The Melrose Triangle Plaza project hit another wall Wednesday evening as the Public Facilities Commission reviewed updates to the much-maligned design of the miniature park space.
After a series of recent virtual neighborhood meetings — where residents voiced their dislike of the open, pavilion-like structure planned for the heart of the plaza — the Public Facilities Commission decided that the public opinion required greater representation.
“We need to honor hearing those voices,” said Commission Chairperson Elaine Polacheck.
Public comments and questions during the neighborhood meetings were unfiltered, and many residents took aim at the design, which they claim will promote homelessness, loitering and
other street crimes. They were also concerns about the project’s effect on parking for the surrounding businesses.
The Public Facilities Commission weighed in, and they agreed that the residents’ mounting qualms with the project needed to be addressed.
“I appreciate the thought and consideration that went into the design,” said Commissioner Richard Karliss, “but I believe a semi-enclosed structure is not suited for this gathering space.”
“It’s time for a re-boot,” said Polacheck.
It’s now up to city staff members to review the commissioner’s comments and make any modifications they deem necessary. They will present the project to the Design District Working Group, and then to West Hollywood City Council, who will make the final decision on whether or not to proceed.
Again, like the tiny Melrose triangle project, it looks just like our nations creation of and extensive number of open grassy parks and trees.
The lot may be a bad place with those GIGANTIC BOULDERS taking up every soft grassy area kids, families and old people love to sit on or around IN ALL REAL PARKS OLD & NEW.
GLAD YOU POINTED IT OUT TO THE CITY. THEY HAD NO IDEA HOW BAD THOSE ROCKS ARE.
I’m sure nobody we elected would build THAT PARK, THERE, LOOKING AS IT DOES.
Most public art is abysmal and quickly becomes an embarrassment. The money could be better spent on clean, efficient design and improved accessibility for all.
Finally a city body that LISTENED to the people. Bravo.