23.a - 1702 & 1704 E MLK Jr Blvd - public comment — original pdf

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From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Bertron, Cara Contreras, Kalan; Lukes, Austin Fahnestock, Sam FW: Seeking Your Guidance on COA Historic Commission Issue - Hofheinz Homes vs. Gooden Family Legacy Monday, June 17, 2024 11:58:03 AM Hi y’all, I’m late on following up on this request from Javier Wallace of Black Austin Tours. It looks like he attended ARC last week. …So y’all may have already heard Javier’s point about Black stewardship of the Hofheinz homes—a cool and important addition to the historical record. It’s not clear how that relates to the family’s demolition request. Cara From: Javier Wallace < Sent: Friday, June 7, 2024 3:23 PM To: Bertron, Cara <Cara.Bertron@austintexas.gov> Subject: Seeking Your Guidance on COA Historic Commission Issue - Hofheinz Homes vs. Gooden Family Legacy > You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Good Afternoon Cara, I hope this email finds you well. Sarah Marshall suggested I reach out to you. I am reaching out because my cousin, Aisha Gooden-Williams, called me about some issues she's having with the COA Historic Commission and the demolition of some structures on a property they own. The homes are located on East MLK and she said her permits for demolition have been denied due to the historic nature of structures, specifically as it relates to them being "Hofheinz homes." I was wondering if you had any insights, ideas, or strategies they could use in their case? I think it's important to note the history of the homes and persons that are much larger than them being "Hofheinz homes." My grandfather's sister, Mrs. Winifred Hill Gooden, labored as a domestic for the Hofheinz family for decades. Upon the death of Mrs. Hofheinz, my aunt inherited all of their rental properties in East Austin, designated for Black renters. Since, the Gooden family has been the steward of those properties and have kept longtime East Austin families in homes. I mention that, as I think it's sorely omitted from the historical narrative currently presented about "Hofheinz homes" in East Austin. Currently, when I read some of the rationale to preserve the homes, it's centered on the Hofheinz family and the architectural design of the structures. I think we should consider more than the traditional elements of historic preservation, which I know the Equity Based Plan is trying to address. I am happy to connect you with my cousin if you think that would be useful. Their next hearing is the HC on Wed June 12th. I plan to be there and speak in favor of their position. I hope to hear back from you. Thanks, Javier CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".