The governor started to break ground on the Rockefeller Park lawn for a monument to essential workers on Monday, and neighbors successfully shut the site down by crossing the fence and laying out picnic blankets. The work is paused now through the holiday weekend. Here are the stories on that so far:

STATE BREAKS GROUND ON MONUMENT
In a misguided attempt to honor essential workers of the pandemic, the state plans to tear up green open space on the water and replace it with hardscape, flagpoles and fire.

SIX TREES COMING DOWN — TODAY
To make way for its “Essential Workers Park” the state will fell six glorious mature trees on the park’s lawn to be replaced by hardscape and a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice.

A TENT CITY (MORE OF A VILLAGE) SPRINGS UP
Neighbors slept overnight in a corner of the field to keep the state from taking down six trees. It worked.

A RECAP
Here’s what’s gone down in the week since the governor announced he would build a monument on the lawn. Plus: neighbors planned a block party today.

BLUESTONE LANE OPENS NEXT WEEK
Plus Pace University will require vaccinations for all; Farm.One adds another vertical farm in Prospect Heights.

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OLD PUP ON A NEW BLOCK: PUPCULTURE SOUTH
The Soho stalwart, which opened its second branch on Hudson four years, ago has taken over the Spot/AKC space on Murray.

HOLDING DOWN THE FORT
More tents last night at Rockefeller; the bean in process; music this weekend at the Seaport for the 4th; the election: what the heck?

SEEN & HEARD
Hometown Heroes ticker tape parade. Plus installations at Soho Rep; Twiggy To Go has a new to-stay menu; the Whitney hosts queer history walks.