Friday, March 29, 2024

Join our email blast

Your Money

What’s in the future names?

2/12/2014

Loved Chad Taylor’s cover story (“What’s in a Name,” Feb. 6) and history lesson on the past naming of streets in Des Moines. We have war heros to secretaries along with a smattering of presidents and rich guys to round out those who are remembered with names on public properties.

Will the legacy of our current generation use the same method of naming streets? We know from recent examples, such as changing Nollen Plaza to Cowles Commons and Harding Road to MLK Parkway, that nothing is permanent. And, of course, with the move to have almost everything from rest stops to Veterans Memorial Auditorium sponsored, maybe future articles will include those who write a check. 

I can’t afford to sponsor Grand Avenue, but I might be able to splurge for a dark alley or remote cul de sac.

Mike Rowley
–Clive

 

Agrees with Taylor, but not with Gartner

CNA - Stop HIV Iowa

“No offense, Des Moines, but, in general, we’re ignorant of our own history. The capital city, much more so than many other cities of comparable size, is almost devoid of markers denoting its own past.”

Chad Taylor is right.

For instance, I think there should be something at Sixth and Holcomb to commemorate the first professional baseball game ever played anywhere under permanent lights. It happened there, on property that’s now the home of North High School, in 1930. I propose a bronze marker in the shape of home plate flanked by some park benches, perhaps illuminated for nighttime viewing (given the event it remembers), and I have already composed an appropriate inscription. I aim to see this done. Last week I emailed Mayor Cownie on this very subject, and I can’t wait to hear his thoughts…

(In a second letter to the editor): This excerpt ends Michael Gartner’s thorough summary of the proposed monstrosity development at the storied site near Dyersville (Civic Skinny, Feb. 6):

“So far, says a man who keeps tabs on the project, ‘all the developers have done is erect a multi-yard silt fence next to a creek that runs through that land.’ He adds: ‘It’s doubtful that anything will ever be built there.’

At the very least, it doesn’t look good.”

I disagree. Looks pretty good to me.

Mike Wellman
–Des Moines

CORRECTION: Ron Evison, owner of Delta House Bar and Grill, was mistakenly called Rob Evison in last week’s Belly Up.

Send your opinions to Cityview, 414 61st Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312. Fax us at 953-1394, or e-mail us at letters@dmcityview.com. Please limit letters to 200 words or less. Cityview reserves the right to edit for length and clarity. The writer’s address and daytime phone number will not be printed, but must be given for verification.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*