BY DANA DiFILIPPO
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati Pops Conductor Erich Kunzel's dream of building a $220 million arts campus near Music Hall is another example of rich, white people's habit of imposing their plans on poor, powerless communities, disgruntled Over-the-Rhine residents said at a public hearing Monday night.
About 60 people turned out at Washington Park School to voice concerns about the plan, which would relocate 1,500 students from the School for Creative and Performing Arts and Schiel Primary School for Arts Enrichment to a sprawling arts campus on Central Parkway.
The new public school would enroll children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Neighboring facilities would include a public arts library, film institute, 1,500-seat theater and arts and crafts studio.
"Our low-income community is being bombarded by all sorts of projects that do not take into account the longtime residents who have made this community their home," said Bonnie Neumeier, Over-the-Rhine Community Council vice president.
Said Margo Aug, executive director of Preserving Affordable Housing Inc.: "Music Hall is a cherished facility in this neighborhood. However, Music Hall does not cherish us back."
"Our residents can't park in front of their houses because of the patrons of Music Hall, who insist on having those few (free) parking places."
Many opposed a plan to put an amphitheater in Washington Park. "Washington Park has always been a place people can rest and have a quiet day," resident Sonny Williams said. "What's going to happen to our green space and the homeless who need that area?" Mr. Kunzel stressed planners will consider the community's concerns and may change the plan.
"We will explore them, each and every one," he said.
Planners abandoned the amphitheater after hearing community complaints, he added.
