Public Forum on Cleveland's Convention Center
May 22, 2008
Centers for Families and Children
4500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH
5.30pm
Four sites are currently under consideration for the location of the proposed Medical Mart Convention Center and Complex. Rebuilding the existing convention center on the mall, locating it behind the Terminal Tower on the east bank of the Cuyahoga, adjacent to the Terminal Tower in the warehouse district and on the current Port Authority's dock location (which they hope to have moved by 2014). The county has given the authority for a mix of consultants to verify cost projections for each location including specific engineering requirements.
Some of the proposals make sense. Heck, most of them may if you squint hard enough; except for the most recent add-on, the idea to utilize non-available lakefront property. At times like this, as we look to the North for opportunity we should also look for warnings on how to treat our lakefront.
I am unsure at times what the overall goal of the County is regarding the Medical Mart complex. Do they want it to serve only the medical community or to leverage more conventions into the city? Are we trying to build a major entertainment/convention complex of create residential neighborhoods downtown? Do we want a walkable city or a drivable one? Can we take advantage of this construction to rebrand the entire city? Who is in charge of planning this and what are their qualifications?
The last question is, at the moment, the most disingenuous. I am unaware of whom would actually be acting in a planning capacity or who would even be qualified for such a position. It would be easier to select who shouldn't be in charge of that exercise but I can be snarky in person at the forum, which I plan to attend and to raise a right ruckus if I find it suits me. Which it probably will.
Will reporters be allowed to show up or will they be tossed out if they ask any "hard" questions? I look forward to seeing everyone who cares about the city at all there and I look forward to hearing the hard questions asked.
AIA Cleveland issued the following statement on the Convention Center:
ReplyDeleteDear 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