The revamping of Market Square -- from parking to pigeons -- was addressed yesterday in a public forum attended by more than 50 people concerned with "the heart of Downtown."

The session, hosted by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership in the Harris Theater, gave residents the chance to tell city planners and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl what they'd like to see done when designers' pencils give way to construction vehicles, perhaps as early as this fall.

The message they reiterated from previous discussions was that Market Square should be a gathering place rather than a transportation corridor.

Klavon Design Associates, a Pittsburgh-based landscape architecture firm, presented three scenarios it has sketched out for Market Square, with the labels "minimal," "oasis" and "historic." Each has been available at www.DowntownPittsburgh.com for inspection and comment by the public and will continue to be through May 15.

"We took a laundry list of community and business recommendations and said, 'OK, of these things, what are the most important?'" said Dina Cole Klavon. "Those were our marching orders."

"When you look back on this five, 10 years from now, Market Square ... is going to be an example of good, quality Downtown reinvestment," Mr. Ravenstahl said.

All three plans are built around some basic goals that keep the square intact. There would be movable tables and chairs rather than fixed benches, a stage (that might be removable), and trees along widened sidewalks. Each plan calls for parking -- something the businesses in the square want -- and the elimination of bus traffic, which is to take effect May 15. Cars would be routed around the square rather than through it.

The plans also aim to open up the space, making it brighter and greener. Critics have said the current square is dark and difficult to walk around with narrow sidewalks and heavy traffic.

"In each one of these, pedestrian is king or queen," said PDP President Michael Edwards.

The "minimal" proposal, which suggests a minimum of changes, received minimal support from those who spoke yesterday. But none of the plans was a clear favorite as planners and city officials indicated they're more likely to end up with something that borrows a little from each.

For example, the "oasis" and "historic" plans turn the stage so that it faces away from PPG Place, rather than into it. They also level the walkways and increase lighting from above and below.

The elimination of bus traffic was the first issue to draw comment as residents sought assurances that the square would continue to be accessible to people who are disabled or do not have their own transportation.

More than one speaker questioned the absence of a fountain or some form of water display. Ms. Klavon said planners thought fountains in neighboring blocks at PPG Place and outside Heinz Hall made such features unnecessary.

Betsy Martin, a resident and designer, expressed pleasure with the elimination of the through-streets that cut Market Square into quadrants, restoring it to one solid space.

Other speakers questioned the need for any parking at all, but planners said business owners say they must have it, particularly for the delivery of goods. One resident, however, asked the planners who they were kidding.

"We all know the employees park at the meters and feed them all day," he said.