In a letter to the editor, Hoboken resident Kurt Gardiner explains why streets benches matter in a walking municipality like the Mile Square City.
Dear Editor,
Benches may seem like small features in the landscape of a city, but in a dense, pedestrian-oriented community like Hoboken, New Jersey, they are essential elements of public life.
As a compact, walkable city with a high population density and limited open space, Hoboken thrives on the vibrancy of its streets, parks, and waterfront.
Benches support this vibrancy by offering rest, accessibility, and inclusion for people of all ages and abilities. To remove them as a response to homelessness is a misdirected solution that punishes everyone without addressing the underlying social issues.
Supporting Public Life and Accessibility
Benches are critical infrastructure in walking cities. They give pedestrians a place to rest, wait for friends, enjoy a coffee, read, or simply observe city life.
Seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and those recovering from injuries often rely on public seating to safely navigate urban environments.
In a city like Hoboken, where many residents choose walking over driving, the availability of benches can make the difference between inclusion and isolation for those with limited mobility.
Moreover, Hoboken’s family-oriented culture means strollers, toddlers, and caregivers are a common sight. Benches provide much-needed space for parents to pause during outings or soothe children during long walks.
For tourists and commuters, benches are also waypoints—places to check maps, take a break, or enjoy Hoboken’s waterfront views.
Building Social Connection and Community
Benches are more than utilitarian objects; they foster social interaction. They are where neighbors chat, where strangers strike up conversations, where musicians rest between songs, and where people experience the city at a human pace.
Removing benches erodes this subtle but vital social fabric. Cities work best when people linger, connect, and coexist in shared public spaces—and benches are invitations to do just that.
Homelessness Is a Housing Issue, Not a Bench Issue
The presence of unhoused individuals on benches is not a bench problem—it is a housing and social services problem. Eliminating benches in an attempt to discourage homeless people from using them only displaces the issue rather than addressing it.
It strips the public of necessary seating while ignoring the root causes of homelessness: lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health support, unemployment, and systemic inequality.
Compassionate urban planning focuses on creating inclusive spaces while investing in long-term support systems for the vulnerable.
Solutions like supportive housing, shelters with dignity, outreach programs, and mental health care are far more effective and humane than hostile architecture or removal of public amenities.
A Better Path Forward
Rather than removing benches, Hoboken and cities like it should expand seating access and couple it with real investments in homelessness prevention and care.
Public spaces should be inclusive, not exclusionary. Equitable cities recognize that every person—whether housed or unhoused—has a right to occupy public space peacefully and safely.
In conclusion, benches are vital for the health, comfort, and cohesion of a walking city like Hoboken.
Removing them to discourage the homeless penalizes the entire community and fails to resolve the real issue. Cities must resist short-sighted fixes and instead embrace strategies that foster dignity, accessibility, and shared public life.
Ravi Bhalla Says we are a Sanctuary City
Really, a sanctuary city from decency, community, and compassion perhaps? Our self professed woke mayor is attacking anyone not able not able to navigate this city like an able bodied person.
He is one fall or a stroke away from needing those himself. Our woke mayor needs to wake up and see the big picture and pay attention to Hoboken instead of fundraising in California or Minnesota. He is still mayor till the end of the year.
It really is cruel what he has done.
Kurt Gardiner
Hoboken resident
The double edge sword of the Democratic liberal woke agenda.
Either way the actual quality of life in Hoboken has been diminished.
Kurt needs something to sit on after all these years of waging the politics of butthurt.
Ok, go collect your check attacking a good Hoboken resident who puts forward legit concern for the elderly and handicapped on the main street. The protest was a big success.
Next you’ll be cheering ebikers running people over. What a guy!
Kurt! Fine piece of writing!
Do a little research. The Benches on the west side by Qdoba grill was moved by the 6th ward council person at the time.
Nice stunt to help Team Tiff
This is about the benches (plural) on Washington St. If you don’t like the effort, you can blame Kurt Gardiner. He’s the one who organized the effort/protest.
Maybe do a little research.
Yesterday, about half-a-dozen of the benches are back on lower Washington St.
That’s a win for Hoboken people!
The benches were removed by the Bhalla administration not anyone on City Council. I just want them put put back.