At the end of last week, inspired by the speakers of the investment forum, I raised the topic of the need to create a city development strategy, develop city policies, determine priorities in the development of Odessa - not the city authorities, but the citizens themselves, those most interested in making the city more comfortable and well-maintained.
Right now, with a light hand, Dmitry Shpinarev, one process has been launched, which can become a kind of practical work in this direction for all concerned Odessa residents.. I am now talking about the fate of the Summer Theater, the concern for which has become a real crusade of Odessa citizens against the mayhem.
A few days ago, a small group of Odessa residents were already gathering in “Terminal 42” to discuss the future of the Summer Theater.. The discussion turned out really constructive, although there were few people. I hope that the conversation will continue in an extended format, including on the online platforms, because there is no place to delay the decision..
The owner, of course, slowed down the construction process after the activists ’shares, but no one has yet challenged his ownership in court, which means that sooner or later he will still return to old plans or come up with something new. And, judging by the sad precedents, it is unlikely it will be something that the citizens like. Of course, if we do not take up this question, as they say, the whole world.
No matter how hard the volunteers try to create a good public platform, and even more so a concert, a platform for film screenings, it is extremely difficult for them. This means that the issue must be approached systematically and strategically.. First of all, we must decide exactly how we see the Summer, which object and with what functions should be created (or recreated) in the City Garden. After that, it will be possible to go over to financial and legal issues, negotiate with the owner and the City Council on this issue, substantively communicate with possible patrons and sponsors about the purchase or lease of this object from the owner.
Activists accomplished an important mission. The action on the removal of the gate, perhaps, was at that time the only way to stop the outrageous construction. But today we need to go further and connect professionals - architects, people of art - who will be able to offer interesting concepts for the reorganization and rebuilding of the Summer Theater..
I believe that the whole process of protecting and creating a new public space should be as transparent and democratic as possible.. I hope that later it will be a great example of how the citizens together manage the city space and control it for the good of the city and Odessans.
What can be done already?.
Subscribe to the Summer Theater page https: // bit. ly / 2RzfMlm.
Participate in the discussion. Follow the announcements of events on the page.
Connect to the discussion of other interested Odessa.
These are very small steps that can be the beginning of big changes.. Not only in regard to the Summer Theater, but also the whole city.
The concept of those who gathered on October 6 at Terminal 42 So, what did all the participants in the meeting at Terminal 42 come to?.
Create this page and make everyone admin. So that everyone who came to the meeting could influence the content and publications on this page..
Everyone agrees that there should not be a shopping center on the site of the Summer Theater, but the condition in which the Summer Theater is today is unacceptable.
We discussed the idea of ??creating at this place - a park, a public garden, public space, art space, or the revival of the summer theater..
Most GATHERED IN TERMINAL 42 agreed that the territory of the Summer Theater today is private property and there is practically no option to return it to the property of the region.
All COLLATED IN TERMINAL 42 agree that in order not to organize at this place - investments will be needed.
Practically everyone GATHERING IN TERMINAL 42 understands that what appears in this place should bring some money, at least for the maintenance of the space, as well as for the return of investments.
In two weeks, to hold the next meeting, at which, in addition to conversations, visual projects of the future space will be presented, based on the ideas that.
All COLLABORATED IN TERMINAL 42 agreed that when discussing projects it will be necessary to take into account the fact that they will be realized either by the owner of the territory, or by the one who can rent (or buy out) the territory from the owner. This can be either the city budget or an individual..
If I forgot something - everyone who was at the meeting - can easily add! ))).