Bench painted as American flag stays in Park Slope

Members of the Park Slope American Legion were pleased to learn that a patriotic bench they created will get to stay in their neighborhood.
The bench dressed as the American flag was put on Fifth Avenue April 13. Despite support from some in the community, the Department of Transportation said it might cause a problem.
The DOT said it received an anonymous complaint through 311 that the bench was obstructing the sidewalk. Staff members looked at the area and realized the bench was not a hazard.
"We are rescinding the notice of violation, which was issued in error given the bench was entirely in the tree pit and was not encroaching on the sidewalk," the NYC DOT said in a statement.
Some Park Slope residents believe the bench was targeted because of its decor.
"There are benches all the way up the street very similar to this one except this one has an American flag on it," said Lisa Gibbs. "That's the only distinction."
People have also commented on the Park Slope American Legion's Facebook page, claiming that the bench violates the flag code, but members of the legion disagree.
One code is that people shouldn't sit on a flag, but supporters of the bench say they are sitting on art and aren’t going against the rules.