Shorewood had finished Streetscaping North Oakland Avenue just a little over 10 years ago, when it decided the multi-million dollar project was obsolete.
Other than a need to level the pavers in the parkway, most folks did not think there was a need for a total redo.
Ironically, most of what Shorewood deemed to be obsolete --- benches, planters, trash containers and street lights --- are now being productively used by the Shorewood School District. They must have a different definition of obsolete over there.
Without question however ---- the New Streetscape is Obsolete ----- before it is even finished !!!!
As part of the project, giant concrete borders were put around all the trees in the parkway.
Aside from the questionable aesthetics of the hard surfaced smooth borders clashing with the rustic look of the pavers and concrete walks --- the borders are too high for cars to park alongside them.
The absolute need for maximum parking on Oakland is well known and acknowledged. But with the new concrete borders:
1) Cars with passengers will not be able to park next to the curb, as the passengers will not be able to exit the car.
2) A lot of nice cars are going to have serious damage to their doors as folks try to open them and they get crunched on the concrete borders.
3) Cars that do park so that passengers will be able to exit will have to be far away from the curb -- which will probably result in parking tickets and be a hazard to bicycle riders.
4) There will be traffic backups and the potential for accidents, as cars have to stop in the driving lanes to let out passengers before they can park.
Below are pictures of the new concrete borders and how they affect car doors:
Any by the way --- what do you folks think of the new benches ? In my opinion the new black benches are smaller and uglier than the green benches they replace.
And I pity the poor soul who happens to sit on one of those black benches on a hot sunny day while wearing shorts
----- ouch !!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ? PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT BELOW !
