I’m making reference to the “grillwork” that has popped up at almost every corner of Bothell Way as one drives through Kenmore. I can’t think of any other way to describe it than just plain ugly. If this is the best we can do, I guess the city is doomed to mediocrity.

The process that is employed to make these grillwork panels uses a plasma cutter that is computer-controlled. Almost any design can be cut out; it’s just a graphics file and the patterns and artistry could be almost limitless. The art could include seaplanes, herons, trees — anything that puts Kenmore on the map. Where did we go wrong? What we have now makes me dizzy. When I close my eyes, I still see the grill. I would say that it looks like a 3-year-old designed it, but a 3-year-old would be more creative.

Richard Olson