BEIRUT: Beirut Mayor Bilal Hamad denied any intention or decision to demolish the old stairs in Mar Mikhael.

The proposed destruction of a public staircase in the Ashrafieh neighborhood drew sharp criticism from the local community.

The Massaad stairs, better known as the Mar Mikhael stairs, serve as a public gathering space, a performing arts venue and a practical passage for residents living in the hilly area.  “The municipal council hasn’t taken any decision to demolish the stairs and especially the Massaad stairs,” Hamad said. [Link]