AIA proudly stands up

I received a comment on my post about the medmart/convention center forum that was basically a CC on a letter written to the County Commissioners regarding having some sort of qualified persons on the board regarding the planning and location for the Medical Mart/Convention center. I was very pleased to receive this notice and it very much buoyed my perception of AIA Cleveland. Here is the letter I received for your very own viewing.

AIA Cleveland issued the following statement on the Convention Center:

Dear Commissioner Jones:
AIA Cleveland, a Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, applauds the recent agreement to locate the proposed Medical Mart and new Convention Center Complex in Downtown Cleveland. This exciting new development will have a tremendous positive impact on the revitalization and future viability of Downtown.
As architects, with a long history of community involvement, AIA Cleveland recognizes that the location of the proposed facilities is the most important urban design and planning decision to face our community this generation. This decision will shape the character of the downtown core and the dynamics of future economic development for many years to come.
We are, therefore, very concerned that no architects or city planners are included on the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s (GCP) site selection committee. The numerous issues being considered as part of the site location, including urban design, historic preservation, sustainability, connectivity to existing amenities and infrastructure along with construction costs, are all part of an architect’s core competency. AIA Cleveland urges the County and GCP to appoint an architect advisor to the site selection committee to provide technical, design and planning guidance throughout the process. We will gladly offer the names of qualified candidates from our membership to fill this position.
AIA Cleveland also recommends the involvement of the City of Cleveland Planning Commission early in the site selection process. The experience, knowledge and commitment of this body should not only be called upon to approve the site recommended by the GCP committee, but play a vital role in the analysis, public discussion and evaluation of the proposed sites.
Most importantly, we urge the County, City and the GCP to continue to engage the community during the decision making process so that all voices are heard on this major expenditure of public resources. A decision of this importance needs to be conducted in a deliberative and transparent way that involves the public throughout the process. AIA Cleveland stands ready to provide counsel on this most important matter and to assist in facilitating a constructive community dialogue on this issue.
We look forward to your prompt response, so that we can assist in fostering citizen involvement that will aid in a successful site selection for the Medical Mart and Convention Center.

Sincerely,



Donald Rerko, AIA
President, AIA Cleveland

CC:

The Honorable Jimmy Dimora, Commissioner, Cuyahoga County
The Honorable, Timothy F. Hagan, Commissioner, Cuyahoga County
The Honorable Frank Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland
The Honorable Martin Sweeney, President of Cleveland City Council
The Honorable Joe Cimperman, Ward 13, Cleveland City Council
Anthony Coyne, Chair, Cleveland Planning Commission
Joe Roman, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Frederick R. Nance, Esq., Squire Sanders
Brent Larkin, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Steven Litt, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Brian D. Tucker, Publisher, Crain's Cleveland Business

The import is obvious. It is notice that the design community understands that the weight of proffering relevant services lay upon our shoulders. If we are not willing to step in and challenge a poorly planned, executed or proposed project than whom should we hold responsible for harming our community and region but ourselves.

I appreciate the comments made by Donald Rerko and hope that this new and outspoken direction is one that the AIA continues to follow in order to keep the profession respectable.

Thank you very much Mr. Rerko. Our profession, our city and our ideals needed it.