City Hall Rotunda: Gigantic Desk Blocking War Memorial Plaque Should Be REMOVED

Names of war dead blocked by desk and other items.

 At last month's city council agenda session, I made a request to the administration to please have the huge, ugly "greeting" desk in the rotunda removed. I believe I called it a "godawful eyesore," which it is. I have posted photos below of the city hall rotunda. I have received numerous complaints about the desk and all the debris surrounding it. The desk blocks the huge bronze plaque that memorializes Plainfield veterans. Veterans have been among those who have expressed anger at the disrespect shown to their sacrifice. Nothing should EVER block a memorial.
 

Junk on floor, photos and Lucite directly nailed into plaster walls

The huge desk also looks as if it creates a fire hazard, as it juts out so far as to endanger safe egress in the event of an emergency (there is a table just opposite it, which is also filled with flyers). Outdated flyers and posters, Lucite stands nailed into the walls, a gigantic tacky banner hanging above the lintel, some sooty cloth flowers inexplicably resting on a small round table, and boxes of garbage all conspire to make our city hall look dingy, even seedy. This is not the image of professionalism that should greet visitors to our city. 

Another view

The administration, apparently, insists on keeping the desk there for "greeters" to direct patrons to the various offices. I don't think this is necessary--an updated board with names and office numbers would do just as well. I don't know who does the training for the individuals who sit at the desk, but I would hope that they are professionally dressed and present a demeanor that welcomes visitors--what I have seen (on occasion) in the past are somewhat disinterested individuals dressed in T-shirts and jeans who have been far more engaged with their cell phones (not even bothering to look up when visitors enter) and who have been clueless about how to direct residents. 

Faded, sooty cloth flowers with dingy tablecloth (?)

One thing that could happen is to have the desk removed and respect restored to the war memorial plaque. If the administration insists on there being a desk, perhaps a smaller lectern-style greeting post with a stool would make more sense. And certainly, we don't need to see two greeters sitting around, taking up space.

All best,

Rebecca