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The Politics Behind the Redesign of New York’s Benches
Officials responsible for public seating often consider how to deter homeless people from using it. So we now have leaning benches and benches with dividers.
Good morning. It’s Monday. Today we’ll talk to a reporter who unpacked the evolution of the New York City bench.
Many city benches have gradually changed over the years, trading delicate design for rigid features like iron arm rests that are also meant to curb loitering and vagrancy. Some public seating has disappeared altogether.
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