Mary Cheh has turned Cleveland Park/Cleveland Park North into her personal political asset

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am your neighbor, not a spin doctor, but it is simply BS to claim a councilmember owns delays for a project they don't manage. That is the city's job. Please run for Council. I KNOW you will do a better job.

Cheh is partly responsible for some of the delay because regular park users pointed out to her and DPR multiple times that the high ground water table and drainage issues at Hearst made it unsuitable for a concrete complex. Typically, Cheh didn't listen to any viewpoint other than her own, and DC has spent much effort pumping ground water 24/7 out of Hearst Park into the local streets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am your neighbor, not a spin doctor, but it is simply BS to claim a councilmember owns delays for a project they don't manage. That is the city's job. Please run for Council. I KNOW you will do a better job.

Cheh is partly responsible for some of the delay because regular park users pointed out to her and DPR multiple times that the high ground water table and drainage issues at Hearst made it unsuitable for a concrete complex. Typically, Cheh didn't listen to any viewpoint other than her own, and DC has spent much effort pumping ground water 24/7 out of Hearst Park into the local streets.

So its her fault there was a water table issue. Interesting theory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Keep underestimating the backlash and downplaying how many people are upset.

How many people wanted to pool? Thousands?
How many opposed? A handful.

Backlash unleashed.

And your source for this Trumpy pronouncement is?

How is it Trumpy?

It is fact. Everyone in the Ward wanted a pool.
It is also fact, the only people opposing this were a handful who live right around Hearst Park. Not even a majority of people, just a handful.

Cheh listened to her constituents and soon, we will have a pool in the Ward!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are not talking about potholes. We are talking about a six acre park that was closed for two years.

Yes, but the responsibilities are the same. The Councilmember has one role, the agency another. Glad we agree.

You have a deeply flawed view of reality if you think potholes and parks are the same thing. Basically, I think your pretty dumb.

Again, what is the proper role for a Councilmember and what is the role of the Agency responsible for construction management?

That you think the Councilmember is supposed to manage the day to day activities of an agency or be out there pouring concrete is just plain silly.

Again, I'm not talking about day-to-day activities like fixing potholes or complaints about trash pick-up. Cheh pushed a project that resulted in a large beautiful park being shut down to families for more than two years. That park was very well used by the neighborhood. I'm glad to have the pool, but oversight by Cheh was really disappointing. It is a big big deal. Stop trying to belittle it.

The other big deal is that Cheh pretends to be an environmentalist, but she did absolutely nothing to stop or remediate the clear cutting of the slopes and other areas of Hearst Park. The character of this once green, shady oasis has been changed, desecrated really. Clear-cutting the slopes will just make much worse longstanding drainage issues. And the new building structure that sticks up from the park and looks like a Metro service outbuilding (on the edge of two historically protected districts, no less) is visually intrusive and just plain ugly.

Those were all weeds that had overgrown the hills over the last 60 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The pool is going to raise real estate values for some homes and reduce them for others. It’s much better than I thought it would turn out. I feel bad for some of the houses directly across because of the obnoxious building they added. But I think other houses will see the pool as a selling point. Still Cheh should be ashamed by the way it dragged on for two years. This was all her idea - she should have taken more ownership.

Because she is the one pouring the concrete?

Please.

How long did it take for Cathedral Commons to get built? 13 years? Is that her fault too?

No Cathedral Commons isn’t Cheh’s fault. But why are you resistant to holding a public official accountable - especially one who spearhead fed the project? She pushed it forward and then went silent while itanguished for two years. Isn’t it our job as citizens to hold people in public office responsible?

The new Giant was supposed to have been built in 2003 when Giant's parent announced an agreement with Mayor Williams and the local ANC and other stakeholders to build a new store. Then Giant's parent got distracted with securities fraud investigations and other challenges and waited four or five years to move forward.

The 1999 proposal was fine, was only 1 story and should have been done before 2002.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Keep underestimating the backlash and downplaying how many people are upset.

How many people wanted to pool? Thousands?
How many opposed? A handful.

Backlash unleashed.

And your source for this Trumpy pronouncement is?

How is it Trumpy?

It is fact. Everyone in the Ward wanted a pool.
It is also fact, the only people opposing this were a handful who live right around Hearst Park. Not even a majority of people, just a handful.

Cheh listened to her constituents and soon, we will have a pool in the Ward!

Everyone wants a pool in theory, but where recreation and green space is limited it's classic "YIYBY" "Yes, in your backyard!" The most logical place for a pool would have been at Turtle Park -- it's Ward 3 "kid central" and a large, open space. But the local park users in AU Park didn't want it. So instead, Cheh decided to stick in in Hearst, which is a much smaller park (maybe a quarter the size of Turtle Pk(, with a heavily-shaded tree canopy and with chronic water issues. They've taken down so many trees, way beyond any landscape plans presented, which will only make the water problem much worse. Most people think that they took out so many trees because they wanted a sunny spot for the pool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am your neighbor, not a spin doctor, but it is simply BS to claim a councilmember owns delays for a project they don't manage. That is the city's job. Please run for Council. I KNOW you will do a better job.

Cheh is partly responsible for some of the delay because regular park users pointed out to her and DPR multiple times that the high ground water table and drainage issues at Hearst made it unsuitable for a concrete complex. Typically, Cheh didn't listen to any viewpoint other than her own, and DC has spent much effort pumping ground water 24/7 out of Hearst Park into the local streets.

So its her fault there was a water table issue. Interesting theory.

It is her fault that she was put on notice by the community that there are serious water issues and that serious hydrology studies were needed, but she ignored all this. Professor Cheh always thinks she knows best, but it's increasingly clear that she passes stubbornness off for smarts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are not talking about potholes. We are talking about a six acre park that was closed for two years.

Yes, but the responsibilities are the same. The Councilmember has one role, the agency another. Glad we agree.

You have a deeply flawed view of reality if you think potholes and parks are the same thing. Basically, I think your pretty dumb.

Again, what is the proper role for a Councilmember and what is the role of the Agency responsible for construction management?

That you think the Councilmember is supposed to manage the day to day activities of an agency or be out there pouring concrete is just plain silly.

Again, I'm not talking about day-to-day activities like fixing potholes or complaints about trash pick-up. Cheh pushed a project that resulted in a large beautiful park being shut down to families for more than two years. That park was very well used by the neighborhood. I'm glad to have the pool, but oversight by Cheh was really disappointing. It is a big big deal. Stop trying to belittle it.

I am not trying to belittle it, but again, your ire is misplaced. If you are upset that the project is taking too long, that isn't Cheh's fault. You can keep blaming her if you like, and frankly, I encourage you to run for Council against her if you think you can do a better job of oversight.

Could you explain what oversight Cheh engaged in to hold feet to the fire and ensure accountability for the problems and delays?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am your neighbor, not a spin doctor, but it is simply BS to claim a councilmember owns delays for a project they don't manage. That is the city's job. Please run for Council. I KNOW you will do a better job.

Cheh is partly responsible for some of the delay because regular park users pointed out to her and DPR multiple times that the high ground water table and drainage issues at Hearst made it unsuitable for a concrete complex. Typically, Cheh didn't listen to any viewpoint other than her own, and DC has spent much effort pumping ground water 24/7 out of Hearst Park into the local streets.

So its her fault there was a water table issue. Interesting theory.

It is her fault that she was put on notice by the community that there are serious water issues and that serious hydrology studies were needed, but she ignored all this. Professor Cheh always thinks she knows best, but it's increasingly clear that she passes stubbornness off for smarts.

DGS determined it was feasible. If it wasn't, they wouldn't have proceeded. You are really grasping at straws.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are not talking about potholes. We are talking about a six acre park that was closed for two years.

Yes, but the responsibilities are the same. The Councilmember has one role, the agency another. Glad we agree.

You have a deeply flawed view of reality if you think potholes and parks are the same thing. Basically, I think your pretty dumb.

Again, what is the proper role for a Councilmember and what is the role of the Agency responsible for construction management?

That you think the Councilmember is supposed to manage the day to day activities of an agency or be out there pouring concrete is just plain silly.

Again, I'm not talking about day-to-day activities like fixing potholes or complaints about trash pick-up. Cheh pushed a project that resulted in a large beautiful park being shut down to families for more than two years. That park was very well used by the neighborhood. I'm glad to have the pool, but oversight by Cheh was really disappointing. It is a big big deal. Stop trying to belittle it.

I am not trying to belittle it, but again, your ire is misplaced. If you are upset that the project is taking too long, that isn't Cheh's fault. You can keep blaming her if you like, and frankly, I encourage you to run for Council against her if you think you can do a better job of oversight.

Could you explain what oversight Cheh engaged in to hold feet to the fire and ensure accountability for the problems and delays?

Go watch the DGS oversight hearings from the last two years. Also, look at Cheh's weekly newsletters that pertain to Hearst. It probably came up 30 times in the last two years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are not talking about potholes. We are talking about a six acre park that was closed for two years.

Yes, but the responsibilities are the same. The Councilmember has one role, the agency another. Glad we agree.

You have a deeply flawed view of reality if you think potholes and parks are the same thing. Basically, I think your pretty dumb.

Again, what is the proper role for a Councilmember and what is the role of the Agency responsible for construction management?

That you think the Councilmember is supposed to manage the day to day activities of an agency or be out there pouring concrete is just plain silly.

Again, I'm not talking about day-to-day activities like fixing potholes or complaints about trash pick-up. Cheh pushed a project that resulted in a large beautiful park being shut down to families for more than two years. That park was very well used by the neighborhood. I'm glad to have the pool, but oversight by Cheh was really disappointing. It is a big big deal. Stop trying to belittle it.

I am not trying to belittle it, but again, your ire is misplaced. If you are upset that the project is taking too long, that isn't Cheh's fault. You can keep blaming her if you like, and frankly, I encourage you to run for Council against her if you think you can do a better job of oversight.

Could you explain what oversight Cheh engaged in to hold feet to the fire and ensure accountability for the problems and delays?

Go watch the DGS oversight hearings from the last two years. Also, look at Cheh's weekly newsletters that pertain to Hearst. It probably came up 30 times in the last two years.

So you cannot explain what actual oversight Cheh has exercised? Thanks for the clarification. Maybe if she had held the agency to greater accountability, there would not have been such delays. Seems like she also holds responsibility then.

[Anonymous]

The pool is so small..if they do lane swimming (currently lanes are marked off) maybe 5 people can use it safely in these Covid days. Will there be time slots, a.sign up sheet, a lottery?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are not talking about potholes. We are talking about a six acre park that was closed for two years.

Yes, but the responsibilities are the same. The Councilmember has one role, the agency another. Glad we agree.

You have a deeply flawed view of reality if you think potholes and parks are the same thing. Basically, I think your pretty dumb.

Again, what is the proper role for a Councilmember and what is the role of the Agency responsible for construction management?

That you think the Councilmember is supposed to manage the day to day activities of an agency or be out there pouring concrete is just plain silly.

Again, I'm not talking about day-to-day activities like fixing potholes or complaints about trash pick-up. Cheh pushed a project that resulted in a large beautiful park being shut down to families for more than two years. That park was very well used by the neighborhood. I'm glad to have the pool, but oversight by Cheh was really disappointing. It is a big big deal. Stop trying to belittle it.

I am not trying to belittle it, but again, your ire is misplaced. If you are upset that the project is taking too long, that isn't Cheh's fault. You can keep blaming her if you like, and frankly, I encourage you to run for Council against her if you think you can do a better job of oversight.

Could you explain what oversight Cheh engaged in to hold feet to the fire and ensure accountability for the problems and delays?

Go watch the DGS oversight hearings from the last two years. Also, look at Cheh's weekly newsletters that pertain to Hearst. It probably came up 30 times in the last two years.

So you cannot explain what actual oversight Cheh has exercised? Thanks for the clarification. Maybe if she had held the agency to greater accountability, there would not have been such delays. Seems like she also holds responsibility then.

This was from only a month ago: https://www.foresthillsconnection.com/news/council-member-cheh-mistakes-and-missed-deadlines-plague-hearst-park-and-pool-project/

There are plenty more examples. You are comfortable in your ignorance, so you do not seek them out because it runs contrary to your priors and invalidates your argument that Cheh has done nothing and holds responsibility for the project's timeline slipping.

Seriously, what would you have Cheh do? Fire people at DGS she is not legally allowed to fire? Demand project timelines she has no authority to demand? Hire new subcontractors she has no authority hiring? Issue subpoenas she has no legal authority to issue? Send angry Tweets?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are not talking about potholes. We are talking about a six acre park that was closed for two years.

Yes, but the responsibilities are the same. The Councilmember has one role, the agency another. Glad we agree.

You have a deeply flawed view of reality if you think potholes and parks are the same thing. Basically, I think your pretty dumb.

Again, what is the proper role for a Councilmember and what is the role of the Agency responsible for construction management?

That you think the Councilmember is supposed to manage the day to day activities of an agency or be out there pouring concrete is just plain silly.

Again, I'm not talking about day-to-day activities like fixing potholes or complaints about trash pick-up. Cheh pushed a project that resulted in a large beautiful park being shut down to families for more than two years. That park was very well used by the neighborhood. I'm glad to have the pool, but oversight by Cheh was really disappointing. It is a big big deal. Stop trying to belittle it.

I am not trying to belittle it, but again, your ire is misplaced. If you are upset that the project is taking too long, that isn't Cheh's fault. You can keep blaming her if you like, and frankly, I encourage you to run for Council against her if you think you can do a better job of oversight.

Could you explain what oversight Cheh engaged in to hold feet to the fire and ensure accountability for the problems and delays?

Go watch the DGS oversight hearings from the last two years. Also, look at Cheh's weekly newsletters that pertain to Hearst. It probably came up 30 times in the last two years.

So you cannot explain what actual oversight Cheh has exercised? Thanks for the clarification. Maybe if she had held the agency to greater accountability, there would not have been such delays. Seems like she also holds responsibility then.

This was from only a month ago: https://www.foresthillsconnection.com/news/council-member-cheh-mistakes-and-missed-deadlines-plague-hearst-park-and-pool-project/

There are plenty more examples. You are comfortable in your ignorance, so you do not seek them out because it runs contrary to your priors and invalidates your argument that Cheh has done nothing and holds responsibility for the project's timeline slipping.

Seriously, what would you have Cheh do? Fire people at DGS she is not legally allowed to fire? Demand project timelines she has no authority to demand? Hire new subcontractors she has no authority hiring? Issue subpoenas she has no legal authority to issue? Send angry Tweets?

I would certainly expect more teeth from her than this.

“I did say to DGS, though, if they give me a date, they’d better stick to it.”

Basically an admission by Cheh that she’s tried nothing and she’s all out of ideas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are not talking about potholes. We are talking about a six acre park that was closed for two years.

Yes, but the responsibilities are the same. The Councilmember has one role, the agency another. Glad we agree.

You have a deeply flawed view of reality if you think potholes and parks are the same thing. Basically, I think your pretty dumb.

Again, what is the proper role for a Councilmember and what is the role of the Agency responsible for construction management?

That you think the Councilmember is supposed to manage the day to day activities of an agency or be out there pouring concrete is just plain silly.

Again, I'm not talking about day-to-day activities like fixing potholes or complaints about trash pick-up. Cheh pushed a project that resulted in a large beautiful park being shut down to families for more than two years. That park was very well used by the neighborhood. I'm glad to have the pool, but oversight by Cheh was really disappointing. It is a big big deal. Stop trying to belittle it.

I am not trying to belittle it, but again, your ire is misplaced. If you are upset that the project is taking too long, that isn't Cheh's fault. You can keep blaming her if you like, and frankly, I encourage you to run for Council against her if you think you can do a better job of oversight.

Could you explain what oversight Cheh engaged in to hold feet to the fire and ensure accountability for the problems and delays?

Go watch the DGS oversight hearings from the last two years. Also, look at Cheh's weekly newsletters that pertain to Hearst. It probably came up 30 times in the last two years.

So you cannot explain what actual oversight Cheh has exercised? Thanks for the clarification. Maybe if she had held the agency to greater accountability, there would not have been such delays. Seems like she also holds responsibility then.

This was from only a month ago: https://www.foresthillsconnection.com/news/council-member-cheh-mistakes-and-missed-deadlines-plague-hearst-park-and-pool-project/

There are plenty more examples. You are comfortable in your ignorance, so you do not seek them out because it runs contrary to your priors and invalidates your argument that Cheh has done nothing and holds responsibility for the project's timeline slipping.

Seriously, what would you have Cheh do? Fire people at DGS she is not legally allowed to fire? Demand project timelines she has no authority to demand? Hire new subcontractors she has no authority hiring? Issue subpoenas she has no legal authority to issue? Send angry Tweets?

I would certainly expect more teeth from her than this.

“I did say to DGS, though, if they give me a date, they’d better stick to it.”

Basically an admission by Cheh that she’s tried nothing and she’s all out of ideas.

"More teeth?" What does that mean?

Seriously, please answer the question. What would you have Cheh do? It's not the first time this has come up in the thread, and your response is always basically "I dunno, something!" What? What would have pleased you?