This is a shameless NIMBY number, in which Sheehan seems to be carrying the water of a group of Plum Point toffs who don’t want their views distracted by what they termed, at a public forum, “dirty fishermen.” That’s among the kinder terms being tossed about, as there is an implicit tinge (in shades of yellow and brown, of course) to the push to kill the pier, in addition to elitist attitudes.
This is surprising coming from Sheehan, who prides himself an enviro-friendly solon. The RI Saltwater Anglers Association and Save the Bay (P+J are proud members of both), among others, are strongly against his proposal.
It was Save the Bay that championed the original legislation to create the pier from a section of the old J-Town Bridge (which is still visible), with a structure that would promote enjoyment of the Bay in a prime location, where parents could take their kids fishing, which would be handicapped friendly, and which would provide a beautiful place for a sunset stroll and enjoying the state’s most magnificent resource up close and personal.
But now Sheehan, ostensibly a Save the Bay supporter, wants to undo one of the group’s most successful public initiatives, to serve a handful of people who don’t want that nasty riff-raff spoiling their vista a quarter-mile away.
This is a hummer folks, so have your legislators look out for it and kill it dead, since this wonderful spot will be a long-term resource for families statewide.
What’s in a name?
P+J’s old drinking buddy, Tommy from Queens, notes how appropriate it is in our gambling-obsessed culture that Providence College now has a basketball coach named “Keno” (Davis).
As Tommy suggests, perhaps he’ll hire an assistant, “Perry Mutuel,” or as P+J suggest, “Black Jack” Dealer. And we can be pretty sure that Keno’s new offensive scheme will be promoted as “Power-ball.”
Along the same lines, it’s official! College hoops is a religion in Little Rhody! How else to explain the Urinal’s decision to run the announcement of Keno Davis’s hire as the top front page headline on April 16, taking precedence over the much-acclaimed first visit to the US by Pope Benny XVI? If Joe Ratzinger knew how to recruit a good point guard or a rebounder from the inner city, perhaps he would have made the lead. Plus, adding insult to injury, April 16 was Benny’s birthday.
Sleep tight, Pope John Paulgeorgeandringo.
Zane at Julian’s
Your superior correspondents are truly embarrassed and disappointed that we missed the April 20 opening of some of Zane Claverie’s recent work, at Julian’s on Broadway. The show, including some collage-like pieces of paper or cardboard on reinforced plywood, and an oil on linen piece, is still up and we encourage you to check out what Zane’s up to. Needless to say, you can’t go wrong with the food and drink at the mighty Julian’s. Go. Enjoy.
Send homeopathic fish sticks and Pulitzer-grade tips to p&j@phx.com.
