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Published on 05/20/1996 All articles from this issue

Editorial

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A few improvements would go a long way for the plaza

Our downtown Community Plaza is a great idea. Its locationat the gateway to downtown Los Altos provides a gracious entrancebesides being a convenient meeting place.

We acknowledge and commend those involved in bringing the plazato Los Altos in the first place, especially the vision and leadershipof former mayor Jane Reed. It was while Reed was executive directorof the Los Altos Village Association that her dream of a plazawas formulated. Her suggested plan included a large "Welcometo Los Altos" sign, a decorative fountain, brick inscriptions,flag poles, a public clock, a stage, shade trees and colorfulflower pots. Most of her ideas were implemented. Under her leadership,the plaza became a reality through a special partnership: thecity (public works), a local business (Citibank) and a non-profitservice club (Rotary).

Yet the brick- and concrete-covered plaza still needs additionallandscaping. From our perspective, the plaza looks somewhat barren,void of activity except for skateboarders and Rollerbladers. Itscenterpiece is an almost dormant spruce tree. There is littlecolor and the lack of foliage translates to a lack of shade. Somethink that the benches facing the street should face the plaza.

A nine-member community plaza ad hoc committee (see story, page6), chaired by architect Mark Sandoval and made up of local architectsand landscape specialists, has worked for many hours since lastsummer. They now propose more landscaping and shading, among otherdetails, to enhance the plaza. We think their recommendationshave merit and the city would do well to take them seriously.

A flower bed of colorful perennials could replace the spruce treefor 10 months of the year. And then a new 20-foot Christmas treecould be installed every year during the Christmas holiday season,Nov. 15 to Jan. 5, for the official tree-lighting ceremony andholiday pageantry. The Town Crier pledges to be a participantin providing the funds for installation of the annual Christmastree.

Is a sparkling fountain beyond the realm of possibility? We thinknot. Citizens who agree could step up and offer ways in whichsuch an addition could be financed.

A few additional large shade trees along both Main and State streetswould attract coffee drinkers, brown bag lunchers and after-workloungers. With the addition of new restaurants along State Streetand this week's opening of Marjolaine French Bakery at 134 MainSt., the plaza more than ever needs to provide a good balanceof sun and shade.

The plaza already is a wonderful example of what can happen whenone person with a vision inspires a partnership of the city, abusiness and a community service club. Such a partnership cancontinue. But new players are needed. We know the city does nothave the funds available for these improvements. But perhaps thoseof us who use and want to enjoy the plaza more can get involvedto make it happen.

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