Send your letters to: Letters@CoolCleveland.com
On a signature bridge for Cleveland (See Signature bridge still in jeopardy here) If the project involves any federal money and/or permitting then the federal agency (probably U.S. DOT) is required to do a Section 106 Review of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) to evaluate any adverse affects on historic properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. From our understanding some of the ramp work for this ODOT project wouldinfringe on historic properties and the Section 106 would allow a closer look at the whole project, slowing it down enough for other forces to gather steam, present alternatives and possibly convince them of a different and better approach. Also the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) might be involved in permitting for this project and might be another federal agency to be approached for the Section 106 Review. Legal action might be required to enforce this if a Section 106 review was not done. One of our committees, the Committee to Save Cleveland's Huletts, and some of our members were successful plaintiffs in federal court against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding violation of the NHPA, we were awarded ourlegal fees and the illegally issued dredging permit at Whiskey Island to the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority was revoked. There are other parts of the law that are available to us to further enforce other ramifications of that violation. Anyone needing assistance or interested in further information can contact us.
from Cool Cleveland reader Ray Saikus rrsATcitizensvision.org http://www.citizensvision.org
Dear Mr. Craig Hebebrand: Please give Cleveland a chance to have a beautiful bridge. Look at what a difference the new bridges over 77 from the south makes. Good simple design does not have to be expensive or complicated. Give us a technologically advanced, mechanically beautiful bridge. Give someone else a chance at producing working concepts. Look nationwide for examples. They are out there to be found. Think of the new technology center Cleveland is trying to develop; set the right tone.
from Cool Cleveland reader Michael V. Palcisco craig.hebebrandATdot.state.oh.us
On the #1 Orchestra in the world (See Cleveland kills Europe here) Great comment on our wonderful Cleveland Orchestra's tour of Europe. Sighhhh.... I don't know how you get more of the word out about how great they are. Only millionaire sports team players are given those ticker-tape parades (which if Cleveland EVER has a winning team - I'll be there to join in the fun - don't get me wrong). I do know though, as a 56 year old life-time Clevelander, I love our orchestra because I was introduced to it in my youth by being taken their EVERY YEAR as a student of the Cleveland Public Schools. How I wish that was still true. I understand money and transportation would be an issue in these tough times, but I will always remember as a youngster - getting on that bus from our school, driving to "this place" with all these buildings "just like the pictures of Washington DC. " and walking into the most beautiful building I've ever seen (Severance Hall). There was something special about sitting in that balcony, in those plush seats, having to be quiet and then - hearing this sound, rising up from those men and ladies on the stage. A sound I might not have been familiar with, might not have even cared for (at the time), but special none-the-less - In fact "I" was special just to be there! In my opinion, THAT'S how we get our orchestra into the lives of the average Greater Clevelander. Those who would never be introduced to it by their parents or friends - but through their EDUCATION of the arts while in school. You asked - I answered. Thanks for the opportunity!
from Cool Cleveland reader Patty Nagel PNagelATAndrewsSoftware.com
On the Funky Diva Purse Auction (See Instant Karma review of Funky Diva Purse Auction here) Dear Cindy, The point of the Funky Diva Purse Auction was to raise money for services for women, kids and men impacted by rape and sexual violence. People at the event are patrons of this anti-violence mission, not necessarily “supposed patrons” of the arts. Your piece in Cool Cleveland (copied below) publicly “belies” the tireless efforts of many artists, volunteers and staff dedicated to raising money so that a fraction of those in need can have access to free comprehensive services like a hotline, counseling and justice system and medical advocacy. Since “rape” is not exactly a fun topic to talk about, we try and create events like Funky Diva to bring people together in a fun, non-threatening way to raise support for and awareness about the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. The artists chose to be involved and to use their talent as a gift to help rape survivors. The artists involved signed on with the clear understanding and acceptance that bids might start lower than what the market value is for their work in order to raise money to support free, healing programs for rape survivors. Your mindset, not this type of event, is counterproductive to the development of a viable arts community. The event brought a couple hundred people to 1900 Superior Avenue, downtown to an emerging arts district, on a Saturday night. Sure, many of these folks were from Hudson, Beachwood and Westlake and are probably more comfortable at Legacy Village than at an urban space where many talented artists live and work. But it was an opportunity to educate them in hopes that they’d be back. (They definitely won’t if they read your article.) Second, for you to criticize the “object d’art” that got the highest bid as “boring and simple” is also counterproductive. Art is a matter or personal taste and interpretation. This comment “belies” the contribution that artist made to the event. More importantly, the buyer was enthusiastic to support the mission of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center through his bid – the reason for the event. Your review publicly undermines an entire event that involved the efforts of more than sixty artists, volunteers, staff, and donors based on a perceived negative personal experience with a “small group” of curious people. Lastly, the live/work spaces at Tower Press are cool. I am an urban dweller and “supposed arts patron” and I admit I think they are pretty darn cool, too. Isn’t that what we need and want people to think and buy into? I can imagine it is a tough road to be an artist in an “unsophisticated” town with a provincial “Midwestern mentality” like Cleveland. But for a moment, try putting yourself in the shoes of an overworked and underpaid rape counselor in one of the poorest communities in America. Or one of our thousands of clients who are able to receive desperately needed free services due to events like Funky Diva, and those patrons with “no manners” who supported it. (And…by the way, that beaded bag went for close to $500!)
from Cool Cleveland reader Megan O'Bryan, Executive Director, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, meganoATclevelandrcc.org http://www.clevelandrapecrisis.org
On Roldo I have been a loyal reader of Cool Cleveland ever since you started a couple of years ago. I absolutely love what you have done. You have created a space where Clevelanders can share their ideas and take joy in being a Clevelander. I have recently moved back to the city after 10 years in exile and I love Cleveland more than ever. That said, I am confused why you give Roldo a place to make his polarized and out-dated commentaries. Even as a liberal democrat, I find his stances are often close-minded and do not take into account the realities of Cleveland. His ideas, if advanced, would set Cleveland back decades. I don't understand why you allow his views to be part of CoolCleveland. While I do not expect any action on your part, I do ask that exclude his commentaries from your weekly newsletters. PS Thanks for caring about Cleveland and keep up the good work!
from Cool Cleveland reader Joel Wimbiscus jwimbiscusAThotmail.com
On Cool Cleveland Congrats on producing such a smart, positive, edifying, and informative editorial product. Cool Cleveland is an inspiration. Keep up the good work!
from Cool Cleveland reader Glenn Campbell campbellglenn@sbcglobal.net (:divend:)