Triangle Square was doomed from the start...

Triangle Square was doomed from the start

No amount of promotion will turn Triangle Square into a successful

retail center. This was an ill-conceived project from Day 1. All the

important details of a retail center were misjudged on this place.

On-site parking is difficult; pedestrian access is difficult because

Triangle Square is sandwiched between three of the busiest

intersections in California; and once there, it is difficult to

navigate between the different stores and cafes.

But I feel the most important thing is the psychological impact of

the architecture. This has to be the least inviting building in

Southern California. To me, it has the impact of a citadel built to

repel attacks from armies, in this case armies of shoppers and

diners.

At one time, I did make the effort to go there to buy books. Since

the Borders store opened across the street, I’ve not felt any

compelling reason to go to Triangle Square or patronize any of the

other establishments there. There are simply better and easier

options.

I’m sure the Planning Commission and City Council were attracted

by the high-density retail environment that promised to bring in

needed tax revenue. I have no objection to that concept, but this

wasn’t the way to go. The shoppers and diners have voted. Even with

quality anchors like Nike, Barnes & Noble and the Virgin Megastore,

the level of draw simply isn’t worth the hassle. I applaud the Yard

House for making a go of it in this difficult location, but they

offer something unique: good food, good atmosphere and hundreds of

quality beers.

One last nit to pick. I always felt the name Triangle Square was

simply a little too cute. I’ve lived in Costa Mesa since 1954 and if

I had to point to one thing and say the city “blew it,” it was in

approving this white elephant. This small tract of land at the

intersection of two of the busiest streets in California could have

been used to place something beautiful and inviting. But no, we’re

stuck with Triangle Square.

ALAN SANDOVAL

Costa Mesa

Letter touched on part of Memorial Day thoughts

That was a very nice letter from Carl Ossipoff honoring those who

have lost their lives in war (“Memorial Day is not all about sales

and sleeping in,” Sunday).

Tributes appear and speeches are made and tears are shed at

Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. But the real sadness is that we

continue to follow the same pattern that affords the occasion. It is

clear that the way we think about ourselves and the world does not

make for peace. (By “we” I mean all people, not just Americans).

Surely, we must come to an awakening and find a way to live and let

live and stop the killing or we are all doomed. Violence seems to be

the ruler of the day within countries, between countries, in all

corners of the earth. Just because it has always been so is not a

reason for it to continue. Stop the violence. There has to be a way.

BETTS HARLEY

Costa Mesa