Posted on 08/17/2011 6:14:23 PM PDT by Fitzy_888
The sculpture that is creating so much controversy is a memorial made out of steel from the World Trade Center.
The original plan was to place the sculpture at the Saratoga Springs City Center. But as it was built it became clear that area wouldn't be big enough to display it. Some people suggested it be placed at the fire house instead.
"I have a public safety concern because I don't want visitors in the driveway," said Mayor Scott Johnson.
Safety concerns were raised by some, size concerns were raised by others. The visitor center lawn was brought to the table as another possible location. But that was met with opposition too by people who say the sculpture doesn't fit with the visitor centers historic building.
"Alterations that don't represent the time period must be discouraged," said Lance Ingmire, from the Heritage Area Advisory Board.
"Placing this work of art there will detract from the intensity of this monumental sculpture and also diminish that beautiful building," said Maryann Bell, from Saratoga.
"You want to talk about history? Are you kidding me? Can anyone in this room say that wasn't history?" Said Doug Johnson, from Saratoga.
To find common ground the Mayor wants to send the decision to a committee. If a decision isn't made by the anniversary he says he has another plan.
"We'll have a dedication ceremony for the sculpture itself on 9/11, the 10th anniversary. We will bring it into town, accept it, then figure out where to put it after," he said.
But many who spoke at the meeting Tuesday night said the debate should end here.
"The date of September 11 need not be tempered by the memory of an endless debate," said Bob Giordano, from Saratoga Springs.
If they don’t want it, why don’t they give it yo a community that does?
It looks lovely where it is in that pic. Why not leave it there... or is that not an actual picture?
I just pulled it off the net. It was the picture that was with the article.
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