Ed Hauser once spent his time insuring the Flats was industrially sustainable, being a computer programmer for LTV. Then, a fortunate thing happened for Cleveland - LTV went bankrupt and Ed found a higher purpose for his life. He moved his loyalty and attention a mile or so up-river to where the Cuyahoga River meets Lake Erie at a parcel of land called Whiskey Island. Since discovering that urban oasis, Ed has dedicated his time and talent to insuring Cleveland is ecologically sustainable and a quality place for current and future residents and visitors by fighting to preserve Whiskey Island as a free and open natural park for all citizens to enjoy.

The story to share today is Ed won the battle, as the Plain Dealer reports below that "The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Board of Directors Friday officially ended its efforts to buy Whiskey Island" and "the board also retracted its standing eminent domain lawsuit". That is exciting news and all should join Ed at Whiskey Island, August 13th, for Burning River Fest 2005, which Ed is helping organize... more details will post to REALNEO as we near the event.

Congratulations, Ed, and thank you for your tireless effort for us all - let's celebrate... you earned it.

To learn more about The Battle of Whiskey Island, read a write-up on REALNEO here.

Here's a brief mention in the Plain Dealer on these developments, posted below:

Authority ends island offer

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Board of Directors Friday officially ended its efforts to buy Whiskey Island from the county for $6.4 million. A potential deal soured when neither the port authority nor the city could agree on who should build a new bridge to the island for $2 million. Authority President Gary L. Failor said that while the authority would welcome a new effort to reach a deal on the land, it would have to be initiated by the
county. In the same vote, the board also retracted its standing eminent domain lawsuit. The authority had been keeping the suit alive so it could acquire "dockuminiums" held by individual boat owners on Whiskey Island, in case the deal with the county went through.