The Richmond City Council voted to establish a permit program allowing community members to install benches at bus stops. This initiative, led by Councilmember Jamelia Brown, addresses safety and liability concerns related to such installations. Advocacy groups like the SF Bay Area Bench Collective are enthusiastic about collaborating with various organizations to install more benches. The ordinance aims to serve as a model for other cities to encourage community-driven improvements while combating bureaucratic opposition that leads to the removal of successful installations.
"This victory was hard-fought and deeply meaningful. Some of my colleagues and staff raised valid concerns about safety and liability-which is exactly why this policy was necessary," said Councilmember Jamelia Brown.
"We're looking forward to being able to work with more groups, nonprofits, houses of worship, schools, and others to get more benches out, while also working with the city to make sure the benches are reliable and built to the highest standards," said Bench Collective founder Mingwei Samuel.
"I would love for the city to legalize things such as community benches at bus stops or using daylit spaces for bike racks and planters," wrote an advocate involved in resident installations in San Francisco.
Collection
[
|
...
]