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Author Topic: Benches to sit  (Read 7870 times)

Offline Avela

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Benches to sit
« on: February 05, 2008, 04:03:49 PM »
Many years ago there were benches outside the post office on 37th ave. It was a nice place to sit and people-watch. Is there any way to get them back?
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Offline Chuckster

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2008, 04:45:31 PM »
Avela, I think the benches were removed because they were attracting people who would spend the better part of the day sleeping on them and littering the surrounding area with empty bottles.  I miss those benches and would love to seem them return.  Only this time, it would be nice to be able to have a seat every now and then and do some people watching.
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Offline APG7714

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2008, 07:41:01 PM »
They sure looked nice but that section where the benches where reeked of urine and was littered with broken beer bottles it was quite the eyesore. They should enclose this and put a nice garden in place of the benches .
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Offline John Prester

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2008, 02:26:03 PM »
It's unfortunate that a "few bad apples" stink it up for the rest of us.  There's a reason why Gramercy Park (entrance only to those living nearby who are given "the key") is immaculate, and the gardens in many Jackson Heights co-op buildings are nice, it's because they don't allow entry to "the proletariat". 

"Give not that which is holy to dogs; neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turning upon you, they tear you."  - Matthew 7:6

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Offline toddg

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2008, 02:37:41 PM »
On the other hand, anybody can use Central Park, Grand Central Station, and Bryant Park, and they aren't too shabby.  They just have people who tend to them and make sure they remain inviting to all.  Perhaps in partnership with the 115th Precinct, the community can work out a way to prevent our street benches (if replaced) from becoming sleeping spots.
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Offline Avela

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #5 on: February 06, 2008, 03:14:40 PM »
We have a whole new influx of officers for operation impact. Let the 115th assign a few to the post office. The importance of an open air space where people can sit and relax justifies it.
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Offline ShinjukuBaby

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #6 on: February 07, 2008, 05:36:55 PM »
I totally agree.  I didn't know that previously we had benches there, but I've often thought that the space is wasted.  With park space in our neighborhood so limited, we should make the most possible of every public space.

I'm sympathetic to the homeless, but surely there are some legal means that can be used to prevent "camping out" and it goes without saying that public urination is not legal. :police:

I also wish we had some restaurants with sidewalk seating, but that's a discussion for a different thread... ;)
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Offline Chuckster

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #7 on: February 07, 2008, 05:43:35 PM »
Someone told me that Plaka, located in the Waldbaum's mall offers outdoor seating during warm weather months.  I'm not sure how enjoyable it would be though to overlook a parking lot. ::)
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Offline smok

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #8 on: February 07, 2008, 10:02:27 PM »
There are some creative ways to use space that work to discourage loitering of the kind folks are talking about. Consider Bryant Park - it used to be a poorly designed space that encouraged vagrancy, but is now a place that encourages use by regular folks (which in turn serves to discourage use by drunks). Partnership for Public Spaces is a good NYC-based non-profit that helps communities brainstorm about design solutions that work for spaces like this. It IS possible.
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Offline Avela

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2009, 02:32:04 AM »
Who's responsibility is it to maintain the benches on 82ND street?
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Offline Aronan

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2009, 09:45:21 AM »
My guess would be the Department of Transportation since they are street furniture. Possibly the 82n St. BID?
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Offline Mike V

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #11 on: November 06, 2009, 09:51:50 AM »
Why not the shop owners on 82nd St.  How much does a bench cost and how many benches do you have on 82nd St.  We're probably taking about $20 a shop owner.  It would also make sense if Bank of America purchased and maintained all the benches with a sign on each bench, "Courtesy of Bank of America." 
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Offline madalyn

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #12 on: November 06, 2009, 10:43:46 AM »
Whoever is responsible, they should put metal vs. wooden benches back to replace the broken ones we have now and more of them.  I would love to see more stores on 37th Ave. have a bench out in front that they take into the store at night.  Some places do this and, not only is it good for business, I think is gives a place more of a neighborhood feeling.  It was very sad when they had to remove all the benches from the front of the Post Office.  Although they eventually attracted a rowdy and messy bunch of drunks, they also served as a nice place for older folks to sit and socialize.
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Offline Queenskid

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #13 on: November 06, 2009, 11:02:23 AM »
I'm not sure, but I seem to remember that the Parks Department is responsible for street furniture.
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Offline spartacus

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Re: Benches to sit
« Reply #14 on: November 06, 2009, 11:21:31 AM »
I think Aronan is on the right track here in terms of what entity is responsible for maintaining the benches on 82nd street.  It is likely DOT or perhaps the 82nd Street BID.  I am pretty certain it isn't the Parks Dept.

Broadly speaking, benches are a bit of a tricky amenity.  Many people like the convenience and small town feel benches give.  But they can also be a beacon for unwanted behavior.  The benches at the Post Office ended up being pretty problematic. 

And if the benches aren't properly maintained they are just an eyesore.  Or worse they can be a hazard.
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