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Seattle Sidewalk Laws Get Benched
By Tom Herriman
Celebrating installation of 33 public benches along Northwest Market Street in Ballard are members of the Seattle Displacement Coalition, Seattle City Council Member Peter Steinbrueck (seated, second from right) and SDC Chair John Fox (seated, right). |
Sit down, and rest your feet
Sit down, you've got 'em beat
Sit down, sit down!
--Traditional union song
A remarkable synthesis of outrage, compassion and creativity has resulted in comfortable, legal outdoor places to sit in several Seattle neighborhoods.
Homeless advocates and civil liberties lovers have been steaming ever since Seattle's so-called civility laws made it illegal to sit on a public sidewalk. It's pretty clear the laws are aimed at the homeless who often rested, slept, panhandled or just plain sat in the nearest available public space--the sidewalk. Sidewalk cafes were not affected by the ordinance, and it's still acceptable to take up sidewalk space with planters and sandwich boards.
The Seattle Displacement Coalition (SDC), a housing and homeless advocacy group, fought the enactment of the no-sitting law. When they couldn't stop it, they decided to undermine it: Last year they installed 16 public benches in the Capitol Hill commercial district.
SDC Chair John Fox says, "Punitive laws [like the no-sitting ordinance] not only target the poor and the homeless, they create a hostile, barren environment for everyone." Fox believes the new benches help build community by encouraging people to sit, chat, mingle and enjoy the neighborhood.
On Saturday, January 27, the SDC installed 33 benches along Northwest Market Street in Ballard. Business owners were contacted in advance to get their OK.
Ballard business owner Krysteen Lomonaco and her daughter Liberty enjoy the new bench in front of their store, Mehndi Madness. "The benches are a great idea," Lomonaco said. |
The benches are sturdy and handsome, with concrete bases and wide plank seats. Many are artfully decorated. For the weary shopper or coffee-breaking clerk, the benches are attractive and enticing. An outdoor bench at a busy intersection is a perfect place to sit and watch the world rush by, or to eat a bagel or read an interesting community newspaper.
"This is a great day for Seattle to see a return to civility," said Seattle City Council Member Peter Steinbrueck, who took part in the bench dedication ceremonies. "I can't think of a better community service," he said.
Fremont, Green Lake, Phinney Ridge and Greenwood are also slated for bench installation in the next few weeks.
To find out when benches are coming to your neighborhood, call Seattle Displacement Coaltion, 632-0668.
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