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that time having been in the park for two decades. Kessler clearly did not intend the Cabin to be a <br />significant part of his plan, and it should not be considered thus for the statuses conferred on the <br />park because of his planning. In fact, during its entire history in the park, the Cabin has been an <br />obstacle — merely in the way, to be moved at the whim of the pumping station. <br />The proposed 2020 move will be the first time in 200 years that the cabin is to be moved <br />with intent, to provide a better space for the structure as well as a more sensible place for <br />programming. It appears that a rule made within the last 25 years is being interpreted to prevent <br />such a move. <br />E. Public Support. <br />The relocation of the Cabin is in the best interests of the public, and the project has received <br />such overwhelming public support. The Museum held a public forum, attended by over fifty (50) <br />members, during which the Cabin relocation project was discussed at length and questions <br />answered. Many spoke in favor of the project— and none against. We received letters from VPA, <br />which operates Leeper Park, fully supporting our move. A true and accurate copy of the letter is <br />attached as Exhibit 3. We also received letters of support from the superintendents of both South <br />Bend and PHM school systems, supporting the educational value of relocating the cabin, as well <br />as one from the Near West Side Neighborhood, which encompasses its future site. True and <br />accurate copies of such letters are attached as Exhibits 4 and 5, respectively. <br />At the HPC hearing on June 15, several members of the community and one teacher spoke <br />out in favor. Though a handful of letters against the move were received, nearly all were based on <br />emotional arguments or an incomplete understanding of the Museum's current and planned future <br />usage. Additionally, a letter from the DNR was read as being "against" the move, despite the letter <br />not reading as such — only cautioning careful thought. A true and accurate copy of the letter is <br />-7- <br />