Raise the Hammer

It's funny you should point out that discrepancy; I had a similar thought when I read the article.

Having said that (and I'm addressing JH's comment here), I myself have been a little put off the Gore in the past by the occasional visible drug use, and/or loud, boisterous activity in the Gore. Nor do I think is the prejudice you mention entirely class or race-based; there's a somewhat justifiable concern for personal safety out there. My girlfriend, for instance, was propositioned by a pimp and three of his friends in Jackson Square only a few feet from me while I was turned around and taking money out from an ATM. The fellow was dressed expensively enough that I don't think his survival was at stake in the encounter. Needless to say, when we are together and there are large groups of similarly dressed people about in the Gore or elsewhere, we tend to steer clear. It's instinct.

In my view, it's not so much that there are people loitering at Gore, but rather that the place is usually avoided almost entirely by non-"underclass" types. In an ideal world, the businesses that surround the Gore and the general ambiance will do something to attract a greater diversity of people there to enjoy it - whether it's business people, youth, the working class, or whatever.

I would hope that the addition of vendors to the Gore does not mean they'd kick people out who don't want to spend money - At least, this is how it works at beaches and other parks with vendors, where anybody who likes to can enjoy the public realm.
Maybe this is just my rebellious side, but I've spent lots of time in parks with vendors in my day without spending a dime (or wearing a suit).

I imagine the "less loitering" part of the spec article is something of an editorial oversight. Obviously, the more people, and different types of people "loitering" in the Gore, the better.