I won’t give the location where I took the picture but this block has a problem with guys squatting on the steps and loitering. They may even be selling things that are illegal.
In any case, it can get touchy if you ask them to move. They move but the next day they turn up again like they forgot.
The solution pictured may look extreme but it provides enough space to put your shoe down to walk up the steps but is uncomfortable to sit down on.
Looks like it can be done in with a little hardware, tools and about a half hour.
