Redoing the Main Street “bump-out” — in front of Westport Pizzeria, across from Vineyard Vines — was a great idea.
But the execution — meh.
The Downtown Merchants Association wanted something pretty, quaint, eye-catching, different. Something that screamed (or at least whispered) “Westport.”
What they got was:
Somewhere along the way, the trees got cut. The planned plantings were eliminated.
And — probably because of some obscure state Department of Transportation rule — the fairly funky faux gas lamp was obliterated by 3 big signs.
The bottom 2 of which have seen better days.
Look closely. You can find the “gas lamp.”
But the drivers entering downtown — folks we hope to attract by our cuteness — never will.
What is with the overbundance of signs around town? Those in authority seem the need to micromanage every aspect of our driving experience but for the dangerous and deadly cell phone-texting?
“But the drivers entering downtown — folks we hope to attract by our cuteness — never will.”….So this is a big part of the downtown debate…..Is downtown to be further developed into a regional shopping destination that must “attract” people to Westpprt or a place for Westporters to meet, shop and socialize?
The WDMA paid for and pushed for this “bump out” to be installed. The signage which so badly blocks the beautiful lamp is in the process of being re-designed and will be removed within the next month or so. Be patient and what was conceived as an attractive cross walk will soon be completed. Safety is important and drivers do go down Main Street when they should not but with the help of the Police department and generous time of Rick Hoag and the WDMA, this “cuteness” will look like it should.
Dan,
You don’t think this was in reaction to your assertion that you and other “oldtimers” are entitled to drive both ways on Main Street do you? LOL
Incredible coincidence.