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.”

@bloomington_in #UrbanPlanning

https://bsquarebulletin.com/2024/09/05/convention-center-expansion-takes-steps-ahead-with-sharp-words-from-2-bloomington-councilmembers/

  • Ben Keith 🚲@urbanists.social
    3·
    2 months ago

    @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.

    • Ben Fulton@urbanists.socialOP
      1·
      2 months ago

      @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.