Marcus Atkinson, NEXT interviewer at WQLN
Architect Adam Trott, President, ErieCPR
Community Leader, Michael Keys, Spokesperson, ErieCPR
Artist Abdullah "Bigg Wash" Washington.
Rev. Dr. Charles Mock of Community Baptist.
Listen to one-hour of WQLN interviews about the Viaduct (aired on May 27) 2018 featuring a March conversation (with Community Leader Micheal Keys, Architect Adam Trott and Artist Abdullah "Bigg Wash" Washington) followed by a May interview with Rev. Dr. Mock of Community Baptist Church.
Adam Trott explained that the 2009 decision to demolish the Viaduct reflected the Administration's lack of awareness of "the value of the bridge to that area of the City" for "bike and pedestrian use," for it's "heritage value" and for the Viaduct's key role in addressing the "severe lack of connectivity on that side of the city." Trott says "Don't take anything away." He says that saving the Viaduct can "reverse the trend of disinvestment on the Eastside... and change the narrative" of Erie. Trott says that if the City doesn't support a Public Hearing about the Viaduct, "then everything the Mayor campaigned on is hypocritical."
Micheal Keys says demolition of the Viaduct "will do harm for that side of the City" and commented that Administration's "lack of responsiveness surprised me." Keys says "the bridge is symbolic of how we've been shut out of a lot of things" and believes that "if we are going to rebuild city - everyone should be at the table" and have "a voice in their own neighborhood."
Abdullah "Big Wash" Washington - reminded listeners that in the Viaduct issue, "the most vunerable elements are children," Washington has "real, practical concerns about where the city is going." Washington says "we have a Mayor who says he wants to listen, but I'm very disturbed when (an) opportunity for a public discussion is shut down."
After interviewer Marcus Atkinson quoted Erie Times-News columnist Pat Howard and, asked Rev. Dr. Mock if Viaduct supporters are overplaying race card. Mock responded "I am dismayed when I hear people" say we are "overplaying the race card, . . . we are underplaying." The "city was responsible to make sure it (Viaduct) didn't deteriorate" and it is an "injustice to ask a private group" to take sole responsibility for this public asset.