I, as a resident of Covina, am concerned about the hostile architecture present in public spaces around our city. The term hostile architecture refers to the use of design elements that discourage certain activities or groups of people from using public space. Examples include metal spikes on benches, armrests that prevent individuals from lying down, and slanted surfaces that make it uncomfortable to sit for long periods. The specific example of hostile architecture I’m focusing on is the bench at the bus stop on N Grand Ave off Cypress St, right across from the Starbucks.

Hostile architecture sends an exclusionary message that homeless individuals are not welcome in public spaces, which is inhumane and unacceptable to have present in a diverse and modern society. Along with this humanitarian oversight, hostile architecture is ineffective at addressing the underlying issue of homelessness. With shelters being overcrowded or, in some cases, worse to live in than on the streets, it’s antithetical to helping the homeless population. It’s essentially a piece of scotch tape over an open wound.

With all of these factors taken into consideration, I urge the Covina government to make a change in its public architecture. A great start would be changing the previously mentioned bench by the Covina Starbucks. Swapping the bench for one of the other regular benches around Covina would be great. Or if that’s too costly, it could be as simple as just removing the bump in the middle. This change would show progress in the Covina government’s effort to make a more inclusive space for everyone.

Thank you for your attention to this vital issue.