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Today's Poll: Which way should the benches on Main Street face?

By Howard B. Owens
Howard B. Owens

I'm just a bit surprised at the results here.

I voted "why is this even an issue?"

But more than that -- why do so many people want the benches facing the street. Do you really want to be the person at a bench staring at a parked car? Or the person getting out of a car right in front a person sitting on a bench?

Also, the benches are supposed to be a social ornament. They're not very social facing the street. They're social facing the sidewalk. When people walk by, you want to be able to great each other. You can't do that nearly as well with your back to the passersby.

The more I think about it, I just don't see how facing the street makes any sense.

Jun 22, 2009, 2:40pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

The first time I looked at the benches facing the buildings I thought that they just looked backwards. It's like sitting on your front porch facing the house.

Jun 22, 2009, 2:43pm Permalink
Andrew Erbell

Maybe, from now on, before any public works projects in the city (or various towns or villages) are undertaken there could be a poll and if a clear majority decision cannot be reached as to the best answer of said project, nothing is done at all.

(In case you're not sure, I am being sarcastic.)

Jun 22, 2009, 3:55pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

i agree that the placement of the benches are wrong too. if you just face them to the street most of them will be too close to parked cars. nice to see car doors but thats about it...

Jun 22, 2009, 4:40pm Permalink
C D

I voted "why is this even an issue", but figured voice an idea.

Bolt one leg on each bench down. People can lift up and turn the bench whatever way they want it. Discourages people from trying to completely relocate or steal the benches and the original problem is solved.

Next.

Jun 22, 2009, 7:19pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Now, there is the ultimate answer. It could look like a Disney Main St. with a tilt-a-whirl ride right on our sidewalks.
People would flock here for the chills and thrills of the sidewalk bench ride.
If you build it, they will come.

Jun 22, 2009, 8:42pm Permalink
C D

Let them duke it out for all I care and whoever wins gets to decide which way the bench'll face.

Or someone could grow a pair and find another bench to sit on. Still doesn't make any difference to me.

Jun 22, 2009, 9:17pm Permalink

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