TRIBECA THEN AND NOW #1
When I posted Yvonne Babineaux’s photos of Tribeca in the 1980s, I promised I’d go out and take “now” shots for comparison’s sake. Here’s the first batch. As you can see from the above diptych, I didn’t always line up the shot correctly, but if you don’t like it you can call 311.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: ALL FUN, NO HASSLE
Everyone wants a memorable New Year’s Eve, but the crowds can be annoying and good luck finding a cab. So why not organize an event in The Harrison‘s private dining room? It seats up to 22, the food is delicious. Besides, The Harrison has plenty of experience, so you can focus on your friends and family—which is the point of getting together in the first place. To discuss the details, call 212-274-9310 or email tiffany@theharrison.com. Sponsored

ICE RINK COMING TO WAGNER PARK
It’s hoping to open Saturday, and it’ll be about the size of the rink at Rockefeller Center.

SPECIAL HOURS AT HAL BROMM GALLERY
Hal Bromm Gallery/Tribeca is celebrating being back open after Hurricane Sandy with a new group exhibition, “Abstract Realities,” and special weekend hours in December: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (closed Dec.22-23), and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20. “Abstract Realities” presents a bold, visually arresting collection of work in a variety of mediums—paint, photography, sculpture, collage, drawing—from 26 artists across the globe. “The focus is on fresh faces and new works,” says Bromm. “The idea is to explore ideas and images that have recently come into view.” Hal Bromm Gallery/Tribeca is at 90 W. Broadway (at Chambers), 2nd floor; 212-732-6196. Sponsored.

IN THE NEWS
••• 11/26: Another parking garage accident. Plus: Car bursts into flames; Zone A building updates; 335 Greenwich; inside Tribeca Canvas.
••• 11/27: Hudson Square rezoning deal. Plus: Tribeca Canvas and Benares; West Thames pedestrian bridge moving forward; the history of Washington Market.

A RESTAURANT IS BRANCHING OUT
I’ve heard a rumor about what’s coming to the old Theater Bar space at 114 Franklin….

SEEN & HEARD
••• 11/26: American Flatbread Tribeca Hearth. Plus: Bread Tribeca still delivering; Vestry Wines still closed; Bowne & Co. reopened; Ari Hest; 5 Beekman signage.
••• 11/27: Il Mattone is not reopening in the same spot. Plus: White & Church; Mondo Cane “garage sale”; kindergarten petition; art event.

NOSY NEIGHBOR
“Who is responsible for the snowflake lights attached to the lampposts on Varick Street and Hudson Street north of Canal Street?” —K. Now you know.