Company gets creative in solving problem

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Workers at one New Haven company are taking action to solve a problem and they did it in a creative way.

SeeClickFix is right in front of a bus stop on Chapel Street and people often gather in their doorway, especially in the bad weather.

Normally you might not see someone boldly writing on a bus stop bench.

"Whatcha writing," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"I'm just saying I was here right now," said Xaviel Rey, of New Haven.

However, it is no ordinary bench. It's made of cardboard and invites graffiti. Markers provided.

"Another lady and I sat there and we had the most delightful conversation," said Melissa Driffin, of New Haven.

The bench was put there by employees at SeeClickFix who often have to wade past bus stop crowds to get through the doorway of their Chapel Street building.

"We that ride the bus feel like we're just kind of like in people's way and stuff like that," said James Campbell, of New Haven.

Zack Beatty says one day it got dangerous.

"That was sort of the catalyst for me like, okay, if I spilled a hot cup of coffee on myself no problem, not upset at anyone, but it could have been a three-year-old," Beatty said.

He posted the problem on his company's website. SeeClickFix.com is an online forum for community concerns. Its employees just happened to have their own.

"This was a real life issue that just affected me and we're hoping to affect the change," Beatty said.

Beatty says the city is looking into installing a shelter. In the meantime, they raised enough donations to pick up the bench from Chairigami just up Chapel Street.

"Just that one little thing I think makes a difference," Campbell said.

The bench gets taken in at night and when it rains of course, it is cardboard after all. It's basically a quick fix for SeeClickFix.

"Yeah it's alright," said Denise Clark, of New Haven. "Very comfortable."

Several donations have also been raised for a second bench.