The baby carriage and the paving bricks; Or the recent DOT meeting; Or the importance of being a vigilent reporter

Some of my most devoted readers have written me wondering why I am going to all these meetings. Yes, even I have wondered occasionally. But last week, in the midst of an otherwise sleepy DOT meeting, came a "What's it all about Alfie moment." It has energized me to stay alert always for breaking news even in the most tiring of times.

Yes, there were some facts at the DOT meeting last Thursday. The DOT listened to input and made no changes. No story there. The 2006, 2007, and 2008 sequence of repairs to Madison Street were the only possiblity. No skipping 2006. And yes, there was the possiblity of widening the turning lanes at Madison and Water, and also Madison and Old 92, but the City would have to pay for any land purchase and would have to let the DOT know pronto so the design could be changed.

Then, the meeting lurched into a long discussion of the mysteries of asphalt. And then about paving bricks. Just as I was starting to doze to sleep, one of our most distinguished downtown leaders was heard to wonder aloud, " I just can't imagine using paving bricks on crosswalks. That would be awful rough on a baby in a stroller, wouldn't you think? "

Startled, I grabed for my pen! The DOT engineering types were tounge tied. Nothing in their vast training had prepared them for a question like this! Any memories of youthful bouncing in a stroller had been purged long ago. Other junior alderman were also unsure of how to respond to such a profound question.

Finally, the old pro, Bill Hammann, took charge as chairman, and said, "Jeff, are you trying to tell us something? Jeff, a little startled himself, replied, " Well, no, we are not expecting a child or anything....not that we would not love to have kids....but....I guess it's just not in the cards. "

The tension was broken. Peace was restored. It was back to asphalt again. It had looked for a moment like a public works meeting was going to delve into private works, but due to the skillful leadership of Bill Hammann, order was restored.

But, I was there, and will be there, as The Observer, just in case something of interest happens on this story or any other.