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Re: Public Benches?Jul 10, 2017

I'm a member of a coop board in Woodside, Queens. We're currently viewing a proposal to beautify the area that sits under our building's awening, which is accessible from the sidewalk. The proposal includes placing seating in this area. It's intended for building residents but would be accesible to any member of the public. Has anyone had experiences with such a feature? Has it created more foot traffic from non residents? Been an asset? I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.


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Seating - MK Aug 18, 2017

If it is accessible to the public and you have foot traffic they will sit there. My building has a similar situation and people make themselves comfortable all the time. My neighborhood is in a high crime area (Hempstead) Long Island. So sometimes there are unsavory characters hanging around. Also the grammar school is close by so each morning and afternoon ther is a parade of kids. The lawn is raised and they love to run up the stairs and walk past the garden. I enjoy the kids and I would never want to stop them from this simple pleasure. And I enjoy there presence- I am not thrilled about the drug people, but they don't sit there-they panhandle and leave. Then there is the general public and they sit because they are tired and it is a nice shady spot. I am OK with that also. As long as no damage is being done and it does not become a hangout I am fine with it. I don't know where you live or what type of foot traffic you have, but that should be a consideration. Also the investment of a few benchmark is not going to break the bank. If it attracts people you don't want, simple remove them. Or start small with one bench. I think that is a pretty simple solution to a simple problem. Hope you try the benches, it would be nice for the residents of your building. Oh yea if you want put a sign on them "private property".
Enjoy the fresh air

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