Editorial
Capital Avenue Project
There is a familiar song lyric, “Everything Old is New Again”, that I’m reminded of it every time I see progress on the Capitol Avenue project. Mayor Davlin and the City Aldermen should be congratulated for reestablishing the RUDAT Follow-up Committee. Chairman Paul O’Shea and committee members have keep the focus on this downtown project which was actually first discussed 80 years ago. Yes, this concept is similar to a 1925 Comprehensive City Plan that was adopted by the City Council long ago.
In 1917, George Pasfield, Jr. and the Park Board he lead endorsed a plan to purchase the block adjacent to the Lincoln Homestead for a public park with the improvement of Capitol Ave from the park to the Capitol Grounds. Pasfield called for and served on the committee which oversaw this 1925 City Plan, calling for a Grand Capitol Boulevard with a transportation hub at the east end at 18th Street.
Much of the 1925 Comprehensive City Plan still makes good sense today. It concludes by stating “While all projects set forth herein may never be realized, a great good will come if they are but given serious consideration”. I’m seeing a lot of “serious consideration” lately in Springfield, Thanks to those who are involved; I’m reminded of another popular song lyric, “This time it’s going to happen”.