Artist Jeff Chiplis has built an international reputation for his electric sculptures using recycled pieces of neon tubing. Two weeks ago, his decision to take a late night stroll down an isolated street led to a robbery that could have cost him his life. According to reports, when Chiplis tried to run from the robbers he was shot in the back. The shooting took place on the night of the Tremont Art Walk --- a monthly event that attracts art lovers from all over Northeast Ohio. Last night, while Chiplis was still recovering at MetroHealth Medical Center, some Cleveland councilmen presided over a meeting of police officials, street lighting supervisors and residents who gathered in a local church hall to brainstorm safety ideas. The crowd of over 200 people broke into smaller discussion groups to sort out the issues.
TESTIMONY: There needs to be more committee meetings at this size level instead of waiting for something to happen to get to this level.
Overall, the mood seemed positive, as reflected by Jerry Mundell.
JERRY MUNDELL: Just looking at this room, you see the solidarity. These are people who love this neighborhood. This is our neighborhood. It does not belong to muggers and drug dealers.
Former North Olmsted resident Ann O'Connor said that she had no regrets about trading the supposed safety of the suburbs for this new sense of community she's found in Tremont.
ANN O'CONNOR: In North Olmsted, I really didn't know my neighbors. I know everybody on my street.
The group plans to meet again in 45 days to chart the progress of replacing street lamps and boosting participation in block clubs. Perhaps the first test of the community's image in the rest of the region will come on July 9th, the date of the next Tremont Art Walk.
