[pesto]

Nobody is right or wrong on these issues. But if DT develops demand enough for high-end housing and shopping, the city shouldn't "protect" the homeless or edgy or secondhand shopping. Let the market work. As has been said before, there is no shortage of places where institutions for the homeless can be established and downmarket shopping can flourish.

Also, we shouldn't assume that upscale crowds out everyone else. Two blocks east of SoHo the shopping is very mixed, independent and edgy. Clubs open all night long. Even rundown in parts. Knish shops mixed in with cupcakes.