Square Deal

Springfield's Park Central Square. You have to admit, it was a great idea in theory - compete against the new Battlefield Mall by turning this into a "pedestrian shopping zone" with no through traffic allowed.

Problem is, when the city father's made this decision, they listened to NONE of the businesses they were trying to help. Everyone from lawyers, to merchants, jewelers, to 5 and dime shops that had been downtown for years told the city this was a BAD idea. Don't close the traffic, they said, and for the love of goodness, don't take away the parking to make some damned silly fountain.

No one listened.

Once again, the city fathers hold the growth and future of downtown in their hands, which is a scary enough thought in itself. Hopefully, the right thing will be done. Listen to those most directly affected, and don't muck it up this time!