Let’s turn Columbia’s alleys into inviting urban stroll ways

I was strolling down the long, wide alley that runs behind the businesses along Broadway and had a brilliant idea!

Why not spiff up this alley—and others like it—by creating pedestrian-friendly stroll ways in the spirit of other great cities such as New Orleans, Paris and New York?

Alleys are sometimes known for funky smells, graffiti and trash. But our main alley is pretty clean. It also smells magnifique! Baking bread, a hint of beer, a French perfume, lunch at Tellers, incense from Cool Stuff.

When I saw the lightly billowing steam that’s always part of a great alley experience, I understood why. Alleyways are ventilation portals. The funky smells are part of their character. Odors linger between the walls, and without much car exhaust, a clean, low-lighted alley can offer a romantic olfactory experience.

Our alleys might also offer the opportunity for more store-fronts—and more business, especially during activities such as the True-False Film Festival and Boone National Bank’s upcoming blues/jazz festival.

Beaming with my brilliance, I waltzed into Cool Stuff and told Arnie Fagan.
“John Ott’s been working on that idea for years,” he said. “Our businesses even got together and asked the Historic Preservation Commission to name the alleys after famous Columbians.”

What a great urban preservation project! Taking a wonderful asset we already have and bringing it to life.

So, did John Ott steal my idea? Hardly. I suspect Mr. Ott has been reading poet and Vienna Woods lover W. H. Auden, who once said, “A culture is no better than its woods.”

One look around the world, and the corollary is clear: A city is no better than its alleys.