SoHo Stone Slab Sidewalks: Unique Or Unsafe?

This sidewalk: a menace to society?

The stone slab sidewalks between Broome and Mercer streets, part of the SoHo Cast Iron District, could soon be forgotten under a cold, hard layer of cement. And according to the Post, SoHo residents have mixed feelings. So, are these things charming or just a nuisance?

According to a new proposal, the uneven slabs pose a safety hazard to anyone walking down the street, and could mean lawsuits for building owners. But the street's Kate Spade store manager said, "I think they should keep the sidewalk as it is, because that's what makes it historic and unique," but added, "I understand that maybe it's for safety reasons." Kurt Gutenbrunner of the Cafe Kristall also said, "It's like going backwards. I mean, how many streets with these sorts of beautiful histories do we even have left in the city?" Perhaps there will come a day when the city won't have to worry about frivolous lawsuits filed by clumsy walkers, but we're not holding our breath.

Should The Slab Sidewalk Be Paved Over?survey software

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By Jaya Saxena in News on December 27, 2010 5:54 PM

Comments [rss]

drew_o

Will the new concrete sidewalks last as long as the slab sidewalks? The slab sidewalks have survived for decades - the concrete replacements will start crumbling within years.

Matthew Landsman

these buildings are all Landmark buildings. They are never changing.

John Fernandez

I mind the massive grate on the east side of Mercer between Bleecker and W 3rd a lot more.

Canal Rubber Supply

_never mind_

my_beanus

the building owners can opt to keep it. let them deal with the lawsuits.

GentleGiant

The two options, pretty sidewalk and dangerous sidewalk, aren't mutually exclusive. Could the stone slabs be made safe?

brittabam

Maybe if we weren't so obsorbed in our iPhones this wouldn't be a problem.

Josh Zeisel

Maybe people should watch where they walk instead of thinking nothing could happen to them. Have people evolved to understand common sense? I think so.

KevinJWalsh

I tripped over a metal pipe stub embedded in Cypress Hills Street a few days ago. It was practically invisible. On the other hand, the bluestone slab sidewalks have never given me a problem.

www.forgotten-ny.com

nicemarmot

Is it really any more dangerous than the poorly maintained concrete sidewalks all over this city? Giant potholes, randomly raised slabs sticking up four inches...