According to the blog REALNEO, on May 3 a group of "...good government and fiscal responsibility advocates, environmentalists and historic preservationists" will participate in a public protest at the Ameritrust (Cleveland Trust) Building in downtown Cleveland. Figures provided by opponents of demolition have shown that the action, which has already been approved by Cuyahoga County Commissioners, will result in over $44 million of needlessly spent public funds. Opponents have also noted that the materials in the current building will take up substantial space in local landfills, completely negating the alleged "green" benefits of the proposed replacement building.

The Cleveland Trust Tower, constructed in 1971, was recently included on the 2007 List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites. For more information about that listing, click here.  This is the second time in one week that proponents of preservation and responsible government have publicly rallied against decisions of County Commissioners to demolish listed sites.  On April 28, citizens of Seneca County rallied in the middle of downtown Tiffin to support the preservation of the Seneca County Courthouse.

Photo: Cleveland Trust Tower, used with permission