Blight: Limiting the Number of Bus Benches

Every citizen feels graffiti are a problem that needs to be solved. I feel the numerous broken bus benches on our corners are just as much of a neighborhood blight. This problem can easily be solved. We have the right to demand that the companies who own, and those who advertise on, these miniature billboards maintain them.

I wish our City Council would consider how it looks to have eight bus benches on a corner instead of the small amount of revenue they generate. Los Angeles should use the bus stops in surrounding cities as a guide--they are well maintained and blend in with the area.

In just the short route I travel along Western Avenue in San Pedro I found four different areas with broken benches and intersections with up to 13 benches. It’s ludicrous. And the benches are always empty.

The advertisers are mostly local merchants who should be concerned about the aesthetics of our community and should use their influence to change our city’s policy. The benches should be distributed so there are not more than two at each stop.

JOAN RUSSELL

San Pedro