Neighbors, I have told many of the stories about the UCD master plan for Clark Park and the associated problems. I don’t think I told you about the plans for a permanent performance stage in the bowl.
At the beginning of Penn’s “community partnerships” like the creation of UCD, an effort to recruit me to the ranks of the anointed was contemplated. Of course, my principals quickly identified me as one who will not be bought. For the sake of brevity, I founded the Clark Park Music and Arts Community in 1998 and was very involved when UCD announced its hidden plans to redesign Clark Park with a closed hand picked steering committee to “represent the community.” It was my last offer to join the anointed. I was repeatedly approached to speak favorably about a permanent performance stage in the bowl. I can tell you numerous reasons to reject such a change but certainly one of them was a loyalty to the neighborhood. I believed this would be highly unpopular and completely unnecessary for our group, Woodland ave Reunion, Spiral Q, etc. Of course, I said they should ask all of you. Hahaha! I think people can now see that the Penn vision wants park events like the orchestra to support it’s cronies real estate schemes. They never were interested in our grassroots, vital, community-building events except to replace and control these. That is why park users have been excluded all along. (It also is a reason Penn is ramming a BID to create a precedent of taxing the poor for the marketing schemes of the rich. The desired rich people don't have time for community like we once had. They want upscale entertainment and UCD door prizes using our nickels and pennies.) Why invite a group of citizens to the planning table when they are not welcome? Silencing is a regular tactic against those activists who will not be bought. I’m no longer involved to “blow the whistle” as Penn plans the use of that big fat city check from Mayor Nutter. The anointed made it clear to me that the personal cost for me to stay active in park issues would be far too high. (Consider the almost immediate pattern of the ad hominem strategies when dissent emerges.) You may not have heard about this stage plan before. The Penn design firm, to their credit, reported my rejection of the idea at one of the few public pitches in 2001-02. We have no way to find out in advance if they will bring this stage plan back with the dog park. I thought you all should know the story as we must prepare for last moment surprises in Penn’s park. Sincerely, Glenn ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
