The Hoboken Girl Team 
An often-overlooked element of the Hoboken streetscape has been getting a lot of attention lately. The removal of several benches along Washington Street in Hoboken has been the source of strife for many Hoboken residents, with many unaware of the removal until after the fact. Read on for more about the benches that were removed on Washington Street in Hoboken and what people are saying about it.
What Happened
After several reader inquiries about the removal of the benches during the week of July 28th, The Hoboken Girl reached out to the City of Hoboken and all of the Hoboken City Councilmembers for information.
Hoboken City Councilwoman and mayoral candidate Emily Jabbour responded. Her message is below:
“When I heard from concerned residents that benches had been removed from Washington, I asked the administration to provide explanation as to why – I was told that due to many complaints from residents regarding the increase in vagrancy on Washington St, there were 8 benches removed between 1st and 14th. The bus stop benches were left intact.
I asked the city to consider returning the existing benches until an alternative style of bench could be installed that could potentially address both the concern with vagrancy and the need to give people places to rest on our main corridor and am awaiting their follow up. I believe there are alternative options rather than removing altogether and am pushing for such a solution.”
We also got a response from the City of Hoboken. Both of the messages from Councilwoman Jabbour and the City were on Thursday, July 31st.
“The City has removed some of the benches on Washington Street, as a result of feedback from both Washington Street residents, business owners, and frequent pedestrians. Benches can still be found at nearly every intersection on Washington Street, as they are adjacent to bus stops.”
Read More: Hoboken to L.A. by Rail? This Transit Company is Proposing a Single Cross-Country Route
Taking Notice
Over the weekend of August 2nd and 3rd, more residents took notice of the missing benches, posting on social media. An August 5th email from Hoboken Councilwoman and mayoral candidate Tiffanie Fisher to her constituents mentioned the missing benches.
“A few weeks ago, CM Cohen, CM Presinzano and I (all with Washington St. in our wards) were notified via email by the administration that they would be removing park benches on Washington St. due to safety concerns and vagrancy. We immediately responded asking for replacement seating knowing how important this is to many neighbors who need a place to stop and rest as they walk along Washington St. As of a week ago, the administration has said “they have no plans” to do this.”
Councilwoman Fisher and other community leaders have planned a peaceful demonstration for Tuesday, August 5th from 12PM to 3PM on the west side of the intersection of 7th and Washington Streets. Participants are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs in protest of the missing benches.
The Hoboken Girl received the following updated message from Marci Rubin, spokeswoman for the City of Hoboken, on August 4th.
“After hearing from businesses, residents, and certain council members, the City either relocated or removed a total of seven benches along Washington Street to ensure that all City benches are strategically placed at all intersections near bus stops along the commercial corridor. Some of these benches are in need of repair or replacement, including those which will be located at Third and Washington Streets and First and Washington Streets. These are expected to be installed by the Division of Public Works by the end of the week.
In alignment with the Hoboken Business Alliance’s Streetscape Plan, the City of Hoboken and the HBA will work together to identify locations and install new street furniture throughout Washington Street.
Mayor Bhalla has also heard from residents of the Sixth Ward regarding the bench formerly located on the south side of Seventh & Washington Streets. In recognition of its significance and of the late Councilwoman Jen Giattino’s longstanding use of the bench to engage with constituents, the City will install a temporary bench at that location and will coordinate with the HBA to permanently replace it in the future.”
The City of Hoboken’s Communications Manager, Marilyn Baer, shared the following update with HG on Tuesday, August 5th:
“The City has relocated a total of seven benches. This effort ensures every intersection has accessible seating. These adjustments aim to ensure residents, particularly those who need a place to rest, can consistently find access to seating at intersections and bus stops.
All benches, with the exception of the Jen Giattino bench, have been relocated to bus stops at this time. This is an interim solution while the City seeks to collaborate with the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA), to identify new seating locations and street furniture options focused on placemaking and community use.
The updated designs could include ADA-compliant features and reflect modern design standards that prioritize safety, functionality, and aesthetic integration with the streetscape. These may include armrests, back supports, separators, and materials that improve accessibility for all users, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The City is in preliminary discussions with the HBA regarding next steps and more information will be announced in the coming weeks.”
As of 10:30AM on Tuesday, August 5th, one bench has been replaced on Washington Street, per a post in the Hoboken, New Jersey Facebook group by Hoboken resident Kurt Gardiner. As a person with a disability who relies on these benches, Kurt has been the leading voice for residents about this topic and organized the peaceful protest.
“One bench back more to come…
They restored one bench at 7th and Washington Street by the Hoboken Animal Hospital at . It is a minor victory but we will not rest until all benches are restored (including those culled by bus stops)
Furthermore i will collect signatures for a bench referendum that says no future mayor can remove the benches without a public hearing and vote from City Council.
The protest is still on. One bench isn’t enough.”
Kurt said that he planned to organize another protest. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for August 20th.
As of Friday, August 8th, several of the benches had been replaced. Per Kurt, “There will be a rally on Wednesday, August 20 from 5:30PM-6:30PM at City Hall Hoboken. The administration restored some of the benches but they still have not restored all the missing benches on Washington St. especially midtown.”
What People are Saying
An August 4th letter to the editor of TapInto: Hoboken also touched on the missing benches. “We’ve had countless meetings about parks and redesigning streets—but seemingly nothing on how to address this bench issue creatively and humanely,” Hoboken resident Barry Grossman wrote.
The status of the benches has been a hot topic online. Several Facebook groups have been buzzing with people curious about the benches.
A Larger Trend
While it’s not clear for certain whether the bench removal was simply to repair the benches or to reduce vagrancy, removing seating in public spaces is an increasingly common practice in many cities. Hostile architecture, or defensive architecture, is the practice of incorporating design elements into public spaces that discourage certain activities such as loitering or skateboarding. On a small scale, it’s something like anti-bird spikes on the eaves of a building to discourage birds from landing (and nesting and pooping) there. On a larger scale, it’s things like benches with dividers built in to make it impossible to lie down, or simply removing seating areas entirely.
This trend is occurring more frequently in the US. The recently reopened Moynihan Train Hall in New York City has been criticized for its lack of seating. The town of Lakewood, New Jersey, cut down trees in a public park to discourage unhoused people from gathering there. The city of San Francisco spent millions of dollars designing a trash can that people couldn’t pick through. Washington State uses boulders to discourage encampments under bridges and along highways.
See More: Montclair Mile: Annual Run + Block Party to Support Toni’s Kitchen
Hostile architecture is a relatively new concept, and its ambiguity makes it harder to monitor. One person’s sleek design is another person’s inability to sit on a bench or grab a railing. Many observers say that hostile architecture does nothing to solve the problems of unhoused individuals; it just forces them elsewhere.
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
