New York City law says private property owners who received zoning exceptions, or bonus floor area to build large structures, also need to build and maintain outdoor or indoor spaces that are open to the public. There are close to 600 of them throughout the city.
Wade Phillips, who goes by 780_Lord_of_Bench on Instagram, says he was harassed by security at a POPS in Midtown Manhattan and was unlawfully asked to leave. The experience spurred him to start documenting his encounters with security, posting it on social media and begin visiting more POPS around the city to make sure they are truly public.
He joined WNYC host Michael Hill to share his experience. Then, Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani joined to discuss how the city handles non-compliant buildings.