With all of the opinions being expressed about the fate of the 500 block of Wabash Avenue, one element is sorely missing: the details.
At this point, nobody but a small circle of individuals actually knows what level of analysis has been done to determine the fate of this block, and what comprises the results of that analysis. While the news media has reported that demolition of the historic structures is “anticipated” but not “assured,” the message — whether intended or not — is that the analysis has been done, and these buildings are going bye-bye.
So without seeing any details yet, such as a brief report of the development analysis results, the rest of us are left to choose whether to believe or not believe that no other site is viable, that in-depth analysis has been conducted, and that the analysis proves that demolition is inevitable. We are not able to come to this decision based on fact, so we must choose the path of faith, use our gut instinct, or use our psychic powers to come to our own conclusions.
Perhaps the development team still plans to conduct some level of public outreach to fill us in on these details, but it really is a bit late. I have witnessed a wide range of development projects in this and in other cities, and I can say with absolute certainty that the most successful projects are the ones where the development team took a positive, proactive approach that included the frequent sharing of details with the community. They made their case in multiple public meetings by showing that they conducted a detailed location analysis, that they considered a number of development alternatives for the site, and that they considered the needs of the public — and they backed it all up with quantitative data. They present this data to the community as fact, and the public had the ability to respond pragmatically rather than be fueled by emotion.
ISU, Thompson Thrift and the Ellises are all in the spotlight right now, and so far the overall perception of their efforts is not positive. This is a sincere tragedy because those with the negative perception include many of the same individuals that excitedly anticipated this new development.
While the ship has sailed on being proactive, there is still time to make amends and move forward with a positive public relations strategy — one that is inclusive, that recognizes that this project belongs to all of us, that respects its importance to the future of our downtown, and that allows the public’s voice to be heard.
That said, I think I speak for many when I strongly recommend that the development team share publicly, at a minimum, a report that discloses pertinent details of the analysis that was (or will be) done to show that the historic buildings are not able to be saved if this is, in fact, the case. Keeping with basic community engagement practice, this report should be released to the public for review and then presented in a public forum, during which input can be gathered to inform a final decision.
Doing this will practically solve the dispute. If we were all able to see a report that proved, in plain facts, that detailed analysis was done, that there is absolutely no other viable site, and that saving the buildings would not be at all feasible, that building materials would be treated in an environmentally responsible way, and that the team has a beautiful architectural concept waiting to be built that respects our history while improving the face and vitality of our downtown, why would any of us protest?
I personally choose to have faith that the development team has the best interest of our downtown in mind. I await a concerted public relations campaign over the coming months, and look forward to hearing what the development team has to say. Most importantly, I look forward to positive development for the future of our downtown.
— Jason Saavedra
Terre Haute
Opinion
FLASHPOINT: Downtown developers should share more details on project
- Opinion
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
The dangers of a little knowledge
Students enjoyed Rose study trip
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READERS' FORUM: May 19, 2013
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RONN MOTT: Mushrooms = Hoosier happiness
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READERS' FORUM: May 17, 2013
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RONN MOTT: Israel’s Air Force
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: Dashing finish for the Sycamores
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Readers' Forum: May 16, 2013
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Readers' Forum: May 15, 2013
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RONN MOTT: Media merry-go-round
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LIZ CIANCONE: Courts see a different appearance than cops
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READERS' FORUM: May 14, 2013
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READERS' FORUM: May 13, 2013
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MARK BENNETT: Life at face value: Mom’s simple advice still presents a valuable daily challenge
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READERS' FORUM: May 12, 2013
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RONN MOTT: ‘Raccoons II’
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Readers’ Forum: May 11, 2013
I just wanted to express my disappointment at the lack of response shown by President Obama after the Boston Marathon bombings.
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Readers' Forum: May 10, 2013
CANDLES event plants new seed: On April 26, CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center hosted an event called “Sowing Seeds of Peace: A Celebration of Spring” at the Apple House. Our purpose was to introduce people to our concept of forgiveness as a seed for peace.
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RONN MOTT: ‘NRA Convention’
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EDITORIAL: Memo to U.S.A.: You can ‘SPPRAK’ just as we do in Vigo County
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Some words in praise of boring government — Indiana’s
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EDITORIAL: Doc’s prescient prescription
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RONN MOTT: ‘Heritage gone’
The last high school I attended was being torn down just a few days ago. I didn't learn about it until I saw classmate Dick Mills on television and a display he had put together about State football championships in the middle 1930's. I began elementary school with Dick Mills. That was Matthew South Elementary School on South Sixth Street in Clinton, Indiana. After seeing Dick on TV, it dawned on me that all schools I had attended in Clinton have been torn down.
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LIZ CIANCONE: We always want more than we need
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
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