MOORHEAD (KFGO-AM) - Questions remain but most Moorhead City Council members appear to support a proposal to imprint poetry written by local residents into new sidewalks planned for replacement this summer.
Mayor Del Rae Williams says the idea is inspired by a similar project in St. Paul, which began in 2008. St. Paul now has more than 450 poems imprinted on its sidewalks. The sidewalk project would also use colored or tinted concrete.
Council member Mari Dailey calls it a "really cool idea" that will enhance the downtown area where most of the imprinting will be done.
Council member Mike Hulett questioned the content of the selected poetry. He has concerns some content could be considered offensive. City Attorney John Schockley advised the council that could be an issue.
The mayor's art task force will review the poems and select winners. The city council will have final say on those picks. Mayor Williams says there could be as many as 80 poems imprinted into the new sidewalks.
Applications for poetry entries are now posted at the Moorhead City Website. The deadline for submissions is 4 p.m. April 17.