'Free' Parks Plan Could Affect Downtown's Future

"Retailers in the area worry about their future and preservationists fret about the potential loss of historic buildings.City government is caught in the middle. Political leaders aren't sure whether they want to accept a gift that could end up costing big money for park development and maintenance and that perhaps might harm rather than help downtown...The costly maneuvering in the midtown blocks could profoundly affect the future of the entire downtown, particularly its fragile retail sector."