[MightyYoda]

Originally Posted by Tech House

That's a pithy and intelligent come-back, which kind of demolishes my argument. Nicely done. I had honestly never thought of it that way, but I do believe you're right, except in the unlikely event that it would be turned into some sort of public use other than golf.

Now, here's where I also discover that I elevate botanical gardens above golf courses in my valuation of public property uses. I had not thought of this, either, but it may possibly be the case that a botanical garden is just as 'elitist' as a golf course. So I simply have to confess that I place no value on golf courses, and I place the highest value on botanical gardens and museums and such. Why? Because I grew up in an upper-middle class family in Santa Barbara, a rarified environment that breeds snobbish little piggies like myself.

Regarding the new developments on South Congress (south of Ben White, does that have a specific name, like SoBe? SoSoCo? ConSoBe? [Congress South of Ben White]) --- that area is taking off in amazing ways, and it's the opposite side of the city from where I live so I'm jelly. Jealous, that is. Really cool developments, nice to see, and a refreshing respite from the regular news of generic new VMU developments.

Austin Botanical Garden is super cheap and amazing. It is also free if you get membership to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center. That should really be in its own category along with parks and greenbelts.