Claremont
The project — a double steel arch design with lattice work and lights that would stretch from one side of the bullpen parking area to the other — had been proposed by Claremont sculptor Ernest Montenegro and was presented recently at a public forum where community sentiment was overwhelmingly against the idea.
“I have nothing against the vision or the artist. That is not the issue,” said Councilor Vic Bergeron, who has been consistent in his opposition to the sculpture. “People don’t want the square disrupted. They like it the way it is.”
Councilor Allen Damren moderated the public forum on May 3 and also provided to the council the emails that were received from the public, which he noted overwhelmingly opposed the idea.
“I give credit to someone who has vision, but I don’t think it fits in the square,” Damren said.
Damren and others said it was comments from Public Works Director Scott Sweet, who was concerned about damage to the city’s underground infrastructure, that convinced them the square was not the right location.
“Once Scott spoke, it was all over,” resident George Caccavaro said. “He is telling us it is not a good place; he is not saying it is not a good project. You should honor his opinion.”
Other residents told the council they were worried about safety and distracted drivers.
“I agree. It could cause accidents and distractions,” resident Steve Picano said. “It seems to be a nice looking thing. It just needs to find a better home.”
Montenegro, who designed the sculpture for the city’s 250th anniversary in 2014, had presented three different models to the council, seeking its support. He accepted the council’s decision without complaint and said the process generated a healthy discussion about the arts in Claremont.
“It is interesting to me because art is generating a lot of excitement,” he said. “I’m proud I did that. My real agenda was to make a model over the top and get the idea of change in the air.”
The council and City Manager Guy Santagate thanked Montenegro for his efforts and urged him to rethink the idea and location.
“Make sure you come back and stay involved,” Santagate said. “It is nothing personal. I hope you come back with something different.”
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
