That would be incredibly disappointing if true. I did what I can do, email all the relevant officials that I could and contact the only person I know that has any local political connections to ask them to reach out to anyone they know. I think it's worth an effort to get this park done at its full size now, it's taken decades to get the state to consider giving up any of this parking, now would seem to be the time to make a push.
I think you are wrong about the Gov. Why would she want to save parking lots, and how would the help Hertel? The word "forced" does not apply to this situation, if you have a job with the State and your employer wants to do your job in an office with other real humans, they as your employer have a right to tell you to show up at the office. If you feel "forced" to leave you home for your job maybe you should get another job.
I think an underground parking garage with the park above could save some of those priceless parking spaces.
Hood was just talking about this in the New Vision thread, but I'm glad that they are looking to revamp the west riverfront area of downtown. Years ago, I took this picture of the boardwalk on this side. I was so sad to see them take this all out (and they did this recently in Riverfront Park). Like the one in Riverfront Park, fisherman used it quite frequently, and it was just a cool place to hide away for awhile if you got tired.
As with everything, the city simply got tired of maintaining it, so instead of reconstruction it, they just look it out...while of course leaving the actually supporting posts in the river.
I was also disappointed that they allowed that boardwalk then removed it with no plan for replacement. I just hope that all this stuff with the trail happens. It seems clear that the new pedestrian bridge will get built but I'm not sure Gentilozzi is planning on footing the bill for the trail improvements from his tower north to Wentworth Park, is the city chipping in? Are they chasing another state appropriation? Waiting out the trail millage? It's not really clear.
EDIT: in the brownfield document they have line items on page 100-101 for "non motorized trails" , "bridges" and "marinas" . I don't know that to make of those numbers, that makes it seem like they will be paying for a lot this as part of the project.
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I think an underground parking garage with the park above could save some of those priceless parking spaces.
Rickety by NewCityOne, on Flickr
As with everything, the city simply got tired of maintaining it, so instead of reconstruction it, they just look it out...while of course leaving the actually supporting posts in the river.
EDIT: in the brownfield document they have line items on page 100-101 for "non motorized trails" , "bridges" and "marinas" . I don't know that to make of those numbers, that makes it seem like they will be paying for a lot this as part of the project.