 |
by Dave Dvorak
The Dike 14 Committee has been working to bring about a serious
discussion on the merits of moving the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County
Port Authority from Cleveland's port on the mouth of the Cuyahoga
River to East 55th Street. This location would take away public
park land and a very popular marina, and put an industrial development
right on the doorstep of the Dike 14 Nature Preserve. The Dike
14 Committee, the Northeast Ohio Sierra Club, and the League
of Women's Voters opposes the move to East 55th. In fact, the
League of Women's Voters is setting up a watchdog group to monitor
the Port Authority's actions.
The proposed East 55th site lacks the infrastructure of the existing
port and would cost billions to complete. The Port plans to build
a 20-acre site off of East 55th Street on Lake Erie that will hold
Cuyahoga River dredge material, then the new port will be built
on top of the settled dredge. This move by the Port Authority was
sprung on the public in February, and the Port received support
from the Cleveland City Planning Commission before the public had
time to act on the move idea. The East 55th proposal goes against
the Cleveland Lake Front Plan adopted 3 years ago that had this
area slated for recreational and nature preserve uses. At public
meetings in June, opposition was strong.
The Northeast Ohio Sierra Club Executive Committee voted to support
the League of Women’s Voters watchdog group and to work with
the Dike 14 Committee to support the Lakefront Plan adopted 3 years
ago that keeps the port in its current location. The current port
location has land for expansion available. Cleveland should take
Chicago’s example of expanding lakeshore green space instead
of taking existing green space for development. Writing letters
would be helpful, opposing the East 55th move.
Letters should be
sent to:
Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority
One Cleveland
Center
1375 east 9th St., #2300
Cleveland, OH 44114
or
Cleveland City Planning Commission
601 Lakeside Ave.
City
Hall Room 501
Cleveland, OH 44114
|
|
The City of Cleveland's 
Do you know of a local environmental issue in need
of attention? Do you have inside information on what's
going on in your city or township? With over 5,000
members in Northeast Ohio we count on you to be the
Club's eyes and ears of the region. While the Federal
government and large corporations continue to wreak
havoc on our environment, it is more important than
ever before to act as watchdogs in our own backyards.
For those new to
calling state or federal representatives, it's easier and
less confrontational than it sounds. You will never
speak directly with your rep or senator - an aide
will answer the phone, take brief notes plus your name and city (sometimes), and that's it.