It’s loo-dicrous — even potties could become exclusive in Manhattan!
A New York firm wants to charge people up to $8 a day to use “luxury” toilet complexes in Midtown.
Posh Stow and Go plans to open “clean, safe and soundproof” johns — complete with lockers, showers and baby-changing stations — near Grand Central Terminal by this summer, said company founder Wayne Parks.
“I’m a germaphobe and I don’t like dirty bathrooms — it grosses me out . . . But these are great because they are cleaned after every use,” Parks said.
“It’s a resting place for visitors who don’t have homes or offices in Manhattan. It’s a place to drop something off, if you’re in a jam,” he said.
Passes cost $24 for three days, or $8 per day, along with a $15 annual sign-up fee.
Those planning long-term can sign up for 10 days at $60.
Kids under 18 are free if they’re traveling with a “related adult member.”
Public-bathroom-boosting critics pooh-poohed the plan.
“People would pay $8 to use it? It seems expensive — especially when the city should be providing it for free,” said Douglas Lasdon of the Urban Justice Center.
“What may happen is people will have what you might call a ‘toilet emergency’ and, in that situation, they might be willing to part with that much money, maybe,” he said.
Former Mayors Mike Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani both tried to set up a network of street toilets, but dumped their plans after backlash from community groups, some of which claimed the public restrooms would become vagrant-attracting eyesores.
The city is suffering from a lack of loos for the public, which Parks said led him to come up with the idea for the posh pots.
Plans for the private toilets show several upscale 6-by-8-foot stalls in a larger brick-and-mortar establishment, which are to be located on the ground-floor.
They will feature wooden floors and a lounge area with couches and phone-charging stations.
The restrooms will also include motion-sensored flushers and faucets, as well as high-powered hand dryers, the company boasts on its Web site.
Nursing stations for women might be added later.
Parks hopes to eventually open dozens of the upscale relief facilities in Manhattan, targeting travelers along with New Yorkers venturing to Manhattan for day trips.
“Tired of carrying your shopping bags to restaurants and theaters? Tired of looking for clean, safe, private bathrooms in the city? Posh Stow and Go is the answer!” the company suggests.