Opinion

State of State Street

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• Thank you, Uncle Sam (December 3, 2001)
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• State solutions (February 4, 2002)

Also by Badger Herald Editorial Board:

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An urban consulting firm will tonight unveil a $15 million redesign for State Street. Their recommendations will include an overhaul of Peace and Concrete Parks, replacing the bulky bus stops, benches and tree holders and making the mall more pedestrian friendly.

This is not the first time city officials have received a State Street revitalization plan. Over two years ago, another consulting firm proposed recommendations similar to the ones city officials will hear tonight. Both plans include reduced clutter, a more open and inviting Peace Park and limited vehicle traffic. But two years ago, the city ignored the plan.

Hopefully, they will take today’s suggestions more seriously.

State Street is in desperate need of an overhaul. The combination of soup kitchens on one end and 40,000 bleeding-heart students on the other, with dozens of liquor stores and bars in the middle, is a recipe for the street’s current social problems. While cosmetic changes to the street can only do so much to solve the underlying social issues, cosmetic investments are nevertheless a vital part of the solution.

Improved sidewalks, less-sheltered bus shelters, and better links to the street — especially around Concrete and Peace Parks — will do a lot to improve the social atmosphere of the street. A new, timeless look will invigorate State Street’s languishing economy, bring more neighborhood residents to the street and, hopefully, make the street safer.

State Street is Wisconsin’s Main Street and UW’s main drag. City officials should not ignore the current degradation of the street like they ignored the last renovation proposal.