Letter To The Editor: What is really going on with the REBRANDING and the Brooks plan for Oskaloosa?

Oskaloosa Bandstand

Editors Note: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views or opinions of Oskaloosa News.

I hear from committee members that this plan is only a lot of suggestions, but I also hear that the new brand has been chosen and see new banners hung around the square with a new logo that will replace the bandstand logo through a RE-branding endeavor (the Simply Brilliant ‘burst’). Some BLT committee members and city council members are already in favor of erecting a concert stage, building a water feature/ice rink and embedding LED lights in the sidewalks on the square (including light shows). There are some very good ideas in this plan, but I also think it is imperative that the city square with its bandstand should not be altered in a way that diminishes its character. Significant alterations to a property can sever its physical connections with the past, lowering its historic integrity. Contributing properties are integral parts of the historic context and character of a historic district.

I also object to calling it the Limelight Plaza. If I thought any of this would actually bring in new businesses, residents or visitors, I would deal with it, but NOT on the square. Downtown is more than just the city park. It is the blocks around the square and beyond its parameter, just ask any businesses located there.

I understand having activities downtown often, but as a parent and a former teacher, I wonder who will be at activities so many nights; from 5 pm to 10 pm most nights. Wouldn’t there be significant competition for school/college evening activities (sports, music, drama) and George Daily events?

I am very concerned because I hear different stories from people about what they were told at Tuesday’s meeting. If the signs are in the works, then does that mean the ‘burst’ logo will be on them? The mayor told at least one person that he knew nothing about the whole square idea, including the Bandstand being on the National Registry of Historical Places. The Bandstand AND the Oskaloosa City Park were listed July 28, 1983 and the Oskaloosa City Square Commercial Historic District was listed April 10, 1986. He told another person he is very much in favor of erecting a large permanent stage on the square with underground wiring and cables.

This begs the question: What is really going on with the REBRANDING and the Brooks plan for Oskaloosa?

Barb Sunstrum Lindenmayer