Lawmaker seeks to protect cousin's eatery: Limits on UT added to eminent domain proposal.

Austin American-Statesman ^ | 18 July 2005 | Ralph K.M. Haurwitz, Claudia Grisales, Staff

[Racehorse]

The University of Texas would be prohibited from condemning a nearby restaurant for a campus parking garage under eminent domain legislation approved by the state House on Sunday evening.

The prohibition was tacked onto Senate Bill 62 as an amendment by Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, who said his cousin is a co-owner of the restaurant, Player's . . .

UT wants to acquire the restaurant property for a parking garage as part of a hotel and conference center for post-graduate educational programs involving law, business and other fields. The UT System Board of Regents authorized the use of condemnation, if necessary. UT-Austin officials say they hope to reach an agreement with the restaurant's owners to acquire the parcel without resorting to condemnation.

Oliveira said the restaurant is a quarter-century-old "family institution" where many relatives have worked. He said his cousin, Carlos Oliveira, is a part owner.

"This to me is an unfair taking of property," Oliveira said. "These are relatives and friends and constituents. The University of Texas has no business going into the hotel business."

[. . .]

UT-Austin officials were not thrilled by Oliveira's amendment but responded cautiously.

. . . said President Larry Faulkner. "This is one consideration in a large array of considerations before the Legislature right now. I think we will await the completion of the legislative process."

Patti Ohlendorf, vice president for institutional relations and legal affairs, said one question for lawmakers is whether "limited and specific restrictions" are good public policy. The legislation bars condemnation for a parking or lodging facility if the land has been used for the same commercial purpose for at least 20 years.

"It does appear that having very specific restrictions like this . . . deserves a lot of consideration before they're put into effect," she said.

[Racehorse]

As reported, hard to choose sides on this one. I suppose UT Austin could raze the stadium and build their graduate studies complex there. Bet that would stick in the craw of the Alumni. Hook em, horns!

But who is Oliveira really trying to protect? Texans or his cousin?

[skinkinthegrass]

GO T&A Aggies! :D

[Lunatic Fringe]

The prohibition was tacked onto Senate Bill 62 as an amendment by Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, who said his cousin is a co-owner of the restaurant, Player's .

Wow... is this not an example of one of the most blatant abuses of power? And she has no problems with telling anyone!!!

Oh, and ummm... GO MEAN GREEN! #1 running game in the country!

[neverhome]

It's the attitude at UT that really jerks my chain here.

It's like: "Well, if they don't wanna sell we'll just get the government to take it from them."

The arrogance astounds me. Do they teach this attitude to their students???