The value of art

We did have benches on Main St- maybe 25 years ago--I remember distinctly my wife sitting on one with the Xmas wreath she had just bought at Breen's Flower Shop----while I went and got the car-- we were living on Elmwood Ave at the time--we moved there in 1979 and then re-located to Corinth St. in 1986. When they were removed I don't recall----the Mayor's rational was he did it because of complaints from some downtown merchants-- who said it was mostly kids congregating on the benches and they would often lean the bicycles up against the store front window-----we also had a little park at the corner of Asland and Main-next to the Social Security building---stone benches and a stone checker board----it became a gathering spot for drug dealing------another "political" problem to restoring benches is the Barrett versus Vinnie Melito rivalry---Vinnie pushed for benches when he was a councilor and candidate fo Mayor-- and has since written several letters to the Editor on that subject---if Barrett puts the benches back-- he would see it as a victory for Melito---I suggested that any business that wanted benches should put out and take it in when they close shop----the advantage of that is the bench would be private property and the owner could shoo kids away if they were causing a problem--police can't do that for "city" benches as there are no loitering laws---------when Paul Babeu ran against Barrett he put benches outside his headquarters and CJT also put some on Main st during his 2005 campaign---he was told to remove them because he had advertising on them it it was contrary to the sign ordinance (I think)-----a more contemporary problem- during the school year would be the number of Conte students with their lap tops---if there were a Hot Spot nearby---if we close Conte and redistribute the students to Drury and the elementary schools----you wouldn't have the "critical mass" on Main St. I like benches- I think they add a bit of hospitality to a community--sort of like a welcome mat---chbpod

There is a bench at the library and I've never once seen anyone abusing it (kids, vagrants, etc). I agree with Clark that private merchants introducing seating is a good work around. The tables at Cup & Saucer are a good example of how merchants can make Main St look more inviting.

I just saw the registered JHL from Northampton........its Borer !!!

Just Looking Here wrote:

I think benches would be good. Don't pay attention to the fake JLH.

Ha,ha, ha, ha. Exactly how I imagine you would be.
PS. Any resemblance with Billings is mere coincidence.

Eric Spencer wrote:

There is a bench at the library and I've never once seen anyone abusing it (kids, vagrants, etc). I agree with Clark that private merchants introducing seating is a good work around. The tables at Cup & Saucer are a good example of how merchants can make Main St look more inviting.

Having benches may benefit the merchants and everyone. However, you've seen how businesses come and go. Those who are starting or struggling to survive, do not worry about contributing for benches for the city if they do not know if their business will be around for the next year. Benches that would be attached to the concrete are much more expensive than those sold at chain stores.

Most cities provide for benches that will stay around for a long time, much more than business that come and go. However, knowing how our city works, it may be to the private sector to simply provide or organize a fundraising for it. The city, however, for the very least should provide some funding or match money raised. In addition, if merchants make monetary contributions to the benches or for expenses for the fundraiser these would be tax deductible if it is donated to the city. Again, it would be charity or donation from the merchants side, it should be the city responsability.

One more thing, although it may be tax deductible, donations are not tax credits, so the merchants would be contributing out of pocket.

In responses to chbpod's post

Wow! rivalry, huh! How a childish way to run a city. Unfortunately, this is the way he treats many of the city's affairs.

They will be asking for an appropriation to erect a statue of Mr Billings on Main St. They will put two benches there also.

I like the bronze James Michael Curley bench and statue at Quincy Market--- I could live with one of those---chbpod

do you people know that chb....is actually Clark H. Billings (chb)..who knows wants "pod" means to him?

resident wrote:

<quoted text>
Having benches may benefit the merchants and everyone. However, you've seen how businesses come and go. Those who are starting or struggling to survive, do not worry about contributing for benches for the city if they do not know if their business will be around for the next year. Benches that would be attached to the concrete are much more expensive than those sold at chain stores.
Most cities provide for benches that will stay around for a long time, much more than business that come and go. However, knowing how our city works, it may be to the private sector to simply provide or organize a fundraising for it. The city, however, for the very least should provide some funding or match money raised. In addition, if merchants make monetary contributions to the benches or for expenses for the fundraiser these would be tax deductible if it is donated to the city. Again, it would be charity or donation from the merchants side, it should be the city responsability.

You used the magic words "should be" the city's responsibility.

Lots of things "should be" their responsibility.

Before you get too soft on the others that are hired to represent us just remember they "should be", responsible too.

If they cannot handle taking a stand once in a while they do not deserve their titles.

That is so true. Most just want power, prestige or money and couldn't care less about being accountable.

Bad and good news. From conversations here and there, the arts controversy in NA is been read and talked in many places outside NA. Many outsiders envision NA as Rudd and agree NA needs action an a drastic change.

The bad news is that some other towns are considering his ideas for their own towns.

The one who hits the ball first, hits the hardest.
Wake up NA.

resident wrote:

Bad and good news. From conversations here and there, the arts controversy in NA is been read and talked in many places outside NA. Many outsiders envision NA as Rudd and agree NA needs action an a drastic change.
The bad news is that some other towns are considering his ideas for their own towns.
The one who hits the ball first, hits the hardest.
Wake up NA.

disagree. you don't like the mayor? rudd is as ego filled as the man you don't like.one ego maniac is enough thank you.if other towns wanted him he'd be there.

FYI--- pod stands for Prince of Darkness-----I explained that on another thread--Jassy303 said it stood for Prince of Dorkdom----you make the call??? chbpod

Ill go with Dorkdom as its more appropriate.

matt wrote:

<quoted text>
disagree. you don't like the mayor? rudd is as ego filled as the man you don't like.one ego maniac is enough thank you.if other towns wanted him he'd be there.

What does everything has to be black or white? There are plenty of colors in the middle.
I am not saying that Rudd has to be our mayor to accomplish some of his proposals which could be assests to city. I am saying that people in other towns are considering his proposals. Perhaps becuase some are good. As I explained in another thread, I don't think he has chance now. We have to stop shutting people down and listen with open minds and take advantage of the good.

Take Billings, instead of making a deep critical analysis, and ask the right questions, he limits himself to call people paranoid and just ask who is paying for that? Are out of your mind? He focuses on the bad only and when he notices the good, he just says, this is good, but never elaborates more on the good and its repercussions.

Why not ask, What are the good and bad repercussions on this issue? How can we accomplish this? How can we get there?

I am curious, what makes you think he is egocentric?

I really am not sure what "Resident" is talking about-----my posts on this board or my remarks on my TV show?? I spent about a half hour on Rudd's Transcript letter-----the things I agreed with ?? why should I go into any further analysis--they were pretty much self-explanatory-any idiot could figure that out--- I spent a little more time on the ones that won't work---and did ask who would pay for some suggestions that had merit--but would cost money--nothing wrong with that---as for calling people paranoid-- it seems you think I called everybody paranoid------not so-- only Sharon Carson and Charles Guiliano---for misreading Glenn's Art to the Rescue editorial and assuming that he was suggesting that artists are loafers, idlers and general deadbeats--(unfortunately there are some in this community that feel that way -- I DO NOT)--to come up with that conclusion you have to be paranoid------oh yes--- and I guess the same thing could be said about "Resident"---chip on your shoulder maybe???
probably a buffalo chip--that leaked out because you are definately full of them---chbpod

Can North Adams sink any lower?

pod "paranoid old dolt";
"pantload of distinction";"parago n of denial";"prince of duh".....whatever it is ,it is stupid. howabout ccm city council member...oh i forgot ...duuuhhhhhh.