In yesterday’s interview with NBC 4 news, Mayor Justin Wilson’s remarks conveyed a sense of urgency in the need for swift change at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. What, exactly, are the dire circumstances that require immediate action? Has the City been deluged with angry letters demanding something be done about the art center? Is the building in danger of imminent collapse? Is the Torpedo Factory a white elephant that’s bankrupting the city?

No.

For the last several years, certain interests have quietly positioned themselves to take advantage of the Torpedo Factory’s prime waterfront property. Now, with the goal in sight and facing unexpected levels of pushback, they break into a sprint, hoping to cross the finish line before public outcry becomes too great.

Don’t be fooled, folks. There is no ticking clock on the Torpedo Factory. Change isn’t inevitable. All 3,000 of us who have already signed this petition know that, and we know what kind of Torpedo Factory we want to see for generations to come.