tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666195730630249633.post4822017835674992150..comments2024-03-25T17:49:41.408-07:00Comments on Salem Breakfast on Bikes: Eclipse and a Delightful Fullness in DowntownSalem Breakfast on Bikeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618055627843335993noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666195730630249633.post-87457721783075146322017-08-28T11:44:25.588-07:002017-08-28T11:44:25.588-07:00"Peace Plaza" is intentionally hostile a..."Peace Plaza" is intentionally hostile and unwelcoming because it was made to be so. It's the no-man's land between the City Hall Bunker and Library Bunker, with no comfortable seating or amenities that would invite anyone to linger and relax or read there -- despite the library. The designers could have been designing for the film versions of Lord of the Rings -- imposing architecture meant to strike terror into the hearts of mere humans.<br /><br />The whole complex is a concrete fortress between two high-speed freeways, it is so unwelcoming that the little cafe that abuts the plaza keeps failing because there is not enough foot traffic to sustain it. The streets are very dangerous --- there is no way for anyone not in an auto to safely access from Commercial, and the crosswalk on Liberty is a sick joke.<br /><br />Personally, I hope the library can be saved but when the cops leave, the north bunker should be razed and we start all over. It's even possible to fantasize about a large, mixed-use block, top floor condos, affordable apartments, and several bottom floors for city office buildings.<br /><br />Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12731260619465817652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5666195730630249633.post-23275502555413253602017-08-27T18:28:39.787-07:002017-08-27T18:28:39.787-07:00The activity at the Peace Plaza was due to a progr...The activity at the Peace Plaza was due to a program that the Salem Public Library sponsored there. The Library gave away 700 pairs of eclipse glasses at the event. Peace Plaza was also packed with hundreds of children and parents on August 17th when the Library sponsored a huge party for children completing the Summer Reading Program. So the Library is making use of the Peace Plaza for large community events. I am told that if the library bond measure passes on November 7th that part of the $18.6 million raised by election will be used to repair and "activate" Peace Plaza. Not sure what "activate" means exactly, but it sounds good. I hope readers of this blog will plan to vote 'Yes'!Jim Scheppkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04077003905171156283noreply@blogger.com