In other financial matters, a $1.5 million crusade to renovate the Boston Common is in the works. If the initiative gains enough financial support, all of which will be allotted through private contributors, non-profit or corporate organizations, the park could be a “Parisian dream” by this summer. Mayor Thomas Menino vocalized support of the indulgent idea, stating that “new upgrades will bring much-needed vitality back to this area and provide all of the amenities our residents and visitors deserve in this historic location.”
Although the renovation isn’t publicly funded, the idea that this is a priority for local aggregations is laughable. While Boston public schools are having trouble staying open, organizations such as the Friends of the Boston Public Garden are amassing more than 2,000 people to essentially preserve aesthetics. While it’s important to preserve history and thereby the environment, especially in the context of a cultural landmark, there is a point at which others things take precedence.
Based on The Boston Globe description of what the new Common will look like, the new park will resemble Central Park. Free Wi-Fi access will be implemented as well as 70 new chairs, 30 tables and a “reading room” with hundreds of books. One gourmet truck will sell food, most likely at a hefty price, and a piano will be placed on the grounds so that charming musicians can solicit tourists and tips. It’s one unnecessary premise after another, introduced with good intent but ultimately evocative of a lavish time that is most certainly not now, one in which such concepts could flourish without seeming excessive.
As is often true with park initiatives, money allocated by said organizations will run out as time goes by. While the Common will be attractive in the first few months after its facelift, maintenance funds can’t be expected to keep up with the cost of maintenance itself. It’s foolish to postulate the renovation of a recreational area if its lasting impact will be less than enduring. If the Common needs a makeover of some kind, the process should be centered on basic goods such as crime elimination and clean-up efforts. A project of this magnitude, with limited benefits, doesn’t deserve support.
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