Skywalk a controversy in new convention center
What do we think about this, urbanists? Is this really a deal breaker?
“The design should not include ‘skywalk’ connections …, which would limit convention attendee opportunities to interact with and patronize downtown businesses. Skywalks would also undermine the quality of public space in the downtown, in contradiction to city plans and goals.”
@benfulton @bloomington_in I think that a skywalk connecting a hotel to an adjacent convention center is a logical thing to have if the city is not going to provide a safe pedestrian connection across a four-lane road. There do not appear to be any pedestrian-oriented businesses at that intersection.
@benlk @bloomington_in They’re just completing a study which will probably recommend traffic calming on that road. Whether that will actually happen is another question, but if it did I imagine they would also try to induce some demand for businesses there.
@benfulton @bloomington_in it think skywalks are kind of magical/fun. Until we get rid of the F150 ton elephant in the room, anything that protects pedestrians is fair game.
@benfulton @bloomington_in I am puzzled by this, but also kinda cynical. Are there vendors within the convention center who don’t want to compete with the surrounding town?
What’s the problem with conventioneers “interact[ing] with and patroniz[ing] downtown businesses”? I though that was the main reason for cities to get convention centers.
The only thing that can explain this is in-house protectionism.
@ObbieZ @bloomington_in The people who are against the skywalk think conventioneers will never leave their bubble if they don’t have to. They want to avoid the skywalk to get people wandering around the downtown.
