[Mpls] Naming the Bridge

[Dean Zimmermann]

About the Midtown Greenway List: Matty Lang said:  > I'll comment on the
bridge.  As far as I know, the Park Board has nothing to
> do with it.  Nevertheless, with all due respect to Martin (of whom I'm a
big
> fan and very grateful for his work) I think naming the bridge the "Midtown
> Greenway Bridge" makes some sense.  Just a thought.  (I know it's a little
> late as I think the City Council approved the name at last Friday's
meeting).
>
> Matty Lang

The City Council did not act on this last Friday.  It was sent back to the
Transportation and Public Works Committee and the committee today postponed
action on it.   There is a great push to name the midtown greenway bridge
over Hiawatha after Martin Sabo.  

I think the bridge is great art and I like it on that basis alone.  I must
confess, however, that I am just a bit skeptical about whether or not people
will actually use it.  Time will tell.  My gut feeling is that I will prefer
to cross at grade rather than taking a longer and steeper route over the
bridge - but I don't even know for sure what my preference will be.  

I certainly want to honor Congressman Sabo for his long and effective
advocacy for the people of Minneapolis.  It is hard to imagine how he could
have done a better job of bringing home the bacon for his constituents.  My
only concern is: If this bridge does end up not being used (as many previous
pedestrian bridges have) it could end up as an anti-honor to whomever it is
named for.

I also have misgivings about naming things after people who are still alive.
As long as they are still alive, they still have a chance to do something
that will be real embarrassing. 

Peace,
 
Dean Zimmermann
Mpls City Council - Ward 6