Why You Can Never Find a Bench in San Francisco

Over the last two decades the city of San Francisco has systematically removed its public benches to fight homelessness. Now citizens are clamoring for their return.

1 minute read

January 30, 2012, 6:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

As the city pushes forward with new and innovative ways to re-energize its shared spaces, Zusha Elinson reports on the renewed debate in San Francisco over public space and homelessness.

"'There is a pretty broad agreement that depriving the public of seating is not going to solve the problem of who has access to public spaces,' Mr. [Neil] Hrushowy, an urban designer for the city said. 'The question is, how can we happily coexist?' Indeed, the homeless still hang out in United Nations Plaza, a 2.6-mile pedestrian mall whose benches were removed 10 years ago."

FULL STORY: A Renewed Public Push for Somewhere to Sit Outdoors

Saturday, January 28, 2012 in The New York Times

Social / Demographics California Homelessness San Francisco Public Space Benches View More

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