The Dilemma In Old Towne: To Park Or Not To Park
by Larry Hudson - The Desoto Tribune
By Larry Hudson/hudson@dctribune.com Wednesday, May 11, 2005 3:04 PM CDT There is an axiom in journalism that goes: "When you've got both sides mad at you, you know you're doing your job." That's been the case recently with this newspaper's coverage of Old Towne discussions about a beautification project. Apparently not everyone sees eye to eye on this issue and the intensity of the debate is linked directly to the passion that many people have for the historic section of Olive Branch. And it's easy to see where the passion is coming from. The Old Towne Association is bent on making this little part of the city a tourist attraction with a much-more inviting front that will include a small park and a statue of Lush Pun Tubby. That makes sense. I've always been in favor of preserving local history. Olive Branch is growing fast, and it's important to preserve a part of its past. However, a group of people who own property in Old Towne have different ideas. They see a loss of parking and potentially a loss of revenue under the plan that was presented to them. I can understand their concerns. If I were a property owner in Old Towne, I would want something -- no, make that a lot -- to say about not only the parking spots but everything else that goes on that might affect my business or my neighbors' business. Not all property owners in Old Towne are against the plan. Some, even though they will lose several parking spots, are in favor of it "for the good of Old Towne." The project has not advanced very far. Not everyone is even sure which plan is on the table at the moment. Not everyone is in a discussion mode at this point. Another element to consider amid all of this rhetoric is the safety factor involved in the design done by ETI of Memphis. Instead of the split entryway into Old Towne, ETI proposes pushing the two lanes together and adding a park along the side. In addition, there is a potential danger at Depot Street, where there would be no parking but a three-way intersection instead. There have been some accompanying issues as well, such as why certain streets are called alleys or avenues or boulevards, and why the statue of Lush Pun Tubby can't be displayed at the Wesson House instead of in the small park at the opening to Old Towne. It's ironic -- and it can't be ignored -- that a lively discussion over parking is whirling just a few feet away from one of the largest government parking lots in the city. That's on the new City Hall site just across the street from Old Towne. We're not sure what all of this sound and fury signifies, but we're sure of one thing -- it's going to go away for awhile, or at least until Olive Branch seats its new board of aldermen in July. Mayor Sam Rikard sees this issue as one that is not "critical to the overall mission of the City of Olive Branch." His interest is in trying to "address the concerns of the different factions involved." I like Old Towne. I've always thought it important for any community or society to know its history. You can't help but ask what would old Lush Pun Tubby contribute to all of this if he were still around today. Hopefully, a peace pipe. I mean, what would an Indian know about parking? Larry Hudson is the editor of the DeSoto County Tribune. He can be reached at (662) 895-6220.
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