Keller @ Large: Elite Track Meet On Charles Street Is Right Idea

BOSTON (CBS) - In the wake of the spectacular failure of the scheme to bring the Summer Olympics here, and the collapse of an effort to run an Indy Car race through South Boston and the Seaport on Labor Day weekend, there's been a lot of grumbling about negative attitude around here, and the multitude of reasons the public and the media come up with why new ideas are unwelcome.

And while I thoroughly reject the idea that disruption and expense aren't valid reasons to shoo away scam artists like the Olympic Committees, I do hear the legitimate concerns of people who want to try new things, and have been looking for a way to meet them halfway.

And I think we've found it in the so-called Adidas Boost Boston Games, a two-day event coming to town next month.

On Friday, June 17, ten bucks will get you into Dilboy Field in Somerville to see world-class track and field athletes compete close up. Plus, they throw in a barbecue.

The next day, Charles Street between the Common and the Garden will be closed for more track and field events. Seats are limited and expensive, but standing room is free.

This sounds like a blast, and avoids all the reasons why those other events were rejected – little public expense or inconvenience, no major disruption of neighborhoods, and affordable for non-wealthy spectators.

"The street meet will showcase our spirit and passion to the world in a new, exciting way," says Mayor Walsh, but the truth is we already did that – by showing the world what proper priorities look like.

Listen to Jon's commentary: