IS IT TRUE? November 29, 2010

IS IT TRUE that the Thanksgiving holiday unlike many holidays was full of news that was for the most part set aside in favor of family, football, and food?…that this is a good thing?…that there are lots of good pieces of information in the IS IT TRUE columns that were posted on the during the Thanksgiving break and that we encourage you to have look at them today?

IS IT TRUE that there are now 713 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

IS IT TRUE that an MIT study of the positive effects of a small city park in Boston (see CCO article) are overwhelmingly supportive of such parks as a place to recharge during the work day?…that the maintenance costs reported are minimal?….that the Old National Bank recently listed the Main Street Park on the corner of Main and 4th Streets in Downtown Evansville for sale?….that this park is what banks term a “non-performing” asset?…that ONB doesn’t even own the entire park?….that the real prime location within the Main Street Park is owned by someone else?…that on most any summer day employees of downtown businesses including many from ONB can be seen during the lunch hour enjoying the park AND maybe just improving their productivity for the afternoon?….that a move is underway headed by a successful local business leader to KEEP THIS PARK A PARK?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer recognizes the value of urban greenscaping and encourages and supports the efforts of an Evansville business person to keep the Main Street Park in its present use?….that uniqueness sells cities and that a park directly on Main St. is perhaps the most unique and highest potential for any lot in Downtown Evansville?… that the park could use some upgrading, some maintenance, and some police presence?….that the beautiful gazebo has been a central location for lunchtime concerts, impromptu poetry readings, and even some weddings?….that with some brushing up and a good maintenance program the Main Street Park can be an island of oasis in Downtown Evansville?….that we may just need to call upon our friends at SMG to bring Joni Mitchell and Counting Crows to Evansville to do a duet of “Big Yellow Taxi” where the lines “They Took Paradise and Put up a Parking Lot” could become particularly appropriate?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer is pleased to hear the local insurance man Martin Woodruff is encouraged at the prospect of securing the financing to construct a Downtown Convention Hotel between the Arena and the Centre?….that we are pleased to hear that the parking lost from the demolition of the Executive Inn parking garage can be replaced by going underground as opposed to buying more land in adjacent lots at post Arena prices?….that we anxiously await the renderings and details from all three of the bidders of this rapidly approaching deadline to submit proposals?