Omaha By Design: Omaha, Only Better

by Ken Mayer

The Internet is a great thing, giving us the ability to get more done in less time and communicate better. And since much of what goes on in cyberspace can be browsed, forwarded or even posted on social networking sites, it’s become a new kind of public space. But, despite the newness and modernity of the Internet, it seems to me that many of the same old considerations still apply.

Establishing a presence in a new public space incurs certain responsibilities. Just as making your snail mail address or phone number available to others signals your willingness to communicate, so does an email address.

In my opinion, this implied social contract becomes even more important when you have undertaken the job of doing the people’s business. It means you will not only respond, but you will actually act on messages because, well, that’s what you were elected or employed to do.

Case in point. Last summer as I resumed my practice of walking to the Old Market to have coffee, read the paper and enjoy public space, I was struck by the condition of the area of 13th Street under the railroad tracks. For many years my bicycle rides had taken me under the tracks at 7th as well, and it is in equally poor shape. Now, maybe I’m overly sensitive about such things as a result of working with Omaha by Design for years, but I thought that it was bad enough to say something about.

So I sent off an email to the Mayor’s Hotline, my city councilman, the public works department and the public relations departments of both the railroads that I knew used those lines.

Here’s what I pointed out about 7th, 13th and 14th streets beneath the tracks:

• The sidewalks are badly cracked, water leaks create constant mud and walls are deteriorating, posing slip and trip hazards.

• Bird droppings abound, presenting a health threat.

• Lighting is so poor that walking beneath the tracks after dark seems ill advised.

I figured I’d covered the bases. I was wrong.

My councilman replied that he thought it was the railroad’s responsibility but that he would have a staff member verify. I never heard from the staffer.

The Mayor’s Hotline responded that the message had been forwarded to public works. Of course, they could easily see that office as an addressee on the original message. No reply was forthcoming from public works either way.

One of the railroads failed to reply, but then, about a week later, a ray of hope. The UP Public Relations Department wrote, “Union Pacific is currently working with the City of Omaha on lighting improvements for the 7th and 13th Street pedestrian underpasses.”

Indeed, in the ensuing weeks, new lighting was installed. Apparently city officials and workers either weren’t aware of plans to do this or figured I would be satisfied by their buck passing.

That said, I offer a couple of modest proposals:

1. The trains are an important part of the city’s heritage so both public officials and the railroaders ought to work together to make things look good, particularly along streets like 13th. It’s the southern gateway to Downtown, the Old Market and an Area of Civic Importance. I’ve said as much to those working on the new Downtown Master Plan.

2. Our public officials, elected or not, need to represent. I’ve witnessed all too much spin and buck passing at public gatherings and on the Internet. Just because the issue raised is “not your job,” doesn’t mean you suddenly aren’t a representative of your organization, in this case, city government. To that end, as a voter and a taxpayer, I’ll be seeking candidates in the upcoming election who have at the very least, demonstrated some ability to take responsibility and follow through.