Hostile Architecture

***update*** It’s only gotten worse since I wrote this column. Rare is the business that hasn’t installed fencing to protect their property. I am glad most of it is handsome, but very sad that our downtown now reminds me of walking in downtown Santa Cruz, Bolivia in 2006. We can’t let the downtown die for lack of solutions.

Hostile architecture (ugly crime and undesirable loitering prevention installations) that discourages enjoyment of public spaces in our cities and towns, represents a failure of good government, rule of law and civil society. Businesses are not to blame. They are simply trying to survive in spite of the failures of responsible agencies in managing crime and homelessness. It is the dead canary in a coal mine, signaling danger to the life of a city.

https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/opinion/hostile-architecture-hurts-people-3780658