Library Park Renovation Cranking Right Along

Well, the Library park renovation is progressing, much to the dismay of some of the Homeless and the glee of many of those who felt the Homeless were the reason the park was in such "terrible" trouble in the first place. I've mentioned previously that I'm withholding final judgment on the park's renovation until it is complete, as I've been told by at least two officials now that the park will still be a "park" when the work is completed, but it will be much more "user-friendly" to everyone in Nashville, not just those who want to use it for a daytime "lounge" and party spot. It's important to be fair here, and there is no doubt that the park has had its share of problems associated with some of the homeless and drunken miscreants who have belligerently and at times aggressively harassed tourists and townsfolk while at the park. There have been numerous complaints leading to arrests and some of the more disreputable visitors frequenting the park have definitely tarnished the reputation of those who spent large portions of time there, so there is certainly reason for controversy and consternation by those who believe everyone is entitled to safe and clean streets in their city. I happen to belong to this group as well, but I suspect many don't realize that there are also a lot of Homeless people who also feel the same way. A large majority of the Homeless population knew damned good and well that there would be a price to be paid for the actions of a few of their fellow compatriots, but it is also important to remember that these decent and law abiding Homeless were just as much victims of those miscreants as the rest of us are/were. They are in a rather ugly little pickle however, since they are unable to police their own ranks very effectively because they simply cannot risk being ostracized from the only "society" they can currently participate in, and there's little help from traditional methods for intervention here, since the police aren't usually quick to respond to cries of help from the Homeless. There's simply nothing worse than acquiring a "snitch" jacket among your peeps for turning in an asshole - even when it's clear that the asshole is going to destroy something good for all the Homeless. It's a tough predicament to be in and there's no simple answer..... So, here's where we're at today, about six days into the 30-day "reno" effort.... Before - August 23, 2007: Today - August 29, 2007: A city worker I spoke with while shooting these pics today mentioned that by next week, just about everything currently remaining in the park will be gone. Can't wait to see what they're going to bring in to "make it a better park."