Streetscape Phase II is in full swing and promises to make more of Holden street pretty. Why then am I reminded of a number of classic films and TV programs? Could it be – "Tales from the Bumpout Zone?"

We certainly have some monsters out there as we try to cope with the "Invasion of the Tire Smashers." Some, I am told, even have names. The one at the corner of Railroad and Holden is most assuredly "The Thing," while the new set at Hout and Holden will be, simply, "Them." The rest are a Frankenstein's creation of obstacles to turns by large vehicles and by unalert, impaired or inexperienced drivers.

I've talked to some downtown retail business owners who are concerned that they are being revisited by "Dracula," the access problems that sucked their customers away during Phase I. Worse, like the passenger who sees the gremlin tearing up the aircraft engine, they think their concerns are brushed aside at the Wednesday evening briefings. For businesses with tight margins, any loss of customers could bring the "Wolf Man" to the door.

Perhaps the hope is that after beautification downtown will arise like Imhotep (the "Mummy"). Taken in conjunction with the Trails Library move to the fringe of downtown, I'm afraid that we'll look at a pretty street without viable businesses. Then we will say, "it was beauty that killed downtown."