On how cool Cleveland really is I have read account after account on the dismal aspects to calling a city like Cleveland home. I refuse to make an attempt at comprehending why so many people are so negative about such an important and vital city such as Cleveland. This city has weathered some incredibly turbulent times in the last 20 to 30 years - what major city in the United States has not suffered many of the same woes such as urban blight, severe population loss and the loss of thousands of jobs? Are cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Phoenix really that much better off than we are?? The residents of burgeoning Atlanta must contend with urban sprawl that is out of control, monumental traffic problems plague their extensive network of freeways and thick smog often conceals an otherwise picturesque and progressive skyline. Phoenix can not catch it's own breath as the city and Maricopa county can not keep pace with the explosive growth that the city has seen over the last 25 to 30 years. Imagine living in Phoenix where the simple pleasure of having a glass of "water" is at stake as this arid, thirsty city consumes more water than it can bring in through an extensive network of canals that funnel the water from the Colorado River and the snow capped Rocky Mountains. What about upstart Charlotte or venerable and historic Philadelphia? These cities both serve as a host to a plethora of problems. Charlotte with it's gleaming skyline and the second largest banking city in the US must now contend with an upsurge in violent crimes, real estate prices that are through the roof, natives who are weary of the monumental growth and the changes that they have created including 2 to 3 hour rush hour commutes. And then there is a city like Cleveland..... Cleveland, a once proud industrial giant that has fallen on lean times in the last 2 decades. Cleveland was the first city since the depression to enter into default, a city where the Cuyahoga River has caught fire not once but many times in our past. Remember when Cleveland was the butt of jokes all around the country and the world? Everyone on television from the late Johnny Carson to David Letterman have taken swings at our beloved hometown. While Cleveland may certainly never regain it's once proud industrial muscle we are a city of so many superlatives. Cleveland is a city steeped in history and many innovations started here that helped to shape America and the rest of the world as it is today. I have traveled to cities all around the US including Chicago, Denver, New York City, Los Angeles and many other cities of prominence. Denver with it's proximity to the majestic Rocky Mtns is a beautiful city, it does not come close though to offering the same magnitude of cultural offerings that a city such as Cleveland can offer. We as residents often overlook so many superior attributes that our city is comprised of. University Circle is such a place of supreme beauty with all of the top notch museums, the Cleveland Orchestra, the very best in healthcare at University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation respectively. The architecture of Cleveland is reflective of a city with such a proud past and is indicative of our place of prominence among all major American cities. We have some of the most prestigious and beautiful suburbs of any US city with Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, Bratenahl, Hunting Valley and a host of other areas that stand as testament to the wealth and importance of Cleveland. The flip side of Cleveland are blighted areas such as the once proud and beautiful city of East Cleveland where economic distress and civil unrest have unfortunately dictated the look of that city as in the present. Many areas within the city limits have experienced the same woes that are produced by loss of population, a poor econonmy and civil unrest. A drive along any of the major east side arteries like St. Clair, Superior or Euclid indicates the drastic need for change, renewal and reinvestment. If many residents of Cleveland would expend as much energy on being CREATIVE & INNOVATIVE as they do on being perpetual complainers we could start getting somewhere. Forget the "BRAIN DRAIN" that the newspapers are always talking about. There are masses of intelligent, forward thinking and progressive inhabitants that desire to remain in Cleveland and love this city just as much as I certainly do. To truly progress as "ONE" in this city we need a progressive, open minded city administration that is not fearful of stepping up to a challenge.....and I am talking about ANY CHALLENGE! Cleveland is a city facing many, many challenges. I will certainly celebrate the day when a chorus of voices will rise up in this city and speak as ONE PROUD VOICE that will alter the future of Cleveland and restore the image of what is an astonishing, beautiful and beloved place to call my hometown. I LOVE CLEVELAND! Could there be any doubts??
from Cool Cleveland reader John D. Baumgardner azureblue_44094ATyahoo.com (:divend:)