Note: I used to work for a park slowly in continued development in Manhattan that is five miles along the waterfront of the Hudson River. As a Public Programs Coordinator, yours truly handled anything public related in regards to permitting (athletic facilities, film shoots, photo shoots, weddings, and other small gatherings), and of course, dealing with any questions or inquiries from the public. The following series will present stories, e-mails, phone calls, conversations, interactions, and sights I've seen from the people of New York City in regards to a public park. And yes, these are all real! And are all true!
The following Tale is an e-mail I received from an anonymous person who had a problem with the alternative options we provided, and some other aesthetics throughout the park. This person definitely did care for the practical reasoning behind each situation, wanted to make sure the park knew of his displeasure.
"Don't you think that port-a-potties are a bit redundant when there's a bathroom station only 12 feet away? I know that the bathroom's are currently closed, but maybe you should put the port-a-potties in a location where no one can see them. It's an eyesore and they smell! Certainly a blight on an otherwise beautiful parkscape.
Also, I noticed that at both the West 11th Street and --- Street entrances to the park, the planting median that separates north and south bound traffic on West Street is overgrown with weeds! I see that the location is currently under construction, but what gives? Because the area is being renovated is no excuse for not maintaining the plants. I bet a nice plant bed would make the workers get this project done quicker! I'm sure they'd appreciate them, instead of the influx of port-a-potties you placed there."
So yeah, this lady felt port-a-potties that are out of sight are helpful, and of course, detrimental to the work ethic of construction workers. All they ever wanted were pretty flowers. Who knew?