Often local politics is about individual core values, and sometimes its about protectionism that is played out on a small stage. A good example is the controversy surrounding whether or not to allow (and have him pay to do it) a local business person to put a outdoor seating area in what is now a public green space (albeit, a public planter bed that has not been well maintained).
In question is whether one business owner can do something that other businesses have not--based on a novel idea to use a space in a new and different way, the artistic rendering of which I have not seen, and therefore have no feeling about. Secondly, should a widely used public space be given up at the expense of pedestrian traffic and, perhaps, aesthetics? Lastly, should the Ped Mall, which is where the project would take place, have a more strategic view of how to accommodate both the public concern and the business concerns that co-exist there? If so, who would do it?
The City Council will consider changes to ordinances to proceed in a special session tomorrow. If you have concerns, call Regenia Bailey or any of the council members and let them know.
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