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
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