Porcupine Soup
Town, CDF hash out bear issue at meeting
June 8, 2021
Andrea Macko/Porcupine Soup
CAIRO—The Cairo Town Board meeting was standing room only Monday night and got a bit heated when conversation turned to the annual Cairo Bears public art project.
“I would ask that your organization comes every six months to just give us an update on what’s going on,” Coyne then said.
In recent weeks, the 42 colorful bruins have been the subject of controversy between the Cairo Town Board and the Cairo Development Foundation who organizes the annual project. The bears, sponsored by local businesses, organizations, and individuals, are uniquely designed by area artists and placed throughout town over the summer for locals and visitors to enjoy. In the fall, they go to auction to raise money for the CDF.
Town employees have always helped get the bears out and about in time for Memorial Day, but this year, volunteers did the work.
At Monday night’s meeting, CDF Co-president Diana Benoit addressed the board about the “miscommunication.” Benoit said Supervisor John Coyne lied when he stated publicly that she and fellow Co-president Sherry B. True directly approached a town employee for assistance this year rather than going through the town board.
“Truth has to matter,” Benoit said.
Coyne said that at the time of his statement, it was what he knew to be true.
“I was actually approached by Sherry about getting the bears out,” said Councilman Jason Watts, adding that he was the one who spoke to a Parks Department employee.
Watts said that after that he did bring the request to the town board but was told the CDF would need to submit a formal request and there would be “stipulations.” He said he was also told that no bears would be allowed on town property—something Councilman Steve Kralovich denied in what led to a heated exchange between him and Watts.
“We didn’t want a bear at the fountain, it’s a memorial,” Kralovich said.
On May 25, with just a few days left before Memorial Day Weekend, Benoit sent a formal request for assistance via email to the entire town board.
She said that the CDF did not know that “calling a town board member would not have been enough.”
“We didn’t know we needed to send an email and when we found out we did,” she said.
“I started making arrangements to get the bears out one way or another,” said Watts.
Kralovich said the board was going to all be together “within 24 hours” of receiving the email and “it was going to be a unanimous decision to help with the bears.”
“You said there would be stipulations,” said Watts. “I said we don’t need you.”
“You said pretty much ‘screw the town, I’m gonna do this myself,’” Kralovich countered back.
Ultimately, it was Watts and a small group of volunteers who installed the bears, with most out in time for the holiday weekend. Watts said he found other locations for bears initially intended to go on town property.
Coyne said that in previous years, including last year, the CDF has provided a formal request for assistance to the Town Board and referred to an April 2020 letter the organization submitted. Benoit asked to see the letter and said that while she was not denying its existence, the CDF was unaware it had been sent.
“All CDF members say they didn’t send anything,” she said.
Coyne did not have the letter to provide to Benoit at the meeting. A copy was requested from the Town of Cairo on Tuesday by Porcupine Soup. Dated April 12, 2020, and “asking for the town’s assistance with this important town project,” it was signed by Benoit and True.
Coyne said that going forward he would like better communication between the board and the CDF and asked that they come to a meeting every three months give an update on their projects.
“I don’t need to overburden the board by coming here every three months unless we need you,” said Benoit.
“I would ask that your organization comes every six months to just give us an update on what’s going on,” Coyne then said.
“I would like to see every three months,” said Watts.
Benoit said she would need to bring the request back to the CDF board for a vote.
“If you need us, please come to a board meeting,” said Coyne. “We will assist you.”
“You cannot follow rules you are not aware of,” Benoit said.
The CDF was additionally in front of the board Monday to request a resolution of support for a grant they are writing for a pocket park on Main Street.
Founded in 2016, the non-profit’s goal is to help improve the look of Main Street to encourage the return of business to the area. In 2019 they acquired, and have since restored, the old Cairo Garage, using part of the downstairs as its headquarters and renting the larger side to Lee Physical Therapy.
“Most people will notice there is certainly a lot more traffic on Main Street,” Benoit said.
The CDF also purchased the old Bobbie Jean’s on Main Street, but its decaying condition required them to raze the building. They are actively fundraising and planning for the pocket park in that spot, and to submit a state grant application, need a resolution of support from the Town of Cairo, Benoit explained.
The proposed park includes a sitting area, botanical and arboretum features, and locally crafted art.
“It will make the upper portion of Main Street inviting and appealing. This in turn will attract businesses and residents to our town. Expanding the economic activity within a community should be one of the primary goals of every elected body,” the CDF stated in a request to the board. “The stronger and more diverse the economy, the stronger the community becomes. In time, a strong economy becomes a self-sustaining engine of growth. This will improve property values and add curb appeal to the town.”
“Other than the resolution I would like a change of attitude from the town board,” Benoit said.
Benoit and True have previously said that they believe the problem with getting the bears installed was politically motivated.
Coyne is on the June 22 Republican primary ballot for county legislator, along with True and Michael Camadine. Only two will win.
“We will not be deterred by politics,” Benoit and True have said. “This is for the betterment of the town.”
Coyne has denied the accusation.
Ultimately, the town board voted unanimously Monday night to provide the resolution of support for the CDF’s grant application.
BlueBEARy bear, designed by Betsy Rae Mattice, sits in front of Living Structures Hal Zucker Realty, Inc. on Main Street in Cairo. It is one of 42 stunning bruins that can be found throughout Cairo this summer.