If a public square wants to attract local people, and not just tourists who don’t know better like Times Square, then the public square needs to be welcoming to local people.

That means no giant screens trying to distract us and no car traffic to drown our voices. It means trees for shade, benches and tables where people can meet, and places for children to play. You want to add a central area for events? That’s fine as well after you have addressed the basics.