The change: It's not about the art. It is about who decided.

It does not surprise us that city and Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. officials do not think there is any controversy in the community surrounding the art pieces that have been placed in the middle of the downtown Streetscape project.

Or that they think that there are only a few people talking about it.

And it also does not surprise us that some of them think any objection to the artwork is merely a common man's reaction to art -- that those who are complaining don't like it because they do not understand it.

Well, let's address the first. We are sorry to tell city officials that there are quite a few people upset over the art placement -- and even more making fun of it.

The reason is not because of the artwork itself. There are many people who like modern art and who would not have objected to the pieces being placed in a more appropriate setting -- perhaps a downtown area designated for such a purpose.

They don't think the art pieces look right downtown -- and they are equally concerned about the nearly $400,000 fountain.

But what is bothering most people, many of whom are speaking to us and to others, is the way the decision was made -- and who made it.

No matter what downtown designer Allison Platt and DGDC officials say, the Streetscape project was pitched as a historic downtown renovation.

That means, keeping the integrity of the downtown's historical feel was an integral part of the plan. In fact, mention was made that Goldsboro could capitalize on its historic look to draw tourists to the town who might be following the Civil War trails.

We also find it odd that there are historical guidelines being developed for the rest of the merchants and businesses to follow -- what for?

This current setup was not the plan.

There were supposed to be trees, room for residents to meet and talk and an open and inviting look that suggested a quaint and lovely town.

There were supposed to be a clock tower and a fountain -- all of which looked nothing like what is currently downtown.

And yes, the drawings looked historic -- because that is how this project was pitched.

And as for the comment that a historic downtown would not have bathrooms -- we don't think we need to tell anyone how ridiculous that statement is.

The problem is that these decisions were made and vetted by a handful of people -- most of whom had ties to DGDC -- and a designer who was given carte blanche to do as she pleased, including to repurpose a design for a fountain that did not make the cut in New Bern.

The bottom line is that this project was altered quietly, without any real effort to make sure the community knew that a major change was made. The designs were made public on a Facebook page and a not-very-well-read website and were displayed in a not-so-prominent spot in city hall. If you did not know it was there, you would have missed it.

If the officials involved in this project had wanted the community's input before the decision was made, they would have made many, many efforts to seek it.

There would have been renderings, meetings and comments.

And the community would have been able to make the decision -- yes or no.

But the taxpayers were not asked about a "city skyline-inspired" fountain or a shift that is so drastic that the downtown no longer has the same look.

And the reason that upsets the community is really quite simple.

It is their town -- and their money.

And it seems like someone at city hall forgot all of that when the meetings were held on what to do with Goldsboro's downtown.

All of this is not the fault of the downtown merchants. They have been troopers as the construction caused them to lose customers and money.

They weathered the storm because it was about their community -- and making it better.

They deserve our support and thanks. This could not have been an easy couple of years for them.

But as this project wraps up -- and perhaps more thought is given to more improvements in the downtown area -- someone needs to remember that Allison Platt is under contract with the city of Goldsboro.

That means she works for us -- and by "us" we don't just mean the people who work in city hall or the DGDC office.

There are plenty of people -- some of them whose names are associated with DGDC and other civic groups -- who could really have offered some better ideas, and if there had to be a change, who could have helped pitch this to the community the proper way.

It really could have been the community's project -- one that would have drawn hundreds to the unveiling because they were part of the decision.

And that is a loss, not only for those who have sacrificed so much waiting for this downtown renovation, but for those whose lives and families have been part of this city for generations.

What a shame.

Published in Editorials on October 18, 2015 12:00 AM