Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-01 Correspondence 5 CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE Mayor Ernest W. Lehman February 24, 2005 Much of what we do in local government, including how we allocate the majority of our resources, is determined for us. The maze of mandates and restrictions imposed upon us by federal and state government leaves us with seemingly little discretion with regard to how we provide many services. In those areas where we rely on federal or state funding, it usually comes with specific guidelines as to how that program or service is to be administered. Yet in other areas we do retain the autonomy to set our own priorities and to determine how we will meet the needs of our constituents. Those decisions not only determine how well we Councilors are doing our job, but they also have a profound and lasting effect on the future sustainability of our community. We continue to place a high priority on economic development and to work in close cooperation with the Iowa City Area Development Group and the Greater Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce in attracting and retaining business and industry. In 2004 we once again issued building permits in Iowa City totaling in excess of $100,000,000 in value, exceeding that figure for the sixth consecutive year. Nearly one-fourth of that amount was for construction or remodeling of industrial and commercial properties, a direct investment by local enterprises in their futures in Iowa City. In addition, we continue to promote development of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Area corridor, working in association with the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Priority One, and the City of Cedar Rapids. Together we have been successful in bringing new businesses and jobs to the corridor, as well as in retaining local and area businesses and, in some cases, facilitating their expansion. This year we will continue work on the extension of Mormon Trek Boulevard southeastward toward its eventual connection with South Riverside Drive. That connection will create ready access for potential industrial and commercial development south and west of the airport, and will provide a more direct link for traffic between the west side and the south side of Iowa City. Another major road construction project that begins this year involves the reconstruction of Highway 1 between Dubuque Road and 1-80. When completed, access to commercial properties in the Highway I-Interstate 80 area and traffic movement throughout the northeast part of town will be measurably improved. Further, we will install traffic signals in the intersections at North Dubuque Street & Foster Road and at Scott Boulevard & Court Street, projects that will not only facilitate improved traffic movement but, more importantly, will make these intersections safer for pedestrians as well as motorists. Downtown Iowa City remains a strong focus for this Council and the community. Construction of Plaza Towers will be completed this year, adding a new dimension of both residential and commercial activity to the downtown area. It represents a substantial addition to the City's tax base and completes the redevelopment of the last parcel under the downtown Urban Renewal program begun in the 1970s. We also anticipate the opening of the Court Street Ground Transportation Center later this year, adding approximately 600 parking spaces in the downtown area as well as the incorporation of an early childhood development center, a new bus depot, and other commercial space into the facility. It is being constructed largely with federal dollars and any revenues that exceed the operating costs of this facility will be earmarked solely for the support and operation of Iowa City Transit. Local government is consistently challenged to seek cooperative means for providing public facilities and services. Certainly there are economies of scale to be realized and, in some cases, there can be significant cost savings to taxpayers. The City and the Iowa City Community School District are sharing the cost of two such projects, the Mercer Park baseball diamond upgrade and the Grant Wood Elementary School Family Resource Center and Gymnasium addition. Both involve shared facilities that might otherwise have been duplicated, at some additional expense to taxpayers, in order to meet our respective needs. Joint projects need not be limited to only intergovernmental arrangements. We are partnered with Southgate Development, along with the City of Coralville, in the construction of Camp Cardinal Road between Highway 6 in Coralville and West Melrose Avenue in Iowa City, and in the joint planning of the development of 423 acres by Southgate in the adjacent area. This is a wonderful example of cooperation involving two local government jurisdictions in a public/private partnership with a local enterprise. It represents a joint acknowledgement of our common interests and ability to accomplish good things for our respective communities and interests in a truly cooperative spirit. The Council is committed to an ongoing investment in our neighborhoods. I find it particularly gratifying that one long awaited neighborhood project, Benton Hill Park, has become a reality. The City has explored many options over the past 20 years for the creation of a neighborhood park in the Benton Street hill area. For various reasons we were unable to secure and configure the necessary land to accomplish that goal. Having finally acquired the needed property, the park was developed and opened late last year, and it will be formally dedicated this spring. This as an achievement for the City, but the real credit goes to the neighbors in that area who have been very patient and have never given up on their desire to have a park in their neighborhood. They worked very hard, individually and collectively, and in cooperation with our Parks & Recreation Commission. Their efforts will be remembered and enjoyed for generations to come. Benton Hill Park is just one of a number of initiatives the City is currently involved with that focus on neighborhoods. Our neighborhood PIN grant program continues to be very popular, and I am always impressed with the imagination and creativity evidenced in some of the proposals we receive from the various neighborhood associations. Last year we appointed the Scattered Site Housing Task Force to assess the location of assisted housing in iowa City and to determine if we should pursue specific measures aimed at scattering the location of Iow-income or subsidized housing more evenly throughout the neighborhoods of our community. We anticipate a report and recommendations from that task force this spring, and I anticipate in-depth discussion by Council regarding how we might approach future Iow-income housing initiatives with a broadened sense of community. Iowa City remains fiscally sound. We addressed the intergovernmental funding reductions of recent years by immediately adjusting budgeted expenditures to compensate for projected revenue shortfalls. Through careful and responsible financial planning, we have been able to limit the extent to which services have been reduced and to preserve our excellent Aaa general obligation bond rating. I made reference earlier to how profoundly important it is that we Councilors be effective in our job. That we make good decisions and establish appropriate priorities is critical to the future of Iowa City. This is my twelfth year on the City Council and I can truly say that it is a genuine pleasure to serve with these six Councilors. This is not meant to take away from any of those who have served in the past, many of whom I have enjoyed the privilege of serving with. Rather, I speak only to our collective dynamic that suggests a unique and productive interpersonal and interactive relationship among the seven of us, one which allows us to disagree individually yet approach our differences with mutual respect, courtesy, and consideration. I think that reflects a political professionalism of which we can be proud and to which we and future Councils should remain firmly committed. Further, I believe my fellow Councilors will agree that our job is made easier and our effectiveness is enhanced by the support we receive from our City Manager and his staff. Their competence and professionalism is indeed an asset to this community and is vital to the successful implementation of the policies established by the Council. Citizen participation, the underlying basis for democratic government, is something we value highly. Whether one serves as a member of a City board or commission, volunteers in a neighborhood association, is active in an organization that provides a community service, or pursues one of countless other ways citizens can serve their communities, your participation is critical. Simply becoming an informed voter and exercising one's voting privilege in an election is one way everyone can and should be involved. By way of example, this fall local voters will have not only the opportunity to elect three City Council members, but also to voice their opinion as to whether or not Iowa City should further explore the formation a municipal electric utility. While we are often skeptical about the relative impact of our individual vote, recent elections have clearly demonstrated that just a few or even a single vote might actually determine the outcome of an election. Speaking of volunteers and active participation, I'd like to express my appreciation to the Charter Review Commission, an ad hoc commission that is convened every ten years to review the City Charter, the soul and substance of Iowa City Government, and to recommend any changes that might improve the way we govern ourselves as a community. Last May nine citizen volunteers, appointed by the City Council, assumed the daunting task of going through the charter literally word by word as well as considering each basic premise of local governance formerly adopted by our predecessors. After much public input and open debate, they ultimately came to a series of recommendations that I think will make the charter an even better document while retaining the existing structure and conduct of Iowa City government. A special thanks to these concerned citizens and to all those who serve on our City boards and commissions. As I reflect back, I like what Iowa City is today and I am very optimistic about what it will grow to be in the years ahead. As we become more and more a part of an urban area, a community of communities, there is no reason why we cannot retain our autonomy and yet, at the same time, work hand in hand with our neighboring cities to everyone's mutual benefit. If we do that, things can only get better! Date: February 9, 2005 To: City Clerk From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~ Re: Item for March 1, 2005 City Council meeting: Installation of HANDICAP PARKING in the 10 block of Amber Lane. As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10) of the City Code, signs indicating HANDICAP PARKING will be installed in front of the residence at 3 Amber Lane. Comment: This action is being taken to accommodate the pick-up and drop-off of a resident with disabilities that lives at 3 Amber Lane. The resident has a state issued handicap tag for his vehicle. This action will be rescinded when the individual no longer resides at this location. Mgr/agd/aw-handicapkgitm.doc RANDUM Date: February 22, 2005 To: City Clerk ~.¢ From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Re: Item for March 1, 2005 City Council Meeting: Installation of two 1-HOUR LIMIT PARKING 8AM - 5 PM MON - FRI with ARROW signs on the west side of Teeters Court. Removal of 15-MINUTE LOADING ZONE 8AM - 5 PM MON - FRI with ARROW sign from the north terminus of Teeters Court extending 90 feet to the south. As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), installation of two 1-HOUR LIMIT PARKING 8AM -5 PM MON - FRI with ARROW signs on the west side of Teeters Court. Removal of 15 MINUTE LOADING ZONE 8AM - 5 PM MON - FRI from the north terminus of Teeters Court extending 90 feet to the south. Comment: This action is being taken at the request of Lincoln School in cooperation with the Police Department. Daytime parking is needed for school volunteers. This solution was agreeable for both enforcement issues and the needs of the school. jccogtp/mem/aw-actcomm3-1.doc Date: February 24, 2005 To: City Clerk From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Re: Item for March 2, 2005 City Council meeting: Renewal of three cab stations located in the 400 block of College Street As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(19), renew three on-street cab stations in the 400 block of College Street for the Yellow Cab Company. Comment: This action is being taken at the request of the Yellow Cab taxi company and has been approved by the Director of Parking and Transit. The annual fee for a cab station outside the central business district is $720 per year. jccogt p/me m/aw-actcomm2-24.doc Letter to the Editor Febru LEGAL BUT WAS IT RIGHT? Yes, it was legal for the landlord to cut down the t 80 year old oak tree in the backyard at 5t 2 South Dodge at one of his rental houses. The area size, the zoning, the permits....no laws are being broken BUT WHAT A SHAME that a one hundred and eighty year old huge, sprawling healthy oak tree .. t t t/2 feet in circumference ..that has grown in this same spot for all these years ..should be destroyed to make room for an addition to a rooming house which will house four more students maximum. Several years ago the Council specifically encouraged older neighborhoods to remain intact. Sadly, the Oak Hill Addition on South Dodge has changed from a family neighborhood. Gradually families have moved out and one by one the older homes are bought up by relators and changed into student rooming houses. Yes, it is legal, BUT is it right? Anna Gay 506 S.D. odge Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr ~ From: BulShark76@aol.com Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 9:12 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Meeting Dear Mayor, I have started a new baseball team appropriately named the Iowa City Angels. This team is part of the Eastern Iowa Senior Baseball league comprised of players with HS, college, and pro experience. The league is part of the Mens Senior Baseball League. The objective of our league is to provide games for the community and essentially bring the community together. What I need is a way to have support, as far as resources within the Iowa City government to bring the community together for a couple a off big games each season. This will add to the culture of this city. I cannot describe everything in detail in this note, but I would like to meet with you when you have some time. Currently, I am a graduate student at the University and I do play ball and manage the Angels as well. Please let me know when we can meet. Thanks Reza Hussain 2/14/2005 Page 1 of 1 I~larian Kart From: BuIShark76@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 3:07 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: O'Donnell Hi, I sent Councilman O'Donell a copy of a proposal for the Iowa City Angels. In addition, I think you guys should check out our website. Here it is: http;//www,orgsites,com/ia/icange!s/index, html Thanks Reza Manager Iowa City Angels 2/22/2005 February 15, 2005 'i ' City of Iowa City City Council City of Iowa City City Manager Iowa City Public Library Director c/o Iowa City City Hall 410 E. Washington Street _ Iowa City, IA 52240 "-': ~:' " Dear sirs: On February 9th I was taking my 91-year-old father to an appointment at UIHC. He asked me to stop by the Iowa City Public Library (ICPL) to take care ora book due that day. So we left 5-minutes early to accomplish this. As I approached the library from the north, I could see that all the spaces were full except the one next to the alley. I parked in that spot for less than 5 minutes and left my 91-year-old father in the car. When I returned, there was a ticket from officer #502 or 522 or 582 (can't tell which) but no police car or Iowa City traffic vehicle in sight. As we proceeded to UIHC for his appointment, my father told me that the person who gave me the ticket had been out-of-sight until I was in the library, then wrote up the ticket and disappeared apparently back into a doorway in the library without speaking or attempting to converse with my father. Furthermore, this person was not wearing any discernible uniform. I've been parking at ICPL since 1980. At that time the lot next to ICPL was often lull, and one had to "loop-the-loop" in the lot or otherwise wait for someone to leave. Even when the new building was built, that lot was often full and very busy - children had to be watched and prevented from running ahead to that busy driveway! Then IC removed the lot and allowed a building to be built - undoubtedly to increase city revenues. Parking at ICPL deteriorated dramatically. A too-small lot - traffic was often backed out to the street - between the library and the hotel was used for a while until it too gave way to a building - undoubtedly to increase city revenues. Now there are only a handful of parking places convenient for library patrons, especially short-term spaces. The ICPL is a fine institution - obviously, because much was spent to renovate and improve an already fabulous resource. WHY hasn't the city given any consideration for short-term parking for ICPL patrons? WHY continue to dwindle available and convenient short-term parking at the site? If Iowa City is called the "Athens of the Midwest" with a modern library to support that claim, then WHY are ICPL patrons who drive to the library made to feel as if they are in Venice - YOU CAN'T DRIVE THERE! WHY was officer #502 or 522 or 582 in "hiding"? WHY did he not attempt to talk with me as I left the car, since he apparently deliberately waited until I ~vas in the library? WHY did he disappear again7 IfI was only in the library for about 4 minutes, why did I not see him, and why did he not talk to me? (This smells like entrapment.) WHY did he not attempt to converse with my father who was still in the car? Might there have been extenuating circumstances the officer could have ascertained? (Rather than leave my father alone in the car for 15 to 20 minutes ifI parked further away, he was only alone for 4 to 5 minutes. He is 91-years old, and this is winter-time. Would this be an extenuating circumstance?) Usually Iowa City officials are more friendly than officer #502 or 522 or 582 displayed on February 9th. I am dismayed at the lack of parking - even short-term parking (I'm not talking about spending an afternoon at the library) - available at this fine institution. If the city can't or won't address this problem seriously, then at least the city should have some compassion for ICPL patrons who park in ICPL-designated spots in order to use the ICPL. I am respectfully requesting that ticket #221889, issued on 2-9-05 ~ 1:28 p.m., for Iowa license 605BKO be waived. Sincerely, Paul VanDorpe 1819 High Street Iowa City, IA 52245 319/338-5095 Iowa _ Public Library. 123 South [inn · Iowa City, Iowa 52240 11320 Susan Craig, Director * Information (319) 356-5200 · Business (319) 356-5206 · [ax (319) 356-5494 February 18, 2005 Mr. Paul VanDorpe 1819 High Street Iowa City, IA 52245 Dear Mr. VanDorpe: I agree with you that parking is an issue at the Iowa City Public Library. I hope I can address some of the specific items from your recent letter; the more general issue of improving library parking is an ongoing concern. I know that the Library Board and City Council have regular conversations about library parking and how it can be improved. In fact, I have received many compliments on the angle parking added on Linn Street with the remodeling of the building. One of these angle spaces, the one closest to the alley, is a designated space for people who are returning materials to the outside book drop. The sign clearly states "Outside Book Drop Only". Parking here for any period of time for any purpose other than returning materials to the outside book drop on Linn St. will result in a $10.00 ticket for parking in a prohibited zone. The signage further states the terms are enforced 24 hours a day. The staff at the library who issue parking tickets are authorized and trained, but they have many other job duties. They do not wear "discernable uniforms", which, I believe, is typical of all the Parking personnel in the downtown area. I questioned the person designated as Officer #502 and he did remember issuing the ticket you received on February 9. As typical, he did a parking check by going out the staff only entrance on Linn Street directly adjacent to the outside book drops. He did not "hide", but he would have appeared quite suddenly because the doorway is so close to the parking spot you were in. He saw a vehicle in the "outside book drop only" spot and no one returning materials, and began writing a ticket. He did not see your father in the vehicle initially because he walked past the driver's side to the rear of the vehicle to get information. It was winter, the windows were up, and he could see the person inside the car was elderly. He did not engage your father in conversation. After leaving the ticket he returned to the building the way he had come--through the staff entrance. It is very possible for you to have never seen him because you were using the public entrance some distance away. In your letter you explain the extenuating circumstances very well, and, as the daughter of an elderly mother, I am very sympathetic. However you parked in a space designated for a specific, very important use. As you may imagine, we issue quite a few parking tickets to vehicles illegally parked in this space--because it is designated for such a brief use it is often the only space available and people choose to use it. Thank you for your kind words about the Library. We will continue to try to improve the parking situation within the limits of our location. Sincerely, Susan Craig, Library Director cc: City Council Library Board Parking 1 Marian Karr From: BB Ballantyne [b2ballan@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 5:35 PM To: council@iowa-city.org; linda-kopping @iowa-city.org Subject: Parking Hello, I have been having trouble parking in the parking ramp next to the Senior Center. Yesterday (9 Feb.05) I waited twenty minutes to enter the ramp. I needed to meet some at the SCTV studio for help with a video tape problem. This was about 1:30 pm. Today (10 Feb.05) I came to the Center for a massage. There were cars lined up waiting to get into the ramp. Since my appointment was for a definite time, I could not wait and parked on the street. I returned at about 11:25, hoping to get some further help at SCTV before everyone left for lunch. There were four cars waiting to enter the ramp. I waited twenty five minutes before entering and missed the SCTV connection. I pay for a parking permit and feel I should be able to use it for work and other activities at the Center without such delays. I think the Old Capital Parking Ramp usually has plenty of space. Would that work for some of the long term parking needs? Bebe Ballantyne 2/11/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Jahensch@aol.com Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 2:50 PM To: council@iowa-city.org; Linda-Kopping@iowa-city.org Subject: Parking Ramp Frustration The Tower Parking Ramp has become a symbol of frustration to the people who wish to patronize the Senior Center. Why the frustration? It is not rare to have to wait in lines for admittance to the ramp because the ramp is full. After the wait stretches to 15- 20 minutes, many drive elsewhere to look for parking and as many drive home in frustration. Much time and effort was put forth to finance the sky walk to the Center; this effort was put forth by the very same people who now have difficulty finding a place to park. The parking problems seemed to coincide with the elimination of the daily maximum at the ramp on the corner of Lynn and Burlington. A noticeable difference in parking availability occurs during the summer. But, we would like to be able to use the center 12 months of the year. Some of the Center participants are not able to navigate the distance required when parking away from the Tower Parking ramp. Consequently, they give up and miss the meals, social programs, physical and educational events planned specifically for them. We hope that you will work with us to resolve this problem. Thank You, Howard and Jo Hensch 3107 Balfour Place Iowa City, Iowa 52240 2/10/2005 Page l of l Marian Karr From: Nroamer@aol.com Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 3:29 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Cc: Linda_Kopping@iowa-city.org Subject: parking at Tower ramp Mr. Mayor and member of the Council: I just got an e-mail that indicates that council members may be hearing from some of the senior center participants complaining about parking problems at the Tower ramp. First, I want you to know that no one on the Commission as far as I know instigated any person or group to complain to the Council. That isn't my way of doing things. I would indicate however that lately there have been a lot of complaints about parking problems and the Tower ramp from Center participants. Members of the participant advisory group, Linda, staff and I met with Joe Fowler about this recently to discuss the problem and obtain information. We have some concerns that we would like to raise with the Council at the Council's meetings in the near future if that is convenient. Or I would be happy to discuss this with any individual council person who wishes. Jay Honohan 2/11/2005 Marian Karr From: Karnell, Lucy [lucy-karnell@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 12:2'1 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Parking in Iowa City My husband and I were recently surprised that the Chauncey Swan parking garage was full by midmerning ena week day. Then we were told that a substantial number of spaces in that parking garage previously reserved for elderly felks visiting the Senier Citizen Center had been changed to non-reserved spaces te accommedate visiters to the expanded Iewa City library. We understand the need fer providing ample parking for library patrons as well as others wanting to visit the downtown area. However, it's surprising that city planners did net adequately address the long-standing preblem of insufficient downtown parking prior to the library's expansien. Instead, we find it disturbing that a partial selutien te this preblem is perhaps being carried en the backs of elderly residents. Because our senier citizens often have difficulty walking, ene ef their few optiens for adding to the quality of their everyday lives is occasionally being denied simply because available parking close to the Center has been reduced. We hepe that ample reserved spaces for these visiting the Senier Citizen Center can be restored and that city planners can come up with other viable selutiens te the parking preblem. Although eur heme is in Ceralville, we and ethers in the surreunding communities certainly represent a fair pertion of the revenue taken in by Iewa City businesses. Without recti£icatien ef this parking preblem, we believe we prefer to take eur business elsewhere. We would rather walk an additienal city bleck er two than te think that eur parking in a given garage meant an elderly persen had to drive back heme witNeut visiting the Senior Citizen Center. Thanks fer your consideratien, Lucy and Hichael Karnell Marian Karr From: Bernice Kovaciny [bkovaciny@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 1:41 PM To: Cou ncil@iowa-city.org Cc: linda-kopping @[owa-city.org Subject: Parking-Sr. Center February 14, 2005 City Council Members: In the past several weeks the difficulty in parking in the ramp next to the Center has become increasingly frustrating. The sign indicating that the ramp is "FULL" is simply not true. While we are waiting in line to hopefully get into the parking ramp, cars with "Permits Only" are going by us up the ramp. I am a paying member of the Senior Center with an annual parking ticket and participate in several classes that I pay to attend. I have waited in line for up to 20 minutes to arrive at the class late even though I have allowed sufficient time to arrive at the Center. I have talked to friends who have turned around and gone home rather than go through the hassle of finding a place to park. Money not well spent! The situation is hurting, not only us as individuals, but also will hurt the Center itself. It's pretty hard to sell someone on the idea of becoming a member of this great Center when the parking has become an important issue. We have been told our ticket will be honored at the Dubuque parking area. We are not all handicapped, but nevertheless the walk from there is tiring and extremely difficult in inclement weather. The skywalk has been a blessing for the Center, but not much good if you can't get into the parking ramp! I believe this situation is important and needs to be addressed by the City Council. Thank you for your patience in reading this letter. Bernice Kovaciny Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 Marian Karr From: Charles Kreeb [ckreeb@mchsi,com] Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 6:55 PM To: Cou ncil@iowa-city.org Cc: Linda Fisher Subject: Parking I don't know what has happened, but the parking seems to be more difficult at the Senior Center. Today I came early te get a close parking spot--Hy horn and the bag I carry is very heavy. Then I stayed there over the lunch break, because I knew that if I left the parking lot, I would not be able te get in again. Would it be possible to reserve space on the third floor for use by seniors going to the center? Charles Kreeb Marian Karr From: June Maluchnik [june03@juno.com] Sent: Monday, February 21,2005 10:27 AM To: Cou ncil@lowa-City.org Cc: linda-kopping@iowa-city.org Subject: Tower Place Parking This parking garage is a wonderful asset for those of us who attend classes and other events at the Senior Center. However, for sometime now it has been very difficult to get into it. What is especially frustrating is that when one has sat there gazing at the red Full sign for from several minutes to half-an-hour, when one does get in there are LOTS of parking spaces. For those of us who have difficulty walking it is not feasible to try to get in other parking facilities. This problem has become more serious and I do hope some solution can be found to allow us to get to our classes on time. Thank you. June Maluchnik, 201 N 1st Av.%ll0, Iowa City Marian Karr From: Dawn Rogers [dcrogers@avalon.net] Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2005 8:10 AM To: Council@iowa-city.org Subject: Parking in the Tower Parking Ramp I am a member of the Parking Committee of the Senior Center Participant Advisory Committee and a member of the Voices of Experience. Just this past week, I have had several members of the chorus contact me in the evenings saying they were not at chorus practice because they could not get in the Tower Parking Ramp. They are disturbed that they pay $50 a year to be able to park in that ramp and then cannot get into it. Other chorus members told me that when they do finally get into the ramp after a 15 or 20 minute wait and they have to go to the top level to park there are many open spaces on the top level. Why don't you take the "FULL" sign off the entrance and just let people try to find a open spot. If they cannot, they can at least stay in the ramp until a spot opens up instead of backing up traffic on Iowa Avenue by having to wait on the street to get into the ramp. Dawn Rogers Marian Karr From: James Scheib [jim@tenlongview. net] Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 5:44 PM To: Council@iowa-city.org Subject: Sr Ctr Parking Dear sirs, On February 11 I arrived in town to make a presentation at the Senior Center only to find the Washington Street parking garage full. Taking the first available metered space on the street. I put in $2.00 in quarters only to realize that I only got one hour's worth of time on the meter. This just wasn't going to do it for a 90-minute program. Really, folks, you need to have better arrangements to serve the Senior Center. What good is a lot next door if there are no spaces reserved for the center? You need to do better. I certainly don't mind donating my time and energy to the community for worthwhile projects, but getting by the parking system is becoming a major hassle. You can do better. You should do better. James E. Scheib, PhD 10 Longview Knoll NE Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 337-5206 Marian Karr From: Hsimmons17@aol.com Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 11:11 AM To: Council@iowa-city.org Subject: Re: Sr. Center & Parking I went to the Parking ramp and waited over 12hr to get in to ge to Chorus Rehearsal. The FULL sign was on and the bar across the driveway. Tee late! I had to turn around and come home. I have paid for my parking ticket andI have paid for membership at the Center and now you won't let us get in to take part? Does this mean I have te drop out ef chorus? to comply with the FULL sign? I guess you would have te refund out money for such if we can't take part. A very Unhappy Camper. Helen Simmons Marian Karr From: MAS62126@aol.com Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2005 7:11 PM To: Council@[owa-city.org; linda-kopping @iowa-city.org Subject: Parking OnWednesday Feb.9, I was scheduled to attend a class at the Senier Center at 10:30. The ramp was Full. I drove areund and finally feund a spot en the street and walked several blocks te the class. Incidentially three other class members were ever 15 min. late because they ceuld net find parking. On Friday February 11, I went to the Senior Center to attend a travelege that was scheduled fer 1:30. The parking ramp was full again. Is there some ether group assigned to this ramp? Surely there is semething yeu can do te help make this ramp available to these using the Senior Center. Hargaret St©kely Marian Karr From: Joe Teslik [teslik945@yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, February '11~ 2005 1:59 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: "Joe Teslik" < tesJik945@yahoo.com > Dear Council Members I am sending the Members this letter to let you know that i am not happy with the parking ramp by the Senior Center. I have to wait for about and half hour every day that i come to the Center and i don't think that is right. I am a Senior Center member and i pay my parking fees every six Months so i should have rights to. When i do get in there is about 14 to 16 stalls open. There is some cars that have been in there a few day and i think them are college people. I think you should check things out right away because the Senior members are getting real mad I am going to sign off now. ATT. Joe Teslik Do you Yahoo!? Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/maildemo Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Mary Ann Mullinnix [mullinnixl@mcieodusa.net] Sent: Tuesday, March 01,2005 3:02 PM To: Council@iowa-city.org Cc: linda-kopping@iowa-city.org Subject: Tower Clock Parking Ramp I just wanted to express my feelings for the use of the Tower Clock Parking Ramp in down town Iowa City. I find it hard to believe there are so many times when the ramp is full and the voluneers for the senior center have to wait in line to get a parking spot. It seems to me there should be some reserved spaces for these people to use since most of them are senior citizens and many have walking problems. If it were not for the volunteers the senior center would not be serving the city as well as it does. It looks to me like at least a half dozen spots could be reserved during the day near the sky walk for the seniors of this commuity to use when they are giving of their time and talents. Mary Ann Mullinnix 3/1/2005 Marian Karr ~ From: june braverman [bravejune@earthlink. net] Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 4:'~1 PM TO: Council@iowa-city.org Subject: Budget The Senior Center receives approximately $700,000 of tax dollars per year to serve some 900 seniors. That amounts to about $770 per senior per year out of 21,000 seniors in Johnson County (This figure comes from the most recent U.S. Census and includes all persons over the age of 50 which is the population the Senior Center says it seeks to serve) How does that statistic compare with the dollars allocated per resident for library, recreation or traansportation services? Those departments of Iowa City are accountable for usage of their facilities/services. The Senior Center is NOT, and the "reason", i.e. no way to count the bodies is no longer valid since the administration installed an expensive card/entry system several years ago which should provide such information. Furthermore, the administration supplies no regular reporting on daily building attendance or room usage to the Senior Commission, the City Manager or the Council. Has the effectiveness of the Senior Center been evaluated in terms of numbers of persons utilizing the facility, or its staff/programming or its interest in/ability to extend its services to the larger senior community through outreach, for example? What are Council expectations for its large investment of resources during times of tight budgeting beyond preservation of a "sacred cow'" June Braverman 349 Koser Ave Iowa City, IA 52246 june braverman brave june@earth!in k~net EarthLink Revolves Around You. 2/14/2005 Marian Karr From: Patricia Ephgrave [pnephgrave@mchsi.com] Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 5:00 PM To: City CounciJ Iowa City Subject: Budget for Senior Center Dear Hembers ef the Council: Last year I wrote you concerning the funding gap for the Johnson County/Iowa City Senior Center and suggested that it was time to consider a broader picture e£ its functions and operations. As the funding gap remains, and the number ef paid memberships is still relatively small (less than 10% ef the aged 50 and over in Iowa City alone), I respectfully again suggest that the City Council examine this issue te determine if the present mission fits the needs of seniors in Johnson County/Iowa City, and if the current level of funding produces an effective delivery ef services per capita. It is time to consider a regional approach te mission, funding and services. Respectfully, Patricia N. Ephgrave February 3, 2005 i?' ~:!~-~ Dear Council Members, -~-~.- ~_ . ~L! This is the story of a couple that moved to a small midwestem city that is home~o a large university. This couple moved from a coastal metropolitan area nearly 14 years ago, and cho~ the this particular small city in hopes of raising their future family in an urban-like setting without the urban traffic, crime, outrageous cost of living, and hectic lifestyle. Rare as this kind of city may be, the couple found just what they were looking for in the aforementioned city. They chose to live close to the downtown area because of many unique features the neighborhood had to offer. Charming, histodc homes, the mix of student and non-student residents, as well as the neighborhood's proximity to a culturally-diverse school, university- and city-sponsored events, shopping, restaurants, and public transportation, recreation building, and library were all unique advantages. Raising a young family in such a well-kept secret, the couple believed that the vibrant downtown of this city would never die; would never go the way of so many other small-city downtowns. And they were right...sort of.... At the time of their move, and for several years following, the said couple could purchase many of the things their family needed without getting in their car:. clothing for the whole family, household items, grocedes, etc. The city's greater downtown area provided a good mix of businesses that catered to the shopping needs and wants of students and families alike. Steadily, however, things began to change in the downtown area, until finally the couple felt forced to shop outside the downtown area for many of the practical items needed to run a household. One of the important reasons for living within wall~ng distance to the downtown area--convenient shopping--was no more. Does this story sound familiar?. It should. Not only is it my story, but I suspect the story of many working adults, couples, and families that moved to Iowa City with the similar impressions, ideals, and goals. As a city council, I realize that you cannot control the competition forced upon our downtown by mega-malls and huge discount stores. For reasons, many of which are beyond the control of the council, "convenient shopping" can no longer be included in the list of lifestyle benefits to attract families to our near-downtown neighborhoods. Iowa Cityans can no longer purchase many items that fulfill the practical, everyday needs of working adults and families, while simultaneously supporting our local downtown businesses. On February 1, 2005, however, the city council did have the opportunity to vote in a manner that could help to preserve another of the many features that attract families to rent/purchase property close to downtown Iowa City: the charm of its historic neighborhoods. Unfortunately, with the lack of votes in favor of the Gilbert-Linn historic designation, the council let this opportunitY pass them by. Like the perk of convenient, family oriented shopping before it, will the charm of the historic homes be the next unique feature of these nearby neighborhoods to go by the wayside? Iowa City enjoys the unique advantage of having the university intermingled with our downtown area. University students and the rest of the community interact every day in downtown Iowa City. If it is a goal is to maintain the diversity of the population that makes use of our still-vibrant downtown, then the many reasons that non-student types and families might have for wanting to live close to our diverse small-city downtown must be maintained and supported whenever possible. Should the outcome of a vote such as the one on February 1= be to preserve the so-called property rights of a some short-sighted individuals; many of whom own property close to downtown Iowa City, but spend their lives and money elsewhere? Or should the outcome of such a vote be to preserve the long term ideals of citizens who own property near downtown Iowa City, and choose spend their lives and money there as well? Ask Council Members Bailey, Wilburn, and VanderHoef. They know the answer. Signed,{~~ Lisa Collier 524 Church St. - Iowa City James B. Buxton 1811 Muscatine Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52240-6414 (319) 354-7262 b ry9 2005 Fe ma , City Council Members City City of Iowa 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Council Members: Enclosed please find a copy of a letter to the Iowa City Press-Citizen that I have submitted expressing my appreciation for your stance in supporting the wishes of a large number of property owners in the Gilbert-Linn Historic District(GLHD). During the course of this process I have visited with many individuals with differing views on the proposed GLHD. After the last City Council meeting a supporter of the GLHD expressed to me their stance that college students should not be living in rental properties in the GLHD, and should be living elsewhere in "apartment buildings." Aside from my thoughts that college students should be free to live in rental property of their choice, I decided to check and see how many properties in the GLHD hold rental permits. A review of the City's website reveals that there are 65 properties in the GLHD that hold current rental permits, out of a total of 95 properties. From this analysis, it appears as though the majority of the properties are not owner-occupied. Supporters of the proposed historic district at past Council meetings have tried to suggest that landlords owning property in the GLHD do not have or should not have as much of a voice in setting property regulations in the GLHD as the owners of owner-occupied properties should have. Based on the number of rental permits currently in effect in the GLHD, it appears as though the landlords owning property in the district should definitely be entitled to a voice in setting the property regulations in the GLHD. Thanks once again for recognizing the wishes of a large number of property owners in the GLHD and not approving the proposed historic district. Jbb Encl. opinion@press-citizen.com, 10:16 PM 2/9/2005 -0600, Gilbert-Linn Historic District To: opinion@press-citizen.com From: James Buxton <jimbuxton@mchsi.com> Subject: Gilbert-Linn Historic District Cc: Bcc: Attached: 2/09/2005 Thanks to the City Council for recognizing the wishes of a large portion of the property owners in the Gilbert-Linn district. The proposed historic district's many rules do not allow the use of vinyl siding and vinyl replacement windows. Historic Preservation Commission members have stated that it would be preferable to allow the houses to "breathe" by scraping and repainting exterior siding. They also want the property owners to regiaze the original windows. Professional home improvement contractors state that current techniques used in applying exterior insulation and new vinyl siding permit the house to "breathe" properly. They also state that this method benefits the environment because there will not be any lead-based paint chips falling onto the soil. The use of vinyl replacement windows qualifies the property owners for energy rebates from utility companies such as Alliant Energy. Property owners should be able to make their own decisions regarding maintenance and improvements to their properties. The property owners that want to continue scraping and repainting their siding and reglazing their windows should be able to continue to do so. The property owners that wish to install vinyl siding and energy efficient windows likewise should be able to do so. James B. Buxton Home address: 1811 Muscatine Avenue Iowa City, IA Daytime phone number: (319) 354-7262 Printed for James Buxton <jimbuxton@mchsi.com> 1 1926 Meadow Ridge Ln Iowa City, IA 52245 February 13, 2005 City Council of Iowa City Iowa City, IA Dear council members, I was out of the country at the time of the council meeting at which the re-zoning of the lot at the comer of North Dubuque Street and Meadow Ridge Lane, but my wife reported to me that, at that meeting, it was stated that plans had been approved for a traffic signal at the intersection of N. Dubuque Street and Foster Road. I am wondering about the current status of the plans for that traffic signal, which is badly needed. (I am grateful but surprised that there has not been a tragic accident there in recent years!) Sincerely, Dennis Bricker cc: Iowa City Zoning Commission Iowa City Historic Preservation 410 Commission FOUMUEU 1982 RESOLUTION DENIAl. OF CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS 13 I,inn Street A meeting of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission was held in the City Hall on February 10, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Michael Maharry, Chair; Tim Weitzel, Vice-Chair; Richard Carlson, James Enloe, Mark McCallum, Justin Pardekooper, Jim Ponto, and Amy Smothers. By a vote of 7-1, the Commission denied the Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations done to 13 Linn Street, which is a Historic Landmark. A Certificate of Appropriateness was requested after an Automated Teller Machine was installed by creating an opening on the front facade of the structure. Commission found that the alteration is not consistent with the architectural significance of the landmark. Symmetry is one of the important features of the architectural style used in the structure. The Commission found that all alternatives were not explored before making the alteration; and thus found that the alteration did not comply xvith Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines and Secretary of Interior's Standards for Preservation and/or Rehabilitation. The decision may be appealed to the City Council who may consider whether the decision of the Historic Preservation Commission was arbitrary or capricious. To appeal, a written letter requesting the appeal must be fried with the City Clerk no later than 10 days after the date of this resolution. ' Michael Malta., Ch~.~ Iowa City Historic Preservation Commis~ofi [& ~ c,__ .5~ .... Sunil T~dalkar, Preservation Planner '" ////Ac '~ <'~ Date Marian Karr From: Freerks, Dawn M [dawn_freerks@continuetolearn.uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 4:52 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Graphic Violence in iowa City February 16, 2005 To the Members of the Iowa City Council: I am writing to you as an Iowa City resident for the last 12 years, a University of Iowa graduate, and current University of Iowa employee, but most importantly as a desperately concerned mother of a 4 year old daughter. As your Council is well aware, the Planned Parenthood location in Iowa City (850 Orchard St) has been subject to repeated protesting by anti-abortion rights activists. ~ have absolutely no problem with groups protesting for their beliefs, as I belive that is a fundamental right of every Amercian. This letter has absolutely nothing to do with pro-choice versus anti-abortion views. What I have grave concern over, is one particular group and their continued public use of graphic violence in expressing their views. This particular group who 've seen protest at least a dozen times in the last several years, who I might also mention is the only group I have seen protesting that site, uses an extremely large picture (5 feet by 3 feet, if I had to guess) of a chopped-up, bloody, mangled and dismembered, yet fully recognizable fetus. The licensed child care center that my 4 year old daughter attends is located on Douglass St, directly adjacent to the area (behind Planned partenhood) where this group protests. I drive this route daily, and have done so for 3 years, to take my daughter to her child care facilty. Taking Orchard Street is the only road to reach the child care facility on Douglass St. When this group protests with their signs, there is no other route that I can take to avoid driving past theses profane images and exposing my young daughter to such violent matter. The signs visably upset my daughter, who sees them an asks "why does the baby have all that blood" and "what's wrong with the ouchy baby". I feel totally helpless in protecting my daughter from these images. If these exact images were to be on television, I would have the ability to change the channel. If these images were shown in a book, I would have the ability to remove the book from my daughter's sight. The fact that these people are sitting outside, in apparently public space, means that I have absolutely no power to prevent my daughter from having to injest such disturbing images that I would otherwise never allow her to view. Every single time those protesters are out there with their graphic sign, I have no choice but to have to drive past and subject my 4 year old to this. These images are being FORCED upon my daughter who isn't even old enought to understand what the purpose of the pictures are about! All she sees is violence upon a baby. I shouldn't have to ask my daughter to close her eyes while I take her to her child care facility. I shouldn't have to consider changing facilities because the city I live in allows graphic violence to be depicted right around the corner from a licensed child care center. I understand there is a fine line between the freedom of speech and what is considered violent and obscene. Bus as a mother, I expend great amounts of consideration, time and energy in protecting my daughter from unhealthy and detrimental influences that are so pervasive in our day and age. I am very angered that I have the power to prevent her from watching violent films, that I have the power to make sure she is reading and listening to age-appropriate material, but yet ~ have absolutely no power to protect her from such vulgar and disturbing images in her very own city, the town she was born and raised, and on the very street that she spends her entire day. I ask you, the City Council, to review the current Iowa City policy regarding the display of public graphic violence, especially in the presence of minors and young children. If there is an existing policy against this type of violent presentation, then I would urge you to take the appropriate action in accordance with the current regulations. If our current policy does not adequately protect our children from the display of public graphic violence, then I would ask you if this is the type of city you invison our young children growing up in. It certainly would not be the type of city I envision raising my daugher in. If no such policy exists, I hope that you will consider a policy that would protect our young children from public graphic violence. Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from the City Council regarding the current and/or future Iowa City policy on this matter. Sincerely, Dawn M. Freerks Iowa City Marian Karr From: Garry and Betsy Klein [the3rdiowa@mchsi.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 5:25 AM To: Marcia Klingaman; council@iowa-city.org Cc: Steve Atkins Subject: Budget Teach In for Neighborhood Association Marcia, I attended last night's city council meeting and asked the council to consider having a public forum concerning the city budget, so that we all can understand how the budget is arrived at and how to read it. Steve offered to speak to any group that would like to do this and I ium~ediately mentioned this might be something for the Neighborhood Council to consider. Also, Dee Vanderhoef suggested that it might be possible to videotape the council work sessions when they are being walked through the budget and make these available to the public. I know the timing isn't great given that we are now entertaining PIN Grants, but if others are for doing it, do you think it is possible to have such a forum? I believe the first consideration happens on 3/1, so I don't think there is much time to do it. Can we put it out to the rest of the NC for their interest? If we are not able to do it this year, can we consider doing it in future years? Would people be interested in seeing this? Marian Karr From: Joe Fowler Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 4:26 PM To: 'Red nger. Jean~ne@~ccsd.k12.'a.us' Cc: *City Council; Steve Atkins Subject: SEATS building Dear Jake Gerot and Matt Noel, The City of Iowa City has supported Johnson County SEATS in the quest for these funds from the beginning. Johnson County is not eligible to receive Federal funding for a building because they are part of a larger group, Eastern Iowa Council of Governments. Iowa City Transit is eligible. As a result Iowa City has applied for a grant to obtain one million dollars to fund the construction of the facility. The facility would be owned by Iowa City and leased to Johnson County. Last week a delegation from the Iowa City area and Cedar Rapids visited Washington D.C. The purpose of this visit was to lobby for local projects. The building to house Johnson County SEATS was one of the projects this group promoted. In summary the City of Iowa City has been very supportive of Johnson County's effort to obtain a building for the operation of SEATS service. Any cost savings that can be obtained in the operation of the service is a benefit to the entire community. Joe Fowler Director Parking & Transit From: Jeanine Redlinger [Redlinger. Jeanine@iccsd.k12.ia.us] Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 8:27 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Johnson County Para-transit Facility Dear Council Members, We are students from Iowa City High School participating in a civics project for our State and Local Government class. Our civics project is designed to help us better understand our own government by getting students involved in our community and talking with government council members. Early this trimester we met with Tom Brase, Director of the Johnson County SEATS, for a project that involved brainstorming ideas to improve transit cooperation and efficiency between transportation services in Johnson County. Mr. Brase informed us of a proposed maintenance facility for the SEATS program. We were immediately interested in the opportunity to use this idea for our civics project. With North Liberty and Tiffin being two of the fastest growing communities in Iowa, the proposed facility of 22,350 sq. ft would be a necessary addition for the SEATS program. Last year's rent alone cost $76,000. If that rent money goes to paying for the new facility it could pay for itself in 10 yrs. * Easier access for driver training and improved cost efficiency for SEATS by being located next to the Secondary Roads Facility * With over 82% of SEATS riders located in the Iowa City area it will benefit the efficiency of the SEATS program. The proposed facility would save $3000 a year on renting tower space for their radio system. * With SEATS currently paying $55 an hour for out of house repairs, the new facility will allow SEATS to hire their own mechanic and in turn save $25 an hour and $25,000 a year. * With fuel pumps at the Secondary Roads Facility SEATS would save money on gas by buying larger quantities and not having any dead-head miles'These are the reasons we believe SEATS should have a new facility. Please feel free to respond with comments or information that would help us. Thank you, Jake Gerot and Matt Noel Marian Karr From: Jim Knapp [jimknapp@mchsi.com] Sent: Monday, February 21,2005 8:20 PM To: Iowa City City Council; Press Citizen Subject: Public Power and Wal-Mart I hope that this is enough insight to help you make an intelligent decision, but from past experience I doubt it. First, do not kid yourselves that having the city provide electrical power will be any better for the community. You do not'have the competence to conduct such an operation and you will merely saddle the taxpayers and voters with another albatross around their necks just like Plaza Towers and the Peninsula have already done so. Mayor Lehman your tenure is as bad for Iowa City as the tsunami was for the victims in the countries that were devastated. On a Local scale maybe even worse. My educated guess is about conservatively $200,000,000. You have not been alone but "Whatever Steve and Karen want they get." Not to mention putting an abomination in power with a gift of $10,000,000 for him and his bank robber lover to spend. Now the other mistake I see on the horizon is you knuckling under to the DBA and stopping the Super Wal-Mart. If a business downtown cannot survive that is to bad for that business the taxpayers deserve to be able to purchase their products at the best price and some lame excuse of a city government should not yield to the whiners and crybabies that cannot run their businesses. You are the people that are turning the downtown into a ghost town and your stupidity and short range planning is the reason. More bars is not the answer, get creative and do something bold with the downtown that will make it a gem not a den of iniquity. A very estute pastor referred to Iowa City as Sodom and Gomorah with electricity and I think that is an appropriate description, don't you? Watching and Waiting Jim Knapp 2/22/2005 Marian Karr From: Alisa Meggitt [Meggitt. Alisa@iccsd.k12.ia.us] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2005 4:29 PM To: tneuzil@co.iohnson.ia.us; council@iowa-city.org; sstutsma@co.johnson.ia.us; mlehman@co.johnson.ia.us; pharney@co.johnson.ia.us; rsulliva@co.johnson.ia.us Cc: Judith Jensen Subject: Lucas Elementary Read-a-Thon Hello there Iowa City City Council and Johnson County Board of Supervisors: This is a late, but heartfelt invitation to come participate in the Lucas Elementary Read-A-Thon this Monday (February 28) organized to honor Jean Gerig--our beloved Media Specialist who recently surrendered to a 15 year battle with Lymphoma. The "Jean Gerig Library Dragon Read-a-thon" will be held all day on Monday, Feb. 28, in the Lucas School Art Room. We will have people reading all day long in the art room. The extended community is encouraged to participate, and I thought we'd be remiss if we didn't extend an invitation to our wonderful local elected officials. Volunteers can read to younger kids, or be read to by older students. Because of the late notice, drop-ins are welcome, and the volunteer time can be as brief as 15 minutes. The read-a-thon, scheduled to take place all day...starting at 8:30 in the morning, and ending at 3:00 p.m., will serve as a tribute to the passion Jean Gerig shared for kids and reading. Please direct any questions to Jude Jensen (cc'd in this message), or call Lucas at 688-1140. We understand that this is very late notice, and will simply be honored if you come join us on Monday. Thank you for your consideration.. (and for all you do for our community) Warm Regards, Alisa Meggitt .STATE HISTORICAL ISOC ETYof OWA A Division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs February 21,2005 ..::.- The Honorable Ernie Lehman _ Mayor 410 E. Washinton ::'- " Iowa City, IA 52240-1826 RE: Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, Portions of 200-600 Blocks of N. Gilbert & N. Linn Street (boundaries changed from original application), Iowa City, Johnson County - See attached section of the meeting minutes Dear Mayor Lehman: We are pleased to inform you that the above named property, which is located within your community, was accepted for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places by the State Nominations Review Committee at its February 11, 2005 meeting. Once a final version is received in our office, the nomination will be submitted for final review by the National Park Service. Listing in the National Register provides the following benefits to historic properties: · Consideration in the planning for Federal, federally licensed, and federally assisted projects. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires Federal agencies allow the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on projects affecting historic properties listed in the National Register. For further information please refer to 36 CFR 800. · Eligibility for Federal tax benefits. If a property is listed in the National Register, certain Federal tax provisions may apply. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 revises the historic preservation tax incentives authorized by Congress in the Tax Reform Act of 1976, the Revenue Act of 1978, the Tax Treatment Extension Act of 1980, the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, and Tax Reform Act of 1984, and as of January 1, 1987, provides for a 20 percent investment tax credit with a full adjustment to basis for rehabilitating historic commercial, industrial, and rental residential buildings. The former 15 percent and 20 percent investment Tax Credits (ITCs) for rehabilitations of older commercial buildings are combined into a single 10 percent ITC for commercial or industrial buildings built before 1936. The Tax Treatment Extension Act of 1980 provides Federal tax deductions for charitable contributions for conservation purposes of partial interests in historically important land areas or structures. For further information please refer to 36 CFR 67 and Treasury Regulation Sections 1.48-12 (ITCs) and 1.170A-I 4 (charitable contributions). · Consideration of historic values in the decision to issue a surface coal mining permit where coal is located, in accord with the Surface Mining and Control Act of 1977. For further information, please refer to 30 CFR 700 et seq. · Qualification for Federal and State grants for historic preservation when funds are available. · Eligibility for State Tax Credits for rehabilitation. Properties listed on the National Register, eligible for listing on the National Register or Barns constructed before 1937 are eligible to apply for a 25 percent state tax credit for rehabilitation. The cost cfa 24-month qualified rehabilitation project would exceed either $25,000 or 25 percent of the fair market value for a residential property or barn less the land before rehabilitation. For commercial properties, the rehabilitation project would exceed 50 percent of the assessed value of the property less the land before rehabilitation - whichever is less. The State Historic Preservation office must approve the rehabilitation work before an amount of tax credits will be reserved for your project. There are limited credits available each year, so let us know if you want the application information. 600 EAST LOCUST STREET, DES MOINES, IA 50319-0290 P: (515) 281-5111 Elected officials, representing the communities within which nominated properties are located are encouraged to comment concerning the propriety of those nominations and the accuracy of nomination content. A fifteen day period of public conunent, during the period of Federal review, follows the listing of this nomination in the Federal Register. Any comments previously submitted to the State Nominations Review Committee are automatically forwarded as part of the nomination and need not be repeated for the Federal review. If the owner of a single property nomination or a majority of private property owners in a district nomination object, a property will not be listed; however, the Keeper of the National Register can make a determination of the eligibility of the property for listing in the National Register. If the property is then determined eligible for listing, although not formally listed, Federal agencies will be required to allow the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment before the agency may fund, license, or assist a project which will affect the property. Should you have any questions about the National Register of Historic Places, Tax Incentives or about this nomination in particular, please feel free to contact me by telephone at 515-281-4137 or by e-mail at beth.foster~iowa.gov. You may enjoy visiting the National Register website at http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/index.htm. Sincerely, ... . ~?~./. ~ ,:,:~, , ~ ::.~.. ~,~ Lowell Soike Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer SNRC Minutes February 11, 2005 6. Carey, John T. and Marietta (Greek) House, 1502 1st Avenue North, Denison, Crawford County Doug Anderson moved to recommend that the State Historic Preservation Office accept and forward the nomination to the National Park Service for review; Carl Merry seconded. Comments: · Remove the photo and article captions from the page headers and place under the photographs and articles Motion Carried: Ayes 9, Nays 0, Abstains 0, Defers 0 7. Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, Portions of 200-600 Blocks of N. Gilbert & N. Linn Street, Iowa City, Johnson County Joe Anderson moved to open discussion of the current version of the nomination with the boundaries reduced; Mary Jones seconded. Discussion focused around the loss of 10 years of history with the change in the boundaries. Is the nomination adequate to be accepted and forwarded to the National Park Service for review? Motion Carried: Ayes 8, Nays 1, Abstains 0, Defers 0 Michael Kramme moved to recommend that the State Historic Preservation Office accept and forward the version of the nomination with the boundaries reduced to the National Park Service for review; Mary Jones seconded. John Iber left before the vote. Motion Carried: Ayes 0, Nays 8, Abstains 0, Defers 0 Michael Kramme moved to reaffirm that the committee was recommending that the State Historic Preservation Office accept and forward the original nomination to the National Park Service for review; Doug Anderson seconded. Motion Carried: Ayes 8, Nays 0, Abstains 0, Defers 0 Submitted by Elizabeth Foster Hill Marian Karr From: HEADWAVE@aol.com Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2005 11:52 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Historic District We have written to you and telephoned you regarding this issue numerous times, urging you to support this historic district nomination. As you again consider a matter related to the nomination, we have some ideas we want to bring to your attention. First, does the City need to have a role at this point? The federal guidelines seem to address the matter -- if a majority of property owners object a district cannot be listed. It can be advanced to the Federal level and "determined eligible." This would allow it to be listed should the future number of objections fall below the majority. We think the best solution is original boundaries for the national district, revised boundaries for the local. Perhaps the City need not take any further action when there are State and Federal guidelines wihich will clearly take care of the situation. Second, we think City Councilors and concerned citizens ought to be thinking ahead to the Central District Planning Process. How will the City bring citizens with competing interests together in a process that is good for the neighborhoods and the long term future of the City? We hope Councilors and City staff will be talking about this as they consider what to do with this more immediate issue. And finally, does the City wish to qualify for future state grants for preservation? If so, is maintaining a good working relationship with the State Historical Society important? Does the City need to demonstrate that current grants were used in support of preservation with a positive outcome? We will be making calls to share our concerns. David Rust and Joy Smith 915 E. Bloomington St. 2/28/2005 Marian Karr From: Molly Ramer [MollyR@mac.com] Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 1:56 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Northside Historical district Council members: I urge you to take no further action on the proposal to change the boundaries for the historical district in the Northside neighborhood, since there has already been a recommendation made to the state. For the Council to revisit the issue now, solely at Mercy~s behest, when there has been no chance for further public debate, is for it to privilege just one of its constituents while disregarding its many others. There is a responsibility to be laying groundwork that will bring people with competing interests together in a process that is good for neighborhoods and the long term future of Iowa City. For the city, the neighborhood and Mercy to successfully engage in future planning will require that the city be even-handed in its dealings and not bow to every beck and call from Mercy. I hope council will begin to focus on planning that both protects the neighborhood and allows for carefully planned, necessary hospital expansion. The original boundaries for the National district in no way restrict Mercy's actions. The reasonable compromise is original boundaries for the national district and revised boundaries for a local district. Iowa City could benefit from future historic preservation grant dollars. The interests here need to be focused on many, not just the few with clout. Thank you, Molly Ramer Marian Karr From: Kevo50@aol.com Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2005 5:09 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Two Comments I will not be able to attend the March 1st City Council meeting, but I wanted to make two comments. I want the council to vote in favor of the student liason. I don't want the council to allow the new Wal-Mart super-store to be built. Kevin Owens POLICE BLOTTER . Robed AbboU, 41, ~'100 S. Scott MallhewFerouson, 19, Coralville, was Drive. was charged Feb. 24 with 717, was charged Feb. 26wi~PAULA. Blvd. Lot 68, was charged Feb. 25 charged Feb. 24 with fitth-degree theft, fifth-degreetheft.- DavidPolchopek. 22, SaintChadee, til., with operating whil.e intoxicated and M chael Ferriger, 20, Evergreen Park, Joshua Kral, 20, 335 Rienow, was was charged Feb. 26 with public intoxi- possession of marijuana. II1., was charged Feb. 26 with PAULA. charged Feb. 26 with unlawful use of cation. Alex AlbrigM, 25, Des Moines, was Tyler Fulton, 19, Cedar Rapids, was a driver's license/identification of Tyler Pi)ulter, 20, 927 E. College charged Feb. 25 with public intoxication, charged.Feb, 25 with PAULA. another and PAUI. A. Apt. 1, was charged Feb. 25 with Caitlin Alexander, 19, E310 Currier, Brien Gabriel 19 525 S. Johnson Brenda Kreis, 33, Williamsburg, PAULA and public intoxication. was charged Feb. 26 with posses- St. Apt. 6, was charged Feb. 26 with Iowa, was charged Feb. 24 with sim- Stephanie Rice, 19,,3215. Burge, sion of alcohol under the legal age. ' keeping a disorderly house, pie assault and disorderly conduct, was charged Feb. 25 with PAULA. William Barry, 38,1018N. Governor Dustin Glbeson, 21, Kansas City, RachelleLacina, 20,17 Century St.. NicholasRivas, 20; Ames,-was charged St., was charged Feb. 26 with public Mo., was charged Sunday with inter- was charged Feb. 26 with PAUl_A, Feb. 26 with public intoxication. intoxication and disorderly conduct, ferenca with official acts. Staci Langel, 19, 24 E. Court St- Apt. _Thaddeus Rogem,:23, 730 .M..' ..~: .SL Jana,n Bo.,, 18, .o., ..,.was Emi .e..n, 20 S. LucasSt.,. 5,7, waschargedFe,.26w P^ charged Feb. 26 w~ public intoxication, D, was charged Sunday with PAULA. Jaclyn Lamon, 18, 211 Rien~,.was once with ~ aCts,~.d'sordedveond~' . dy, uct, Haley Grlffith, 19, 3209 Burge, was .cha!:ged Feb. 26 with~AULA.~.._~b~u~; ' P.u.b.~ intoxication, and assault on ,oum.PAUI-A' and presence in a bar afterchar~ed Feb. 25 with PAULA. -. Ed~aLamt, 20, 32~E,?COllage David Briggs, 36, 331 N. Gilbert St., Sarah Hakes, 20, 427 N. Dubuque St. - ~1721;~waschargedFeb. 26'with .P~i Mag[":Schulle; ,!9, 930 Slater, was was charged Feb, 26 wi~ domestic- ApL 2,wascharg~l~eb. 26with PAULA; Joseph Lalta, 28, C~da~;.Rapids;w~;?~ SundayWilh pu~. abuse assaUlt. Palrick HaVer~, 21, 2217 Burge;. charged Bec. 20 w~OWl. !...; .!':-- ~tew Semlnara,"19; Omaha; Nen., Barbara Bultitta, 20, 625 S. Clinton St.was charged Feb.'25 with 0WI. . Joseph Lee !9 add~unkn°wn, was ~ was Charged Feb. 25 with PAU. LA.. Apt.3. was charged Feb. 25withPAULA. Lindcay Hemphlll;~ 21, 328 S; ~edOct.15..~~ree~h PaulSmith, 33, Chicago, wascharge~ Lindsey Bybee, 20, 629 E. Jeffemon Governor St., -was ~harged Sunday' AIi~ :[em§~il;~ ddress~ >Feb. 26With domesUc-abuse aasaulL St. was charged Sunday with public~ with keeping a disorder yhouse, unl~pown, was clack'ged.Jan. 28 with Michael Strange; 19, 304 Rienow, intoxication, un awfu use o! a dri- Jennller-H°pp, 20, Glanwood, Iowa, assault causing inj~," was charged Feb. 26 with PAU~ vet's licens~/idantification and pos- was charged Feb; ~25 with public ,M,~Lovelace, 2~/dska cosa, 0wa, and unlawful use- ~of &~dr~iver.s session of marijuana. ' intoxicatio~ ~:~ ~ ~/~[§~dfiarged Feb. 26 with OWL license/identification of another: Valerie Campbell, 2t, 308 S. Juslin Houlbar, 19, Wavery, Iowa, Allison Lubben, 18, 416 Sla~er, was Chrtstlan Synneclvedl~ :21, Orland Johnson St., was charged Feb. 26 was charged Feb. 25 with PAULA. charged' Feb. 25 With 'pAULA and Park, IE; was charged Feb. 26 with with keeping a disorderly house. Erin Jack~mt,' 29 3051 Wayne Ave. presence in a bar after hours, . interference With official acts~ '. Jesse,Catchings, 32, Comlville, was Apt. 64,~a{'~F~b. 21 with OWl. J.ason L.u~el, hle~,~31:.,Ce..d,a~l Falls, was Angola ~onms, 26, 412 S. Dodge. SL charged Feb. 26 with driving while JillianJe~20,~327~.CbllegeSLApt~ cnargeore~.zowirnuw. Apt. 7, was charged Feb. 26wilhPAULA license was undersuspension/canceled. 1721, was charged Feb. 26with PAULA. Daniel McDonald, 18, Omaha, Neb., Mafl[Tmvis, 24, 429 BowerySt., was Jordan Coe, 21, 815 Crosspark Ave. Thomas Johns, 20, Ames; was was charged Feb. 25with PAULA. charged Feb. 2!Swithpubficintoxicaflon Apt. 2C, was charged Feb. 25 with OWl. charged Feb. 26 with PAULA a_nd_ Demeld Millan, 34, 1205 Laura Drive and fourth-degree criminal mischief. ErinCrowley, 20,534S. LucasSt. Apt.. unla~ful use of a drivers ApL76, was charged Feb. 25withmak- Jack Walstein, 19, Lawrence, Kan., lng false reports to law enforcement. D, was charged Sunday with PAUI_A license/identification of another. ............. was charged Feb. 25 With PAU_L.~,_ Terrence Cunningham, 21. 108 N. gryan Johnsnn, 1~, Amas, was UUlnC~jlRiiior z~ Ancona, iowa, was ~nd ~m~vfi~ .~e nf ~ driv~.r_~ Johnson St., was charged Feb, 26 charged Feb. 25 with PAULA. .charged Feb. 2.4 w!tti supp~_n~g bee license/identification of another. wit. keep,nc a d,sorder,y.ouse. 7 7 .a ,ower. roa.e o, unoer eageor , po - Deborah Davis, 23, 1019 N. Summit was charged Feb. 25 with PAULA. session of madjua~, a~d. POSSession r of drug paraphernalia. _ ~ .' · · . St., was charged Feb. 25 with OWl. Sloven Johaslon, t9, West Bes Moines, Travis Nelson, 20, 11 Jason Dawson, 34, 2733 Wayne Ave., was charged Feb. 25 with PAULA. St. was charged Feb. 25 with public - ~a.son. wann?ng; ~.~; .zz~? M..,acon?e was charged Aug. 14 with I~OSeession EmilyJoynl, 19, 404 S. Govemor SL ApL intoxication and public urination, unve, was cnargeo reD. zo wrm puc- of crack cocaine with intent to deriver.1, was charged Feb. 26 ~ PAULA. Jonathan Niehls, 19, Rockford, II1-, lic intoxication and possession df a Bryan Dodds, 18, Davenport, was Benjamin Kirbach, 20, Runnolls, was charged Feb 26 with P/~UI~ fictitioUSddver~sliCens~dentification charged Sunday with possession of a Iowa, was charged Feb. 24 with pos- and Sunday with ~ublic u~'ination and Susdaywith public ntoxication. fictitious driver's licenseAdentiticaUon, session of marijuana and posses- Michael OchS, 20; Joliet, II1., was Jim Williams, 20, 702 'Greenwood Kerri Dole, 37,1737 F St., was charged sion of drug paraphernalia and Feb. charged Feb. 25 with PAULA. Drive;was charged Feb. 25with PAUI.k Feb. 25 with driving while license was 25 with PAULA. Ryan Omvlg, 21,325 E College St... Zachon] Wirier, 20, Spdngville, town, Apt. 1628, was charged Feb. 26 with was charged Feb. 26 with PAULA. under suspension/canceled. Amanda Knight, 19, 612 Manor Drive, Natalie Elseman, 20, Cedar Rapids, was charged Feb~ 26 with PAULA. keeping a disorderly house. Larry Ye?, 21, 808 Pepper Drive, was charged Feb. 26 with OWl. Charles Knighl, 18, 612 Manol IM~n Parker, 20, 402S. Gilbert St. ~ was charged Feb. 25-with OWl. Proposal to Join the North America Network of Cities of Asylum The International Writing Program (IWP) at the University of Iowa respectfully asks the Iowa City Council to consider joining the North American Network of Cities of Asylum (NANCA), which provides safe haven for writers at risk. Iowa City, recognized the world over as the home of writing in America, would join four cities in this important venture-- Ithaca, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, and Santa Fe. Building on our long tradition of providing safe haven and hospitality for writers from this country and abroad, the IWP, the UI, and Iowa City would forge a partnership to help a writer laboring in oppressive circumstances who dreams of writing in the kind of freedom and safety we take for granted. From its founding, NANCA has identified Iowa City as a key member of its team. With the offer of an initial grant of $10,000, the network will not only identify and secure travel for a writer at risk to Iowa City but also help with our fund-raising efforts. Indeed the fiscal responsibility for this writer at risk--approximately $30,000 per year--will lie entirely with the iWP and the UI. Iowa City will assume no financial risk for its decision to join the NANCA. The IWP will also cover all logistical matters--housing, insurance, and the like. But we hope to enlist as many citizens of Iowa City as possible in the effort to ensure the well-being of the writer at risk. To this end we will seek the cooperation and support of local businesses, religious and service organizations, and individuals. We hope to make a formal announcement of Iowa City joining the North American Network of Cities of Asylum on April 28, 2005, during the concluding festival of the UI Year of the Arts and Humanities. With members of NANCA's executive council on hand to give readings in honor of this special occasion, we believe this would mark a vital moment in the special relationship between the UI and Iowa City and build a bridge to President David Skorton's next initiative, the Year of Public Engagement. What better way to engage the public than to provide safe haven for a writer at risk? I thank you in advance for your consideration. And I would be pleased to answer any and all questions about this exciting proposal at your convenience. Christopher Merrill, Director International Writing Program Shambaugh House 430 North Clinton Street [ University of Iowa ~ Christopher Merrill Iowa City, IA 52242-2020 THE~ Director, International Writing Program (319) 335-2609 1.1t~lvl~mtw Professor of OF IOWA christopher-merrill~uiowa.edu Shambaugh House 430 Iq. Clinton Street Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2020 319-335-2609 Fax 319-335-3843 ch ristopher-merrill@uiowa.ed u www,uiowa.edu/-iwp The North American Network of Cities of Asylum Sarah Ralston Executive Director Russell Banks Salman Rushdie Wole Soyinka Richard Wiley Executive Board January 12, 2005 To Whom It May Concern: It gives me profound pleasure to invite and welcome Iowa City, Iowa, to the growing group of American towns and cities joining the North American Network of Cities of Asylum (NANCA). NANCA helps writers from countries whose own governments won't let them speak, find freedom of expression in poetry, fiction, and drama, and what better place than Iowa City for that? As the founder, no, as the very inventor of the idea of writers' workshops, the University of Iowa has held the lead in literary creation for more than sixty years, and with its International Writing Program investing in the idea that peace can be furthered when writers speak to each other, it is clear that the "Asylum" writer welcomed there will find a true home. It's especially gratifying for me, personally, to write this letter, as I am an alunmus of the Iowa Writers' workshop, and a past "research assistant" with the IWP. No two programs in America fit NANCA's vision more closely. NANCA stands ready to help make the program work. Yours Sincerely, Richard Wiley ~; Member of the Executive Board & Treasurer 801 South Fourth Street #305, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 702 528 2846 telephone 702 617 4018 fax sarah@cityofasylum.org www.cityofasylum.org ABOUT THE NORTH AMERI'CAN NETWORK OF C~'T'rES OF ASYLUM The North American Cities of Asylum Network (NANCA) was born out of the INTERNATZONAL PARLIAMENT OF WRZTERS, in Paris, and out of a growing need to expand cities available to persecuted writers. Our president, Russell E~anks, was the immediate past-President of the European network, and he, along with other past- Presidents, Wole Soyinka and Salman Rushdie, formally organized NANCA in late 2003. The first city to offer refuge to writers in need was Las Vegas, Nevada, followed quickly by Ithaca, New York, and Sante re, New Mexico, and, more recently, by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In coming months and years, many other cities will no doubt join our network, even as writers whose ability to speak and write freely in their native countries, begin to apply for our help. The NANCA Executive Board is committed to expansion, but believes that in each American asylum city, a grassroots effort is essential to ensure the longevity of the program. Each new city will be evaluated in this light, and upon acceptance we will do our utmost to match a persecuted writer with a city willing to host and support that writer. TO TOP Sarah Ralston, Executive Director Russell Banks, President Wole Soyinka, Vice President Salman Rushdie, Vice President Carolyn Forche, Secretary Richard Wiley, Treasurer TO TOP Svetlana Alexievitch Margaret Atwood Syl Cheney-Coker Bei Dao Martin Espada Er Tai Gao Femando Garavito Sam Hamill (Copper Canyon PresS) Fiona McCrae (Graywolf Press) Toni Morrison Eric Olsen Michael Ondaatje Ismael Reed Charles Simic Sandy Taylor (Curbstone Press) Douglas Unger Thom Ward (BOA Editions) THE CI'T1'ES OF ASYLUM Ertai Gao. China Author, painter, and critic Er Tai Gao was named Las Vegas' second City of Asylum writer in February 2003. In 1957, after the publication of his groundbreaking essay On Beauty, Gao was labeled "rightist" and sentenced to three years of hard labor in Chi~a's central desert. At the beginning of the Cultural Revolution in 1966, as he was studying art, copying the frescoes of the Nagao Caves, Gao was again sentenced to hard labor. Although he was officially deemed rehabilitated in 1978 and assigned to teach philosophy at Lanzhou University, he was dismissed in 1981 for his humanist views and was later prohibited from teaching or writing. Gao and his wife, Naya, escaped China through HongKong in 1992. They were granted political refugee status in the United States the following year. Gao's published works include The Struggle of Beauty and Beauty, The Symbol of Freedom. Since his arrival in Las Vegas, and between bursts of painting, he has been completing the third volume of a memoir, To Seek Ny Homeland. Syl Cheney-Coker, Sierra Leone Sierra Leonean poet and novelist Syl Cheney-Coker was born in Freetown and educated at the Universities of Oregon and Wisconsin. He was a fellow at the prestigious International Writers' Program at the University of Iowa. He is a well-known poet around the world and the author of The Last Harmattan of Alusine Dunbar, a novel which was a finalist for the coveted British Commonwealth Prize. Syl lived and worked in Las Vegas from October 2000 to January 2003. For more information about the Las Vegas City of Asylum, email Eric Olsen or Amber Withycombe at: ASKUS~MODERNLETTERS.ORG. TO TOP Fernando Garavito, Columbia Sante Fe became a city of asylum in late 2003. The current writer is Fernando Garavito. He and his family were forced to flee Columbia when Fernando ran afoul of Columbian authorities and local drug lords. He is a teacher, a writer and a journalist whose only crime was to tell the truth about the Columbian regime. For more information on the Santa Fe program, contact Ronald Christ (508) 988-5820 or via email at: LU MEN BOOKS~EARTH LTNK.N ET. TO TOP Reza Daneshvar, Iran The current writer is Reza Daneshvar. He was born in 1948 in Nachan, Iran. He studied Persian literature at both Nachan and Tehran Universities before beginning a career teaching theater studies in Nachan. He went on to become the head of the theater p!rogram in Khorassan province, and at the time of the revolution he was vice president of the School of Arts in !Nachad. tn 1979 he was imprisoned for a year for his novel Prayer For the Dead, about the taboo subject of~he 1953 coup that brought the Shah of ]ran to Power. Reza was forced to leave iran in :t982. He lived and worke~] in Paris before becoming Ithaca's second writer-in-residence. For more information about City of Asylum?Ithaca, email Bridget Needs at: BMEEDS~USDATANET.NET. TO TOP Huang Xiang, China Pittsburgh made its debut as the newest city of asylum in November, 2004. Writer/painter Huang Xiang is considered to be the pre-eminent post cultural revolution poet of China. His unceasing bravery, in the face of sure re-imprisonment, and further torture, forced him to leave his homeland. For more information about the Pittsburgh City of Asylum, email Ralph Reese at: RREESE~REESETELESERVTCES.COM Lake Fong, Post-Gazette Chinese poet Huang Xiang has painted his poetry on the outside of his home on the North Side. He is living in Pittsburgh as part of the City of As~,lum project, which finds homes for exiled writers. PITTSBURG GAZE~-FE The right to write: City gives safe harbor to exiled Chinese poet and his work Tuesday, November 16, 2004 By Alana Semuels, Pittsburgh Post, Gazette Poet-in-exile Huang Xiang was standing outside his North Side residence, staring up at the bold Chinese characters painted on the exterior of his house, when a group of neighborhood middle school students walked by. "What did he do to his house?" they shrieked. But when they were told he was a famous Chinese poet and that the house showcased his work, their mood changed. After Huang, who does not speak English, performed one of his poems in Chinese, gesturing with his hands and shouting up at the sky, the girls cllustered around him, having him sign their names on their hands and in their notebooks, excited to be near someone so famous, although they had never heard of him. "Y'all live in Pittsburgh?" one girl from the Columbus I~iddle School asked. "Can ! have your autograph?" This type of interaction is just the type of thing Ralph Reese and his wife, Diane Samuels, were hoping for when nearly :~0 years ago they began wiorking toward getting Pittsburgh involved in the City of Asylum project, which finds homes for exiled writers. Pittsburgh is only the fourth city in the United States -- and 34th in the world -- to join the network. Pittsburgh's participation will chartge the face of a small street in the North Side, the life of a persecuted couple from China and perhaps even the perspectives of neighbors who are unfamiliar with the language on the walls. While the neighborhood students didn't recognize his name, Huang, 62, gained global fame for both his poetry and his activism. He spent more tlhan :~2 years in jail in China and was featured in the 2000 PBS documentary "Well-Founded Fear," which followed a handful of expatriates as they navigated the precarious path of applying for asylum. The writing on the walls Huang Xiang has painted an anthpIogy of poems in white strokes on the dark wood of his North Side home. They span his career, from "Singing Alone," written in ~[962, to the most recent, "Poet's House, Dream Nest," which is what he and Zhang have called ti~eir homes of refuge. The poem below, as translated by the late Andrew Emerson, is painted on the front ~nd center panel of the house. Huang's father fought for the Nationalist Army in China and was executed when the Communists came to power. This pedigree led Huang to be ostracized in his early childhood and barred from attending school. '[Huang] was not brainwashed," said his wife, Zhang Ling. Because he did not go to school in China, he was not exposed to Communist teachings, Huang earned international attention in 1978 when he and friends traveled 1,500 miles to Beijin9 and posted his political poems on a wall in the st;reet. The Democracy Wall iVlovement, as it became known, put him at odds with the authorities. For the next 20 years, he was jailed numerous times, blamed for inciting a riot and sent to labor camps. It was only when a Beijing company revoked a long-awaited publishing contract because of governmental pressure that Huang saw a way out of China. He was invited to speak at the A~sociation of American Publishers in 1997 and, with Zhang, escaped to the United States. They applied for asylum -- a process that often takes years to complete -- and lived initially in the basement of an English teacher's home in Tenafly, N.]. They remained there while trying to find a way to support themselves, unwilling to go back to China. "His works belong to the world," said Zhang, interpreting his words in their kitchen, surrounded by parchment with Chinese characters and scrapbooks showing Huang in Chinese jails and protesting on the streets of China. Reese, their host and onetime ownler of one of the country's largest telemarketing firms, sat beside them in the house he once rented to paying tenants. He remembers the day in April of 1997 when, along with his wife, he saw Salman Rushdie, who was then president of the nascent The work of Chinese poet Huang Xiang is displayed in huge calligraphy on the exterior walls of his North Side Home. Pittsburgh is the fourth city in the United States and 34th worldwide to join the City of Asylum network, which finds finds homes for exiled ~vriters. Click photo for larger image. After hearing his lecture, Reese and Samuels began writing to Rushdie about the prospect of Pittsburgh hosting an exiled writer. At the time, one U.S. city was well on its way to becoming the first in the country to become part of the City of Asylum network;. Writers Wole Soyinka and Richard Wiley found a funding stream in Las Vegas resort magnate Glen Schaeffer, who pledged the majority of the funding to support Sierra Leone poet Syl Cheney-Coker. With this first step, the North Amelrican Network of Cities of Asylum was formed, ithaca, N.Y., and Santa Fe, N.M., followed Las Vegas as hosts to exiled writers. With an American network established, Reese and Samuels finally found the avenue they had sought. in March of 2004, they met with NANCA executive director Sarah Ralston and Wiley, who were organizing the North American network. Ralston and Wiley visited Pittsburgh in May and were surprised at the number of passionate supporters gathered al; Reese and Samuels' home. The Mattress Factory, which is a stone's throw from the couple's North Side home, also became involved. A writer cannot live on words alone, of course. He needs a place to write, a house to shelter him and food to sustain him. Reese and Samuels provided the house -- two doors down from their own -- as well as living expenses, garnered through an "alii-volunteer" fund-raising effort. Their devotion to the project was what convinced the NANCA coordinators that Pittsburgh should be a part of the City of Asylum network. As Ralston said, success requires l'a situation like you have in Pittsburgh, where there is a small group of very committed activists who take cha~ge." Huang and his wife first visited Pittsburgh in .luly. When they saw the bluffs on Mount Washington, Huang proclaimed that he would carve t~e rock into a Rushmore-like poem as a gift to the city. Zhang convinced him to leave his mark on the house instead, so he painted his poetry -- in sweeping Chinese characters -- onto the exterior. But that's not the end of it. On Sunday, Huang will read his poetry at The Mattress Factory. Mayor Murphy has proclaimed it Huang Xiang Day inthe City of Pittsburgh, and the poet sees that as the start of his civic involvement. "it feels like returning to Hong Koing," Huang said in Chinese, with his wife translating. Gesturing to the small garden in the back of his house alqd referring to the three rivers and small streets that remind him of home, he added, "Memory is always painfull but now ! find the respect of a human being." Huang struggled when he moved to the United States, feeling thwarted as a writer in a country that did not speak his language. But he tries I~o express much of his poetry through body language, or through his actions, and has met with more success of late. The man Chinese authorities censored has published 15 books through foreign companies, including an E~nglish translation of his work completed by a retired professor he met after arriving in the United States. "He feels that his dream came true," his wife said. "it could not come true in China, but it came true here." Both Huang and Zhang miss thei~ friends in China and would return without hesitation if they thought they could be free there. For now, they're cQntent to make a home in Pittsburgh, where artistic accomplishment and new friendships are destined to melt the cold hardships of the past and the present language barrier. "Exile is not [Huang's] choice," said Zhang. "He is always looking for the home of his heart. But for now, he feels he has returned to his hometown." Ithaca project sponsors Iranian writer Saturday, September 25, 2004 By Rebecca ]ames Reza Daneshvar came of age as a writer in Iran when the art could get you killed. By the time he had finished his unilversity education, he had published two novels and spent a year in prison for his work. At 34, threatened with arrest again and seeing friends executed for their work, he fled to Paris. There, his writing diminished to a trickle, his creative drive choked by 11-hour days driving a cab. Now, at 56, Daneshvar's window looks over a large garden near downtown Ithaca where he lives in a roomy apartment filled with donated furniture and the unfamiliar luxury of time. The Ithaca City of Asylum project, a partnership with Cornell University, is sponsoring a two-year residency for Daneshvar. ithaca is one of 27 cities worldwide, and only three in the United States, that sponsor writers whose lives and work are threatened. On Sunday, Daneshvar's work makes its Ithaca debut, which also marks the first time his writings have been performed in English. it will be a staged reading of his new play. Daneshvar, and the Chinese write~ Yi Ping, who was the first writer Ithaca sponsored, owe this respite to the efforts of writers, academics and c~ommunity members in ithaca who raised money and pulled strings to make the college town a city of asylum. Las vegas was the first city of asylum in the country, financed by a wealthy businessman who attended the Iowa Writers' Workshop before making a healthy living running resorts. That "Sin City" could sponsor a poet in exile from Sierra Leone inspired several other communities. Ithaca was the second asylum city, but there are expected to be six, including Saratoga Springs, by early 2005, said Sarah Ralston, executive director of the North American Network of Cities of Asylum. Typically, the community and local university team up to cover the costs, which can be up to $80,000 a year, depending on a region's cost of living. Cornell provides a stipend of abou~ $30,000, along with health insurance and an office on campus, while the Ithaca City of Asylum group kicks in more than $7,000 to cover most of the housing costs, said Bridget Meeds, a poet who founded the group along with Corneli French professor Anne Berger. It took Ithaca less than nine montlhs to organize, raise money, and have its first writer living in town· "Doors flew open in front of us," Meeds said. "it really seemed like the right thing for ithaca." Ithaca has a history of offering help to refugees of one sort or another, from being a stop on the Underground Railway to hosting Tibetan immigrants today, said said. Cornell invited .lewish scientists threatened by the Holocaust to join the faculty, and Russian expatriate writer Vladimir Nabokov taught at Cornell for l! years until 1959. Writers given asylum aren't required to teach at Cornell, but both have so far. Daneshvar is teaching a class in Persian this semester. He has picked up quite a bit of English, but relies on French and a translator when he is talking about his life and work. He grew up in a middle class urban city on a dead end street with lots of children. "! was always telling them stories I made up on the spot," he said. The early !970s were a time of stJudent activism in Iran, as they were around the world. He was arrested during a demonstration. The other students were soon released,but when the authorities learned he had written a book that referred to the shah's overthrow of the democratic regime of Iran in the 1950s, he ended up with a prison term. But it didn't stop him from writing. "The desire to write is something deeper. It does not come from the events in life," he said. Daneshvar worked as an anthropologist, a writer, a documentary filmmaker and a teacher during the 1970s. But the possibilities for his work shrank quickly after Islamic fundamentalist Ayatollah Khomeini came to power in 1979. He remained as the director of a regional theater company, but the government sent paramilitary soldiers, with guns strapped to their backs, to censor the performances and insist that all theater be from Islamic tradition. After he fled the country, he experienced depression and memory loss. He knew other exiled Iranian writers who comitted suicide. He earned a degree in audio visual studies and worked for a film studio, but it went out of business. Finally, to support his sons, who joined him in Paris in 1987 when they were 11 and 13, he turned to driving a cab six days a week. Most of what he wrote then remained unfinished, although he did publish two books. Now he looks back and thinks that his 40s should have been the summit of his creativity. "! am left with some frustration-and quite a lot of notes," he said. Board members from the Ithaca City of Asylum have donated their time since Daneshvar came Lo Ithaca in January to help translate and edit I~is work. Previously, it had been published in Persian and French, but having the American audience could help ½im make a living at his craft, said Deborah Tall, a professor of English at Hobart and William Smith Colleges~ who chairs the board. Tall does not want to see Daneshv~r have to return to his life as a cab driver when his stint in Ithaca ends next year. "I know I want to write," Daneshvar said. "Will ! manage it or not? I don't know." International group plans writers' haven in Las Vegas ASSOCIATED PRESS 1/10/2004 01:30 pm The International Network of Cities of Asylum plans to open a regional office here in the next few months to help dissident writers seeking safe haven from repressive governments. The Paris-based organization has selected Las Vegas for its first North American office, which is scheduled to open by March 1 at a historic downtown school, the Las Vegas Review-]ournal reported Tuesday. Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, past president of the international body, said the Las Vegas office would expand the organization's network in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America so that refuge can quickly be provided to writers. The international writers' group, with regional offices in Italy and France, has been focusing its efforts in Western Europe. Las Vegas was named the first U.S. City of Asylum in 2000. Soyinka said the network is trying to place about 20 writers seeking to escape persecution. "The demand always exceeds our resources," said Soyinka, who holds the Elias Ghanem Chair of Creative Writing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "We have writers on our waiting list from North Africa, Central Africa, Chechnya, the former Soviet Union, Iran. There is one from Afghanistan." Soyinka, a playwright, poet and novelist, was a political prisoner from 1967 to 1969, during civil war in Nigeria. Authors sheltered in the city include poet Syl Cheney-Coker, who fled Sierra Leone in 1997 after a military coup, and Er Tai Gao, a Chinese writer alnd painter who spent 20 years in labor camps for what authorities called seditious conduct. He fled China in 1992. Cheney-Coker returned to his country in 2003. ErTai Gao, 67, now lives in Las Vegas and is working on the third volume of his memoir "To Seek Hy Homeland." Money for the local asylum program comes from donations made through the Institute of Modern Letters at UNLV. The current president of the international group is American novelist Russell Banks, author of "The Sweet Hereafter" and "Affliction." Salman Rushdie, who lived under a death threat from Islamic extremists after publication of "The Satanic Verses," was sheltered and later headed the group, formerly known as the International Parliament of Writers. Candy Schneider, chairwoman of the Nevada Arts Council, said Las Vegas's role as a hub city for an international fellowship of writers will open doors, not just for the dissident writers who come through Las Vegas, but for the people here who can interact with them. "Something like this really helps people to understand that the whole world is not here in the U.S.," Schneider said. "There are ways of life that we don't know and haven't experienced." Tuesday, .lanuary 06, 2004 Copyright © Las Vegas Review-]ournal Las Vegas to become city of asylum for dissident writers Correction on 01/07/04 -- A headline in Tuesday's Review-,lournal on a story regarding the International Network of Cities of Asylum was outdated. Las Vegas became a city of asylum in 2000, as the story states. Now the city will be home to the North American regional office of the dissident writers' group. Mayor Oscar Goodman expected to make announcement today By LISA KIM BACH REVIEW-JOURNAL The Historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas will be the new North American hub for the International Network of Cities of Asylum, an organization for dissident writers. Photo by Craig L. Moran. Las Vegas is about to become the first North American gateway for dissident writers who seek a safe harbor from repressive governments. The International Network of Cities of Asylum, based in Paris and formerly known as the International Parliament of Writers, is opening a regional office in the historic Fifth Street School at 400 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman Is expected to announce the city's role in supporting the organization today during his State of the City address. A lease has not yet been finalized, but the office is expected to open by March 1. Nigerian Noble laureate Wole Soyinka, immediate past president of the international body, said Monday the primary mission of the regional office will be to expand the cities of asylum network in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America so that refuge can be provided to endangered writers as quickly as possible. It's the same mission that, for the past decade, has driven the international writers' group, which previously focused its efforts in Western Europe. At this time, Soyinka said the network is trying to place about 20 writers who are seeking to escape persecution. The organization also has regional offices in Italy and France. "The demand always exceeds our resources," said Soyinka, who holds the Elias Ghanem Chair of Creative Writing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "We have writers on our waiting list from North Africa, Central Africa, Chechnya, the former Soviet Union, Iran. There is one from Afghanistan." They all have one thing in common. "They are trying to survive," said Soyinka, a playwright, poet and novelist who himself was a political prisoner from :~967 to 1969, a time of civil war in Nigeria. Las Vegas became the first U.S. City of Asylum in 2000. The larger role it now will play in the international group is a natural expansion of that, said Sarah Ralston, who is executive director of the nascent North American Cities of Asylum Network. The city is definitely a draw, Ralston said, which works in the group's favor when trying to attract support and involvement from the literary community. "This is the best place in the world to do this," Ralston said. "Everyone with a 140 IQ on down wants to see Las Vegas." The authors sheltered in Las Vegas so far include poet Syl Cheney-Coker, who fled Sierra Leone in 1997 after a military coup, and ErTai Gao, a Chinese writer and painter who spent 20 years in labor camps for what authorities dubbed "seditious conduct." Cheney-Coker returned to his country in 2003. Er Tai Gao, 67, now resides in Las Vegas and is working on the third volume of his memoir "To Seek My Homeland." Gao fled China in ~t992 after the communist government prohibited him from leaving or writing again. Money for the local asylum program comes from donations made through the Institute of Modern Letters at UNLV. The current president of the international group is American novelist Russell Banks, author of "The Sweet Hereafter" and "Affliction." Salman Rushdie, who lived under a death threat from islamic extremists after publication of "The Satanic Verses," was sheltered and also became one of the presidents of the former International Parliament. Glenn Schaeffer, the institute's founder and Mandalay Resort Group president, is a major benefactor of the asylum program. Soyinka said that Schaeffer's activism is a large part of reason the network's North American hub is coming to Las Vegas. Until it's recognized as a not-for-profit group by the federal government, the North American region office will operate as an extension of the Institute for Modern Letters. Schaeffer is excited about the heightened profile Las Vegas is gaining in literary circles. Becoming a haven for writers doesn't cast the city against type at all, he said. After all, it takes a lot of nerve to tell the truth in the face of tyranny as writers of conscience do, Schaeffer said Monday. And Las Vegas is a city for people who have nerve. "Pop culture and high culture need not conflict," Schaeffer said. "Literature in America has a tradition of being a voice of protest and change. It's an aU-American quality." The authors who are members of the former International Parliament of Writers also have a history of taking sides. Some of their most controversial statements have been made about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the issue of a Palestinian homeland. Portuguese Nobel laureate 3os~ S~ramago, part of a writers' contingent that visited the West Bank in 2002, caused a public outcry when he said what was happening in Ramallah was "a crime that may be compared to Auschwitz." it was a statement from which the international Parliament distanced itself, in response, Parliament Director Christian Salmon said he deplored "the suffering brought about by foolish analogies." Soyinka, who took part in the 2002 trip to the West Bank, said strife caused by that incident was not the reason the group decided to change its name the following year. Candy Schneider, chairwoman of the Nevada Arts Council, is thrilled with the opportunities that will come with Las Vegas's role as a hub city for an international fellowship of writers. It will open doors, not just for the dissident writers who come through Las Vegas, but for the people here who can interact with them. "Something like this really helps people to understand that the whole world is not here in the U.S.," Schneider said. "There are ways of life that we don't know and haven't experienced." JOIN (NANCA) THE NORTH AMERICAN NETWORK OF CITIES OF ASYLUM A City of Asylum is a free space, unfettered by censorship or political repression in which writers who have undergone such hardship may safely practice their craft. Writers are hosted by a city or region for a period of one to two years. The writers are chosen and placed by mutual agreement among the North American Cities of Asylum (NANCA) executive committee, the sponsors organizing each city and, of course, by the writer's consent. The host city or region agrees to the following commitments. 1) Provide a furnished residence for the writer and his/her family. 2) Provide a $2,500 dollar per month living stipend to the writer. 3) Provide travel funds and moving expenses for the writer to relocate to the host city. 4) Ensure the writer has health insurance coverage. 5) Organize volunteers to assist in all matters related to new community acclimation. 6) Assist the writer in obtaining necessary visas and/or residency permits. 7) Work with NANCA to identify writers who are best suited to reside in the particular city/region. 8) While the writer is not obligated to seek employment, a host city commits to help the writer find a suitable position should the individual chose to supplement their income. HOW TO DONATE TO THE NORTH AMERTCAN NETWORK OF C[TTES OF ASYLUM (NANCA) NANCA is a grassroots non-profit corporation. We are a registered Nevada non-profit with federal tax-exempt status pending before the Internal Revenue Service. As a young organization we acce,pt donations of a wide variety: 1) Monetary 2) In-Kind support such as living quarters provided to our writers gratis. 3) Donations of cars, airline tickets. 4) Hoving, packing and shipping assistance for writers when they locate to a new city. 5) Professional support such as legal/green card and Visa work. 6) Accounting and bookkeeping support. 7) Volunteers to monitor this site and staff events. If you chose to donate cash, please make checks payable to: NANCA 325 South Third St. #1-388 Las Vegas, NV 89101-6003 All monetary donations can be designated for a specific purpose. For all donations, please email Sarah Ralston at: CITY OF ASYLUM The right to write: City gives safe harbor to exiled Chinese poet and his work['age I of 4 ^ E The right to write: City gives safe harbor ...... Previous Art c e to exiled Chinese poet and his work Movies/Videos TV/Radio Tuesday, November 16, 2004 Books Crossword By Alana Semuels, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Lottery . Explore Poet-in-exile Huang Xiang was _ i ~ Pittsburgh standing outside his North Side Lake~o.g, Post-eazett~ ~ residence, staring up at the Chinese poet Huang Xiang has ~ ~ v ~;', bold Chinese characters painted his poetry on the outside of ' - painted on the exterior of his ~ ~his home on the North Side. He is ~ ; house, when a group of - living in Pittsburgh as part of the ~ ~:,,'dd~^s G~dc ; City of Asylum project, which finds ~ - , neighborhood middle school homes for exiled writers. ~[ ~ "~:~ ~ I students walked by. c.c~ photo for larger image. ~ ~ ': }~ ~ ~ What did he do to his house?" they shrieked. .... But when they were told he was a famous Chinese poet and that the house showcased his work, their mood changed. After Huang, who does not speak English, performed one of his poems in Chinese, gesturing with his hands and shouting up at the sky, the girls clustered around him, having him sign their names on their hands and in their notebooks, excited to be near someone so famous, although they had never heard of him. "Y'all live in Pittsburgh?" one girl from the Columbus Middle School asked. "Can I have your autograph?" This type of interaction is just the type of thing Ralph Reese and his wife, Diane Samuels, were hoping for when nearly 10 years ago they began working toward getting Pittsburgh involved in the City of Asylum project, which finds homes for exiled writers. Pittsburgh is only the fourth city in the United States -- and 34th in the world -- to join the network. Pittsburgh's participation will change the face of a small street in the North Side, the life of a persecuted couple from China and perhaps even the perspectives of neighbors who are unfamiliar with the language on the walls. While the neighborhood students didn't recognize his name, Huang, 62, gained global fame for both his poetry and his activism. He spent more than 12 years in jail in China and was featured in the 2000 PBS documentary "Well-Founded Fear," https://www~fastmai~fin/mai~/The%2~right%2~t~%2~write%2~City%2~gives%2~safe%... 12/10/2004 The right to write: City gives safe harbor to exiled Chinese poet and his work Page 2 oI 4 which followed a handful of expatriates as they navigated the precarious path of applying for asylum. : ~': Huang's father fought for the The writing on the walls Nationalist Army in China and was executed when the Communists Huang Xiang has painted an came to power. This pedigree led anthology of poems in white Huang to be ostracized in his strokes on the dark wood of his early childhood and barred from North Side home. They span his career, from "Singing Alone," attending school. written in 1962, to the most recent, "Poet's House, Dream "[Huang] was not brainwashed," Nest," which is what he and said his wife, Zhang Ling. Zhang have called their homes of Because he did not go to school in refuge. The poem below, as translated by the late Andrew China, he was not exposed to Emerson, is painted on the front Communist teachings. and center panel of the house. Huang earned international Writing in 3-D (2000) attention in 1978 when he and friends traveled 1,500 miles to The oldest way to write poetry Beijing and posted his political Is with a brush poems on a wall in the street. The Democracy Wall Movement, as it The newest way to write poetry became known, put him at odds Is with the body with the authorities. For the next 20 years, he was jailed numerous The most wonderful way to write times, blamed for inciting a riot poetry Is to stand right on your head and sent to labor camps. It was only when a Beijing company With mind and body as one revoked a long-awaited publishing contract because of governmental And dab ink pressure that Huang saw a way out of China. On the ground! ............ -~ .......... He was invited to speak at the Association of American Publishers in 1997 and, with Zhang, escaped to the United States. They applied for asylum -- a process that often takes years to complete -- and lived initially in the basement of an English teacher's home in Tenafly, N.J. They remained there while trying to find a way to support themselves, unwilling to go back to China. "His works belong to the world," said Zhang, interpreting his words in their kitchen, surrounded by parchment with Chinese characters and scrapbooks showing Huang in Chinese jails and protesting on the streets of China. Reese, their host and onetime owner of one of the country's largest telemarketing firms, sat beside them in the house he once rented to payin9 tenants. He remembers the day in April of 1997 o o 20to%20wnte%20CTty%20g~ves%20safe% https://www.fastmail.fm/mail/TheVo2OrightTo · · ' ... 12/10/2004 The right to write: City gives safe harbor to exiled Chinese poet and his workPage 3 of 4 when, along with his wife, he saw Salman Rushdie, who was then president of the nascent International Parliament of Writers, speak about the importance of advocating for persecuted writers. After hearing his lecture, Reese I ~ and Samuels began writing to [.akeFong, Post-Gazette Rushdie about the prospect of The work of Chinese poet Huang Pittsburgh hosting an exiled Xiang is displayed in huge writer. At the time, one U.S. city calligraphy on the exterior walls of was well on its way to his North Side Home. Pittsburgh is the fourth city in the United States becoming the first in the and 34th worldwide to join the City country to become part of the of Asylum network, which finds City of Asylum network. Writers finds homes for exiled writers. Wole Soyinka and Richard c,ck photo for larger image. Wiley found a funding stream in Las Vegas resort magnate Glen Schaeffer, who pledged the majority of the funding to support Sierra Leone poet Syl Cheney-Coker. With this first step, the North American Network of Cities of Asylum was formed. Ithaca, N.Y., and Santa Fe, N.M., followed Las Vegas as hosts to exiled writers. With an American network established, Reese and Samuels finally found the avenue they had sought. In March of 2004, they met with NANCA executive director Sarah Ralston and Wiley, who were organizing the North American network. Ralston and Wiley visited Pittsburgh in May and were surprised at the number of passionate supporters gathered at Reese and Samuels' home. The Mattress Factory, which is a stone's throw from the couple's North Side home, also became involved. A writer cannot live on words alone, of course. He needs a place to write, a house to shelter him and food to sustain him. Reese and Samuels provided the house -- two doors down from their own -- as well as living expenses, garnered through an "all- volunteer" fund-raising effort. Their devotion to the project was what convinced the NANCA coordinators that Pittsburgh should be a part of the City of Asylum network. As Ralston said, success requires "a situation like you have in Pittsburgh, where there is a small group of very committed activists who take charge." Huang and his wife first visited Pittsburgh in July. When they saw the bluffs on Mount Washington, Huang proclaimed that he would carve the rock into a Rushmore-like poem as a gift to the city. Zhang convinced him to leave his mark on the house instead, so he painted his poetry -- in sweeping Chinese characters -- onto the exterior. https://www.fastmail.fm/mail/The%20right%20to%20write%20City%20gives%20safe%... 12/10/2004 The right to write: City gives safe harbor to exiled Chinese poet and his work Page 4 of 4 But that's not the end of it. On Sunday, Huang will read his poetry at The Mattress Factory. Mayor Murphy has proclaimed it Huang Xiang Day in the City of Pittsburgh, and the poet sees that as the start of his civic involvement. "It feels like returning to Hong Kong," Huang said in Chinese, with his wife translating. Gesturing to the small garden in the back of his house and referring to the three rivers and small streets that remind him of home, he added, "Memory is always painful, but now I find the respect of a human being." Huang struggled when he moved to the United States, feeling thwarted as a writer in a country that did not speak his language. But he tries to express much of his poetry through body language, or through his actions, and has met with more success of late. The man Chinese authorities censored has published 15 books through foreign companies, including an English translation of his work completed by a retired professor he met after arriving in the United States. "He feels that his dream came true," his wife said. "It could not come true in China, but it came true here." Both Huang and Zhang miss their friends in China and would return without hesitation if they thought they could be free there. For now, they're content to make a home in Pittsburgh, where artistic accomplishment and new friendships are destined to melt the cold hardships of the past and the present language barrier. "Exile is not [Huang's] choice," said Zhang. "He is always looking for the home of his heart. But for now, he feels he has returned to his hometown." (Alana Semuels can be reached at 4~semuef,%~9ost-gazette. corn or 4't2-263-'1928.) SelF'ch I Cont;~ct Us I Site f'.:la[; [ Ternls of U~d: I P,,,,~lc;, Pohc~ I Ad.ertt>e I About U.~ Copyright ©1997-2004 PG Publishing Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved. https://www.fastmai~.fin/mai~/The%2~right%2~t~%2~write%2~City%2~gives%2~safe%... 12/10/2004 Rainmaker Report A NEWSLETTER FROM THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MODERN LETTERS Fall 2004 Network seeks to uni asylum cities Bringing translation By EricOIsen into the mainstream Despite the end of the Cold War Ithaca, New York, and Santa Fe, New IIML works to increase diversity and the triumph, so we were Mexico have formed City of Asylum in domestic publishing market assured by our pundits, of the liberal programs in those cities. And Pitts- ideal, freedom of expression is under burgh, Pennsylvania and Saratoga It's a conceit of our nation's liter- assault as never before. Fewer than Springs, New York have programs in / ary elite that we are a myopic half the peoples of this world today the making, while several other cities and insular culture. In fact, that's enjoy the freedoms we take for grant- have begun to take first steps, exactly what one fellow recently ed, including freedom of expression. ~l'~o accommodate this rising inter- told a gathering in Santa Fe of And even in this country, post 9/n, .1. est, we recently founded and cur- writers, editors, publishers, and we've willingly allowed our freedoms rently fund the North American Net- other literary types. "We are," he to be constrained in the name of work of Cities of Asylum (NANCA), intoned, "a myopic and insular "improved security." Thus in Boston based in Las Vegas under the direction culture." Those of us in attendance during the Democratic convention-- of Sarah Ralston, with novelist Russell nodded in resigned agreement. Boston of all places, the "cradle of Banks serving as president. Indeed. Yes. Too bad. A pity. liberty"--the authorities constructed NANCA will function as an He issued the pronounce- a "free-speech zone" for demonstra- information clearinghouse for new ment during a discussion of the tots under programs, offering advice on how to sorry state of translations in this a freeway set up and operate a city of asylum, country. According to a study by overpass The organization will also mount the National Endowment for the and en- national fundraising campaigns for Arts, fewer than three percent of closed it in the network, while providing fund- books published in the U.S. in the chain-links raising support for individual cities, previous year were translations of and barbed NANCA will also organize events to works from the 200 or so other wire. The bring writers in asylum together to nations with which we share the notion of a give readings, lectures, and explore planet. In Europe, by contrast, 4© free-speech ways to undermine regimes ofintol- to 5° percent of books published zone is so erance in their own nations. NANCA, are in translation. absurdly in partnership with the IIML, will Compared to the Europeans, oxymo- help to get the work of these writers we do seem myopic and insular. ronic that into translation and published in this Of course, Europe is a single NANCA executive director it provoked country, through the Institute's new economic entity with dozens of Sarah Ralston more laugh- translation initiative. "official" languages, so transla- ter than For more information about tion is a fact of everyday life there; outrage. Fortunately, the demonstra- NANCA, and what you can do to help you'd expect them to publish and tors gleefully ignored this insult to fight against censorship, please visit read more translations. Still, the the principles on which our nation www. cityofasylum.org. · lack oftranslaQons here creates a was founded. Still, its conception sort of literary isolation, a "culture and construction is a reminder of the ~_ ~ .'=7'~ defidt," that does not serve us well fragility of freedom everywhere, and For censorship statistics, and more on in a world in which economies, how vigorously it must be defended, fie. edom to unite, visit: See Translation on th~ followlng pag~ Our City of Asylum program is one www. freedomhouse.org such defense. Since we created the www. indexonline.org first asylum city in the U.S., groups in Rainmaker Editions update ....... 2 Sunset Over Barren Mountains ...... 3 I I M i I INTER NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of MODERN LETTERS Fine press book collecting ........ 7 Te P~tahi Tuhi Auaha o te Ao IIML news .................... 8 Translation, from page i cultures, and peoples are ever more list routinely includes literary transla- consortium will submit books to us for interrelated.., a world that has also lions. As I write this, I note that there subsidy, we'll draw on our links to the become much more dangerous. It's is a translation on the list right now: worldwide network of cities of asylum interesting to note that the commis- Anna Karenina by Tolstoy, number to find works by the world's most sion that investigated the breakdown four under fiction hardly what you'd eloquent voices for freedom. of our intelligence services before expect in a myopic and insular culture. Rainmaker Translations will directly 9/~ found that this breakdown was in As we mentioned briefly in a address the real factors behind the part a result of a failure of imagination, previous issue of Rainmaker Report, lack of translations in this country. Since literature allows us to see, or at the IIML is developing a translation We don't read many translations here least to imagine, the world as others initiative that will make more works in because there aren't many to read, may see it, allows us to share the fears translation available in this country. In and there aren't many to read because and aspirations of others, and gives the months since that announcement, the big bottom-line-driven publish- us insights into the ways that others we've refined the concept and cur- ers--some of the biggest of which are think and feel, one has to wonder if rently have several projects in develop- part of huge European conglomerates, the folks who run our intelligence ser- ment, including a memoir by Er Tai by the way--avoid translations like the vices ought to read more.., especially Gao, our present writer in residence in plague, not because we're insular and more literature in translation. City of Asylum Las Vegas (see page 3 myopic and won't read translations, But is the problem that we don't want for an excerpt), but because there's not enough money to read works in translation, or is the The translation initiative, which in translations to keep the publishers' lack of translations the result of other we're calling Rainmaker Translations, accountants happy. factors that have nothing to do with our will support the translation of up to We will subsidize the cost of a book's presumed myopia and insularity? eight works of contemporary literature translation, helping to ease the eco- At the IIML, we believe that there's each year fiction, poetry, drama, and nomic disincentives that publishers a huge, untapped market in this quality nonfiction--in partnership face. Although eight books each year country for quality translations of with a consortium of publishers that doesn't sound like much, given how contemporary literature from other currently includes HarperCollins, few translations are published, our ini- countries, a desire to hear what the W.W. Norton, New Directions, and tiative can make a difference. And if it's rest of the world has to say. We hardly Archipelago Books. We'll help find the successful, we'll expand the program. seem averse to reading good books best translators and subsidize the cost Books in the series will carry a in translation, books that engage the of translation, editing, and promo- Rainmaker Translation banner, and it's mind and spirit and tell a good story in tion. The publishers will publish and our hope that this banner will soon prose that's reasonably accessible. The distribute the books in the series, become recognizable nationwide as a New York Times' paperback bestseller While our publishing partners in the mark of excellence. · New from Rainmaker: The Firebird's Nest This fall, Rainmaker Editions released The Firebird's Nest, a power-:.~ ful story by Salman Rushdie. Published in a signed deluxe edition of ~25, the book features original linocuts by Argentine printmaker Alfredo Benavidez Bedoya, winner of a Guggenheim Fellowship in x999 for his expressive and and often politically charged images. Rushdie is best known for The Satanic Verses, his controversial ~988 novel that was denounced as blasphemy by Iranian lead- ers. The resultingfatwa forced Rushdie into hiding, and for more than a decade he lived and worked under the threat of death. The Firebird's Nest was written during this perilous--yet suprisingly fruitful--time, and explores the collision of American idealism and Indian tradition. Designed and typeset by Victoria Hindley, the book was printed letterpress from Poliphilus and Acolyte types on Somerset Velvet paper at Red Butte Press. The book's kangaroo leather binding and drop-spine box were executed by Craig Jensen at BookLab II. · "Lone Wolf" b? Er Tai Gao. Watercolor on paper. PHOTO BY GERI KODEY Starting out from the little county seat of Dunhuang in China's far-flung northwest, go north and you are in the townships of Yinwu, Jijitaizi, and the Uighur mu- nicipality of Ajesai. Go eastward and you reach Yumen, Jiuquang and the ancient Jiayu Pass of the Great Wall. Southwards, cross the Shule River and you are at the foot of the snow- capped Qilian Mountains. Westwards the road leads to the Loulan, Luntai and White Dragon Mound town- ships. Further on you will be at Lobe Lake. On camel, the journey takes a week or so in whichever direction you go, through flowing sands and flying rocks, with no signs of habitation. The Mogao Caves at Dunhuang, popularly known as the Thousand- Buddha Caves, are a world-renowned treasure trove of' murals, sculpture, clay figures, architecture, and reli- gious scripts created over the course ora thousand years. The caves are situated in an oasis in the midst of Sunset Over Barren Mountains this boundless desert. Theoasisis tiny, barely covering one square kilo- An excerpt from City of Asylum Las Vegas writer meter. Our DunhuangArt Research Institute was the only public ~nstitu- Er Tai Gao's memoir, In Search of My Homeland ~o~ in the area. And the staffand dependents were its only population. The researchers and support staff at Ha fin has this to say about Er Tai Gads work: "Among numerous the Institute numbered forty-nine. memoirs by Chinese authors, In Search of My Homeland stands out As the Cultural Revolution raged as an eloquent testimony to the violatior~ and destruction of humanity, on, people were shuffled in and out This revered scholar of aesthetic theories has written not only about his of the "cowshed," depending on their shifting status. At full capacity, the personal suffcring in the remote labor camps and thc political persecu- "cowshed" housed as many as two tion hc attd his family experienced, but also about thc fates of many dozen "demons and monsters." The common people. His style is fortified by concision, elegance, restraint, rest of the population, the so-called and depth. Each chapter stands alone as a story and together they "revo]utionary masses," were split into two factions and hell-bent on form a historical panorama of the Chinese society in the second half of destroying each other. Then, in the the twentieth century. However, this is not just a book bearing histori- winter of ~968, word got about that col witness; it is authentic literature.' the/:actions did the "Big Unite" and were planning to set up a so-called "May 7th Cadre Schoo]' according hans ated from t}~e CJi r-base by Zhu Hong ~,) 2004 Z. hu Hong. Publ shed in Words to Mao's newest directive to take up ~/~t[/out Bo~ders, www. wordswithoutborders.org, May 2oo4. By permission of Words farming. For which purpose we seven Wrthodt Borders, an onl ne rnagazme for mterpatlona I terature hosted by Bard College "monsters" were ordered up the ,arid supported by the Nat onal Er~dowment for fl-e Art~ mountains to reclaim wasteland. Slapped with a high quota of square the "demon and monster" population, time, and given ourselves away. So feet to open up, right in the depths of After the Cultural Revolution, it was we wrapped ourselves up even more winter, and up in the barren moun- this same Duan who edged out Chang tightly, fearful of a single misstep. rains, reclaiming wasteland was Shuhong, the founder and longtime Even our sleep was restless. I always hardly an enviable job. But we seven director of the Institute, and took over feared that I might betray myself talk- were secretly exultant. We were sick the position himself, ing in my sleep. and tired of the endless "struggle The above three gentlemen had In those days, more than a dozen meetings," the hectoring lectures, the been brought by Chang Shuhong of us "monsters" were stretched side forced labor, the mutual accusations to Dunhuang in the old days before by side on a big adobe platform bed. and recriminations at the nightly Liberation, and they had stayed on to On my right would be the ex-direc- "study sessions." Going up the moun- study the Dunhuang heritage. I could tor Chang Shuhong. On my left, Shi tains meant leaving all that behind. At have learned a lot from them. Weixiang, the calligrapher and local history expert. To my envy, Shi would start snoring the moment his head hit As the Cultural Revolution raged on, people were shuffled in and out the pillow. Later I discovered that he of the "cowshed,' depending on their shifting status. At full capacity, was not really asleep. He simulated snoring, to give an impression that the "cowshed" housed as many as two dozen "demons and monsters." he had nothing on his conscience and The rest of the population, the so-called "revolutionary masses,' were bore no resentment either. And it split into two factions and hell-bent on destroying each other, worked. Once, I decided to imitate his feat, but found it a hard act to follow. In least we could relax our nerves, strung Then there was Li Bozhen, formerly the first place, to simulate a snore to breaking point. Our "shed-mates" a professor at the Beijing Central Art needed quite a bit of energy. Besides, I had never heard my own snore, so eyed us wistfully. Academy, who had joined the Insti- could not tell whether it was a good Of the seven forming our group, tute more than ten years ago. one was a simple-minded, illiterate I myself was thirty-one years old imitation. And then, once started, you gardener, Wu Xingshan, who in the and had arrived at the Institute in couldn't stop, unless it was to pretend old days had been a Taoist monk in ~962. Thus I was the youngest among to wake up suddenly. And lastly. the Caves, a fact which qualified him the group of seven, and on the lowest all this playacting was based on the as a "monster." rung of the academic ladder, assumption that I was under secret surveillance, but it might not be true, Then there was the cook Zhou Dex- iong, illiterate, but a smart alek and a '~ efore the Cultural Revolution, the in which case, I would have gone to first-rate chef. He had once owned a 1.~ seven of us had little to do with all that trouble for nothing. So I gave restaurant and thus carried the con- each other, and we saw each other it up. tamination of"capitalism." only at the weekly political study ses- Once, Shi Weixiang, Sun Rujian, a The other five were all profession- sions. Since being "expelled" from fellow "monster," and I were dragged als. Huo xiliang, an expert on the up in the middle of the night to monasteries and temples attached to the Caves, used to be the head of the Archaeology Division of the Institute. Slapped with a high quota of square feet to open up, right in the depths Shi Weixiang was an expert on local of winter, and up in the barren mountains, reclaiming waste land was history and an authority on the cul- hardly an enviable job. But we seven were secretly exultant. ture of the Western Borders. He was also a master calligrapher, fluent in the archaic "Scripture" style, so called the ranks of the masses and reduced unload a truckful of coal which had after the Buddhist scripts discovered to "demon and monster" status, we just arrived. As we crept back to bed in the Caves. seven endured "dictatorship" together afterwards, we were surprised to hear Duan Wenjie, ex-deputy head of the in the daytime and squeezed on the Duan Wenjie talk in his sleep, shout- Research Division and head of the Art Section, used to be my boss before he same big platform bed at night. Yet ing "Long Live Chairman Mao!" The we never opened up to one another, next day at our daily labor Duan tried was "expelled" from the ranks of the On the contrary, precisely because we by roundabout means to sound us masses and demoted to "demon and had been herded together so closely out, so obviously the slogan chanting monster." But even in this lowly sta- res, he was appointed group leader of all day, we all feared that we might had been an act. That really beat ev- have made a slip somewhere, some- the only man who would treat us as climbing. Only when we turned to equals. Actually he was the only man look back occasionally did we real- who had the guts to treat us as equals, ize that we were on elevated ground. When he ordered us to get ready, we Nobody spoke, the silence broken all obeyed with joyful alacrity. We only by the crunch of gravel under our quickly got together everything need- feet. The cart made a squeaky sound, ed for opening the wasteland. As to rhythmic, thin, and long drawn out, our personal things, there was noth- as if saying, "All is well, all is well." ing to prepare. Our rooms had been We spent the night at the Spring sealed; all we had were our bowls and of Bitter Waters. On the afternoon of chopsticks and bedrolls, the next day, we found ourselves in The very next morning, we set out more open grounds of a river valley for the mountains, overshadowed by multi-colored sheer cliffs. Little knolls began to appear, overgrown by reeds. As we walked on, II. the scene opened up before us: the cliffs gave way, more knolls appeared. T he oasis at Thousand-Buddha By evening, we had arrived at our Caves was formed by an under- destination--Big Spring. ground stream that meandered across the desert, surfacing at the Caves, '[~ ig Spring was a river bed hid- then disappearing again under the .L~ den deep in a wilderness of sands. Its source lay southwards, scraggy mountain slopes. It was among the many slopes of the Qilian fiat and open, overgrown with red Mountains that undulated across the willows. Willow stumps peeped out Gao at his home in Las Vegas. He is currently Gobi and became lost in the sandy from among the golden reeds which completing the third volume of his memoir, horizon. Our task was to follow the overran the slopes, stretching as far This excerpt is taken from volume two. stream to its source and open up the as the eye could see. In the summer, PHOTO BY GE]RI KODEY wasteland, as an agricultural base for the whole scene would look like the the "May 7th Cadre School" of our blue-tinted forest scene in a Shishkin Institute. painting. In the fall, it would be a erything. But the rest of us would not Wang Jiesan, the driver for the In- world of pink, with the willows burst- give him the satisfaction of knowing stitute, took us in a truck right to the ing in flower. that he had been heard, so we all said foot of the mountains. We unloaded But right then it was winter, flowers that we had heard nothing, our tools--pick, shovel, saw, and so and leaves were withered and fallen. We on--as well as our grain allotment Illumined by the setting sun, the ingSeVeninto werethe mountains.all happy tOThebe gO-su_ and cooking utensils. Then there were close-knit branches of the red wil- pervisor assigned to us was a worker the eight bedrolls, and finally a pull lows, slender and supple, were awash in his fifties named Fan Hua. Of poor family background, he had been a Nobodl; spoke, the silence broken only bl~ the crunch of gravel handyman at the Institute for the last thirty years, always minding his own under our feet. The cart made a squeak? sound, rhlJthmic, business, never speaking a word out thin, and long drawn out, as if saying, "All is well, all is well." of turn. As a member of the working class, he had never tried to take advan- tage of the various political campaigns cart. We packed everything into the in a golden red haze, softly fading to hurt anyone, and had never tried cart and started up the mountain. I in the distance as it merged with the to call attention to himself. It was pulled the cart, while the rest of them outlines of the slopes, presenting a by pure accident that Fan Hua was pushed from behind. We trod over distant view of an all-enveloping quiv- assigned to be our supervisor. The grayish yellow gravel as we made ering light. Above the light hovered work was hard, and no one among our way upwards, following the trail, the wavering contours of the distant the revolutionary masses wanted to Seen against the earth and the sky, we snow-capped mountains, twinkling in go. But for us, Fan's assignment was handful of people would have seemed the amber sunset. a godsend, because Fan Hua was the tiny dots. The slope was gentle and Here and there, water from the only man who would not bully us and our way upwards did not feel like river bed formed pools and lakes of varying sizes, sparkling among the out the lamps and sat around the fire As I lay in bed reflecting on how willows. These pools and lakes, from to warm ourselves. Then we climbed there were no more self-criticism and underground water, never froze over; up the platform bed and went straight mutual exposures, no more being one could see right to the bottom to sleep, skipping the confession and dragged out of bed to unload coal in where the pebbles were coated with a mea culpa to Chairman Mao. the middle of the night, and how we layer of velvety green moss. Flocks of need not get out of bed in the small wild geese frolicked in the water, and F~ rom the third day onwards, we hours for confession and mea culpa now and then they would be startled started working on a patch of to Mao--that we did not even have a and take off suddenly, squawking in virgin soil close by. The patch was the Mao portrait around--I became very alarm, sediment of mountain floods from cheerful, as if on a holiday. At those On a hillock by the lake was a de- time immemorial. It was flat and times when the wind was howl- crepit little hut. It was empty inside, soft, and not hard to open up. All we ing overhead, reminding us of the all-encompassing darkness and cold outside, it was very satisfying to be As I lap in bed reflecting on how there were no more self-criticism and curled up in bed. I would actually feel mutual exposures, no more being dragged out of bed to unload coal in lucky to be where I was. the middle of the night, and how we need not get out of bed in the The only problem was the nag- ging hunger. In town, at least we had small hours for confession and mea culpa to Mao . . . I became ver~ vegetables to supplement our rations, cheerful, as if orr a holiday, while now in the mountains, we had only our grain quota to keep body and soul together. There were no with no door or window flame, only needed to do was to uproot the red vegetables, not to mention meat. We a big platform bed on one side, and willows, build field dividers, and rely had brought several heads of turnips, a collapsed adobe brick stove on the on the natural slope of the land and which we now hoarded, sprinkling other. The hut used to be a stopover open ditches for irrigation. That done, them in our soup, a few slivers at a for camel troops. Since the opening of the piece of land would be ready for time. But for people like us--exclud- a bus route, the hut had been discard- spring plowing. According to the deci- ing Fan Hua our leader, of course--it ed and forgotten, sion of"those at the top," as relayed to was either one thing or another. How We stopped our cart at the bottom us by our leader Fan Hua, this piece can you get something for nothing? of the hillock, brought our things into of reclaimed wasteland would be des- But to be free of humiliation at the the hut, and spent the night there ignated the first fruit of our Institute's price of hunger--it was worth it. · as best we could. The next day, we efforts to implement Chairman Mao's repaired the adobe stove, set up our "May 7th'' directive. To read the entire chapter, visit Words big cutting board and cleared out the With Fan Hua at the helm, Duan without Borders: www. wordswithout ashes in the hollow under the plat- Wenjie had to give up his role as borders.org[article.php?lab=Barren. form bed. We filled up the holes in group leader of we "demons and While a full translation ofGao's mem- the walls and the roof, then set out monsters." Thus, no one took it upon oir is not yet available in the U.S., the to collect firewood and dried camel himself to conduct the daily ritu- IIML and Rainmaker Translations are dung. As there was no window frame, als which used to be in force under working now to subsidize the transla- Wu Xingshan, the ex-Taoist, sealed up Duan. We worked hard during the lion and publication of his manuscript. the window with clay. There was no day, and in the darkness of the night You can help by donating online at door, so Fan Hua, our leader, made a we sat around the pit fire for a while www'm°demletters'°rgld°nate'html' door flap from a burlap sack. We kept and then climbed into bed. the skylight, to let out smoke and let The platform bed was very cozy, ...... l~'lr in light. An oil lamp dangled from heated from underneath by dried Read another selection from Er Tai Gao's the roof on a frayed string. The cook, camel dung. It was too early to re- memoir at Persimmon Magazine: Zhou Dexiong, unravelled hemp from ally fall asleep and I would smoke a www. persimmon.mag.com/winterzoo4/ the burlap sack and rolled the strands self-rolled cigarette, thinking my own feature3.htm together, making a new string. Our thoughts. Duan Weniie did not speak oil lamps, which we'd made from ink in his sleep anymore, nor did Shi Poetr~ and prose from other writers in bottles, were polished and shining. Weixiang simulate snoring. As the the International Network of Cities of By evening, our little hut was actually saying goes, "silence is more eloquent Asylum can be found online at neat and comfortable. We lit the pit than speech." All of which goes to Autodafe, The Censored Libra~: fire in the middle of the room, blew show that we were really liberated, www. autodafe.org An Investment in Leather Bound Covers: Deciphering the Economics of Fine Press Collecting By Jenny Toups Ever since Gutenberg rewed up his press in the Fif- The prudent fine press collector would do well to follow teenth Century, there have been book collectors. And l. those pesky investment questions with inquiries about ever since there have been book collectors, there have been how to procure the cr6ma-de-la-cr~m~ from fine press of- some among them who wonder if collecting fine press edi- ferings. Experts like Joshua Heller, a dealer and owner of tions makes any kind of economic sense. Heller Rare Books in Washington D.C., recommended that The question is largely taboo in the small world of fine all serious collectors first invest time in learning about the press collectors, because those who collect fine, handmade fine press book world. books do it out of love for the printed word. They take their "I always say that you can't learn anything without seeing pleasures in the exquisite feel o£handmade paper and the and touching the objects," he said in a telephone interview. slight ruffling of the surface of the page made by the deli- Experts agree that several key pillars will begin to surface: cate impression of each letter quality and literary merit of in each word, and even in the I'll wager even the loftiest souls have sometimes the text, quality and notoriety smell of the ink that seems of the artwork, quality of the to linger for decades after found themselves nagged by a little question: paper and binding, and the the book comes offthe press. Arefine press books good investments? quality and cohesiveness of There's nothing quite like the the book's overall design, all smell of ink on paper. So you of which can contribute to the ask about return on investment? You must be joking, book's eventual value in the marketplace. And yet I'll wager that even the loftiest souls have some- Victoria Hindley, creative director at Red Butte Press, times found themselves nagged by a little question: Are said that a good manuscript is an integral part of a book's fine press books good investments? perceived value in the marketplace. "Our edition of Wallace On my quest to find the answer, I was met with anything Stegner's Wilderness Letter sold like crazy, and it's widely but straightforward replies. Take, for example, Nicholas A. available in paperback. It has increased in value around Basbanes' curmudgeonly musings in his book Among the ~,ooo%," she said. Gently Mad: Strategies and Perspectives for the Book Hunter in I n the end, the word the Twenty-First Century. "This isn't about making money; it 1. on the book collector's is about gratifying a passion in a sensible way. At the end of street is unmistakable: the day if you have gone about the task prudently, you may collect quality examples just come out ahead, but financial advice is the purview of of books you love and the portfolio advisors, not bibliophiles." financial gain you realize p, erhaps my initial impulse to discount Basbanes and over the years is gravy. For numerous other dealers, collectors, and book industry some fine press collectors, professionals who echo his sentiments was due to my frus- the very act of helping to tration with their insistence on changing the question into preserve fine press books one of passion and love for the book instead of one about the is motivation enough to be financial wisdom of book collecting. With some time and financially invested in the perspective, I must acquiesce that their response does place art. Garrett speculates that the fine press collector in a more authentic relationship to part of the reason fine press Rainmaker's fine press edition of Toni the book. But, I have also found that many collecting experts collectors are increasing in Motrison's Five Poems, designed bp will admit that a fine press book, wisely collected, will in fact number is a reaction to the Peter Koch. Artwork bl~ Kara Walker. increase in value, before they quickly steer the fine press col- shape of the book industry. ~.ozo lector back to focussing on the object of their passion. In zooo, Andr~ Schiffrin Madelyn Garrett, curator of rare books at the University reported in The Business of Books that five major conglomer- of Utah's Marriott Library, spoke candidly. "It is just as ares owned 8o% of American book sales. risky for someone to say that fine press books will always "We are becoming disconnected from anything we can increase in value as it is for a broker to say that a stock like touch. More things are divorcing us from the tangible. The General Motors will always increase in value. However, as more people are torn from the tangible, the more their a whole, I can say from zo years of experience, fine press souls demand that something be there," Garrett said. books do increase in value; in fact I would be hard put to Je~y To,ps is a literature i~strlwtor and a graduate of the MFA find a book that has remained static over the years." International Program at the U~iversit¥ of N~vada, Las Vegas. IIML Charter Donors, 2004 · The Institute welcomes our new board members, writer This list recognizes those individuals and institutions James EIIroy, writer and producer Norman Lear, actor and without whose valuab]e support the IIML could not flourish. activist Paul Newman, and author and critic Gore Vidal. BENEFACTORS ($zo,ooo and up) Glenn Schaeffer, Las Vegas, Nevada · As a result of the generosity of mayor Oscar Goodman GUARANTORS ($zo,ooo to and the City of Las Vegas, IIML will soon relocate to the Daniel and Robin Greenspun, Las Vegas, Nevada Fifth Street School, an historic schoolhouse in downtown Stephan Loewenthiel, Baltimore, Maryland Las Vegas, just blocks from the city's new arts district. In William Miller, Baltimore, Maryland his 2004 State of the City Address, Mayor Goodman Beverly Rogers, Las Vegas, Nevada announced the relocation as part of his downtown revitab Michael and Sonja Saltman, Las Vegas, Nevada ization, and has extended a two-year lease to the Institute. University Library, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Cat~fornia The move will allow for a long-overdue growth spurt, as the new building will have offices for core IIM/staff, a reading PATRONS ($5,ooo to $9,999) and lecture room, and a fine press studio. The site will also Joseph and Hope Anstett, Las Vegas, Nevada house new offices for the North American Network of Cities Marriott Library, University of Utah, Satt Lake City, utah of Asylum (NANCA). Irwin Molasky, Las Vegas, Nevada Jim and Heather Murren, Las Vegas, Nevada Brenda O'Boyle, Las Vegas, Nevada · This fail, I[ML will host four important readings on the UNLV campus. New Zealand author and former Schaeffer ASSOCIATE S ($~,ooo to $4,999) Award winner Paula Morris will read from her novel, ~.ueen Todd Bernick, New York, New York of Beauty, on Tuesday, October 5. Editor and essayist Ted Bridwell Library, Southern Methodist Univ., DatIas, Texas $olotarnff, author of First Loves: A Memoir, will read on Tues- Steven Comer, Las Vegas, Nevada day, October 12. On Tuesday, October 26, Libyan poet and Denison Library, Claremont Colleges, Claremont, California translator Khaled Mattawa will read as part of the opening Langson Library, UC Irvine, Irvine, California events of the 27th annual ALTA conference. And on Wednes- Sara Hassan Furber, New York, New York day, November ~7, poet and transtator Gary Snycler, long Peggy Hender, Sacramento, California known for his association with the Beat writers, will read from Brian K. Maier, New York, New York his new book, Dangeron Peaks. He will be joined by lauded Christopher Mead, Los Angeles, California Chinese poet and exile Bei Dao, who wi[l also read from new Portland Central Library, Portland, Oregon work. All four events begin at 7:3© pm in the Barrick Museum DONORS ($5oo to $999) Auditorium. Please call 702 895 0505 for information. Bancrog Library, UC Berkeley, Berkdey, CaJifornia Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, Austin, Texas · From October 27 to 30, thanks to significant financial and Clark Memorial Library, UCLA, Los Angeles, California organizational hdp from I IM L, the Amedcan Literary Transla- Olin Library, Mills College, Oakland, Catifornia tor's Association will hold its annual conference at the Alexis University Library, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa Park Resort in Las Vegas. with support from our partners at the International Center for Writing and Translation at UC Irvine and the UNLV College of Liberal Arts, the Institute is INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MODERN LETTERS presenting an exciting schedule of panels and readings from Department of English I University of Nevada Las Vegas many notable translators and editors. More information can Las Vegas, Nevada 89z54-5oH I 7°2 895 3°33 tel I 7°2 895 2035 fax be found at literarytranslators.org/conference.html, askus@modernletters.org [ www. modernletters.org Glenn Schaeffer, founder I Eric Olsen, executive director · Samarkand and Other Markets I Have Known, a Rainmaker Wole Soyinka, director of literary arts I Douglas Unger, grants ~ acquisitions Editions publication ofWole Soyinka's long poem of the same Amber Withycombe, associate director I Shari DeGraw, marketing director name, was selected by the Rounce& Coffin Club of Los Ange- les for inclusion in their Western Books ExhibiUon. The exhibi- Ethan Canin, Dave Hickey, Christopher Hudgins, Alex Jones, Karen Lawrence, Bill Manhire, Sarah Ralston, executive committee, tion, which showcases the best books of the year published board of directors in the western United States, will travel to libraries across the West through 2oo5. Samarkand was designed and typeset Russell Banks, A. Scott Berg, Michael Berry, Sandra Cisneros, Bei Dao, by Victoria Hindley at Red Butte Press and features original Umberto Eco, James Ellroy, Carolyn Goodman, Joel Gotler, Phil Guarascio, Daniel Halpem, Bonnie Hannifin, lsmail Kadare, Laura Kelly, William woodcuts by Robert Kleinschmidt. For information about the Kennedy, Norman Lear, Bill Miller, Paul Newman, Brenda O'Boyle, Sig exhibition, contact Occidental College at 323 259 2852. Rogich, Salman Rushdie, Jane Srniley, Sting, Robert Stone, Mark Strand, Gore vidal, general committee and advisors, board of directors Page 1 of 2 Of possible interest ....... Michael Copyright 2004 DR Partners d/b Las Vegas Review-Journal Las Vegas Review-Journal (Nevada) January 6, 2004 Tuesday FINAL EDITION HEADLINE: Las Vegas to become city of asylum for dissident writers BYLINE: Lisa Kim Bach BODY: Las Vegas is about to become the first North American gateway for dissident writers who seek a safe harbor from repressive governments. The International Network of Cities of Asylum, based in Paris and formerly known as the International Parliament of Writers, is opening a regional office in the historic Fifth Street School at 400 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is expected to announce the city's role in supporting the organization today during his State of the City address. A lease has not yet been finalized, but the office is expected to open by March 1. Nigerian Noble laureate Wole Soyinka, immediate past president of the international body, said Monday the primary mission of the regional office will be to expand the cities of asylum network in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America so that refuge can be provided to endangered writers as quickly as possible. It's the same mission that, for the past decade, has driven the international writers' group, which previously focused its efforts in Western Europe. At this time, Soyinka said the network is trying to place about 20 writers who are seeking to escape persecution. The organization also has regional offices in Italy and France. 'The demand always exceeds our resources,' said Soyinka, who holds the Elias Ghanem Chair of Creative Writing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 'We have writers on our waiting list from North Africa, Central Africa, Chechnya, the former Soviet Union, Iran. There is one from Afghanistan.' They all have one thing in common. 'They are trying to survive,' said Soyinka, a playwright, poet and novelist who himself was a political prisoner from 1967 to 1969, a time of civil war in Nigeria. Las Vegas became the first U.S. City of Asylum in 2000. The larger role it now will play in the international group is a natural expansion of that, said Sarah Ralston, who is executive director of the nascent North American Cities of Asylum Network. The city is definitely a draw, Ralston said, which works in the group's favor when trying to attract support and involvement from the literary community. 'This is the best place in the world to do this,' Ralston said. 'Everyone with a 140 IQ on down wants to see Las Vegas.' The authors sheltered in Las Vegas so far include poet Syl Cheney-Coker, who fled Sierra Leone in 1997 after a military coup, and Er Tai Gao, a Chinese writer and painter who spent 20 years in labor camps for what authorities dubbed 'seditious conduct.' Cheney-Coker returned to his country in 2003. Er Tai Gao, 67, now resides in Las Vegas and is working on the third volume of his memoir 'To Seek My Homeland.' Gao fled China in 1992 after the communist government prohibited him from leaving or writing again. Money for the local asylum program comes from donations made through the Institute of Modern Letters at UNLV. The current president of the international group is American novelist Russell Banks, author of 'The Sweet Hereafter' and 'Affliction.' Salman Rushdie, who lived under a death threat from Islamic extremists after publication of 'The Satanic Verses,' was sheltered and also became one of the presidents of the former International Parliament. Glenn Schaeffer, the institute's founder and Mandalay Resort Group president, is a major benefactor of the asylum file://L:\merrill docs\various printed\Glenn Schaffer article.htm 2/23/2005 Page 2 of 2 program. Soyinka said that Schaeffer's activism is a large part of reason the network's North American hub is coming to Las Vegas. Until it's recognized as a not-for-profit group by the federal government, the North American region office will operate as an extension of the Institute for Modern Letters. Schaeffer is excited about the heightened profile Las Vegas is gaining in literary circles. Becoming a haven for writers doesn't cast the city against type at all, he said. After all, it takes a lot of nerve to tell the truth in the face of tyranny as writers of conscience do, Schaeffer said Monday. And Las Vegas is a city for people who have nerve. 'Pop culture and high culture need not conflict,' Schaeffer said. 'Literature in America has a tradition of being a voice of protest and change. It's an ali-American quality.' The authors who are members of the former International Parliament of Writers also have a history of taking sides. Some of their most controversial statements have been made about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the issue of a Palestinian homeland. Portuguese Nobel laureate JosA Saramago, part of a writers' contingent that visited the West Bank in 2002, caused a public outcry when he said what was happening in Ramallah was 'a crime that may be compared to Auschwitz.' It was a statement from which the International Parliament distanced itself. In response, Parliament Director Christian Salmon said he deplored 'the suffering brought about by foolish analogies.' Soyinka, who took part in the 2002 trip to the West Bank, said strife caused by that incident was not the reason the group decided to change its name the following year. Candy Schneider, chairwoman of the Nevada Arts Council, is thrilled with the opportunities that will come with Las Vegas's role as a hub city for an international fellowship of writers. It will open doors, not just for the dissident writers who come through Las Vegas, but for the people here who can interact with them. 'Something like this really helps people to understand that the whole world is not here in the U.S.,' Schneider said. 'There are ways of life that we don't know and haven't experienced.' file://L:\merrill docs\various printed\Glenn Schaffer article.htm 2/23/2005 t. ditorial 6oard: : Michael Beck, president and publisher The Iowa Review for ;35 yearn has published Jim Lewers, managing editor many o£ the prenfiere short stories and poems of Rob Bignell, edit0dal page editor the American literature. Daniel W. Brown, market development di,rector ; The Literary Walk downtown celebrates 49 Tricia DeWall, assistant managing editor writers with ties to Iowa via a series of bronze Cheryl L. Taylor, account executive r relief panels set in the sidewalks. And the city is Lucille Hernandez Gregory, community member '; home to a vast mu'aber of authors, some on the ~ bestse]ler list, some sLrnply under-read, some yet ',. to be published. Our View : I cause the tmiversity and commtmity nourishes ~ such tale,m As the Writers' Workshop's Web site Consensus of the Press-Citizen editorial board 'i notes, "... the fact that the Workshop can claim '. as a]ttrnni nationally and internationally promi- Draw upon ~:we (think), more the result of what they brought ~ here than of what they gained from us. We con- 'i tinue to look for the most promising talent in the writer our taught but that writers can be encouraged." ' This encouraging environment exudes beyond ;i the university's walls. Boasting among the high- ; est level of education per capita in the United heritage ~ States, Iowa City is a town where ideas flourish. ; Many living here carry the ethos that ideas are I important, that they are worth pondering and ! that they can improve society. "Iowa City is a world literary center in what, on ~ ~reati~e economy the surface, may seem like an unlikely place," ~ Book magazine wrote in a recent feature article ,· .I°wa City's leaders ought to do more to capi- about Prairie Lights bookstore. To many with a i talize on our writing heritage and stares. These love of the ~tten word ;' days, as economist Richard Florida notes (in a and desire to pen a novel ~ fairly new idea itself), cities that attract artists, or poem, arrix&ng in Iowa lh~ i8811eI · scientists and creative problem-solvers prosper ~ most. City is akin to reaching · Iowa City is a world ~ Technology, talent and tolerance draw the best nirvana. Most of us living literary center, and one · employees, which pulls businesses here. Last here have gotten so used o[ its features that . summer, Iowa City took on the monumental but to the writing scene, makes it so is public quite necessary task of marketing our city to busi- though, that we some- radio's broadcast of nesses. Part of such marketing must emphasize times forget the gift we 'truly have. Prairie Lights' readings, our cultural and artistic amenities -- and our · which turns 15 this year. ~ place as a world literary center deserves a privi- £.xten$i~e credentials W~ m~tt ;~ leged spot in that presentation. h~deed, the world rec- · Iowa City ought Certainly writers aren't the only actors on the ognizes Iowa City for its to emphasize its great stage of what makes Iowa City great, but they do ; play critical roles. writers. The Iowa Writers' writer heritage and role After all, that guy writing in his notepad and the ~Vorkshop, the first ere- asa literary center. Woman tapping away at her laptop across the wa¥ ative writing degree pro- What do you think? in the coffee shop represent the spirit of our eom- gram in America, now serves as the model for · How could our munity, and they just might be working on next most contemporary writ- writing heritage be year's most prized short story or novel. ing programs, as its alum- incorporated into cit~ ni boast a dozen Pulitzer marketiag e,o.~? Itow to contact {:it {:oun¢ilor Prizes and four recent · Send your U.S. Poet Laureates. comments to Opinion · £mlo I.ohman mayor, at-large lei. 338-7'/41. The International ~age, P.O. Box 2480, · Ro~ Wilbum Distri~ ~ lei. 358-63?4. Writing Program brings 10wa City, Iowa §224~ · Connl~ Champion District B lei. 337-6508. authors from around the or e-mail to opinion@ · R~g~nla Bailey District ¢ lei. 351-20~8. · world to Iowa City; so far, press-citizen.com. more than 1,000 writers · Bob Elllott at-large lei. 351-4056. representing more than · Mike O'Donn~ll at-large lei. 354-80'/1. · 100 core,tries have taken part in the program. · D~ Yand~rho~f at-large lei. 351-6872. :' Prairie Lights' pm'mership with WSUI-AM ~10, ?o maoh 0oun¢llor~ by ~-m~il: now in its l~th year, offers the nation's only radio Write to: council@iowa-city, erg; All correspondence to series featuring contemporary authors; readings often m'e held twice and sometimes three times a council becomes a permanent public record. week.