I'm making this posting the title page of a "book", which is a place to put other related content - and I'll move all Frank Giglio postings here into this boo, so they are easy to find and print.

Direct any attorneys you know to  http://realneo.us/content/franks-phoenix to review the case, and we'll have all Frank Giglio related content posted here as pages in this book.

I'll keep it managed for now, until we can get more people comfortable with outlines, etc... come to the Meet-up at Dewey's Wednesday and we can discuss how.

Disrupt IT

I'm afraid we have an organizing meeting for the candidates running on the Social Equity slate for TWDC Board elections.

But, thank you for doing this - I was going a little crazy trying to find the links!

I've got to go to a lead meeting... but you get the idea.

Disrupt IT

once again... it seems people are so worked up over the episode they cant keep the comments onto one space! understandable..

anyway - I want to respond to the comment to (Tim?) Gill's article (its on the other post about grafitti, I think) pertaining to a call for the plaintiff's bar to respond. Its pretty well documented that the decade long harassment and final demolition was an act of the politcal elite of this town with our councilperson, Joe Cimperman, as their soldier boy. It may be a tough time finding anyone to risk professional suicide and take up the torch. However, if the suits being filed against TWDC et al are any indication there may be something bigger than just Frank. 

I think there's another case languishing in the system that has been around a few years, same sort of violation of individuals' rights--they, the city defense, keep on stonewalling and working technicalities. This one has already been to the State Supreme Court and back down again. A Tremont attorney originally botched it, nearly had it buried. The case has been revived twice and is no longer on life support.

this stated in relation to Cimperman's house being set on fire :

just FYI - neither a true pagan nor true artist would ever destroy  - it would be antithetical to our beliefs. Cimperman on the other hand is quite obviously neither a pagan nor an artist...

Does he have a lawyer, yet.

Any developments in finding his possessions or justice?

Anything anyone in the realneo community may do to help?

Disrupt IT

a couple of hours ago... he's fine... a bit grumpy..

  Despite the injustice perpetrated upon him, I believe Frank's best revenge is hanging on and maintaining his eccentricity.   He may not financially WIN against the powers that be, but his constant presence is daily reminder of the triumphant human spirit.  And, I still contend that Frank's case merits attorney attention...Gordon Friedman/Terry Gilbert???

Meanwhile, has anyone seen ANY plans for the rumored parking garage and other infill proposed for the demo'ed sites along Fairfield across from the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation?

ok, I'll just say it, since it keeps coming up...

Frank has worked with Gilbert & Friedman in the past. He also worked with Avery Friedman and another attorney, Althouse. I assisted Althouse with the work and it seemed we had a pretty good case, but Frank kept throwing bombs into it. He kept wanting to direct the case in ways that just didnt make sense. Frank's very intelligent and he has good knowledge of the law, but its not full knowledge. He's also very stubborn. Additionally, its essential for an attorney to have full permission of his client and if that client refuses to go with the plan or frequently changes his position, the attorney could place his professional license in jeopardy.

So, thats a bit of background and it may be reason why some attorneys are not jumping up to handle the case. I love Frank, and I agree 100% with all the above. Its just a big factor in the equation, probably one Cimperman counted on. Finding an attorney to take the case is going to take some real initiative. 

"bad" girls rarely make history?

 some people dont have the balls to be "bad" girls, Norm; does tHAt answer your question?

btw - thanks for being a "bad" girl.... we girls gotta stick together.. 

  I am moving this comment here.  Please see the following article for more information this month's Plain Press January 2009 for more information.  The online articles are not yet available, but the hard copies can be found at Dave's Supermarket and most near west side libraries.  Call me at 216-623-6920 and I will insure that you get a copy.

This story will see the light of day--I just saw Mr. Giglio today and he is as sane as I am today (which I am sure--others will debate).  Between us, we can agree that some of this warped noblesse oblige insanity took root during the Campbell administration, which was populated with many folks who see themselves as doing "good works" for the community.  I personally know many of these folks--and have to say to them, "Where is your conscience?"   Make amends.  This is a New Year and you need to repent.

  I have one request from the PD in 2009.  Compile the list.  Demolitions that have taken place from 2006-2008 and those slated in 2009--all showing the developers' wish list. 

Print the addresses, the owners, the contractors awarded the demo and the cost of the lien attached--if a lien ever shows up.  Map these locations and publish it.  Provide an accounting of how the city divies up the money by ward. 

This would be a great way to start the new year.

  I want to get back to Frank Giglio's situation and the explanation that the City of Cleveland provides to warrant the housing harassment and aggression used in Tremont.  A friend of mine attended the recent safety meeting at Merrick House.  The discussion got off topic and strayed to the aggressive code enforcement and plastering of condemned signs throughout Tremont.   The TWDC rep said that postings to Desiree Schmidtt's property and Tom Bell's property were mistakes and that TWDC would not be targeting owner-occupied structures. (The TWDC rep Tom Cook further countered with some convoluted explanation about how the citations were actually prompted from within the anti-TWDC crowd, to effectively stir the pot, which would involve collusion from the inspectors...right...)

Mistakes?  You can shrug off the mental anguish and stress to "a mistake."  Now, I was not there and I don't know whether I accurately conveyed the dialogue.  We can't all be everywhere.  But, I hope that some of the victims of this hateful incompetence, manage to get a letter from Tremont West Development Corporation acknowledging the mistake in writing.  Then, I would contact Terry Gilbert/Gordon Friedman and file a lawsuit. Afterall, Frank Giglio's property was owner-occupied.

It was no mistake, it was out and out fraud - I have a copy of Des' Search Warrant and attached is an Affidavit Sworn to by Inspector larkins and signed by Judge Pianka - attached is also a  long list of "interior" violation.  Now, no one ever gained access to her house, the door was locked, windows screwed shut, so how in the hell did inspector Larkins manage to get a list of interior violation?  I have spoken to at least six different people from Building and housing including the number given me to the Mayor's office and no body can give me an answer of how this list came to be.  I have questioned, and proded and even our "good cop bad cop" duo Moss and O'Leary cannot answer as to why there are no photos of the inside of the property since it is supposed to be so bad? 

If inspector did not get inside that property - then there is no credibility to her violations and as such I think they should be thrown out.  I was personally at the meeting and have it on tape where O'Leary said he was going to replace Jose Ramos with inspector Larkins because of his lack of prosecuted cases.  MISTAKE MY  ---EYE.

It was no mistake, it was out and out fraud - I have a copy of Des' Search Warrant and attached is an Affidavit Sworn to by Inspector larkins and signed by Judge Pianka - attached is also a  long list of "interior" violation.  Now, no one ever gained access to her house, the door was locked, windows screwed shut, so how in the hell did inspector Larkins manage to get a list of interior violation?  I have spoken to at least six different people from Building and housing including the number given me to the Mayor's office and no body can give me an answer of how this list came to be.  I have questioned, and proded and even our "good cop bad cop" duo Moss and O'Leary cannot answer as to why there are no photos of the inside of the property since it is supposed to be so bad? 

If inspector did not get inside that property - then there is no credibility to her violations and as such I think they should be thrown out.  I was personally at the meeting and have it on tape where O'Leary said he was going to replace Jose Ramos with inspector Larkins because of his lack of prosecuted cases.  MISTAKE MY  ---EYE.

I was at the meeting. This was not part of the general discussion. The Committee broke up in five break-out groups for 45 minutes.

I was leading the group on a resolution for Fire Station #21. This had to be part of another break-out group. I could not confirm this was said.

I do know the Building Board of Standards hearings on both matters are scheduled for 02-04-09 at City Hall.

I am hoping that TWDC sends someone to testify on behalf of these good people, and to ask for more time.

I believe 22 or 23 people were in attendance, and I feel it was a positive for the neighborhood. My attendance was not to promote TWDC per se, but to make a positive impact for the neighborhood.

TWDC does alot of good things, but the lack of transparancy in its operation is a sticking point that the community has a level of complete distrust

GOOD LUCK GETTING TO THE BALANCE SHEETS. 

I'M STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE THE MONEY WALMART DONATED TO TWDC TO REDUCE THE BURDEN OF MORTGAGES ON LOW INCOME RESIDENTS WENT TO?  I'VE SPOKEN TO A LOT OF FOLKS AND NOBODY HAS HEARD OF THE FUNDS OR HOW THEY WERE SPENT? 

here's another one - while working on my masters degree, in coursework required for urban planning and development, we are told the history of CDCs - how they sprang from grassroots/power to the people type of organizing. this is the segue to CDCs now, as though they are a continuation of this. they are painted and projected as "the people" working together for the improvement of themselves and their neighborhoods.

no mention is made of the personal gain many have made with the funding of our tax dollars and at the expense of needy neighbors, for whom the money is intended. 

so we have all these bright cheeked boys and girls with their little diplomas and presumed knowledge, eager to get hired by a CDC so they can work to "power to the people". no one bothers to scratch the surface and see what is really happening - they dont want to know.

and now you have a level of actual dishonesty the heads of these units are using to cover their tracks when pissed off residents are starting to make some headway in proving their point that the CDCs are rotten to the core:

:::the TWDC rep Tom Cook further countered with some convoluted explanation about how the citations were actually prompted from within the anti-TWDC crowd, to effectively stir the pot:::::  

what a piece of work! 

here's a bit of history on the first ever (below). it gives a good base for understanding the way CDCs were intended to function and WHY they gained support. i agree - they now largely fail to serve their function, primarily because the wealthy - following the scent of money that is not theirs but could be taken - have taken hold of the CDCs through funding sources (Cleveland Foundation, NPI, etc) and by infiltrating their boards. The CDCs now serve primarily development interests. It is also interesting to note the urban phenomena in Europe where most wealthier people live in the urban cores and the non-privileged get pushed to the outer suburbs.

Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (BSRC), Brooklyn, NY

Historically, Bedford Stuyvesant in Brooklyn was a stable working and middle class neighborhood with a solid residential core of brownstone row houses. As recently as the early 1950s, it was a racially and economically mixed community with a comfortable standard of living. Many of its residents were employed in Brooklyn's thriving manufacturing and shipping industries. But when suburban homeownership and highway expansion programs began to lure white families and manufacturers out of the city, Bedford Stuyvesant underwent dramatic changes. Between 1940 and 1960, its population shifted from 75% white to almost 85% African American and Latino. Once the neighborhood's racial composition began to change, banks undertook a policy of "redlining," refusing to grant mortgages or loans to the area's residents and businesses. At the same time, the neighborhood was ravaged by unscrupulous real estate speculators who played upon racial fears to convince white homeowners to flee the area by selling their houses at cut-rate prices. This led to the widespread exploitation of incoming African-American families, who were desperate for housing and were forced to pay exorbitant rents for overcrowded, substandard shelter. The neighborhood's deteriorated conditions were made worse by inadequate public services such as police protection, garbage collection, health care and education.
The Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan

Despite these seemingly hopeless conditions of poverty and urban decay, Bedford Stuyvesant had a strong base of neighborhood and block associations, churches, and other civic organizations that were dedicated to stemming the tide of decline. Over eighty of these community-based groups functioned under the umbrella of the Central Brooklyn Coordinating Council (CBCC), which served as one of the unifying forces for addressing neighborhood issues, particularly the needs of youth. During the early 1960s, CBCC became a leader in the War on Poverty, a national effort initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson. By involving community residents in a participatory planning process, the group forged what was to become the blueprint for comprehensive physical, social, cultural and economic development in Bedford Stuyvesant. Through the efforts of CBCC's staff and volunteers, prominent community activists such as Elsie Richardson, and technical assistance providers such as Pratt Institute, the plan won the grudging endorsement of key city officials. The most significant opportunity to make this comprehensive plan a reality arose in 1966, when New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy agreed to tour the neighborhood and enter into dialogue with community leaders.
More Than Studies Needed

Senator Kennedy's famous tour of the neighborhood ended at a community-wide meeting at the local YMCA. Although Kennedy seemed sincerely concerned about the appalling conditions he saw, many residents of Bedford Stuyvesant were skeptical about the public sector's ability or commitment to take action. For too long, the neighborhood had been studied by a parade of academics, politicians and public officials. Judge Thomas R. Jones, a strong local leader and civil court judge, recalls challenging the Senator. "I'm glad you're here," he stated. "But I want you to know that your late brother Jack Kennedy already had seen and understood these things, and we're tired of being studied, Senator."
The Nation's First Community Development Corporation

Senator Kennedy proved willing to take up the challenge. Impressed by the strength of civic life in Bedford Stuyvesant, he decided to use the neighborhood as a testing ground for a new federally-supported model of community development. Working with the civic leaders that had forged the comprehensive plan for Bedford Stuyvesant, he helped establish the Bedford Stuyvesant Renewal and Rehabilitation Corporation. Soon after it came into existence, however, the organization reached an impasse around programmatic and leadership issues, and consequently split into two independent entities. While one entity (which went by the original name) focused on housing development, a new entity known as the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (BSRC) was created in 1967. As the beneficiary of national legislation crafted by Senator Kennedy and Senator Jacob Javits, the organization became recognized as the nation's first community development corporation (CDC).

In order to fulfill one of the CDC's primary goals - to strengthen the local economy and create jobs by bringing manufacturers and private investors into Bedford Stuyvesant - BSRC was assisted by a sister organization, the Development and Services Corporation (D&S). BSRC's role was to set policy and carry out community development programs, while D&S's role was to offer technical and fundraising assistance. This unusual dual structure was somewhat controversial. D&S; was managed primarily by representatives of the white power structure who were personally recruited by Senator Kennedy from the banking and corporate world. Restoration was directed mostly by African-American residents of the community who had long participated in Bedford Stuyvesant's rich civic life. Restoration's first chairman was Judge Jones, who was actively involved in community politics. The CDC's founding president was Franklin A. Thomas, a former New York City Deputy Police Commissioner who was born and raised in the neighborhood. Because of the respect he had earned in Bedford Stuyvesant, as well as the public and private sectors, Thomas was able to bridge some of the divisions in the community. He was also able to provide strong leadership to the organization, despite its dual structure. Although it was sometimes criticized for being patterned on a "colonial" model, this structure was also praised for its ability to bring together two very separate worlds for a common purpose. As Ben Glascoe, a former organizer on BSRC's staff recalls, "The legislation was unique in that it made for a marriage between the community and the business world. And in those days that meant the black world and the white world."
 http://prattcenter.net/cdc-bsrc.php

 ???

  Over on Facebook, George Nemeth started a productive discussion on the Cleveland Foundation's new focus on deconstruction rather than demolition.  Even the Plain Dealer and the Cleveland Foundation have to be taken aback by the newly minted land bank's emphasis on "massive demolitions."

So, let's regroup and find another way to sugar coat the real agenda of social and cultural segregation going on here....Hmmm...how to conceal the intended outcome of segregating poor people in parts of the city not fortunate enough to receive  the coveted NPI/SII/$$$ designation and rich folks on the outside controlling the land for "future development????" 

Here is my response to George's inquiry:

The Cleveland Foundation has itself mixed up with the wrong people. Deconstruction definitely makes more sense than demolition, but both cost taxpayers' dollars to what end? Freeing up urban lots for developers?
I would rather see a way to make these properties generate tax dollars to help the community rebuild the infrastructure. Give the houses to people who are willing to invest their time and energy to the community.

If the Cleveland Foundation really wants to help the City of Cleveland.  Find a way to put these homes into the hands of folks who will pay taxes on properties.  Find a way to make the City of Cleveland really accountable for how those tax dollars are spent in the city.  Find a way to make the City of Cleveland enforce point-of-sale transfers of property.

And, stop torturing folks like Frank Giglio.

(BTW, Grace Hospital has an architecture firm working on the rehab of the Olney Museum and adjacent Victorians...this, despite, allowing the properties to deteriorate beyond the point of no return...this is a breadcrumb.  Can anyone else elaborate on the this bit of information?  Has TWDC ever trotted out the master plan for Fairfield and West 14th St. aka known at one time as "Greektown?"  Also, heard in the rumor mill...when the demos cleared the large area of land along Fairfield...the contractors apparently were poised to also pull down the adjacent Eikona gallery...but were foiled by the owner who recently sold this property...so, what will happen to the building across from Parallax.  Stay tuned Tremont...and please see if anyone at TWDC will put answers to dispute any of the above hearsay in WRITING :)

  Okay...I will continue to be a "spy in the house of love" that is NEO :)

Here's a photo reminder of Frank Giglio's house criminally torn down in Tremont and the many unanswered SII questions still swirling about the town

--lifted from Jeff Sugalski's wonderful Cleveland Flickr photo collection.

resurfaces, just like the crocus.

he is asking for a computer, preferably a laptop so he can wifi, for a month or two. he would like to do some research and get re-connected (esp with RealNEO).

the library can be a drag when you're doing research.-- i mean when it comes to having to reserve a computer and you only get an hour...

 Does anyone know how Frank is doing these days? Drove by his "lot" tonight and wondered how he is holding up.