[UC] Parklet
For the record, I don't like the looks of the parklet at 43rd and Baltimore either. It does indeed look "industrial" and not very inviting. I'm all in favor of new ways to develop public spaces (and I really like coffee-shops) but I have to say this project doesn't succeed. Al Airone You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see .
[UC] multi-color kitty seen around 47th Warrington - anyone know this cat?
forwarded: From: jvalen...@aol.com Date: August 16, 2011 8:50:06 PM EDT I live in the 4700 block of Warrington Av. A well groomed multi color cat, approx 1 yr old, and I think it is a female, has shown up. She is very friendly. Is anyone missing a cat like this? Thanks, John Valentino
RE: [UC] Parklet
I think the idea is a miss on a number of fronts. First, the name parklet (I use quotes because I don't like the conjured-up name) creates an expectation of sylvan greenery that is not met in the final product. Call it what it is--outdoor seating. As generic outdoor seating, it's functional, and looks OK. But giving it that particular name defeats its own purpose by inviting comparisons to a park, which it certainly is not. Second, the seating could work in locations that need recreation or relaxation space, but it should not be directly tied to any commercial enterprise. The miss here is instead of finding neutral locations, it's been placed next to a business with an outdoor cafe; thus drawing accusations of favoritism in its placement. Here's a positive suggestion: the 45th/ Baltimore/Springfield and 47th and Baltimore traffic triangles. They've both already been landscaped, and have enough space for small seating areas. 45th Street could be reconfigured mindful of pedestrian and auto traffic, and 47th is already fenced on the 47th Street side. They could help the overall 45th and 47th and Baltimore business strips without appearing to give favored treatment to any particular one. And they could become REAL parklets (without quotes!). Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:14:11 -0500 From: herons...@verizon.net To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: [UC] Parklet For the record, I don't like the looks of the parklet at 43rd and Baltimore either. It does indeed look industrial and not very inviting. I'm all in favor of new ways to develop public spaces (and I really like coffee-shops) but I have to say this project doesn't succeed. Al Airone You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see .
Re: [UC] Parklet
On 8/17/11 11:49 AM, Karen Allen wrote: I think the idea is a miss on a number of fronts. First, the name parklet (I use quotes because I don't like the conjured-up name) creates an expectation of sylvan greenery that is not met in the final product. Call it what it is--outdoor seating. As generic outdoor seating, it's functional, and looks OK. But giving it that particular name defeats its own purpose by inviting comparisons to a park, which it certainly is not. Second, the seating could work in locations that need recreation or relaxation space, but it should not be directly tied to any commercial enterprise. The miss here is instead of finding neutral locations, it's been placed next to a business with an outdoor cafe; thus drawing accusations of favoritism in its placement. Here's a positive suggestion: the 45th/ Baltimore/Springfield and 47th and Baltimore traffic triangles. They've both already been landscaped, and have enough space for small seating areas. 45th Street could be reconfigured mindful of pedestrian and auto traffic, and 47th is already fenced on the 47th Street side. They could help the overall 45th and 47th and Baltimore business strips without appearing to give favored treatment to any particular one. And they could become REAL parklets (without quotes!). agreed. the question here isn't about taste or aesthetics or (what was that fancy latin word, al?), but with whether or not these things are designed as truly public spaces. meaning: designed in response to actual public demand; designed in a standard way, like parking kiosks, so as to be recognized everywhere by the public as truly public spaces; designed so as to function independently of businesses; and designed without taking away anything that is already publicly paid for. .. UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
