Part of a downtown street in Phillips Square near the Bay is noticeably sunken in - and that has a nearby merchant concerned.

The folks who run the Second Cup in Phillips Square got a surprise when they dismantled their terrace on Aylmer Street, and saw a deep depression around the drain and the road around it, as well as a chunk of pavement missing. Samantha Jenne has worked there for two years and said it's always been like that.

"Not as bad as what it is right now but it's definitely been noticeable that it's been sunken in lower the rest of the street," Jenne said.

And she said what's strange is that the borough repaved the center of the street last spring without touching the sides.  Borough spokesman Patrick-Jean Poirier said they didn't want to disturb the terrasses in place and they didn't do it before they were installed because it wasn't a priority at the time.

He said repairs should begin next week, calling the deterioration normal wear-and-tear.  Jenne said they're afraid if something happens, they could be held liable and hopes it's done as quickly as possible, especially with the Santa Claus parade next Saturday.

"Lots of people, lots of cars, floats, everything, the extra weight, who'll know what'll happen."

Photos: Shuyee Lee