Seattlest doesn't really have an opinion on the tree-cutting scheduled to take place in Occidental Square. Strange, but true. We kind of like it as is, but it can be kind of dim even when there is actual sun shining. It seems to us that the only thing the park really lacks is foot traffic that isn't hustling to or from a stadium - Actual people and their random activities tend to work wonders on public spaces. Occidental always struck us as a perfect place to sit at an outdoor cafe and people watch, except, well, minus all the people.
So, trees or no trees we'd like to see something happen there. We're a little less enthused about the twenty benches that are going to be removed as well. If memory serves these are already the single seat, ain't no one laying down here no way no how variety which is a part of the overhaul pertaining to the wholly unnecessary de-homelessification of the square. What are they going to do? Remove every surface on which a man can sit and install those spiky anti-pigeon strips in their place?
There is a suit to stop the city from acting on its tree-cutting propensities, but the plaintiffs recently missed a dead-line recently so the chainsaws could be doing their work soon.

Tuesdays are Muppet Days


I wish they'd just put a bunch of moveable chairs and tables there, a la Bryant Park in NYC. Surprisingly, the tables and chairs don't get stolen often, because they are corralled at night, and because there's usually a security officer watching during the day. Gives people a place to sit outside when it's nice.
http://www.ohnoyoudont.net/