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Public Spaces That Appear Private

In some parts of Seattle and San Francisco, developers can build more densely than the law would typically allow if they build what's called a POPOS. That's a Privately-Owned, Public Open Space. It's kind of like a park, only it's not. There are stricter limits on what kind of behaviors will be tolerated. So exactly how public is this public amenity? Today on KUOW Presents, 99% Invisible producer Stephanie Foo tries to get kicked out of one of San Francisco's POPOS.

Seattle's POPOS can be difficult to find. So we've provided a map for you:

Map credit: Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata's office

View Seattle's Privately Owned Public Spaces in a larger map

Full list of stories on KUOW Presents, May 21:

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