On their website, Coalition for Columbia’s Downtown borrows a quote from the Great Law of the Iriquois Nations Confederacy: “In our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.”
Exactly.
Setting aside the majority of Columbia’s lakefront area as a “protected Historic District,” as advocated by this group, will, imo, leave the next seven generations (at least the next six) with a deteriorated dump of a downtown.
You can read the CoFoCoDo executive summary, in its entirety, by clicking on their website and downloading the file. Just for a flavor of their big picture ideas for the next seven generations, here’s a direct excerpt from their document :
The Lakefront
Charrette participants identified the Lakefront as the heart of Columbia. It is the cherished center of Columbia’s early days, as well as a currently important community gathering place. The Lakefront area should be enhanced for community use by installing additional comfortable seating that can be moved to suit the users. The small pavilion over the boat dock is badly underutilized and could immediately contribute vitality with minor adjustments.
We support establishing the Lakefront area as a protected Historic District, to include the beloved “Hug” statue and its surrounding park, the two original Gehry buildings (GGP headquarters and the Exhibit Center), and the Teachers Building and the American City Building.
I’m almost frozen at the keyboard trying to find a logical, polite response to a statement such as this. Benches ain’t the issue, folks. Nor is the condition of the lakefront. It’s the energy, vibrancy and density of the place. (Or, at least, those are really big factors.)
Anyone else bothered by the CoFoCoDo and their big plans to spruce up downtown Columbia? Hey, maybe you think their position is just perfect for Columbia? I’m curious to know what you think.
