I spoke at the October Metroparks Board meeting about my concern for real estate schemes that are predicated on Metroparks' land acquisition and trail connections.
My cautionary presentation was not meant as a criticism of the Metroparks, but as a condemnation of the Cuyahoga County Land Bank. I try to be heard on this issue - because the players behind this insidious quasi-governmental agency were part of the mob-run demolition industry in the City of Cleveland - long before it was established through Cuyahoga County.
I want the Metroparks to accept more properties from municipalities like Maple Heights. The Metroparks, for the most part, stewards our resources wisely - (except w/CAMBA affiliation). But, even I would accept CAMBA at Forest Hills Park, if East Cleveland asked the Metroparks to take over*.
The Cleveland Metroparks is part of the National Heritage Area in the Cuyahoga Valley. National Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape. Through their resources, NHAs tell nationally important stories that celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage. NHAs are lived-in landscapes. Consequently, NHA entities collaborate with communities to determine how to make heritage relevant to local interests and needs. NHAs are created by Congress. Each area has its own authorizing legislation and a set of unique resources and goals. Areas considered for designation must have specific elements. First, the landscape must be a nationally unique natural, cultural, historic, or scenic resource.
Please help designate the former Rockefeller Estate in East Cleveland, now Forest Hills Park, and Rockefeller Park Cultural Gardens as a National Heritage Area.
Rather than setting up a non-profit like Canalway to manage the historical area - I believe University Circle Inc. should be the fiscal agent. It would benefit our region to highlight the history of the Rockefeller Family in Northeast Ohio, and help build out the east side trail system that is part of the Cuyahoga County Greenprint.
Sincerely,
Laura McShane
*(it would also help if CAMBA donated money to a specific land fund like equestrians did to help create our Metropolitan Park District - Dan Moore, don't give their trails away)