The wonderful benches at the old courthouse reflect proper design. As do those at Suntrust and Butter and Cream.

Agree. Benches should face the street and be set back. Where were the Downtown Development Authorities and Planning Department when the configurations you mention were proposed?

The streets still to have the vitus walking around. Be careful and stay clean as possible. Sime people more than others.

Stan. I agree. Will look into that

Decatur Public Works - O Clay assigned this issue to Decatur Public Works - F Floyd

It seems to me that it should depend on where the bench is placed. If it it close to the curb, it should face the building. If it is close to the building, it should face the street.

Thank you for your comment. This topic will be discussed among senior staff.

I prefer to have the bench facing the sidewalk and doors of adjacent businesses when it is placed in the greenspace/furniture zone. Sometimes I use a bench when waiting for someone to finish a task in the business. Also, I find activity on the sidewalk much more interesting to watch than traffic in the street. Note that Decatur's practice follows the GDOT Pedestrian Streetscape Guide. See text at section 6,3,5 and bench in figure 6.5. Benches facing street may make sense at a transit stop.

Illustrations and photos in guide show both configurations. I see the appeal of the placement in figure 6.5: bench has parking behind it rather than moving traffic; benches somewhat shaded by trees; and something interesting to look at in the direction the bench is facing. But also check out the bench placement in figure 6.18 and 6.19. I'll modify my earlier comment and agree with the guide's text: "When placing seating, the view from the seat should be considered." However, I do feel on a street with a high volume of traffic (and accompanying noise and speed, such as Commerce), benches should be set close to the building and face the street.

I also like the placement of benches in Figures 6.18 and 6.19. Note that in Figure 6.18 the width of the greenspace/furniture zone is 5.5 feet plus the width of the bench. I believe that this would required a bigger setback for buildings than Decatur's UDO requires. To me, that's not a bad thing! It would be expensive for developers.

No additional room is required. Having any bench with the back to the street is to comfortable. And dangerous. Staring at building wall is not interesting. No social and inconvenient. Sorry guys. Having a view is always preferable and safer.

Thank you