Save or pave in SoHo
A proposal to replace an aging, uneven section of stone slab sidewalk with simple concrete is being met with cheers and jeers alike in trendy SoHo.
The stretch of sidewalk, at Broome and Mercer streets, is outside the five-story, 1880 building that houses the flagship store of designer Kate Spade, which is within the landmarked SoHo Cast Iron District.
“I think they should keep the sidewalk as it is, because that’s what makes it historic and unique,” said Kate Spade manager Maria Lugo, 32.
“I understand that maybe it’s for safety reasons,” she added.
But others support the status quo.
Kurt Gutenbrunner, owner of the Cafe Kristall on Mercer Street, called replacing the slabs a “terrible idea.”
“It’s like going backwards. I mean, how many streets with these sorts of beautiful histories do we even have left in the city?” he said.
