The fire escapes were early 20th century retrofits, coming out of labor laws spurred by the Triangle Shirtwaist fire and the Progressive movement. Here is a link to an 1893 photo of 295 Church Street, showing the north line of windows of 293 at the right side of the photo. The cornice of 293 is complete where there now exists a gap. http://c8.alamy.com/comp/E8M948/king1893nyc-pg898-william-clark-company-295-church-street-E8M948.jpg — James on Seen & Heard: Landmarc’s Limited Summer Hours

Congest pricing: YES YES YES. This is long overdue. Let us look to the success of this approach in London, for example. The slow-parade (and frequently more of a standstill) of dangerous, honking, polluting, vehicles has for too long dominated the public space of this city. The revenue generated should be used for infrastructure and public transit. — Marcus on In the News: Another Push for Congestion Pricing

Ha ha so true! — Samantha on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

I have to agree with the residents, of which I am one. You truly sound condescending when you talk of this Brooklyn neighborhood. You act like we are stuck in some sort of time warp. We are the true New Yorkers. We are the kids who grew up here jumping on the trains to Manhattan, spending days in museums and nights in clubs. We valued the separation of chaotic city life with our quiet streets. Although I could name many problems with this neighborhood, it has been my neighborhood for most of my life, so I am allowed to knock it. We are not some sort of exhibit for you to gawk at. If you don't know how to write an article on Bay Ridge, refer to The NY Times. Oh and perhaps you should take another walk around. I've travelled the world and I still appreciate most of the architecture in this gem by the harbor. — Samantha on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

Erik, You should document the windows at 60 Hudson. It's going to be a hot series with each artist showing for 6 weeks. — Dianne Talan on Seen & Heard: A Bunch of Restaurant Updates

Good argument. You are more than welcome to come at the CB1 meeting to discuss your concerns. This street is extremely busy and it makes no sense to have a sidewalk cafe. — TC on WeWork’s First Gym

We don't even get the emergency lights, and most times they are in personal cars in way to work. Between the NYPD, the city housing workers going to 100 Gold, the increase in Ubers from the Beekman Hotel opening, and the usual Beekman FD and hospital traffic, it is a shit show down here. Yes, it is a school zone! — Lynda Lippin on Seen & Heard: A New Louisiana-Style Restaurant?

We went on Friday night and thought it was very good. Nice atmosphere and authentic Italian food. A good addition to the neighborhood, and a clear step up from Roc. — IJM on New Kid on the Block: L’Angolo

The Post article online has a picture of a bogus (union-issued not City-issued) police parking placard. However, the caption merely stated, "This vehicle had an expired parking placard." That's not an auspicious omen. — James on In the News: Another Push for Congestion Pricing

It's possible, but more likely, the owner of the space is trying something different. — Erik Torkells on WeWork’s First Gym

Does this mean that American Flatbread is reopening? — Clare on WeWork’s First Gym

I would love to have ANY of the "tacky" homes in a heartbeat!! Bay Ridge is soooo beautiful and charming. — Kenneth on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

Erik, its a tough crowd in Bay Ridge - we are nice people, just don't critizice where we live! Only we can do that. : ) — Maryann Keegan on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

I mean to ask whether anyone had eaten there.... We considered it, but I'm too obsessed with Hemlock to eat anywhere else on the Lower East Side right now. — Erik Torkells on Seen & Heard: In Praise of the Metrograph

Dinner at The Metrograph does not disappoint. — NorthernTribeca on Seen & Heard: In Praise of the Metrograph

How is the sidewalk cafe for 125 Chambers Street even being considered, given that the Zoning Resolution apparently forbids it? Is CB1 unaware or unconcerned? See: NYC Zoning Resolution Article I: General Provisions Chapter 4 - Sidewalk Cafe Regulations Section 14-44 Special Zoning Districts Where Certain Sidewalk Cafes Are Permitted #Enclosed# or #unenclosed sidewalk cafes# shall be permitted, as indicated, in the following special zoning districts, where allowed by the underlying zoning. #Small sidewalk cafes#, however, may be located on #streets# or portions of #streets# within special zoning districts pursuant to the provisions of Section 14-43 (Locations Where Only Small Sidewalk Cafes Are Permitted). [...] [Footnote] 2 #Unenclosed sidewalk cafes# are not allowed on State, Whitehall or Chambers Streets or Broadway — James on WeWork’s First Gym

Someday I can come up with $4 to 5 million (plus renovations) for a loft of my choosing. Until then, I will keep peeping. Nice pictures! Pinky JJ — Pinky JJ on Loft Peeping: Paula Wagner & Rick Nicita

Eye roll to this entire article. Go home transplant. — Anthony on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

Tacky? You mean like Steam Punk decor and skinny jeans? Please...don't encourage more freaks to invade Bay Ridge. — Bob on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

"If I wanted safe good taste, I could’ve stayed at home." God, how pretentious. — Katie on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

Interesting to see how someone not from these parts sees my neighborhood. Was surprised at the comment about some of the homes looking tacky on Shore Road. That was a first. I see you zeroed in on some of the great places tho' frankly there are so many. Third Ave alone is like restaurant row with boutiques here and there as well. We also have a botanical garden (movies Al fresco in the summer), festivals, parades, church bells ringing on Fourth Avenue - but I digress... — Lee on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

You missed all the great restaurants Bay Ridge has to offer to offer — Patricia Cordell on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

I agree Cat! I thought that comment about tacky homes was really rude and arrogant . They are European and exotic looking, is what should have been said. I do not even have my own home, but i sure do admire seeing the beautiful looking homes in bay ridge, as i go for my strolls..... The moral of peopke is seriously declining around us, lets help bring it up, not kick it down... — Sher on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

I live in Bay Ridge. And I appreciate your article on informing people of an easy way to visit this great neighborhood. And I realize this is a blog and so I have no right to judge or bash your opinion. So I'm opening a can of worms by saying this... but I have too. Stating that the decor of people's homes in Bay Ridge is tacky is actually tackier. In NYC, it is a blessing to own a home in any neighborhood in Brooklyn. People in Bay Ridge take great pride in their homes and the street in front of their homes. All NY, not just Tribeca citizens, have to bust their ass to get home and maintain it... I realize you had more positive things than negative, but calling someone's home tacky on a public forum is terrible. — Cat on Field Trip: Bay Ridge

I had dinner at kappo masa last night and after a brief conversation with one of the waiters I was told tetsu is currently scheduled to open June 20th. — Alex on Seen & Heard: Serafina Opening Forecast