The Cuomo donations story gets worse: "After seven years as governor of New York, Andrew M. Cuomo has rewritten the disclaimer language on his campaign website that describes which of his appointees are banned from donating to his campaign, potentially opening the door for more appointees to contribute. [...] "But government watchdogs said putting the new language on the website was even worse than the reinterpretation itself, because it may make some appointees more likely to donate. [...] "The new disclaimer language leaves out appointees to public authorities, which represent some of the most influential bodies in state government, including the New York Thruway Authority, the New York Power Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the subway, bus and commuter rail system in and around New York City." [And presumably the Battery Park City Authority...] https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/29/nyregion/cuomo-appointee-donations-campaign-finance.html — James on In the News: How Andrew Cuomo Raises Money from Political Appointments

These are the same landlords who had the dispute with P.J. Clarke's if I recall correctly, where they wouldn't relocate, give back space, or sell back the lease to make way for other tenants. Then there were all kinds of (alleged) construction interference lowering the business' sales, maybe not only to cripple them but to try to trigger a landlord's kick-out clause for low sales. — James on In the News: Amada Closing Date

It is not implausible but the mechanism might be slightly different. Mall companies including Brookfield typically earn on retail leases a combination rent of a low base (say 20-50% of market) plus a percentage (say 8-12%) of sales. Standalone stores more often have leases with a simple monthly fixed rent and no percentage of sales. It gives the landlord more risk and more interest in watching the management of ther business but also more possibility of reward, while keeping early rents lower for tenants. Accordingly, there are also kick-out clauses where a tenant can terminate the lease with no further obligation if their sales don't meet a certain level. There are kick-out clauses for landlords that give them the option to take back the space if they feel someone else could pay more rent (through greater sales potential, for example, or a higher base and lower percentage rent.) — James on In the News: Amada Closing Date

I find that hard to believe. — Erik Torkells on In the News: Amada Closing Date

We love Blue Moon, they are the best, but they usually send an email ahead reminding one and all when they are returning and they didn't this year so we are all kinda panicking. So thanks for the update. I was going to be there anyway for Jerry (Nadler). Now I can buy some fresh fish! YAY — Jean Grillo on Seen & Heard: Frenchette Said to Be Opening Soon

At Amada tonight and was told they did not want to close but there is a clause In their lease if someone comes along with more money the landlord can kick them out...thank you Brookfield for nothing... — TAMK on In the News: Amada Closing Date

The Lymbr session sounds fantastic. Especially for those of us who have had a lot of body work like deep tissue massage and Rolfing done. The critic initially held her lack of knowledge about what they do against them but yea, I agree, sounds like the session was a success for the most part but not the price. — TG on In the News: Rescued from Capsized Boat

It's not just the glass lenses themselves. Water infiltrates around the glass. Also, the metal frames are usually cast iron. Water on horizontal cast iron will sit and rust it out, unlike vertical cast iron columns which will better shed the water. — James on Protect Our Sidewalks and Vault Lights

I hope Lorraine Massey is coming to our neighborhood. She is fantastic. She started Deva salons and developed many of their products. She cut my hair for years. Then she left the Deva group as it became very corporate. — Huck's Mom on Seen & Heard: Rumored Salon on W. Broadway

Vault lights are indeed very expensive to replace or maintain. On our street they take a lot of abuse from the delivery carts. Many are cracked. — Marcus on Protect Our Sidewalks and Vault Lights

Any updates on these rules? — Marcus on Protect Our Sidewalks and Vault Lights

I love my Vault lights, and so do many who have taken pictures of them. I agree it maintains the charm of the hood. Reality is do to age, they leak, high heels pop them out, and the cost to replace them or the complete panel are crazy numbers. A incentive would be a grant to help frey the cost of maintaining the lites. I would love to get my hands on any old lights so I can replace the current missing ones. As for the granite slabs: These are long and thick and with time has little holes in them from days gone by, I think from the salt put done or chemicals used. To replace these slaps all 20 is beyond the budget. currently they are strong, but is one ever fails, concrete it will be. — I Care but.. on Protect Our Sidewalks and Vault Lights

James makes legitimate points that ring true. If the City feels like the historic character of these districts is a public good, then the City should actually provide proper incentives to make real improvements with reasonable set standards. City can provide incentives via RE tax abatements, and if coordinated properly can grow the historic preservation industry In general, thereby growing that sector of skilled labor and also fostering a better, and more financially feasible way, to restore buildings. — Demetri on Protect Our Sidewalks and Vault Lights

I actually disagree; seems like the Lymbr reviewer quite enjoyed her session (if not the price)! — Tribeca Guy on In the News: Rescued from Capsized Boat

So sad to see Amada go. I found the food unique and held somewhat true to its ethnic flavor. (And no, it does not compete with El Vez which is Mexican, Tex Mex at best). Especially when you think about brunch and everyone serves up Eggs Benedict, Amada held its ground and has a more diverse offering. It's true the service was very hit or miss though but the food was always solid. Understandably, not everyone has a palate for anchovies (which we love). Hopeful for the new Seamore. But just as importantly - how is Parm not out of business yet? That place is horrendous! — Nancy on Amada Will Be Closing

Alex spends winters in the Florida Keys—nice work if you can get it! Glad to hear they may be back this Saturday—they’re the best. — Arthur Hochstein on Seen & Heard: Frenchette Said to Be Opening Soon

I was lucky to have Liz recommended to me by several Hudson River Park Mamas! I never tried acupuncture until last month when physical therapy and injections weren’t enough to handle my sciatica pain and limited mobility. She completely puts me at ease and I actually look forward to appointments. It’s always a positive experience and I feel better afterwards! Common Point is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. — Shannon Mulvihill on New Kid on the Block: Common Point

Blue Moon is the best. We have enjoying their fresh fish and great service for many, many years. — Bruce Ehrmann on Seen & Heard: Frenchette Said to Be Opening Soon

Is there a way to get money back for unused gift cards? A friend received a large gift card just before they closed and never had a chance to use. — Douglas on Galerie de Café Will Not Be Reopening

or perhaps because that apartment is for sale.. https://streeteasy.com/building/49_51-warren-street-new_york/1ef Very Sad. It was a very cute coffee shop. — Nicole on Galerie de Café Will Not Be Reopening

After years of research and due diligence our building in NW Tribeca recently restored the original Jacob Mark vault lites with the approval of LPC. Now LPC is contemplating loosening their position on the integrity of these restorations? For more info on vault lites, a part of Tribeca's history: https://www.waltergrutchfield.net/mark.htm — Tribeca citizen since 1975 on Protect Our Sidewalks and Vault Lights

Another bit of neighborhood charm stripped away. — Erik Torkells on In the News: Walker Street Storefront Leased

The "Walker Supply Corp" sign was just removed yesterday — Marcus on In the News: Walker Street Storefront Leased

FBI was supposed to be shooting in the neighborhood where the firefighter died on the Motherless Brooklyn set in Harlem. All other shooting in the neighborhood was stopped and they were scrambling to keep their production schedule, which does not give them the right not to post in advance but might explain it. Billions had flyers posted on N. Moore St. on and off for months asking for lofts to use. — SD on Seen & Heard: IPN’s Sidewalk Shed Is Finally Down

The building "officially" opens in June with Group M starting their move ins in July. — Luis Vazquez (FiDi Fan Page) on Seen & Heard: IPN’s Sidewalk Shed Is Finally Down