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Radio Golf Neighborhood Journal

February 09, 2012 by Kelsey Ferguson, Engagement Intern in Radio Golf

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August Wilson’s Radio Golf asks the questions, “Can you build the future without bulldozing the past?” Our area is in a time of transition right now, too, and we wanted to know how our audiences’ neighborhoods have changed. A 4’x8’ version of this map of Cuyahoga County is in the Allen Lobby, and people are placing a pin where they live—green for positive change, red for negative—then sharing their stories in our Neighborhood Journal. We’ll be posting selected Journal entries online throughout the run of Radio Golf, so check back to see how your experiences compare.

Radio Golf Neighborhood Journal Entries 
 
“We have become less rural, which is nice.  Also we got a Best Buy and Cost-co.”
~ Strongsville  

“Foreclosures are becoming too commonplace.  People are losing their homes at an alarming rate.  Jobs are disappearing in this area and businesses are quick to leave; most recently Macy’s in Parma town Mall.  Such a shame.”
~ Parma  

“I think you can build the future without bulldozing the past.  When we were getting a new community park they tore the whole park down but kept some of the old stuff that was in the park. So we could remember it.”
~ Orange  

“I grew up in Glenville neighborhood (E. 105th) as it became an A-list American neighborhood.  It had professional people who were great role models and mentors.  I feel proud that my segregated, inner-city public education has literally taken me around the globe and back. (And I was not in the military!)  The gentrification of the area around the Wade Park area and cultural gardens is good. I know live in University Circle.”
~ Sandra T.

“Yes, you can build the future while incorporating and treasuring the past. The future is upon us. Let us not be trampled. Tread lightly. The Allen Theatre is an example of past preservation and moving forward!”
~Kari B.

“Rural when I moved in 40 years ago. Now there is a lot more building and traffic.”
~ Chardon

“Wooded areas were destroyed for condo developments, offices, and other projects. Some of which were never built. There are more shopping centers with lots of vacant stores. Too much traffic on the roads is also a problem. Traffic lights have been installed that work for the disadvantage of the residents. Only one Elementary School in the city (used to be there). Some other changes are illegal overnight parking on the streets and trash left on tree lawns for extended periods of time. ETC. ETC. ETC.”
~ Mayfield Heights – Since 1971

“We love to support our local businesses and value the history of the community.”
~ Cleveland Heights

“We live on the Shaker – Cleveland border. We hear the gunshots and see the riff-raff from Cleveland making trouble. We and our neighborhood have been burglarized numerous times over the past 15 years. And yet it is a re-affirming and good thing to see the young families come in and set down roots in the face of all the potential troubles.”
~ Shaker Heights

“The culture, history and educational facilities of Downtown Cleveland have kept us in Northern Ohio despite many opportunities for warmer climates/ newer venues like Atlanta … etc. We cherish all Cleveland offers – unavailable in other cities! Our Theaters, our Museums, our History, and our Orchestra lead the pack! Lucky Us! Support the Arts or LOSE them.”
~ Brecksville

“It has the advantages of a College town and all the facilities for comfortable living, including being close to Cleveland. Improvements such as the overpass bridges are welcome!”
~ Berea

“New restaurants & businesses like Mitchell’s are moving to Ohio City. But shootings and robberies are still happening. But I’m hopeful.”
~ C. from Ohio City

“We live in Cleveland Heights. The Recession has closed some businesses but new ones have sprouted. Our children had a great school experience and have grown to be great adults. We love to walk to the grocery and restaurants and swim in the summer in the community pool.”
~ Cleveland Heights

“Good & Bad changes – areas of retail are picking up, but on the other hand, schools are closing and crime is up. I don’t feel as safe as I think I could be. But turn around and walk down another block – it’s all growing! My husband wants to move, but I’m ok and proud still to live in my city.”

“My childhood home in Elyria was demolished and replaced by a 4-lane highway. That’s Progress.”
~ Elyria

“Having lived in my city for over 40 years, changes there (and everywhere) have been considerable - Fewer children outside after school, or walking to school, new windows and siding, decks and patios. People living in our neighborhood are a diverse group, somewhat more so than 40 years ago, but still civic-minded and civil.”

“I’ve lived in Slavic Village which is having positive change on my side of Broadway, but negative change (empty, bulldozed homes) closer to Newburg Heights. Not enough people know the history of the rich neighborhood.”
~ Slavic Village

“I’ve seen school levies fail recently and I wonder what impact that will have on the crime rate and civic pride in my neighborhood.”

“Lots of negative but some positive – Slavic Village in Cleveland is almost nothing like it was 60 years ago, but many positive, constructive things are happening. I would love to be alive long enough to see it turned around like Tremont, which still has problems but is a thriving, vibrant, creative neighborhood. (I put a red and green pin in the map)”
~ Slavic Village

“Brecksville has slow careful growth that strives to emphasize its large green open spaces (metropark, national park) and keep out large retail spaces such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Lowe’s, etc.”
~ Brecksville

Related Shows: Radio Golf