For a few weeks now, whenever I have been on north Oakland, something has just seemed to be different.
It started as just a feeling – something different here … somehow it seemed the vibrancy of the street was missing.
Finally I realized that the “old” streetscape (just put in about ten years ago) had been pillaged.
In anticipation of the “new” streetscape --- all the nice benches, flower beds and trash receptacles have been taken away.
The street now looks barren and ugly …….. with paint marks all over the sidewalks and curbs.
But other than some minor work done by the gas company and the paint markings --- there has been no construction going on since the benches, plants and bins have been removed.
So why were they removed so far ahead of the scheduled work ?
I wonder how this drab look is affecting the merchants on the street ?
