City councillor says the project is a low-cost effort to add some greenery. Others say it takes away already limited parking space in the Plateau.
The general public seems to be missing the point of the curb extensions as a traffic calming initiative with the added benefits of greenery. Instead focusing on the removal of parking spaces, and not on the increased visibility and lower vehicle speeds these types of installation promote.
Could these have been done a lot better with greater design intent? Absolutely! Here are some great examples from a neighbourhood in Vienna.
Safer and more plessent streets (and roads) are about controlling the flow of traffic. Creating barriers is what makes roadways more efficent, its not about removing all barriers.