Imagine a community of 1,000s of citizens Hauser... what would Cleveland be like then? Thanks Ed for giving NEO a park forever.

Disrupt IT

Ed, your efforts, unparalleled activism, and terrific heart are deserving of the City's highest commendation.  Congrats - it is a pleasure having you part of the realneo Core and championing sustainability in grassroots-activist fashion, like none other.

Peace!

Ed - you rock man.  Someone should install a large bronze bust of you at Wendy Park!!

Seriously though, I would be fascinated to learn how many man hours you spent accomplishing your goal.  You see there are non-profits with annual operating budgets of 500k+ that do not have as tangible of outcomes from their projects that I have seen.   I would be curious to note how long it took you to accomplish this task...

My suggestion is to keep on the bandwagon, and use your network, knowledge, and enthusiasm for doing more good in our area.   Whats next man?

Your tenacity proves that citizen activism can win out. Congratulations and thank you for saving a lakefront park for all of us.
There are other battles to be fought, but for now, enjoy this hard won victory. You deserve a medal!

Let's get that Citizen Hauser video linked up here on realneo for all to see. It can serve as an inspiration to other like-minded individuals who might find the courage to go to bat for issues they hold dear. You have certainly inspired me and surely countless others. Let's share the love and spread the wealth of examples of good behavior in the civic space.

"Whiskey Island was settled by Irish immigrants who worked in the flats. Now it is an under-utilized park. This shot was taken on a foggy winter day." -- Lisa Chamberlain

Here's the clip: http://www.blueholeproductions.org/

If you don't know about the history Ed has saved, read this chapter from The Cuyahoga, by William Donohue Ellis.

My take on Ed’s announcement is a cynical one – not in line with the general comments here on REALNEO:  I believe that Ed took the time to transcribe Mr. Hagan’s impatient “sit down and quiet up” comments, and then email those comments to the community in order to hoist Hagan on his own petard.   Frankly, the transcript makes Mr. Hagan sound rude to one of his tax paying constituents – even as he is telling his civic minded constituent that the constituent should go home happy.   I  didn’t’ attend the meeting so I may have the wrong tone interpretation.  If you attended, please correct me if my negativity is out of line.    

This wasn’t a vote, and it wasn’t a official action of the Commission, was it?   And since the Port Authority has eminent domain authority – or so it thinks with regard to Mr. Wolstien’s attempted east bank land grab - what is stopping the Port Authority from exercising this power – against the County - over Whiskey Island?  Clearly if the County Commissioners and Mayor Jackson are in favor of holding onto Whiskey that is good news and a major stumbling block for the Port Authority – but I would love to hear the Port Authority denounce any intention to take Whiskey, as well as hear Mr. Hagan say that the County is irrevocably committed.

Hi Karen,
 
Thanks for your interest!  
 
I've been doing this for nine years and don't trust that the "the issue is over with."  Commissioner Hagan caught me off guard with his firm statements, "Ed, it's not going to happen, everybody is opposed to it.  All three commissioners are opposed to it.  So you can leave here comforted by the fact the marina is not going to be buried in.  The mayor has already signed off on it.  We're all done with that.  The issue is over with.  So, please don't give us a lecture about it again.  We're done with it."
 
So, I documented his comments for the record and sent it out to about 700 people on my email list.  I have seen public officials comments desolve into the air too many times before.  I won't truly believe it until it's in writing and the Cleveland Metroparks takes ownership and operation of the property.  The sale of the county's Whiskey Island property is dependent on the decision of two of the three county commissioners.  The Metroparks remains interested to take control of this property for the people- forever!
 
Commissioners Hagan and Jones reappointed John Carney to the Port Authority board without investigating allegations to his conflicts of interest and excessive spending, which was covered in the media recently.  Carney has publicly stated that the Port Authority wants to use the marina for a bulk storage dock.  Also, Carney was the driving force behind the Port Authority to commission the $900,000 Port Relocation Study that is due to be released in April 2007.  The study will give its recommendations on the Port Authority's need to use of the county's Whiskey Island Marina property.  It's not over until we see the results of the study and get the public officials' responses.
 
On another note- "Citizen Hauser," which is a documentary about the efforts to save Whiskey Island, will be shown at the Cleveland International Film Fest on Sunday, March 18 @ 2pm at the Tower City Cinemas.  I am looking into having an after party with the film makers at the Sunset Grill at Whiskey Island Marina, immediately after the film fest viewing (3/18, 4-8pm?).  I will send out more info on the documentary viewing and the after party later this week.
 
Thanks again for your interest,
Ed Hauser
(216) 651-3476

"SCHAEFER, KAREN" wrote:
FYI – no ore dock on the marina, commissioners pledge – just public land forever.

         

        Go, Ed!
         
        Karen Schaefer
        Senior Reporter
        WKSU, 89-7
        1613 E. Summit St.
        Kent, OH 44242

Ed, this will make the Burning River Fest that much more enjoyable this year. Are the dates firmed up yet? I haven't seen it announced anywhere yet.