Here we have proof that Ernesto is imaginary: even people with very strong prescriptions can at least see blobs when they take off their glasses. Petey obviously doesn’t know that yet.
Gravel, or cobblestones since this is Philly, set in concrete. Done at night means less traffic to worry about. It’s not a perfect fix, but it’s better than having the holes.
But it’s a Monster Under the Bed, so combining species is allowed.