“Bring Back Our Benches” - Dozens turn out in peaceful protest on Washington Street

Dozens of residents gathered today outside a reinstalled bench at 7th and Washington Street, staging a peaceful "beach chair party" protest to draw attention to the city’s decision to remove numerous public benches along Washington Street.

The event was organized by Kurt Gardiner, a long-time stalwart of the Mile Square City's Reform Movement, a Hoboken-based artist and stroke survivor, who has decried the impact of the bench removal on seniors and residents with disabilities. 

Gardiner explained that benches across the main commercial corridor offered much-needed places to rest, especially for those with limited mobility. "I want every bench returned," Gardiner said, even as one mysterious bench reappeared at the site of the protest at 7th and Washington without safety screws bolted in place on Tuesday.

Approximately 65 people attended, some bringing their own chairs. Gardiner added that a compromise may be benches with a sit-only design to prevent sleeping by homeless people.

City officials had previously justified the bench removal, citing feedback from local residents and business owners, though they assured that benches still remain near many bus stops on Washington Street, according to some local reports. Gardiner, however, criticized this rationale as insufficient, especially for those reliant on frequent rest points.

Many protesters echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the need to accommodate Hoboken’s aging population and those living with disabilities in streetscape planning. The protest remained peaceful throughout the afternoon, garnering attention from passersby and sparking discussion about public access and urban planning in Hoboken.

Hoboken Election Note: A request for comment from Ravi Bhalla's communication office is pending. Hoboken mayoral candidates made an appearance, including Dini Ajmani, Councilman Ruben Ramos and Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher. 

According to Gardiner, Councilwoman Fisher helped spread the word about the event. He adds future protests are planned, but "Ravi Bhalla is the lame duck mayor behind this, and the buck stops with him." 

He added, "Emily (Jabbour), Joe (Quintero), and Jim (Doyle) are the councilmembers closely aligned to Bhalla, voicing 'support,' but the benches remain missing on Washington Street."