Bayfront Smokestack
sent September 20, 2005
Dear Editor:
While touring visitors around Erie, we make a stop Dobbin's Landing. From the Bicentennial tower, I identify local landmarks including the bayfront smokestack. Later at Presque Isle - I point out the far-off smokestack to help orient newcomers.
A powerful neighborhood identifier, the smokestack offers a tangible connection to Erie's industrial history. Though neglected, a coat of paint, as suggested in a letter by Mr. Anthony H. Lariccia, would remedy the situation.
Shannon McMullen, during her recent presentation at the Erie Art Museum, commented on the inventive use of industrial sites in Germany's Ruhr District. Using existing structures artists created popular light sculptures. Can you imagine our smokestack ringed with a golden neon glow that echoed the gold-leafed domes up the hill? How about building the convention / hotel parking deck near the smokestack, atop the existing parking lot? This would deflect criticism regarding parking cars on prime bayfront real estate and visitors could easily find the smokestack and a shuttle pick-up could ring the base.
Developers and residents could benefit, while avoiding costly (and painful) demolition, by adopting a creative, positive response to our built environment. Yesterday, you published a letter from Mr. David St. George under the heading "Remove Eyesore." Repeated use of the word "eyesore" to characterize our industrial structures is unhelpful. Our conversation about the region's future must be reframed to include and celebrate our industrial past.
Sincerely,
CIVITAS
While touring visitors around Erie, we make a stop Dobbin's Landing. From the Bicentennial tower, I identify local landmarks including the bayfront smokestack. Later at Presque Isle - I point out the far-off smokestack to help orient newcomers.
A powerful neighborhood identifier, the smokestack offers a tangible connection to Erie's industrial history. Though neglected, a coat of paint, as suggested in a letter by Mr. Anthony H. Lariccia, would remedy the situation.
Shannon McMullen, during her recent presentation at the Erie Art Museum, commented on the inventive use of industrial sites in Germany's Ruhr District. Using existing structures artists created popular light sculptures. Can you imagine our smokestack ringed with a golden neon glow that echoed the gold-leafed domes up the hill? How about building the convention / hotel parking deck near the smokestack, atop the existing parking lot? This would deflect criticism regarding parking cars on prime bayfront real estate and visitors could easily find the smokestack and a shuttle pick-up could ring the base.
Developers and residents could benefit, while avoiding costly (and painful) demolition, by adopting a creative, positive response to our built environment. Yesterday, you published a letter from Mr. David St. George under the heading "Remove Eyesore." Repeated use of the word "eyesore" to characterize our industrial structures is unhelpful. Our conversation about the region's future must be reframed to include and celebrate our industrial past.
Sincerely,
CIVITAS
