I found this comment on a local Houston Blog from David Crossley (Houston Tomorrow) about HRG and his misrepresentation of our position on a variety of issues. This is a prime example of what types of tactics are being used by our opponents in this fight.

Link to Blog: http://neohouston.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/land-use-morals/#comment-109
“The Urban Corridors recommendation that the Houstonians for Responsible Growth (HRG) cabal is fighting is simply intended to legalize and promote urbanity around the existing and future rail stations.
So all we’re trying to do is rework our form-based code for that purpose. Since the cabal is largely supportive of the sprawl policies of the past, the last thing they want to see is urban choices for Houstonians who want to live in urban circumstances, because each person who does that isn’t forced to go buy a house out on the prairie somewhere. It’s stupefying, though, to see that they’ve raised it to a religious cause and that they’re saying people who support fairness and kindness to neighbors are immoral. But that’s what happens when you believe there is an invisible hand guiding developers that doesn’t also guide other citizens.”

When people’s only tactic left is to lie and misrepresent one’s point of view, that’s when you know your argument holds a great deal of merit and the truth.

HRG’s Response:

David,

Blogs are fine for sharing opinions, but no one should be allowed to misrepresent the positions of others. For example, you state that we are “fighting urban corridors.” In fact this is totally false. We are working positively to help formulate a solution that encourages development within the corridor. In fact, HRG favors removing all barriers to development within the corridors so that all types can be tested by the market. If what you say is correct and people want to live in a dense urban environment along the transit corridors, then they should be allowed to do so freely. If there is a market demand for TOD, then past history of Houston and our market shows that is will succeed on its own merits and shouldn't have to be mandated. We want people to have more options so that they can CHOOSE which lifestyle is appropriate for them to adopt. That’s the key, free choice.

In the future, if you are confused or unsure as to what HRG's stances on policy are, why don't you do the research first or simply ask us. Better yet, perhaps stick to representing your own positions and let others speak for themselves.

In mischaracterizing our "religious” fight to promote sprawl policies, once again you have totally misrepresented HRG. We are not for promoting one type of policy over another (sprawl or urban density) but for consumer choice through the market place. The reason sprawl even exists is because some people actually choose to live in affordable single family suburban homes instead of dense urban structures. It is not because that option has been forced on them by the development community.

Let me also add that HRG is for planning. There is a major distinction between prudent planning for public infrastructure and transportation improvements (HRG) and public planning to restrict a private property owner’s use of his own land (Houston Tomorrow). Public Policy decisions have fiscal impacts and consequences that need to be carefully examined before being rushed into practice. HRG brings that reality and facts to the table to try and find solutions that benefit all Houstonians, not just an elite class.

Finally, using terms like "cabal" for groups that do not agree with all your positions is the equivalent of grade school playground name calling. It is a tactic not worthy of serious policy discussion or of serious people. It demeans the name-caller, not the target. For the record, Houstonians for Responsible Growth represents a broad spectrum of the development community, neighborhood groups, and civic and business leaders from Houston. We are a 501c4 research institute that acts a public policy advocate for Houston’s proven model of regulating development through market forces and consumer choice.

HRG is happy to engage in serious policy discussion at any time. Next time though, please extend the courtesy to ask us to participate instead of misrepresenting our views and try and refrain from sophomoric histrionics. Thank you