Maine: Who's The Genius Who Installed Oceanside Benches Facing The Wrong Way

By Ted Cohen

Portland, Maine Mayor Mark Dion has agreed to look into a southern-Maine taxpayer's wondering whether workers were on a work stoppage when they put in the benches along a popular beachfront.

The wooden seats were supposed to provide a vista of the water, not of the homes across from East End Beach in Portland.

But instead the benches were placed backwards.

“I’d like to know who the genius was who decided to install these benches so close to a drop off,” says Portland-area resident Frank Thiboutot. “Most people prefer to face the water and boats, not Munjoy Hill, when sitting and taking in the view.”

“It’s a dangerous situation, especially for kids, and a lawsuit waiting to happen,” Thiboutot added.

Mayor Dion agreed to look into the issue.

"I will pass along your observation to our parks director, Ethan Hipple, for a response," Dion told Thiboutot. "You make a point that deserves to be addressed.

Kate O'Sullivan, senior executive assistant in City Hall, told Thiboutot the benches are actually on private property.

If that's the case, Thiboutot is now wondering who in the city granted the permit for the wrong-way benches.

Stay tuned ...