Ding-dong, the bench is gone.
That was the word on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B yesterday after the much-debated CityBench was removed from outside a residential building mid-block.
Lorna Lentini, who lives directly in front of where the CityBench had been installed, was surprised when it first appeared last June — and just as puzzled to see it quietly removed this week.
She and her neighbors had previously questioned the placement, noting it wasn't near a bus stop or park. Unlike other CityBench installations in the area — such as the leaning bar by the M9 stop on Avenue C and Sixth Street or the backless benches on 10th Street near Avenue C — this one had full back support and was positioned close to a residential entrance, facing directly toward her front door.
"I heard nothing, nor did my upstairs neighbor," she said, noting that it appeared workers simply unbolted it.
As previously reported, Community Board 3 and several elected officials had supported its removal following complaints from nearby residents.
According to CB3 District Manager Susan Stetzer, the bench is slated to be relocated down the block to the Ryan Nena Community Health Center on Third Street between Avenue C and Avenue D.
Lentini, who helped organize a petition that drew nearly 200 signatures, said she was relieved to see it go.
"I'm grateful to the neighbors, friends and supporters who signed the petition to move this bench to a more appropriate public space," she said. "I am just over the moon that I am not facing another summer season with that chronic audience!"
Previously on EV Grieve:
NIMBY it up, EVers
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