GHOST TOWN: THE 2018 RETAIL VACANCY REPORT
For the fourth year in a row, I walked every block in Tribeca, counting storefronts that appear to be available. The number has gone up every year—from 100 in 2015, to 127 in 2016, to 134 in 2017. And this year…?

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VALENTINE NO. 66
Gerardo Blumenkrantz’s quirky illustrations at Houseman are all the more charming for being totally unnecessary.

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NOSY NEIGHBOR
“Will the new subway elevator outside 30 Park Place (for the Chambers Street station on the E line) ever open? It’s been under construction for years, although there’s been no sign of work for a long time. The adjacent stairs opened in the fall of 2016.” —I. The answer.

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IN THE NEWS
••• 8/13: Gitano was shut down again (above). Plus: Alleged bank robber nabbed by cops; city to try out commercial rent control; the Brooklyn Chop House, opening in the former Denny’s space.
••• 8/14: Inside the Tribeca home of a “QVC star.” Plus: Visit to the apartment of a curio collector; local subway stop is among the city’s hottest; De Maria restaurant has closed; Bareburger takes heat for being less than entirely organic.
••• 8/15: Brooklyn Bridge closures for El Chapo’s trial. Plus: Former Trump fixer puts 111 Murray apartment up for rent; local thefts; living in Battery Park City; FiDi development map; Champion to open store on Broadway.

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SEEN & HEARD
••• 8/13: Downtown Connection bus changes route to thwart scammers. Plus: What is going on at the Cast Iron House?; Robert Janz collages on view at Philip Williams Posters; Khe-Yo is cooking with gas again.
••• 8/15: Pig roast (above). Plus: Chefs visiting the Seaport District; 1st Precinct community event; FiDi hotel/co-working space; Sean Patrick Maloney’s annoying texts.

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