New metal rails and loops have appeared bolted onto planter boxes around the trees lining Brazos Street in downtown Austin, sparking questions — and online speculation — about whether the additions are meant to deter people from sitting or lying on the planter edges.
The city of Austin said it did not install the features and that no permit was issued for the work.
“Austin Transportation and Public Works has an inspector investigating this installation and will address this with the responsible party when it is determined,” city spokesperson Yasmeen Hassan wrote in a statement…