On this fine day, we here at Brick Watch are taking some time to address the concerns and questions that you have thrown through our digital window. There has been some concern about continued particulate matter in the air, a.k.a. "dust." Indeed, it seems there has been a recent upswing in mask wear by our confluence of construction workers.
We guardians of all things brick asked Barton Malow Project Manager (and friend of the brick) Chris Weatherford about this. "The workers wear masks based on personal preference," said Weatherford. Some workers have worn them from day one, some chose to start using them later, some use them on an as-needed basis, and some use them to coordinate with their outfit (O.K., the last one may not be true).
The dust presents little worry to we bricksters. The masks just keep workers from coughing too much. If you do want to spend hours staring at workers cutting old mortar, we recommend heading down to the hardware store and picking up a dust mask for yourself.
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A tree’s-eye view of the Mall construction. |
There has also been concern about the arbors that dot our brick road. There has been some maple trees that were removed from Central Place due to disease. Five to seven maple trees will be going in there to replace the sick ones and also to replace some that were missing. There was also a willow oak that was missing near Virginia National Bank. That tree will also be replaced.
Tree planting will be held off until near the end of the project, when activity around the planting sites is at a minimum. "We want to make sure the trees have the highest chance of survival and full health," said MMM Design Group’s Joe Schinstock. "Trees are very susceptible when they are first planted."
Keep the questions and comments coming, brickophiles. You will not be ignored.