Held Back

I can understand how property owners in low-lying areas would be nervous about anyone touching the levees. But it's annoying that obscure private interests seem to have cut off any real discussion about how a public-works project might also be used to improve the quality of life for everyone in town. The police department, after all, doesn't answer first to homeowners with the most expensive jewel collections.

I recently took a look at what we're missing. I parked my car in the River Market and headed to the pedestrian pier at the end of Main.

My walk along the river was short.

The trail ended at the ASB Bridge, where a railroad had posted no-trespassing signs. Across the river, colored leaves fell from trees into the water, a beautiful sight beheld by virtually no one.