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 public vs. farmers markets

I love all outdoor markets and the energy they generate, but I do want to point out the very important difference between public markets and true farmers markets which is that the true farmers market offers products grown or produced by the seller. This crucial point makes it possible for farmers to make a living (they cannot compete with resellers) and once resellers are allowed to sell, it is a different dynamic around "cheap" rather than distinctive quality, freshness, ripeness, local product.

Mary K. Holmes

The public market usually attracts people in a downtown setting by offering items they need daily.... To most shoppers the public market is not a destination spot but where they live or work. A farmers' market attracts the leisure shopper and the tourist as a destination spot for sure. People drive long distances to see the fun. But the farmers' market also attracts the shopper that wants to support the local farmer, the local economy or who wants to know where they food comes from. These people try to spend most of their dollars in local markets and they are the early shoppers, the cult shoppers and they are the loyal, even in the rain shoppers.

Sandy Saye Baton Rouge, LA

Advice on building a main street

If it is indeed a rural small town, please please keep the main street as narrow as possible, curbside parking on both sides. Short blocks with frequent cross streets for local access to parking behind (no curbcuts if at all possible), and human scale buildings (2-3 stories max)? Small storefronts with lots of windows at grade level, sidewalk cafes and displays. Sidewalks don't have to be too wide, but pedestrian comfort and convenience comes first at all times... Most importantly, give priority and incentives to one-off local businesses and craftspeople, and strictly control the chains, not permitting them being preferable.

Frank Ducote Vancouver, BC

On design guidelines

The biggest reason to have some sort of design guidelines is to reduce if not eliminate the "matter of right" that normally comes with conforming zoning. At least in Washington, except in the "nicest" areas, matter of right tends to result in some really atrocious crap. I just learned that the Zoning Commission is considering making libraries "matter of right." Normally one would think that would be a good thing -- I adore libraries myself. However, the DC government probably hasn't built one decent looking building in at least 20 years, so this is just one other way to diminish the quality of the built environment in the neighborhoods.

Richard Layman Washington, DC

On Denver's Skyline Park

I strongly disagree with the assertion that Denverites do not get the built environment or do not appreciate modernist designs. What they do not appreciate is public spaces that are not pedestrian-friendly and that are completely alien to the outdoor, egalitarian and open lifestyle of the West and of Denver and its great parks legacy in particular.

John Desmond Denver, CO

The arguments in favor of density make sense, but in Boise the decision makers are destroying a national historic district and local conservation district for high density, without consideration of the range of losses and impacts.

The process for demolishing these cultural resources is simple - apply for the permit, prove insurance, and entire blocks of identified historical and cultural resources can be hit with the wrecking ball within days, without any kind of public process or notification?

The City's arguments for demolishing heritage for high density projects ring hollow since they are approving annexations and new sprawling subdivisions in mass quantities. All provisions for historic preservation and maintaining community quality in the Comprehensive Plan are being ignored, the City claiming "broad discretion" in following policies, goals, and objectives.

Cherie Cole Boise, ID

On volunteerism

While I have great respect for the bejeweled ladies who give huge money to the Central Park Conservancy (folks like me write very small checks to the group) and the extraordinary work of Bette Midler and NY Restoration in saving community gardens and fixing up parkland in underserved communities of color, I believe that the story of individual community garden groups who clean up rubble, crime and rodent filled city lots and turn them into great urban oases are the great public green space volunteer story of the late 20th century.

Adam Honigman New York, NY