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RTM declines proposed George H.W. Bush statue at Havemire lawn amid concerns over site, process and public-art policy
Summary
A substitute resolution to accept a donated George H.W. Bush statue for placement on the Havemire (Havier) lawn failed after districts and committees expressed concern about the location, the timing before the building's future is decided, and whether the town’s public-art review process was followed.
The RTM rejected a substitute resolution to accept a donated statue of former President George H.W. Bush and place it at 290 Greenwich Avenue in the front circle of the Havemire (Havier) building.
Committee reports were split. Proponents said the statue honors a prominent resident and would be fully funded with maintenance reserves and PNZ oversight for siting. Opponents and several district votes cited process and location concerns: the Havemire building is actively being considered for reuse and leasing, and some members and neighbors said a permanent memorial could limit future options. Committees also asked whether the town’s public-art policy and the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee process had been followed.
District 8 moved to postpone the item indefinitely (effectively kill the proposal); that motion failed (86–104–5). On an up-or-down vote the substitute resolution to accept and place the statue at the Havemire lawn failed 81–110–5. Several committees had urged additional public-art review and site analysis before approving a permanent memorial on the Havemire site.
Speakers on both sides emphasized respect for President Bush’s service while disagreeing about the location and timing of a permanent memorial. Several district chairs urged that the town convene its public-arts advisory processes and secure broader community input before committing a specific downtown site.
