Rust Wire - Latest Comments

Re: Video: Mark Gorton — Designing Cities for People, Not Cars

Angie Schmitt — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:25:22 -0000

Panel discussion video here as well http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Re: From Millionaire’s Row to Riots: A Comprehensive History of Cleveland’s Hough Neighborhood

DublinIrishBob — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:05:26 -0000

Nice piece, Meagen. In the summer of 2010, we took my late father in-law who was suffering from Alzheimer's to his childhood home on E. 45th Street. It was a real joy. It did reawaken his memories and he was disappointed that we did not go "home" at the end of the day. Anyway, we drove him all over, to the Case U area, old Lutheran churches and schools that still serve the community, and other places. The neighborhood appeared to be stable and on the up-swing.

Re: Levin College Forum: Building Cleveland’s Future Beyond Foreclosure

Dale Debelak — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:54:33 -0000

The misguided focus of taxing the rich will only lead to less jobs to provide the steady income to prospective home buyers. You can read all the reports and books on revitalization and it will not change the reality of foreclosures; why they occur and what it takes for the individual to secure a loan. If I hear the words "affordable housing" . . . .

Re: Remembering the 1968 Riots

John Morris — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:10:09 -0000

All I can say is that the post war period in urban America is one of the least understood or studied periods in American history. I myself, can't say what's true or false about what happened.

However, the history seems to show that many of these places were under severe pressure long before the mid and late 1960's. The civic arena in Pittsburgh was built in 1953, I think. Thankfully we have the Teenie Harris archive to show the amazing social capital in the neighborhood.

Re: Remembering the 1968 Riots

Michael Brickey — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:34:43 -0000

The riots that shook American cities in 1968 - or '67, '66, '65, and '64 for that matter - did not represent "the beginning of a prolonged decline in inner city neighborhoods," but rather were the flash points of a long history of racial discrimination and spatial inequality, the effects of which were only exacerbated by structural economic change - a process in which automation replaced workers and industrial relocation left cities like Youngstown to rust. Because African Americans were typically employed in the unskilled positions most vulnerable to economic change they bore its impacts most immediately, long before the built environment of industrial cities in the Northeast and Midwest started to acquire their proverbial rust.

Re: Sorting Through the Census Data on Central Cleveland

John Morris — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:17:34 -0000

If Cleveland's demographics are anything like Pittsburgh's were, a major factor is not just people leaving but also people dying. Birth rates vs. death rates.

Overwhelmingly, the biggest crowd of people "leaving" Pittsburgh are heading to the next world.

Re: From Chicago’s 63rd Street: Where’s the Public Interest in Public-Private Partnerships?

FdoCenteno — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:29:05 -0000

An Urgent Need for a New
Economic Public Policy Approach
in Economic Development Practice

“An economic development program does not economic development make.” -- Anonymous

Over many years in the public arena, much has been said and done relating to our community’s business prosperity, but these activities have been carried out in the name of “economic” or “community” development. Though well-intentioned, this practice has in effect, institutionalized a narrow economic public policy approach at the expense of the broader community, whose basic needs account for the alarming growth in income inequality across our country, unequaled since our last Great Depression.

From the perspective of local (or regional) economic policy, I find an arena dominated by pundits, press, and politicians, rather than by professional planners, community leaders or those in social science professions, who better understand and deal with the consequences of narrow economic public policy carried out in the public’s name. A major failing in this regard is the fact that “urban” planners, concerned with the built environment and who dominate the planning profession, have chosen to limit their role in the interests of the private sector -- primarily the commercial real estate industry -- at the expense of their natural constituency, the broader public. A major realignment of public resource distribution is in order.

The time has come to say “no more”, with the hope that interested citizens, planners, and community leaders will step up to re-define economic public policy such that its consequences directly benefit greater numbers of citizens in a structural sense, rather than to have policy serve as a large safety net, which should not be the purpose of representative government. Because large investments of public dollars are at stake on an annualized basis, an engaged public must participate to shape transformative public policy designed for deeper and broader outcomes, as opposed to the current practice of using public funds primarily for the benefit of the private sector. In doing so, we achieve at the very least, real transparency, accountability, and a new paradigm in the way we measure public policy impacts.

Contrary to public perception, economic development in its truest sense is a public sector term. Done right, public representatives would design strategies and use tools in collaboration with the private sector to produce win-win-win outcomes, especially in critical public areas, neither sector of which has the capacity or incentive to accomplish alone. Hence the “public-private partnership” model, which has proven to be the cornerstone of civic economic progress. For too long, Chamber-of-Commerce style press reports by our media reporting “growth” here and “development” there perpetuates the illusion of real public benefits, but instead, does a great disservice to our low-resource communities as well as to our profession as economic development practitioners.

Today, economic development planners view themselves as regional planners. Local APA chapters are now marketing themselves as regional players, chasing those industry clusters and using regionalized metrics to position themselves as major investment destinations. But at the same time, public planners are spending large sums of public funds: where is the public’s voice in this cost-benefit equation? Who really benefits, who really loses in this zero sum game? Who is in charge of public outcomes, when all is said and done?
Monies used in the name of taxpayers should require that public sector representatives be the driver in these partnerships, explicitly laying out terms and conditions, with private incentives, which lead – to the extent possible – to winning scenarios. Instead, due to weak professionalism, we have collectively chosen to let the private sector play the lead role, assuming that rising private tides of cash raise all boats. Not so. This is not “economic development” practice. Considering that this behavior is long-standing – at least three generations – it would be fair to say that our pro-establishment public sector across the country seem to work for the Chambers of Commerce, but who works for the economically marginalized and those left behind? What is there to show for the billions of dollars spent in the public’s name? Annual budgets and staffs grow steadily. The silence to key questions is deafening.
Who decided that economic development was defined merely as attracting corporations to gain white collar jobs, disproportionately at the expense of everyone else? For me, economic development is essentially the process of leveraging all tools and resources to stimulate and achieve greater quality-of-life and standards-of-living measures in areas of greatest need, as determined by the public’s interest. Using the community’s socio-economic baseline, what strategies are in place to reduce endemic poverty rates for example? What methodologies have worked and why? Are public funds being put to best effect?

Across the country over the years, the typical practice in our profession is to use millions of public funds to lure corporations, which is easy; taking credit for new white collar jobs is an injustice, in light of the bigger picture. Whereas our private sector has largely outsourced its workforce outside of the U.S., we now have our public sector outsourcing its inherent responsibilities to the private sector. Now state governments are doing the same thing. Structural socio-economic inequities are basically ignored while the status quo continues, generation after generation. The escape hatch is simple: let the federal government pick up the tab for those left behind.

Because the economic development profession is more sophisticated and complex than it appears, especially where it concerns itself with public outcomes, it becomes necessary to speak out against practices which are contrary to our essential mission as practitioners. Is anyone listening?

It’s time for a new paradigm grounded upon the bedrock of our community rather than one pitched to the high cliffs of narrow prosperity. With your engagement, conviction, and leadership, I remain hopeful that our steadfast participation will transform economic public policy across the United States for the greater good.

Bio: Fernando Centeno, graduate of Harvard University, has practiced Community Economic Development planning as a private consultant for 12 years in governmental and non-profit sectors. He has created and taught Certification courses in ED; he is a member of APA’s Economic Development Division.
Fernando lives in San Antonio, Texas. fcenteno@satx..rr.com

Re: From Millionaire’s Row to Riots: A Comprehensive History of Cleveland’s Hough Neighborhood

John Morris — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:21:14 -0000

Right. This grey area, guessing game about what the city and major institutions might want to do/grab next has to have played a big role.

Perhaps some wise potential investors and business owners are less afraid of black people than afraid of these powers?

Willis's story shows there was some strong potential for organic development of a dynamic business community. To me it makes a lot of sense.

Very much like the Lower Hill district, it doesn't take a genius to see this is a pretty sweet location.

Re: From Millionaire’s Row to Riots: A Comprehensive History of Cleveland’s Hough Neighborhood

Meagen Farrell — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:34 -0000

Thanks for that name! When we went for our house loan in 2006, the bank rep told us they would fund loans in any neighborhood in the city of Cleveland & homeowners should expect to see a return on investment. That was a poor prediction in hindsight, but I think it reflects that over the past couple decades many financial curtains have been lifted...still the invisible lines of stigma keep people segregated.

Re: From Millionaire’s Row to Riots: A Comprehensive History of Cleveland’s Hough Neighborhood

Meagen Farrell — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:56:17 -0000

John Yes, yes, yes! The shadow of eminent domain is ever looming. I didn't even get into the Cleveland Clinic history because neighborhood residents don't consider them part of the neighborhood. Functionally it feels like they are pretty much their own city with their own police force. Most documents I've seen draw the borders of Hough at Euclid to Superior, E 55th to E 105th, but in my experience the current "community" is Chester to Superior, E 55th to MLK Blvd. The "outlying" areas are slowly being aborbed by the expansion of the Clinic and the VA hospital. And the influx of development in University Circle is sure to have an impact as well.

Re: From Millionaire’s Row to Riots: A Comprehensive History of Cleveland’s Hough Neighborhood

John Morris — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:09:35 -0000

Hi Meagen,

Do you know the story of Winston E Willis and his business empire?

There's a big Wikipedia entry, just Google his name. Cleveland SGS also put up a very interesting street art tribute which you may have seen.

Depending on how one defines things, a lot of his property was in or on the border of Hough.

This kind of eminent domain pissing contest and feeling of unstable property rights, was likely a big reason many landlords failed to improve their buildings or couldn't get loans to do so.

Re: From Millionaire’s Row to Riots: A Comprehensive History of Cleveland’s Hough Neighborhood

John Morris — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:03:18 -0000

I haven't clicked through all the links. An overview like this is nice but hopefully, we can get a slower, more in depth look.

Re: From Millionaire’s Row to Riots: A Comprehensive History of Cleveland’s Hough Neighborhood

John Morris — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:01:11 -0000

Sorry, I'm not exactly familiar with the borders of Hough.

Wasn't this area also affected by the plans of the Cleveland Clinic and other major institutions and more importantly by people's perception of those plans? It's not hard for investors and banks to guess the areas most likely to be impacted by eminent domain.

Re: From Chicago’s 63rd Street: Where’s the Public Interest in Public-Private Partnerships?

John Morris — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:27:17 -0000

OK, one could make case that Friedman was somewhat Neo-liberal. True Libertarians consider the gold standard/private money issue to be fundamental. Also, Friedman was ok with things like school vouchers--in other words taxpayer funding of education-where a true libertarian would oppose any government involvement or funding.

Re: From Chicago’s 63rd Street: Where’s the Public Interest in Public-Private Partnerships?

John Morris — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:22:22 -0000

"Unlike these cities, Chicago has the money to rebuild 63rd Street."

Really???? Chicago actually has a pretty huge public debt problem.

I think the root cause of the parking meter and many other "public/private" deals is the city's rather desperate financial position.

Re: From Chicago’s 63rd Street: Where’s the Public Interest in Public-Private Partnerships?

John Morris — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:18:39 -0000

Only on monetary policy does Friedman differ from standard libertarian thought.

Re: From Chicago’s 63rd Street: Where’s the Public Interest in Public-Private Partnerships?

John Morris — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:13:31 -0000

For the record, the term "neo-liberal", is very often abused into having almost no meaning.

Milton Friedman is often considered the classic, Neo-Liberal, when he really was libertarian and would have opposed any "partnership", between the government and a private business.

Public/private, "partnerships" are the hallmark of mercantilist and fascist systems--and are anti-capitalist.

Re: The Conflicted Class: The Rust Belt as a Source of Creativity

Richey Piiparinen — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:44:09 -0000

yep

Re: The Conflicted Class: The Rust Belt as a Source of Creativity

clstal — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:55:37 -0000

Interesting. Not much to add, but wanted to say I enjoyed the read. Percolating.

Thanks.

Re: The Conflicted Class: The Rust Belt as a Source of Creativity

John Morris — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:27:24 -0000

I really think the trust fund kid stuff is overblown. Most people are truely attracted by the cheapness and potential freedom that might allow. The real trust fund brats don't need cheap anyway.

One can call this crowd losers, but the reality is more complicated. Some of them are, some of them are not, many are a complicated mix of the two.

Re: The Conflicted Class: The Rust Belt as a Source of Creativity

Richey Piiparinen — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:53:37 -0000

but also, it isn't just about creativity like creative class or artists, that's why I usurped creativity with conflict. If that means driving various classes and opinions and ironies and cruelties in one place then so be it--i feel it will serve as a place that brings society to a higher level than current places of status quo.

Re: The Conflicted Class: The Rust Belt as a Source of Creativity

Richey Piiparinen — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:50:07 -0000

no argument there. and i am getting better at taking criticism through this website! there is nothing wrong with getting your faced punch when you stick it out there, that's part of creating too.

Re: The Conflicted Class: The Rust Belt as a Source of Creativity

C.B. Nickras — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:02:10 -0000

And by "make fun of" of course I mean "lovingly lampoon in the style of H.L. Mencken, Sinclair Lewis, and Carl Hiaasen." #dustjacketdreams

Re: The Conflicted Class: The Rust Belt as a Source of Creativity

C.B. Nickras — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:42:15 -0000

I getcha. I still reserve the right to make fun of anything that seems like egregious prancing. One of my pet peeves about the arts scene here is how little arts *criticism* there seems to be now, like everyone just gets a free pass and a pat on the back for trying, with no one saying (at least publicly) "that's not very good", "that's derivative", "your art looks like something you could buy at Urban Outfitters" or "you need to try harder." When I worked as a project archivist, I'd see lots of old copies of the Cleveland Free Times, and that wasn't always the case. It's easy to misremember the past as better or different, but there it was, in front of me.

Now that's partly me being a crank, but I also think the lack of criticism does our community a huge disservice: no one gets better at what they do if they're just receiving praise. As an editor I try and give decent feedback where I see there's potential. I definitely want to see a vibrant community here, not a complacent one.

Re: The Conflicted Class: The Rust Belt as a Source of Creativity

Richey Piiparinen — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:20:06 -0000

hi christine,
yes, obviously, trust fund kids prancing around in urban grit is whatever, but--historically and at least in cleveland--there is so much more to it than that. and given our regions troubles i do not believe we can afford throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

i also think creation is an act that delves deeper than socioeconomic theory to a statement of purpose in life. it is an act of assertion, and only by accepting and integrating failure that is often embodied by the post-industrial landscape--and by living with, seeing, and acknowledging poverty as a condition--only then can some form of transformation occur on the individual and hopefully the sociological level.