Not the least distressing thing about the handling of their proposal by the “4 orgs” boards has been the message that bullying control, contempt, and backroom dealing are the way to get things done. Who would hold a Town Hall meeting at which all are sworn to secrecy (i.e. silence) and no one is allowed to participate in their first language, for a project ostensibly in support of a heritage language and culture? Who would write into a legal resolution for a community organization that they be allowed henceforth as “leaders” to make all decisions at their own discretion?

Well, it’s 2018 and there are standards out there (read the City planners’ response) that recognize social decisions as such (not everything of importance is an economic decision). It is sad if the cohort of the 4-orgs truly believed otherwise and it is promising that the community has a chance to learn something from this grief-stricken “due diligence” process and to grow in broader community awareness, involvement, and maturity.

Thank you for excellent reporting. I hope the community wakes up and openly resists the sale of Broadview Estonian House.