Comments on the Caller: I couldn't help myself/mea culpa

After the fireworks surrounding the coliseum, I was shocked. It was obvious that many other Corpans were not shocked and have come to be, unsurprisingly, somewhat cynical about this sort of thing.

So I threw my hat in the ring as an outsider, and pulled no punches, and now they have my quote posted on the paper's online splash page:

"I'm not from CC. I've been here watching for a little while.

I am astounded you have put up with this sort of incompetence for so long. You have an amazing location that 98% of the rest of the world would kill for, and you don't know what to do with it. Well, Howdy Doody above is right--you need to start just about anywhere as long as it's a huge change, because small changes aren't going to cut it at this point.

Ice skating and hockey are great for the local residents, but tourists will have to come for other things...the Columbus ships, a better downtown, a boardwalk and/or a pier, a freaking golf course, a waterpark (not all of it has to go downtown).

I'm amazed at the disconnect in understanding that increased revenues equal increased tax revenues from OUTSIDERS. You help pay for it now, it yields to being able to pay for things later, like better roads and schools. What is it this city so afraid of?"

I shouldn't have done it. It's really inappropriate for me to weigh in like that. Now I've got it out there...but let me just say, too, that the Caller-Times is doing a pretty amazing job with coverage. And the comments on those articles have been very interesting; mine is not at all out of character for the sort of vitriol being thrown about.

In fact, I've got a new idea. I'm going to lift those comments from the Caller-Times and post all of them here so they stay in the record, so to speak, and don't disappear into internet miasma in a few days. New purpose for blog: comments from Corpans posting on the Caller-Times. Hopefully no more of them will come from me.

"Different from anywhere else"

From the Caller-Times's story on the Tuesday vote:

"A representative from the National Swim Center Corp., one of the proposals for Memorial Coliseum redevelopment that the City Council didn't support, is in the council meeting today waiting to see if his group still has a chance at coliseum development.

"David O'Connell, a swim team parent who said he is the director for the Coalition for the Olympic Training Center in Corpus Christi, said the swimming group is still interested in developing the coliseum. "We have the paitence of Job," he said. "We're definitely interested in seeing how things play out. We do have $20 million sitting in the bank." O'Connell said the swim group isn't interested in developing a swim center if it can't use the coliseum. The Austin-based non-profit wants to convert the coliseum into a swim training center and develop the area around it for retail sites and space for other Olympic sports. O'Connell said the group learned a lot during the proposal process that could help it finish the job now. 'Corpus Christi politics are different than anywhere else,' he said [emphasis added].

"He said members of the swimming group are accustomed to dealing with groups more willing to do projects based on the reputation of the Olympics. 'We came here and it was like, 'So? Show us the money. Who are you?' he said. 'I don't think we were prepared for that. We are now.'"

What does he mean, exactly--how are Corpus politics "different from anywhere else"?

From the Caller-Times tonight:

"Tuesday was expected to be the day the future of Memorial Coliseum was decided by the Corpus Christi City Council.
But what's next is the question after the City Council voted to end negotiations with potential coliseum developer Brass Real Estate of San Antonio.

Council members Chris Adler, Nelda Martinez, John Marez and Mark Scott voted to end the negotiations. Council members Kevin Kieschnick, Larry Elizondo and Priscilla Leal voted against ending the negotiations. Brass planned to convert Memorial Coliseum into an ice rink and permanent home for the Corpus Christi IceRays hockey team, a movie theater, a parking garage, restaurants, shops and apartments.

If the plan failed, demolition was expected to be next step some council members forecast for the Memorial Coliseum, which opened in 1954, and was the city’s primary event center until the city opened the American Bank Center in 2004."

Some comments from Caller boards:
"WELL, HERE WE GO AGAIN. SHOPS AND APARTMENTS...WHAT, BE REAL. I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN CORPUS AND LEFT AFTER HIGH SCHOOL. I DO RETURN TO VISIT FAMILY AND MY PASSION FOR FISHING. ONE DAY I DECIDED TO TAKE A WALK ALONG THE SHORELINE. I ATTEMPTED TO WALK THE GETTY A FAVORITE FISHING SPOT AS A KID...IT WAS CHAINED CLOSED ALTHOUGH PEOPLE WALKED AROUND THE BARRIOR...RESTROOMS WERE CLOSED AND FRANKLY THE PLACE WAS QUITE PHILTHY. AS I WALKED THE SHORLINE TOWARDS THE CHANNEL, SADLY THE TRASH THAT POUNDED THE SEA WALL WAS QUITE SAD. HOW CAN THE COUNCIL...AND THE REST OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT ADDRESS THE COLISEUM AND EXPECT MONEY TO COME INTO THE SPARKLING CITY WHEN IT'S TRASHED OUT...HOW SAD...YES MY HOME TOWN. OH YES, AND THE STREETS...SURE COULD USE SOME NEW PAVING AND NOT PATCHING. IT'S THE ACCUMULATION OF THINGS THAT NEED WORKING ON TO SUSTAIN ANY KIND OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN CORPUS. YOU WOULD BE SUPRISED WHAT CHANGE WILL DO. PLEASE DO THE CITY AS A WHOLE AND NOT ONLY ON THE SOUTH SIDE. PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THINGS COUNCIL MEMBERS AND "MAKE IT HAPPEN" NOT JUST SIT THERE THINK YOU'RE FOOLING THE EDUCATED MIND. DON'T LOOSE RESPECT FOR YOURSELVES, AND INSTEAD OF TRYING TO AMELIORATE THINGS IN CORPUS...THEY SIT THERE AND DETERIORATE."

"I would be satisfied with either of these decisions to be made today, not tomorrow, not next week, TODAY:
1. Go full speed ahead with the Brass plan
2. Tear it down and start tearing it down tomorrow
Anything less means prolonging the agony, anything less means that we have zero decision makers on this Council, anything less means that nothing will ever change, anything less means that I have decisions to make for the sake of my mental health and the welfare of my family."

" 'If the Council doesn't go through with this BRASS deal, does anyone know the formal process of kicking out the City Council before the next election?' --It's called a petition to impeach - if you go to the city's website there should be a protocol on there under "Government". If not, look up Texas Local Government Code and City Council election recall or impeachment."

"Could we for once stop living in Mayberry and do something for the greater good of all?
I have lived all over the country and Corpus Christi is pathetic when it comes to local politics and getting things done. Pass this project and [finally] get our city pointed in the right direction in regard to economic growth and development.
That old eyesore of a building would have been completely redone about 4 1/2 years ago in a progressive minded, growth oriented city. For once, council members, do something positive and constructive. - Barney Fife"

"I am originally from CC born and raised. Moved to Houston 20 years ago. I was fortunate to move back to CC for a year in an employment contract position. I lived on the 12th floor of a condo overlooking the beautiful beach and bay. I was really embarassed when friends and family came to visit because the coliseum was the landmark. "Turn at the old dilapidated building with the torn up green roof". I never mentioned the "haunted looking", empty county courthouse. What is also a major eyesore is all the empty concrete spaces from former car lots, building foundations, failed businesses, etc. My unprofessional, humble opinion is tear the poor thing down. Excavate it and ask the owners of the other empty concrete pastures to do the same. Plant those lots in nice greenery, just grass would do, and that would go a long way, inexpensively, for those landowners after tax breaks, to at least dress up the Shoreline area displaying some "green" for the tourists that CC's economy relies so strongly on."

--

Out of 71 comments, there were only TWO that applauded the City Council's decision.

Many of the comments are fed up in general or in favor of just tearing it down because they are sick of it or would rather have the swimming facility, but obviously virtually no one thinks this kind of delayed decision is appropriate or tenable.

As for me, you know, I thought the whole ice-skating thing was a little strange, I must admit. But why do all this song and dance if you're going to shoot it down in the end, apparently without another plan in hand that anyone knows about? How does government work around here?

Why did the four members vote against it, and who in the city pushed this process this far without having the votes to pass it?

The group that wants to force a city-wide vote on the Memorial Coliseum

Ok, so what do you think about this? Is this more of the same shenanigans that have held up change before or can this actually be useful? Who is this Rey Madrigal guy and what's his agenda? You all know I think the skating rink is not the best use, but I have to also lean toward getting something done--but I don't know the history here and who these people are.

You all do. Fill me in! BoldFuture, what do you say?

Interesting Discovery

I was on the way to looking up some Corpus info when I happened upon the William H. Parker Collection of historic local photos, from the 1950s and 60s, in the Mary and Jeff Bell Library at TAMU-CC. These are pretty neat...see the old waterfront and quite a few pictures of the Harbor Bridge being built.

Come out to KSpace Saturday morning!

All right all right...as that famous South Texan David Wooderson liked to say...

I'm at KSpace at 10 am til about 11 or 11:30 to talk about community-building, -planning, and change (or stasis!) with you all. Come and join the discussion--make a map for the show!!

"WE ENVISION a vibrant, prosperous Coastal Bend that balances its growth and quality of life, blending big city attractions with a small town feel. Building on a diverse mix of industry and small businesses, our economy provides an abundance of family wage jobs and opportunities for our youth. Access to excellent education, from early childhood to graduate programs, prepares our students for learning, for work and for life. The ‘best and brightest’ are increasingly drawn to--and remain--in our community.

Coastal Bend growth is well planned, with vital urban areas, ample parks and open spaces, excellent transportation and modern infrastructure. We have great pride of place in our redeveloped downtowns, revitalized Bayfront, lively commercial centers across the region, and safe, clean neighborhoods. Our region is more ‘green-minded’ and sustainable than ever, committed to conservation and recycling; protecting our natural resources, coastline and beaches; and producing alternative energy.

Our residents enjoy active, wholesome lifestyles, increasing individual and community wellness. We celebrate our diverse heritage and enjoy a culture rich in music, arts and entertainment. Citizens are engaged in and proud of their communities. Forward-thinking elected officials and business and community leaders work together for the best interests of the region. Together, we are unified behind a shared vision and have forged greater collaboration in achieving our BoldFuture for the Coastal Bend."

That's from the introduction to the BoldFuture for the Coastal Bend Vision Report from July, 2009 (it's a PDF--click on BoldFuture Vision Report to download it).

Check out their timeline here.

Have you heard of this group? What is your response to what they are doing? Would you get involved with them if you could? If not...why not? They're looking for participants!

What would you tell them if you had the opportunity?

Thoughts from Del Mar students

Last night I spent some time talking to Gerald Lopez's Art Appreciation class at Del Mar College. They brought up some interesting topics, several of which will come up eventually on this blog. An interesting conundrum emerged, though, in thinking about how the regions of town tend to compete with one another for resources: when asked where they would be most inclined to concentrate new or redevelopment resources, the students seemed to feel that the downtown area was the most in need of work and most valuable. Yet, when asked to put it down on paper, the South (the area from Everhart down to the Island) got the most votes.

It kind of got me thinking...well, what's so important about downtown, anyway? What does its present state say to you? What does its present state say to tourists? Why is it important to fix it at all when there are clearly already nicer areas just to the south?
We know that downtowns are not the business and housing hub they used to be, that's obvious. So why bother with them at all--if we do, are the reasons visual, emotional, historic, architectural, economic--what?

And which part of town do you think needs to get the resources first (and, are your reasons self-motivated or are you thinking about the whole of the community?)

What kind of business?

Every community has to think about what kinds of industries and business it wants or needs to attract. Most are pretty uncontroversial and would be a boost to pretty much any city's profile. Nontheless, it is also important to diversify; living myself in Wichita, Kansas--a place dominated by a single industry, airplane manufacturing--I've seen first-hand what can happen when there's not enough economic diversity: a downturn or slump in this particular industry creates major problems for large segments of the community and initiates a rippling effect throughout. Real estate prices drop or remain flat; supplier/related businesses suffer; conference and business travel are reduced, affecting the hospitality industry; crime increases. Even the schools are affected; in Wichita the local school system set a record for number of students enrolled this fall, which created imbalances in the teacher-student ratio in some schools. Where did the new students come from? The private schools that people decided they could no longer afford.

Others are controversial. Here in Corpus, there's the proposed Las Brisas Energy Center, for example, which has met resistance from some groups and has raised questions about environmental quality in a place already concerned about it.

What other types of industry or business can grow in Corpus Christi? Well, tourism is obvious. And, an industry that follows that tourism pretty well (and should come as no surprise that I support) is the arts, also mentioned by a resident who came to a seminar. Check out how Seattle integrated their waterfront with a dynamic arts presence here and here.

What else is there potential for that I don't know about?

Explain it to me

Ok, so I really make a big effort to find what's good and unique in each place I visit, and I really like regional idiosyncrasies like food, language, architecture, and arts. Man, there's a LOT of that here! It's great--such a pronounced regional identity! It's character, and it's why here and Texas in general are great in so many ways.

But Corpans, you have to tell me about this: the lead article on the Sunday paper is about the new plan for Memorial Coliseum, and, as you probably already know, it's an ice-skating rink.

How did this come about? Do people feel that tourists are going to visit Corpus to go ice-skating, or is this more something for residents? (I have a hard time visualizing taking most of your clothes off for swimming and hot-weather activities, then buttoning up with ice skates and mittens. Maybe I just lack imagination with my thinking about vacations!) Why does this make sense over, say, a world-class swimming facility, a serious water park, a pier or boardwalk, or a waterfront golf course (much less a waterfront sculpture park like Seattle's)?

Forgive me for not understanding, lo, explain it to me. I want to know what you think.

What the kids are saying

I have conducted workshops with 8th grade classes at Baker Middle School and with high schoolers at Flour Bluff, and have received a lot of enthusiasm and interesting ideas. It shouldn't surprise anyone that students are focused on entertainment and recreation options, but I often find that they are more forthcoming than adults in pointing out social or environmental concerns, too.

I started by asking them what they like about Corpus Christi; "the beach" is the prevailing number one "like" by a vast majority.

However, they are also concerned about pollution and water use! "Trash in the water" was a big concern. How can this be rectified?

Water use was a concern was well: one group at Flour Bluff proposed to rectify this by building a de-salination plant connected by a jetty out in Corpus Christi Bay. I've heard that this has been discussed. What do you think about this? Where should it go and how feasible is it? Here's a possible model.

What I'm doing here

Before I move on with the next few posts and the really interesting things I've been hearing the past week, this is what I'm doing with this: the Corpitopia blog is part of the research I am doing for an art exhibition to be held in January at KSpace Contemporary in Corpus Christi. KSpace is helping me arrange discussion sessions with a wide swath of Corpus Christians (Is that what you go by? I've been wondering!) that will result in helping me learn about what's going on here. I also will collect data and ideas that citizens provide for me and will include them in the final multi-media exhibition, which will consist of drawings (mine and others'), a workspace with drafting table and computer, video projections, and an overall arrangement that mirrors the general configuration of the city.

I think the idea is to create a sense of play and creativity around a place and its planning process, particularly for those who do not traditionally participate or feel themselves included in the discussion, and to offer a space for their frustrations and creativity. In the end I hope we generate a new sense of inclusion and activism amongst typical citizens as well as some material for consideration by the city, and I get to have been an almost-citizen in my new familiarity with this particular place. This blog is one of the best ways to create an "archive" of your comments: it never has to be taken down, it can continue to grow after the exhibition is long gone, and it can be accessed by people who never even came to the actual exhibition.

Post away and check back often! Suggest topics and links at any time!

What would you change?

The very definition of urban planning is to change some aspects of a place. If you could change only one thing about Corpus Christi, what would it be?

Think about:

Housing
Entertainment
Industry
Retail
Health systems
Schools and Universities
Churches
Parks and Green Spaces
Other recreational facilities
Crime and public safety
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Infrastructure

Ok, only one! What would you do?

Thinking about place and identity

Many philosophers, artists, writers, architects, engineers, and historians, among others, have questioned what makes a place what it is, even what makes a place what it is not: Gertrude Stein famously said of Oakland, California that "there is no there there."

Think about the term place versus the term site. Doesn't a place involve people--their histories, stories, ethnicities, transportation, cuisine, culture, arts, as well as its physical form, whereas a "site" seems to connote only a spot on a map, a physical spot devoid of most or all of these factors?

What did Gertrude Stein mean by her curious statement? Is Corpus Christi a "there"? What is its identity? What makes it different from other places in Texas, or in the U.S.? How do you define it? Do you think others see Corpus Christi differently? Do you think others think Corpus is a "there"?

Take a minute to define this place.