Calming traffic

Just like that, the intersection of Portage, Pine and Pierce has been reimagined, redesigned and changed from what it was a week ago.

A squad of staff and volunteers, under the direction of artist Tyshaun Tyson and the Niagara National Heritage Area worked from dawn to dusk for 4 days this week.

First, the intersection was power washed. Then Tyson sketched his design in white paint with segments of the mosaic, color-coded for people to help.

The hard work came from workers spending hours on the ground doing the painting.

After finishing, workers rolled clear sealant onto the completed mural. The Heritage Area has committed to patch the mural if paint fades or becomes chipped.

The bollards in the margins have flexible rubber bases. If a car hits them, they should flex out of the way. If any snap off in the cold, the pole part is separate from the base, which is bolted into the pavement.

The $25,000 project was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

On the first day of work an entitled asshole moved the traffic barrier and drove through the site, deeply concerning everyone involved.

I ranted about that entitled driver on the Express. Many thanks to Public Works Superintendent Kenny Tompkins who responded to the problem by blocking the street with dumptrucks.

Also, a word about the Y Coffee Shop. It was inconvenienced for the whole week and we all need to make an effort to patronize it.