But Anderson sees the report as paving the way for the Main Street bridge, and he calls that "premature, in that no one seems to have fully considered or analyzed the tremendous amount of time and the comprehensive public policy" that went into the '90s-era plans.

"You're segregating people — those in the shopping areas and those on the street. You're basically isolating people inside the shopping areas, and that's the only real purpose of the skybridge," Anderson said. "There's very substantial considerations concerning the view corridor. This will alter for a very long time the view up and down Main Street."

Final approval — regardless of the commission's actions — rests with the council, and some members have expressed early support for the skybridge. Anderson said Monday that the council has the final say, unless he vetoes their decision.

Pressed as to whether he would plan a veto, Anderson reiterated that he is keeping "an open mind" on the matter.

---

E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com