July 9, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: Here are my wishes for Courthouse Square.
While I like ginkgo trees, I wish they were not part of the courthouse square project --partly as they are not native to North America and partly because this tree seems incongruous near our Veterans Memorial. Oak trees are strongly associated with honoring veterans and with courthouses. (I don’t think any of the oak trees planned for the new plaza are native and the existing maples will be cut down.)
Another wish is that the proposed lighting be turned off at a specified time.
Yet another wish is for sensorcontrolled de-icing cables along the main paths and the broad steps between the new levels. (I prefer the existing slight slope rather than a multi-level plaza with steps; the levels seem more costly and less friendly to the public.) Wish our charming “Lexington” bricks could at least accent the massive permeablebrick area that will replace the existing grass and walkways.
A final wish is for a drinking water fountain. Some may worry of germs, but we don’t live in a bubble! It sure would be nice to fill a water bottle or offer a dog a drink. But, back to the beginning ... let’s not plant ginkgo trees there and let’s turn off the lights. Easy ... and maybe even a money saver. MARILYN SHANER BUERKENS Natural Bridge
