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2 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW UPDATED: Jordan Cove LNG project gets final environmental approval ... Lists: Three bakeries we love ... Lists: Four great places to browse through books in Ashland ... UPDATED: Jordan Cove LNG project gets final environmental approval ... Lists: Three bakeries we love ... Lists: Four great places to browse through books in Ashland ... LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor, Sept. 28 Comment DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Sep. 28, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Sep. 28, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News History for history's sake The issue is not whether any contemporary work of art will suit our Downtown Historic District, the issue is whether this particular contemporary art is suitable for our Downtown Historic District. It is possible for a contemporary work of art to embody historic qualities — for example, the Calle walkway has many contemporary touches, yet it succeeds in beautifully referencing the Historic District. If "contemporary" downtown public art installations are to succeed, they must also embody the spirit and feeling of our Historic Downtown District. For too many here, this proposed work does not. Had the Public Arts Commission only deigned to engage the community and the Historic Commission in a collaborative process with the collective historic "memory" of our town as a reference in the first place, instead of marching to its own tune, we would likely not be in this community-wide controversy today. The same mistake was made in the process of our Plaza's design, with the ensuing controversy. Embracing the future does not mean we must abandon the past. Fault lines in the process of public art and public works creation have caused these tsunamis. David Sherr Ashland Bike plans inadequate I agree that a plan for the Normal Neighborhood is a wise idea. It is a prime parcel that could otherwise be developed in ways that would be less beneficial to the overall community. There are many excellent design elements described and pictured. There is a good mix of housing options and parcel layouts. But I am concerned about bicyclist facilities. Much has been said about proximity to schools, and the parcel is also close to parks and stores. It is ideally situated for bicycle and pedestrian transportation, which can potentially reduce auto trips. Plan guidelines show streets with travel lanes no more than 10 feet wide and parking areas 8 feet wide. The intention is for bicyclists to share use of these streets with the idea that speeds will be low on narrow streets. That works fine for adult bicyclists with adequate training and skills, but I believe a more connected system of off-street trails would better serve children going to and from school. Most traffic around schools is created by parents dropping off and picking up children. This creates traffic on the street at the same time children would be trying to get to and from school. Traffic tends to put children on sidewalks, which puts them in conflict with pedestrians and cars emerging from driveways and side streets. I would like to see a more connected system of off-street multi-use trails to serve primary points children may want to access. It should be designed in a way to minimize street crossings. The plan currently shows widths of 6 to 10 feet for multi-use trails. Oregon design guidelines state 10 feet is preferred in low-use areas and 8 feet is an absolute minimum width. The guidelines should be corrected. Sue Newberry Ashland DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Sep. 28, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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