Went to a meeting of the West End Neighborhood Association last week where one of the topics of discussion was whether or not the city should sell Congress Square Park to the owners of the Westin Portland Harborview Hotel so they can construct an events center there. The tension is beginning to mount on this one, but everyone was civil. Representatives of the hotel gave a slide presentation and talk, as did Friends of Congress Square Park, a citizens group opposed to the sale, and discussion ensued. The hotel people turned out not to be ugly ogres at all, and the Friends behaved well, which sometimes members of citizens groups do not.
Essentially, what the hotel is proposing is an addition which would take up about two-thirds of Congress Square Park. The proposed events center would front on Congress Street, be about one-story high, and have a glassed-in front. It would come to within 48 feet of the street, and would leave a 30-foot wide corridor between the proposed addition and the side of the brick building to the right.
They say that Congress Square Park will be replaced by what will be called Congress Square Plaza, the space becoming a plaza, in the same way that Monument Square is not a park, but a plaza. There will be benches for public seating in front of the hotel, there will be a wide canopy under which people can seek shelter from the elements, and the area will feature attractive trees and other plantings. The space will be very inviting, they promise, and will be conducive to some degree of public gathering, in the same way that Monument Square is.
The central point of Friends of Congress Square Park is that public spaces are critical to the overall appeal and livability of a city and that the city should not even be considering selling a public park to a private concern. Once the space is gone, they say, it's gone forever, and no matter what amenities it might contain, a plaza is not a park.
When it was constructed about 30 years ago, Congress Square Park seemed to be a great boon to the city. People sat and ate lunch there, they played chess and checkers at tables that were installed along the side wall, and there were public events, like dance performances and movies nights. The first big event held in the park featured all 50 U.S. governors visiting Portland for the National Governors Conference sitting around a long table eating lobster. The worry was that a downpour would result in waves of water cascading down over the steps and washing over their feet, but it didn't happen.
We're all familiar with what did happen as time went on. When events weren't scheduled "street people" took the park over and the general public pretty much ceded the space to them. Efforts were made to deal with the situation, but nothing seemed to work. Can't bar people from a public space based on their appearance, after all.
After years of trying this and that to deal with the situation and experiencing little success, the City Council decided to contact the new owners of the hotel to see if they might have an interest in acquiring the space. Yes, that's the way it went. RockBridge Capital, the company that owns Westin Portland Harborview Hotel, bought the Eastland with the understanding that Congress Square Park would remain public. They didn't approach the city about buying the park, the city approached them.
Can't really blame RockBridge for developing an interest after they were contacted about it. They were happy with their purchase of the Eastland, even without the park, but acquiring the park would be an added bonus. The city is about to be overrun by new hotels, each one is looking for an edge, and dominating a major intersection in the center of town has a definite appeal.
So RockBridge isn't the nemesis here, the city is. Hey, the city dropped the ball in the first place. The park should have been better managed right along. Even a casual analysis of the situation would have told the city what would happen if it didn't pay proper attention. There should have been more scheduled events, there should have been a regularly manned kiosk in the park, and more attention should have been paid to policing and maintenance. We're not talking Deering Oaks here, after all. One look at the demographics of Congress Square should have been enough to alert the powers that be to the high-maintenance required to maintain a public park there.
Alright, so the city tested the waters and found out that there's a good deal of public opposition to selling the park; and RockBridge, while it would be happy to acquire the park and build their events center there, remains well satisfied with their original purchase and plan. They have clearly stated that they don't need to acquire the park for their new hotel to be successful.
The city needs to withdraw its offer to sell the park to Rockbridge and then take it upon itself to manage it in the way it should have been managed right along. Now that the Eastland has been sold, the obligation to do that is even more pressing than it was before.
For its part, the hotel might be well advised to construct their events center where the present "L" extension of the present hotel exists. That would front the events center on the park, and if the city upholds its obligation to run the park properly, the events center will dominate Congress Square in much the same way that it would were its front entrance closer to the street.
The discussion continues, and if you'd like to be a part of it you can go to the City Council Chambers on Wednesday, May 29, at 5 p.m., where the Council will be convening a single-item agenda meeting to receive public input on the matter.
This is a big one. Let's get it right.

(Cliff Gallant of Portland is a regular columnist for The Portland Daily Sun. Email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .)

Fewer knights jousting around on RenissanceFair.com this morning? Your download speeds picking up because the neighbors stopped Bogarting your WiFi?
Plentiful seating at the non-glare table down at your local coffeehouse?
Relax. It's temporary.
There's a geek rapture this weekend.
The new "Star Trek Into Darkness" movie is into "wide open release" after some 3D showings. You could say it's been anticipated with the sort of angst usually reserved for the Second Coming, except that this is actually the 12th Star Trek movie.
Such were the 3D showings that, on Thursday morning, it was already hard for those gathered at Coast City Comics (a kind of sci-fi nerd/geek mecca complete with pinball machines) to place the exact opening date of the "lesser" version of the film.
(It's everywhere this weekend.)
C3 is not the place for overly casual Star Trek. This is a place where grown men talking about taking their FATHERS to the big Star Trek convention in Vegas, where they personally drew images of the stars for future autographs.
No, at Coast City they could care less about 2D openings because owner Tristan Gallagher had closed the shop early on Wednesday to catch the 3D Star Trek opening down at the IMAX in Saco.
They had posted a sign on the door, in front of a poster for the film, that had for days warned that "... we will be closed at 7:00 p.m. sharp (underlined) on Wednesday, May 15, so we can see Star Trek in IMAX. Look at this poster: can you blame us?!"
By all accounts making the opening credits was a close call, with employees entering early to "reserve" seats, itself a controversial custom for such events. Fresh in the memory of everyone is the "The incident" at Comic-Con where one guy got stabbed in the eye over a "held" seat.
Where, oh where, are the flying cars when we need them?
So what's the review from geekville?
It gets the Double-A rating: awesome AND amazing.
It also has Gallagher swearing off any movie blockbusters NOT in 3D.
Along with the just how good the movie looks, he liked that the filmmakers "did a ton of homage" to the old Star Trek, but usually (not always) stopped short of too much fan appeasement. He also noted, as have others, that it's difficult to even discuss the film without giving stuff away.
How intoxicating was it?
This was Thursday morning, more than 12 hours after viewing, and he was still saying that the performance by Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays a bad guy, was good enough to warrant a big-budget, American-made Dr. Who movie, just so Mr. Cumberbatch can star.
Now, that's drunk talk ... for translation purposes, that's an opinion only slightly less favorable than the Los Angeles Times movie critic who says the film "... wears its politics, its mettle, its moxie and its heart on its ginormous 3-D sleeve."
The politics?
Yes, the keepers of the Star Trek flame take a strong cultural stand against terrorism!
Do not scoff. The "star trek effect" has shaped much of modern life.
Those early "flip" cell phones were clearly modeled after communicators and the "mini-van" is just an Earth-bound shuttlecraft.
Terrorism seems a bit obvious to you? Then check the original series: Episodes where a planet is wiped out in a war between the half-whites vs. the half-blacks? Where cute Tribbles offer a brutal lesson in ecology? (That was based in part upon the problems Aussies had with rabbits, which over-ran their habitat because they had no natural predators, but that's another story.)
And while the "force" may belong to another sci-fi franchise, the Star Trek pioneers still have synchronicity: How else explain how somebody can be on their way to research "Into Darkness" at Coast City Comics and see a mint-condition vinyl of "Inside Star Trek," a 1976 LP that offered insight into the series?
The name of the shop? "Enterprise Records."
Inside, Bob is behind the counter and didn't even know the new movie existed. He didn't put the record in the window because of the premier, but "because I thought somebody would buy it."
No need to rush to the Enterprise, though.
Like so many of us this weekend, that album has been beamed aboard.

(Curtis Robinson is the founding editor of The Portland Daily Sun.)

Judging by reader response to last week's column on T.E. Lawrence, it's apparent the man known as Lawrence of Arabia is popular worldwide, and deserves a sequel.
One of the most learned and validating replies was from Jacob Rosen, a veteran Israeli diplomat and former ambassador to Jordan. Ambassador Rosen sent along a 2011 article of his on the subject of Lawrence, in which he astutely noted the visceral importance of "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" as it applied to doers — soldiers and diplomats — on the ground:
"Lawrence taught that the first step is to map as soon as possible the tribal composition in one's theater of operations. One should be acquainted as closely as possible with the intricate and delicate interrelations between the various tribal confederations. It is no less important than being acquainted with the order of battle of the enemy on the other side."
Spoken like someone who had walked in Lawrence's sand tracks.
More than two decades ago, as an Army captain during the Gulf War, I was deployed to Sinai, where my unit's mission was to support the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel.
Small successes which led to collective peace were everywhere, given the willingness of both countries to hold the line. Despite Saddam Hussein's frequent SCUD missile strikes and chemical threats, restraint ruled the border. Credit for this was shared with the native Bedouin tribes, who had also been key players in "Seven Pillars."
The multinational force employed Bedouins, and their local influence was considerable; many had relatives in different tribes — something I noticed immediately. One of those was Walid (not his actual name, for security reasons) a supervisor who could grind any operation to a halt. His father was a tribal elder.
In 1991, when the monsoons diverted desert wadis from their streambeds, several convoy routes were washed away and our engineers needed help with repairs. As my unit's operations officer, I went to Walid to find a solution.
It was a mutual audience. Following local custom — Lawrence's dictum to know your tribes — I brought an offering of coveted American cigarettes.
After some chit-chat, local pastries and coffee, I explained the need for action. Walid looked at me through a tobacco haze, glanced at the name on my uniform, and blurted: "Halkias — this is not Smith — what is this?" Sensing an opening, I replied the name was Greek.
Walid found his own foothold: "Ah, so you know our people! I will get the workers you need, but I need something from you in return!"
The bazaar was in full swing. Walid continued: "My father has terrible ulcers. I need this American drug, Zantac. It's the only thing that works, and no one gets it for me! Two years I try; every American says no! You go, Captain. I know you will get this for me. Your engineers will have their help!"
He picked up a phone to bark commands, vanishing back into nicotine fog.
Beating feet to headquarters, I grabbed a satellite handset and called my girlfriend in the States. Waking her in the middle of the night, she thought I had lost my mind when I told her to get her hands on Zantac, and ship it ASAP.
When the package arrived, I delivered it to Walid myself, and the Bedouins celebrated his father's intestinal relief. From that day forward, our American battalion could do no wrong with the Bedouins. When they needed to resolve "muddy boots" issues, they often asked for "the Greek captain; he understands us."
A generation later, I'm not sure how much I really understood the Bedouins. They were human beings like the rest of us. They wanted to have a connection with foreigners, but were too proud to be open about it on their home turf.
When they saw an American with darker skin and black hair who talked with his hands and knew their customs, they jumped on my friendship to fill a need, and help control their destiny. The key was trust, something T.E. Lawrence couldn't emphasize enough in "Seven Pillars."
Later that year, when I redeployed to the genteel life of a northern California graduate student, Walid humbled me with a farewell gift — an Egyptian cartouche. For the next few winters, I mailed him Zantac until learning his father had passed away.
Still, Walid assured me the American officer with a Greek name would always be welcome and have safe passage in Sinai. While I fell out of touch with my Bedouin comrade, I still consider this diplomatic episode one of my greatest achievements in uniform.
Two men, an American and an Arab, found common ground and mutual respect. If it worked then, it can work now — one person at a time. In the end, this was T.E. Lawrence's message to us, and why "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" remains a mandatory Middle East primer, worldwide.

(Telly Halkias is an award-winning freelance journalist from Portland's West End. You may contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or follow him on Twitter at @TellyHalkias.)

The Eastern Promenade "should be considered Portland's signature park in that it embodies the essential character of the city with grand sweeping views of Casco Bay." These are the opening words in the City of Portland's Master Plan for the Eastern Promenade. Adopted in 2004, the master plan is the result of a comprehensive study of the history and architecture of the Eastern Promenade along with input from Portland citizens.
The master plan provides guidance for both long- and short-term planning and improvements to the Park. It identifies the priorities and implementation process for preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, maintenance, management and care of this historic landscape. It also states "the formation of a Friends Group for the Eastern Promenade is strongly recommended."
The master plan's number one priority is resolution of public safety issues within the Park including "relocation of the commercial boat ramp to a suitable location outside the park."
A recent article suggested that "a small group of Munjoy Hill residents are attempting to close the commercial boat ramp." In fact, it is the master plan that guides the decision to relocate the ramp for the purposes of enhancing public safety and preserving historic integrity.
While the commercial boat ramp provides a vital link to the islands, the master plan recognizes the many conflicts associated with the recreational and historical intent of one of Portland's premier public assets. To address these concerns, the master plan states that relocating the commercial boat ramp and its associated materials storage outside the park "should be aggressively pursued by the city."
No fees are assessed to barge operators utilizing this public facility; yet, the weight and volume of commercial vehicles driving to and from the ramp is taking a toll on the Park's infrastructure.
Last spring, the city contracted with a marine engineering firm to identity functional, environmental, and constructability options as well as probable construction costs for other sites. Hydrographic surveys were conducted to estimate the amount of dredge and fill quantities. In addition, the City Manager's annual Capital Improvements Program recognizes a request from the Department of Public Services to consider funding for engineering, site development and construction of a new commercial boat landing in FY15.
Barge operators utilizing the commercial boat ramp were interviewed to provide input into the study; as they did during the public process creating the master plan. Findings from this study will be used to determine a possible alternate site. As an interim measure, the city is taking steps to better manage operations and communications with barge operators by building on past access agreements for storage of materials and equipment waiting to be shipped to the islands.
Overall, recreational park use is on the rise, as evidenced by the number of people walking, biking, running, rollerblading, sledding or taking some quiet time to enjoy the spectacular views along the Eastern Promenade. Water use also has expanded in recent years. On a summer day, large numbers of kayaks, windsurfers, dinghies, paddleboards, racing skulls and small boats may be bobbing in the water. The increased use makes relocating the commercial boat ramp to a more appropriate setting an even more pressing concern.
As with all projects impacting the Park, there will be several opportunities to review any proposals and provide ideas, comments and concerns. It is the hope of Friends of the Eastern Promenade that the outcome will ensure our beloved park is a safer place for all to enjoy.
Founded in 2006, Friends of the Eastern Promenade, currently has over 250 members through out the Portland Community. Join us and help support our efforts to preserve, protect and enhance the Eastern Promenade. More information is available at our website; EasternPromenade.org

(Diane Davison is a long-time resident of Munjoy Hill and President of Friends of the Eastern Promenade.)