Proposed Gold Rush Street Updates Rile Preservationists

"A hot debate, one common to historic districts throughout the country, is raging over a proposed plan to radically alter Historic Folsom's appearance."

"It pits those who argue the four-block stretch of Sutter Street is sorely in need of improvements to make it economically viable and those who believe changing the street's signature features, including raised sidewalks, shed roofs and a center median, will ruin its historic nature."

"Although the city's Historic District Commission approved a streetscape concept plan by a 4-1 vote earlier this month, that isn't the final word."

"Visitors to Sutter Street currently encounter a mix of antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and specialty stores such as Snook's Chocolate Factory, some housed in buildings dating back over a century."

"But what initially grabs the attention of most people are the street's unique features -- raised sidewalks built during the horse and buggy era, shed roofs and a grass median running down the middle of the roadway."

"Those are the types of things, opponents of the streetscape plan maintain, that draw people to the historic district in the first place."