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Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Mar. 31, 2015 at 5:34 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Mar. 31, 2015 at 5:34 PM » RELATED CONTENT • Ashlanders respond to controversy raised by Indiana law • Have you filed your tax return yet? • Do you have spring fever? • Should Ashland homeowners be able to rent rooms short-term? • How do you feel about new cell towers? » Social News A citizens group recently formed the Ashland Plaza Restoration Project to raise funds and seek to change the look of the Plaza, with colorful paving stones, new trees, improved landscaping, hanging plants and maybe a stage and even tables and benches.  Their Facebook has almost 700 “likes” and has passed $7,000 toward their first goal, pulling out the gray paver stones and replacing them with something more cheerful, says organizer David Sherr.  City Councilwoman Carol Voisin is exuberant in her support of it, even pledging two years worth of stipends from her council job. However, City Administrator Dave Kanner says the input was inputted, the suggestions heard and the plan moved into “done deal” status. Voisin adds there aren't the votes at council for any do-over. More changes to the Plaza are already part of the city's plan, according to Kanner's "City Administrator News" blog on the city website. "The project to place planter boxes and additional landscaping material to the plaza is currently in design," it says. "That design will come to the council later this spring." The long expensive re-do of Ashland’s iconic Plaza has been divisive, raising tempers about the disappearance of what's remembered as a simpler, more lush and interesting spot where townsfolk can relax. There has even been talk of shifting it into an extension of downtown’s many espresso houses, so folks can relax and get wired while reading a book and chatting in peace.  We asked Ashland folk if the ideas and funds of this new citizen group should be brought forward and put on the table for a do-over on the Plaza design, which has triggered so much unhappiness — or should we just forget all the disputes and hassles and live with it?  Nancy Nelson — Some civic-minded people want to have a beautiful Plaza. It didn’t turn out like the original plan. We should give them the freedom to upgrade it. I want flower baskets up and maintained by someone. I want the ugly gray pavers replaced with real red brick pavers that are easy to clean. I want that bulletin board thing removed and planted with beautiful flowers. I want a stage. But no tables and chairs.  Lily Keller — It turned out real boring. What it really needs is trees and flowers and beauty like it had before. Someone will come up with the money for it. There are enough enraged characters out there who want their little beautiful town to be a gem. I want a weeping willow type tree in the center and beautiful flower pots and someone to change them when flowers die.  Michael Zapanta — The group should be encouraged. The Plaza should be a beautiful great thing. Does it need beauty? Yes. It’s nice to have the open space but it should have more music and concerts. All the parking around it should be eliminated, to make it all 100 percent walking and community space. The only real ugly part is the parking. You’re sitting down there in the middle of a lot of parking.  Susan Robertson — I would encourage that group. They represent the people of the town. I’m all about majority rule if that’s what the general populace of Ashland wants. Then I’m all for it. The Plaza is less appealing now. I’m all about restoring it to the beauty it had before. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Mar. 31, 2015 at 5:34 PM » 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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