A memorial bench has been added to the bridge that connects the Connecticut Science Center side of the Riverfront Plaza with that of the Marriott/Connecticut Convention Center. It invites pedestrians to sit and linger on this walkway which offers a nice view of downtown and the Connecticut River. The bridge extends the space used for strolling and jogging. Rollerblading seems to be making a comeback and fits in with the environment. The bridge itself has already experienced a professional rope skipping demonstration.
But wait!
A new sign posted on several corners of the bridge indicates that this is the no-fun zone:
No bicycles? The Riverfront Plaza is part of the East Coast Greenway. Next you’ll say we can not sit on the bench and leisurely drink a mocha that we purchased within the hotel that is basically attached to the bridge.
But more than banning activities that may invite lawsuits, the presence of this sign — posted multiple times — creates an unwelcome atmosphere. With all the hype over branding Hartford — one of the public input sessions was even hosted by the Connecticut Convention Center — would not some time be spent considering the types of messages that our city does not need to be sending.
Brendan
No fun or free speech!
Considering how much public funding was used for this project, maybe we should ride over and have a protest.
Dan Russell
Is this a public space or not? What authority does the “CT Convention Center Mgt.” actually have over this area?
Kerri Provost
I’m reminded of a protest in front of Lieberman’s office a few years ago. A security guard came out and shouted at anti-war activists, saying they had to leave the area. They could not loiter. But a bus shelter located directly in front of the building basically ensures that loitering will constantly take place there.
I’m also reminded of when the Taste of Hartford was awesome and used to be set up on the plaza. Instead of committing to a meal at a single restaurant, you could sample dishes from many. There was a lot of vending happening then, and also, a lot of happy people.
Kerri Provost
The incarnation of Taste of Hartford I refer to was during Mayor Mike’s time.
Jane
I THINK that they actually own it. Might be wrong about that though.
Brendan
I thought it was owned by CCEDA. CCEDA is chartered by the state.
Jane
This is disturbing. A simple “not responsible for injuries due to stupidity” would probably cover it. I was surprised that more benches weren’t added, I thought that was part of the original design but I guess not. Boo. We should be encouraging people to use our public spaces, not to mention all the alternate transit arguments!
Luis from Indiana
In the words of my Uncle Feo from Culebra: “Que se Joda!” B-Real, lend me your skateboard, I just found out where I’m going to practice.
Kerri Provost
Que se Joda, indeed!
Guess they are not interested in skateboarding or bicycle conventions.
Richard
Is there a time limit for sitting on the bench or will they enforce the loitering only in some cases when the “wrong” folks sit down?
Kerri Provost
Good question.
The respectable thing, it seems, is not to sit longer than Mike Peters was mayor.
Tim
To Quote the Waterford Group from a March 2011 press release: “The Connecticut Convention Center is owned by the State of Connecticut; their operation is overseen by the Capital City Economic Development Authority, and is professionally managed by Waterford Venue Services, an affiliate of Waterford Hotel Group, a leader in the hospitality and gaming industries.
http://www.waterfordhotelgroup.com/news/posts/299f06#ixzz1XGysJkgv”
Perhaps General Manager Michael Costelli should be invited to weigh in:
http://www.ctconventions.com/contact/staff.php
Kerri Provost
Thanks!
Richard
So does that mean we the people all own it?