically sustaining meeting community goals.