We had a thoroughly mediocre meal at Serafina's, which we decided to try in s moment of neighborhoodly spirit. The Caesar salad was wilted and tasteless, and my cache e pepe pasta was drenched in oil and a far cry from my idea of what that dish should be. Almost every table except ours at 7 pm was a large family group with many noisy children. I love children but bear that in mind if you don't, and go later. Or better yet, try Gigino's or Ecco or any number of far better non-corporate chain restaurants in the immediate vicinity. The homeless is another issue altogether, and a tragic one. Yes, they exist. But to call the neighborhood unsafe is s joke. — Pauline on First Impressions: Serafina

Glad you pointed out the 440 Washington / 456 Greenwich intersection madness. There's also no stop sign on Desbrosses, so cars come through the blind intersection without slowing down. On another note, watch the Washington / Vestry intersection. Cars pull off the W S Hwy and don't even slow down for the stop sign there. Cars also roll up Washington street without stopping. Near misses every single day. The only reason somebody hasn't gotten run over in NW Tribeca is that its fairly lightly trafficked by pedestrians. Accident waiting to happen. — chavanel on Seen & Heard: Dangerous Intersection in Northwest Tribeca

Looks like a nice place. Have to try it. — PerryR on First Impressions: Serafina

Xcellent re flections on reflections. — robert janz on Reflections on the City (Vol. 10)

If you are blessed enough to be able to live in Tribeca, there is nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy your neighborhood and saying we have a problem with the homeless. And while most homeless are not dangerous, and sadly mentally ill, there are some who are aggressive and dangerous too. But complaining about the homeless is not the answer. And many people, as much as they would like to get involved, simply do not have time. And there is nothing wrong with that. But, all residents of Tribeca pay taxes. And our mayor has done a terrible job of allocating those taxes to fix this situation which is city wide. If you want to improve your neighborhood and help the homeless through long term, sustainable solutions, let's elect an effective mayor. This is not a political comment. It's common sense. I don't care if they are republican, democrat or independent. It's simple; we have a problem, and it's getting worse. Let's elect someone who just gets the job done! — Dave on First Impressions: Serafina

Don't blame DeBlasio, this has been going on since they discovered how to fake a Louis Vuitton bag. Since at least Ed Koch if not Beame. I'm a resident since the 70's and nothing gets changed, maybe a slap on the wrist for show during a sweep but it's a U turn right back to the streets. The big labels don't really care because it's free advertisement for them. LV only started being hugely popular since the logo became a household name, in the mid 70's. — Dixie on Seen & Heard: Counterfeit-Bag Vendors Remain Unchecked

Beautiful! I am always very aware of the changes in the light in the city...beauty in unexpected places...and it's free! — Marcus on Reflections on the City (Vol. 10)

Well, Mayor de Blasio, what is your "fair" solution to the congestion problem then? — Marcus on In the News: Fowler & Wells Has Changed Its Name

Please don't give them any ideas... humor is not allowed anymore. — Jeff on Seen & Heard: Tribeca Trust Is Suing the LPC

Presumably this post is tongue-in-cheek. That said, in this call to expunge history, keep in mind that Stuyvesant was a fairly equal-opportunity religious bigot who backed down after his employers in Amsterdam told him to obey the laws regarding tolerance. (Having Jewish investors in the company did not hurt.) Stuyvesant as head of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam ironically plays a large role in the development of religious freedom in America. His later actions against the Quakers led to the Flushing Remonstrance, often described as a precursor to the Constitution in terms of freedom of religion. The Puritans, by contrast, are some of the most religiously intolerant of our forefathers; maybe we should do away with Thanksgiving. (Said with tongue firmly in cheek.) — James on Seen & Heard: Tribeca Trust Is Suing the LPC

Speaking of Stuyvesant...when is this school going to change its name? How can it remain named in honor of Peter Stuyvesant, one of the biggest anti-semites in American history? Isn't it time to wash away this guy's horrific actions against Jews, one of the largest populations in NY? Just saying. — Chris on Seen & Heard: Tribeca Trust Is Suing the LPC

de Blasio apparently doesn't want to have to pay every day when his motorcade drives him to and from the Park Slope Y to run on the treadmill. — James on In the News: Fowler & Wells Has Changed Its Name

Much of how LPC operates--in considering (i) construction of new buildings in Landmarked districts or (ii) applications to maintain, expand, or alter existing Landmarks--is almost hopelessly arbitrary and capricious and subject to the whims of LPC. This is a realm where the aesthetic and historic meet the sordid, the almighty (real estate development) dollar. — James on Seen & Heard: Tribeca Trust Is Suing the LPC

I am a big fan of Chef Masa. Can someone explain to me why it has taken almost 6 years to open this resturant? — Jack on In the News: Tetsu Has Been Pushed Back Once Again

thank you SO much for the write up! hopefully all come to view the pictures of Tribeca! :-) — cybele on Seen & Heard: Inside a Traffic Control Box

I've tried to go here several times since it opened and each time they were very unfriendly about my stroller/baby (and it was a travel stroller I offered to fold up very small and a quiet baby that would sit on my lap). Two weeks ago three of us moms tried to go for a late lunch with babies on a Wednesday and they flat out told us we couldn't come in (and there was perfect space for us that we were told wasn't reserved). Every time I've ever tried to spend money there it's been reasonably off hours. Look, I get it. Babies can be annoying and strollers obnoxious. Maybe it's not the vibe you want for your restaurant. That's fine (though maybe not wise in TriBeCa). I try to be considerate of these things when I am out. This place very clearly doesn't want my business. I think they could have more tact. They've been really unpleasant to me, so I won't go there with or sans baby. Rather, I'll go to places with polite staff. — Callie on First Impressions: Serafina

I've also called 311 numerous time and they are very responsive. Unfortunately when it comes to the garbage chained together outside of Kings Pharmacy they tell me that in that situation it's an issue for the police. — anthony on First Impressions: Serafina

I know this sounds so negative, but I have to say that this one post is symbolizing why Tribeca is just not the place to live it was before.... yet another restaurant chain has moved in with mediocre food and strollers lined up so deep that you can't move around, and the homeless are taking over. The neighborhood smells horrible and there are scenes that are so awful to put to words. We all see it. We have all written letters and we have all called 311. It's just getting worse. — Elizabeth on First Impressions: Serafina

From NYC Consumer Affairs: Who Must Have a General Vendor License? You must have a General Vendor license if you sell, lease, or offer to sell or lease goods or services in a public place that is not a store. You do NOT need a General Vendor license if: You sell newspapers, periodicals, books, pamphlets, or other written matter. You sell artwork, including paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures. You sell food. Note: Food vending requires a license from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health for information about food cart vendor licenses and permits. You sell items at a garage sale on private property. You will only sell merchandise from a booth or stand at an authorized Street Fair (e.g., street fair, block party, or festival). Please note that you must obtain a Temporary Street Fair Vendor Permit to sell merchandise at an authorized Street Fair. This description is only a general explanation of which individuals need to have a General Vendor license. Important Note about Eligibility You can apply for a General Vendor license if the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) contacts you with a waiting list number. The maximum number of General Vendor licenses that DCA issues to non-veterans is limited by law to 853. DCA’s waiting list for non-veteran applicants is currently closed. The waiting list will not re-open for further registration until DCA has run through the current pool of non-veteran applicants. Exception: If you are an honorably discharged veteran or the surviving spouse or domestic partner of an honorably discharged veteran and reside in New York State, you are eligible to apply for a General Vendor license. http://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/businesses/license-checklist-general-vendor.page — James on Seen & Heard: Racist Artifacts for Sale on Greenwich Street

Please take a moment to call 311 and make a complaint if it is upsetting you. I called about the glut of homeless at the WTC E station and it's improved a tiny bit since then. It isn't effective to wait for others to take action, make the call yourself and then ask others to join you. — DeeDee on First Impressions: Serafina

Native--I could agree more. It's inconceivable to me (though I should be used to it in this overly liberal shell that's left of a once great city) that you'd be attacked for expressing your (perfectly natural and normal) disgust for the situation that plagues that area. And native2, you have your head in quicksand if you've not witnessed just how agressive this city's homeless has become. Boston is far better off (in virtually every way). And as usual, Native is subjected to hate for having the means to attempt to enjoy a great meal. I say, Native, eat, drink, be merry and enjoy it! And hopefully, a new mayor, preferably a return to one with a brain, will clean up this homeless mess! — NYCmaman on First Impressions: Serafina

Unfortunately I don' t have an answer for the homeless. I do know that I shouldn't have to walk over ziploc bags of urine every morning and feces on the stairs into my building. That when I take my kid out on Sunday morning that I should not have to see a shirt list man fondling himself. I know the response is "move to Montclair" and believe me I count my blessings every day and think "there but for the grace of God" but there has to be a middle ground. — anthony on First Impressions: Serafina

Exactly!! I found 4WTC mesmerizing and thank goodness have many photographs taken from my kitchen window. — Andrea on Seen & Heard: Inside a Traffic Control Box

As a former resident of Beach Street, I'm interested in its history. Oliver Allen's tremendous book "Tribeca - A Pictorial History" includes a chapter on Alfred Ely Beach, inventor and builder of an experimental subway that ran between Murray and Warren near Broadway. I always assumed that Beach Street was named after him. — Andrea on In the News: The History of Beach Street

Danny, the bartender, is awesome. Had the steak salad and it was palpale. The large window-doors are a wonderful feature allowing the dining room to engage with the street. There are other weird things, like not being able to find the lick on the upstairs bathrooms (hint: it's under the handle apparently). Native: Spend some time in Boston... the homeless population in Back Bay is EXTREMELY agressive, with a fairly healthy drug and prositution ring going on as well. Our homeless are mild and really just... homeless. Many are good pepole in need of basic mental health services, and maybe a shower. So sorry you dislike seeing homeless people when you're eating your $50 meal. Perhaps it instills fear thst many of us arw only one step or paycheck away from the same life? Perhaps you should eat less and give half your meal to a homeless person. I do think the collective community (meaning business owners and tenants) could do a better job at cleaning their front yards... My building is one of the few that I see power washing it's sidewalks monthly. — Native2 on First Impressions: Serafina