NYC Installing Benches Across 5 Boroughs
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- You'll soon have more places to relax in the Big Apple.
The Department of Transportation has launched the CityBench program, and plans to install 1,000 benches across the five boroughs over the course of three years.
LISTEN: 1010 WINS' John Montone reports
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The first benches were unveiled last week at Chelsea's Covello Senior Center. Each is made from carbon steel and sports three separate seats.
To designer Ignacio Ciocchini, they are places to stop and rest, wide enough to afford sitters personal space.
"The bench represents a space where you can sit and relax, so you can recharge your energy," he told 1010 WINS' John Montone.
Montone stood on Greenwich and Warren Streets to ask pedestrians what they thought of the benches, but many speed-walking New Yorkers were too busy to notice.
Asked if he could just stop and sit down, one man answered Montone: "No, I can't. I have to get to a meeting."
Another pedestrian was in such a rush, she didn't even notice the bench.
"Rush, we're all in a rush," Diane said, although she did promise to give it a shot, tomorrow.
However, one man who did try out the bench, a carpenter from Glendale, gave it a positive review.
"It's good...comfortable," he told Montone.
What do you think of this bench initiative? Sound off in our comments section below...
