STAFF ED: Centennial Mall shouldn’t be paved, just parked

The Lincoln City Council heard a proposal in September that would change and update Centennial Mall. The mall, which stretches from R Street by the Nebraska Union to the Capitol building, is currently in a state of disrepair, with cracked sidewalks and empty, leaf-filled fountains.

It is obvious that change is needed. However, the council should look closely at the options for the space.

The current proposal would include a space for cars to pass along with large sidewalks and more green space. This doesn't sound like a bad plan, but can't they do better?

It's not necessary to have any asphalt in that space. Cars can easily go a few more yards to 14th Street if they want to head toward campus.

An informal survey of students in Andersen Hall, which sits on the mall, showed overwhelming support for a park area over a street – nine out of 10 students preferred green space over pavement.

Another option could be putting in a parking lot, which could potentially relieve crowded lots on campus or allow more parking for crowded game days. This isn't the ideal – only one student supported having a parking lot outside of Andersen over putting in a new park.

If the city is going to change Centennial Mall (which they absolutely should), planners should make sure the new space is something that is needed and wanted by the people who use it. If it can't be a nice park and walkway, then make it something useful like a parking lot. But the idea of adding yet another street is silly. Lincoln drivers don't need to be able to cut through there, so why add a street?

Renovating the space doesn't have to mean changing the spirit behind it. Centennial Mall has had green space and fountains for decades, and has been a nice view that allows students and the public alike to enjoy their walk to work or class. The city council should carefully weigh the options as this plan progresses and think about what would be a better use of space – a beautiful new park or just another street.

opinion@dailynebraskan.com