By Serena Solomon
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
LOWER MANHATTAN — A popular cafe chain will set up shop in Central Park, but it won't be luring diners with a bright sign.
Le Pain Quotidien dropped its plan for illuminated signage at a Landmark Preservation Commission hearing on Tuesday after receiving pressure from preservationist groups.
"The installation of such a sign would start an uncomfortable precedent of brightly branding Central Park with corporate logos," said Nadezhda Williams, from the Historic Districts Council.
The organization argued such commercialism would detract from Central Park's reputation as a haven from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Parks Department, which awarded Le Pain Quotidien the concession contract last year, confirmed the cafe would now use an unlit sign to draw customers to its location next to the Sheep Meadow near W. 69th Street.
Landmark West, another preservationist group, commended the cafe for removing the "halo-lit lettering."
The French style cafe, which has about 20 locations in Manhattan, is planning to spend more than $1 million on renovating the building, according to the New York Times. The proposed Central Park location will seat 80 and will have a takeout menu, the paper reported.
