Mayor Steinberg calls for return of benches to K Street

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg Friday called on the City’s Department of Public Works to return the benches that were removed from the K Street Mall this week. The mayor was not consulted on their removal.

 “I support upgrading the infrastructure on K Street with bike racks and other improvements that better serve today’s needs,” said Mayor Steinberg. “But none of this should be done piecemeal. I’m asking that Public Works put the benches back until they are ready to do a full upgrade of K Street that includes places for people to sit.”

The City removed 10 benches this week from the sidewalks of K Street between Seventh and 12th streets as part of an effort to update the streetscape. Public Works Director Hector Barron said large planters also would be removed, along with broken bollards and other outdated items. Bicycle parking and races for the popular JUMP bikes will be added to accommodate increased bike ridership.