Papago Vista Neighborhood Association

JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS AND HELP BENCH CRIME

May 11, 2004

Remember those wonderful days when people would spend time relaxing on a bench on their front porch?

From there they could see their entire block. They could watch neighborhood children playing in their yards. They could see teens giggling on the corner, men mowing their lawns and women weeding their flower beds. Neighbors would walk past and wave. Others would stop and chat for a while.

While it was a great place to relax and trade pleasantries with your neighbors, the porch bench also was a symbol of stability and safety because it brought people together.

Mayor Phil Gordon and City Council members want to see a little of that return to Phoenix. They are urging residents to buy a bench and once again sit in front of their homes. Not only will it bring people together again, but it will help protect neighbors and neighborhoods from vandalism, car thefts, drug sales and other illegal activities and help create stronger communities.

How to Join the Front Porch Bench Initiative
Through a generous partnership with Home Depot, the city will be giving away 1,000 benches to deserving residents who have given back to their community. Residents also are encouraged to buy their own benches and sit in their front yards. And residents who already own benches can participate in the initiative, too. To nominate someone to receive a free bench or to get a free ?“Join Your Neighbors and Help Bench Crime?” plaque to put on your bench, visit phoenix.gov/EMAIL/appbench.html. For more information, call 602-534-BENCH (2362) or send e-mail to bench@phoenix.gov.