Earlier this year, Ohio University did an end run around previous legal requirements, slipping a document into

the State Budget bypassing Athens own State Representative and State Senator. The purpose of this coup was to give the universitys president power to do whatever he wishes with the Asylum grounds property. The meaningless wording passed by state legislators established by legislation a group to advise and recommend usage of the former Athens Mental Asylum, but in reality leaving all power to the president of the university to do anything he pleases. The presidents purpose in his message dated 9/19/13 was to placate the suspicious public by claiming to be establishing The Ridges Advisory Committee and The Ridges Master Plan Committee, two groups that he tells us will collaborate with the local community to develop a plan for this deeply-valued community resource. (So deeply valued that part of it was torn down this past year, and evidence shows more of it was being planned for destruction in the future.) The Ridges Advisory Committee: Dr. McDavis has designated his top yes man, Stephen Golding, to serve as chair of The Ridges Advisory Committee. If peope think Mr. Golding will make any recommendations that do not meet his bosss approval or swing to a point of view inconsistent with the presidents plan, they are fooling themselves. We are told that other members include: Paul Logue, Athens City Planner as Athens City Mayor Paul Wiehls designee Charlie Adkins, Athens County Commissioner Jim Sands, President of Athens City Council Marjorie Stone, Community Representative Pam Callahan, Community Representative

Some of these folks are good people and will work for what they think is in the best interests of the community. In one or two cases, it is difficult to discern the motives of the president in appointing them. Certainly, none of them represents the majority point of view of the Athens County Historical Society and Museum. We are told that members will provide guidance, feedback and recommendations on the land use plan developed by The Ridges Master Plan Committee. So whatever is proposed by the Ridges Master Plan Committee will apparently be determined first, and then the Golding group can comment, but given that they have absolutely no power, they can be ignored if the president so chooses. The Ridges Master Plan Committee: Here is the kicker! The Ridges Master Plan Committee is charged with updating the capital plan for The Ridges. The Ridges Master Plan Committee will be co-chaired by Harry Wyatt, Associate Vice

President for Facilities (Seriously???), and Shawna Bolin, Director of University Planning. The committee will consist of the following subcommittees: Land Use and Development; Chair: Donna Goss, Director of Engagement and Real Estate Management Existing Building Strategy; Chair: Benjamin Stuart, Professor of Civil Engineering Academic Uses; Chair: Joseph Shields, Vice President for Research and Creative Activity, Dean of the Graduate College Harry Wyatt was Roderick McDaviss yes man throughout the entire conflict over the destruction of the old TB Ward. He made promises he didnt keep, and he clearly had no interest in doing anything his boss would not look favorably upon. What will be different this time around? Notice that all of the members of the Ridges Master Plan Committee are hand-picked employees of the president and will most likely not have the wherewithal or courage to oppose the president or his handlers on anything. We are told Updates to the existing land use plan by The Ridges Master Plan Committee will be based on changes to core university programs and initiatives. [What does that mean?] This will be an extensive and thoughtful process, which will include input from many community groups including the Athens Historical Society, the City of Athens and others. It is our hope that this collaborative, open approach will foster many opportunities for community feedback as we work to update The Ridges Master Plan. It is fascinating that the Athens County Historical Society and Museum is included in this statement without any discussion with its Board or Executive Director. It has been made clear by the OU Board of Trustees, Dr. McDavis, Steve Golding, and Harry Wyatt, that our views are not wanted unless they fall in line with what the university leadership has previously decided. ACHSM would be happy to be at the table for full discussions BEFORE the Ridges Master Plan is foisted upon the powerless committee created by the president; were still waiting for an invitation. Stewardship of OHIO History: Ohio Universitys record of destruction of historical properties is legend. If the president truly thinks the universitys historical buildings are precious, its time to bring in the true preservationists and to invest adequate money in maintenance of existing buildings and invest in restoration of the most vulnerable before there is nothing left to save.