The Public Spaces Listserve is an open forum for people of all backgrounds to discuss the pressing (and sometimes not-so-pressing) issues concerning public spaces. Below are some highlights from recent discussions.

On SITTING DOWN ON PUBLIC STEPS

...Noticing that all the quarter-acre of steps were blocked off with a tired rope, I wondered what was to be feared from people sitting on steps.

Then came the nice, young policeman. "Excuse me, miss, but you can't sit there."

"I can't sit down in a public place?" I challenged.

To his credit, he kept moving down the stairs as he weakly responded, "But it's blocked off..." Poor soul, he probably has no more idea why it's roped off than I do. I did shortly move on, but felt emboldened by my response, and by my presence among so many who fight daily for the right to enjoy the commons.

- Lisa Johnson

On URBAN MALLS

I spent eight years as manager of Dufferin Mall in Toronto's west end. Using the mall as a resource for the neighborhood we developed a series of programs that benefited both us as a business and the neighborhood, i.e. family center, youth services office, breast feeding room, youth theatre, retail education program, secondary school scholarship program, west end education symposium, etc. as investments in the neighborhood - all created by neighborhood people. As managers we were catalysts, not operators. We did two things well: listened, and put into practice what we heard. Our business philosophy: the better the quality of neighborhood life the better the business environment.

- D. Hall

I just don't think malls belong in city neighborhoods. What makes a neighborhood vibrant and livable is maintaining a mix of uses within walking distance. Destination-shopping does not contribute, unless it is a village commons.

- Patrick Druhan

On THE JOYS OF PUBLIC MARKETS

What I love about managing the market in Islington is sort of making it up as we go along and learning from experience. And my favorite thing is watching the producers laying out their stalls beautifully, early in the morning before the arrival of the customers and the drawn-out chatting during packing-up time.

- Jo Foster

On THE PROS AND CONS OF STARBUCKS

Starbucks is applying to local zoning board to replace long-empty gas station along Route 1 in center of a bisected community, Cos Cob, CT. A local community group has for several years tried to buy the small parcel for a park -- the property is next to small, mostly decorative, pocket park and backs onto a pond -- but the owner declined and now has opportunity to lease to Starbucks. I believe the model Starbucks is proposing is a corridor strip model -- grab and go, depending primarily on auto traffic, and the community is trying to stop at all cost -- using traffic, parking, watershed and pollution remediation issues.

But I am wondering if Starbucks might be convinced to change their plans to a more urban, pedestrian oriented model that helps alleviate the bisection of the Main Street community by a state highway -- creating a community attraction to the less active side of the village, which euphemistically is called The Hub.

I'm concerned that the "stop Starbucks" campaign will prevent the community from gaining a real community-building asset. And I question whether any families will enjoy and use the added parkland, except to glance at the view as they whip by in their cars.

- Betsy Hand

Would the Starbucks be better than the old gas station? I think it would, but you're right, the model of the grab-and-go coffee convenience store is not as good as it could be. The coffee shop would be wise to take advantage of the pocket park, and encourage patrons to sit outside and in the park.

As far as negotiation, rather than simply say "No Starbucks!" could the opponents ask Starbucks to specifically help improve the pedestrian character of the street at that location, and encourage more pedestrian access on that side of the highway? Are there sidewalks in place, connecting people to the Starbucks parcel and the park? Are there places to sit in the "decorative park"? Is there a signalized intersection near the site to encourage people to cross, or can the able-bodied make a dash for it mid-block? Perhaps the Cos Cob town fathers need to step up and help fix the limited amenities the park offers today. Is Starbucks the excuse to invest some public money in making a safer and more attractive place to walk?

Starbucks could be called on to address these concrete concerns and offer a community service by filling these gaps as they might exist in the pedestrian environment.

- John Hooker

Another benefit of a coffeeshop, of any brand, is the fact that they are by nature people places, often with outdoor seating. They can be trailblazers in enlivening places.

- Jeremy Fretts

On THE PUBLIC SPACES LISTSERVE

This list serve sometimes feels like a link to sanity.

- Jessica Terdeman