You got me there. I wouldn't want maintenance money get diverted toward building an artful bridge when bridges upstream or downstream are crumbling. However, maintenance of current infrastructure while building world-class new infrastructure needn't be mutually exclusive exercises.

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New term of the day 1/24:
Electile Dysfunction: The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for President put forth by either of only parties in the 2008 election year.
http://www.votenader.org/index.html


5/22, because i'm feeling punny:
As the great Jedi English teacher was quoted in saying, "metaphors be with you."

I guessing you didn't read the link:


So, the residents there ARE bitchy about every fricking thing, but they got something in return and kept quiet....till something goes wrong...

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I Rather Talk About HurricanesThen Pregnant Teens

And seeing that parts of the Chicago L is crumbling, I don't see how they got money for art.


BTW, our EL is almost finish reconstruction of its infrastructure to last another 100 years....

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I Rather Talk About HurricanesThen Pregnant Teens

I wasn't comparing that Chicago Phalus to anything for Philly. I was making a case for Philly to have something better for South St Bridge, and suggested Calatrava, based on seeing his other bridges, including the ones in Dallas. Having a lame car-centric bridge because it is cheap to build and thus leaving more money for maintenance shouldn't be how a world-class city thinks, that's all I'm saying.

__________________
New term of the day 1/24:
Electile Dysfunction: The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for President put forth by either of only parties in the 2008 election year.
http://www.votenader.org/index.html


5/22, because i'm feeling punny:
As the great Jedi English teacher was quoted in saying, "metaphors be with you."

No, you are not right. You sound like a hippy protestor. I would rather have a skyscraper on the waterfront than abandoned warehouses and contaminated lots. You probably prefer Delaware ave.

The view lines are only blocked for a few while the majority of the people have a better view. The skyline can now be viewed from 20 miles away.

http://img68.photobucket.com/albums/...m_detector.jpg

__________________
New term of the day 1/24:
Electile Dysfunction: The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for President put forth by either of only parties in the 2008 election year.
http://www.votenader.org/index.html


5/22, because i'm feeling punny:
As the great Jedi English teacher was quoted in saying, "metaphors be with you."

These things have a way of being accepted over time. I can still remember the horror that was expressed over the twin towers of the WTC when they were announced. (I lived there) Out of scale, shadows, banal, waste of money, ruin the skyline etc. etc. Now some people literely worship the ground they stood on. And what could be more ugly then the Eiffel Tower in Paris? I mean UGLY. People seem to love that too. While I agree (with those who think) that the Chicago Spire is an eyesore it will become an icon soon enough.

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Can’t we all just get a lawn?

Count me with Phillyaggie on this issue.

The South Street Bridge MUST be replaced -- it's not an issue of diverting funds that could be better spent on essential infrastructure to some plaything.

Given that, why not spend a little more and get something that would enhance the river and its surroundings instead of a tricked-out expressway bridge?

I mean, is it too much to even ask for something as relatively simple as this?



This is an overpass on the Merritt Parkway (1937-39) in southwestern Connecticut. The road is notable for its distinctive bridges, no two alike and all aesthetically pleasing. Where newer highways have been built across it, the bridges have not been fashioned with such care; instead, off-the-shelf standard ConnDOT designs have been used.

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Sandy Smith, Exile on Market Street, Philadelphia
“Basically I figure guns are like gays: They seem a lot more sinister and threatening until you get to know a few; and once you have one in the house, you can get downright defensive about them.” --Theresa Neilson Hayden

Given the constraints in time and budget, the community re-design of the bridge is not perfect, but pretty good. Now it needs the support of Mayor Nutter to incorporate the changes.

Inga article on South St. Bridge:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_...or_bridge.html

PDF of plan:
http://go.philly.com/bridgedesign

They need to get financing first.