If the canal is being extended only to provide a safe pedestrian crossing of Shields and Robinson, it seems to me that we are spending a bunch of money to bypass the real issue – streets that are hostile to pedestrians – and continuing to allow cars to dominate our priorities. This is a process of decision making that resembles the moves we made that led to a substantial investment in the Underground; it has the potential to negatively affect street life.

On the other hand, if the canal is being extended to bring interest and activity to other areas of downtown, similar to what it has brought Bricktown, then by all means go for it. Though I would point out that it is a combination of the canal and the building that surround the canal that have made it successful. Still, the canal passing by the Ford Center could create a wonderful public space that is great for entertainment and events. It could be really cool.

Either way – and I really am happy with whatever happens – I think the more important issue is where pedestrians fall on the priority list of those in charge of building and maintaining our downtown streets. Perhaps they could also fund the construction of pedestrian curb bump-outs on every intersection in downtown to shorten crossing distances and improve safety – this is just one example of the type of small interventions that could make things dramatically better.

Anyway, I am a huge fan of Urban Neighbors and everything they are doing for downtown, so if they want it, then they can have my vote!