Other takes on developer Ben Shaoul: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/nyregion/ben-shaoul-takes-the-village.html http://www.thelodownny.com/leslog/2012/08/city-orders-ben-shaoul-to-present-staircase-removal-plan-for-approval.html — James on In the News: Pier 26 Meeting Recap

Yes, they have lots of money and all kinds of donors for various elections to pay off. — Ariane on In the News: Pier 26 Meeting Recap

I wouldn't get too excited over this list. I was told this largely reflects Westfield's "wish list" of retailers it would like to have there (and those it has approached about renting space). Many, and perhaps most, will never end up there. Lacoste's owner (PVH) is closing many of their standalone stores aside from Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, and I highly doubt Lacoste will show up. The rumor mill is abuzz that Jones the Grocer backed out a while ago and was asked to keep quiet about it (also, there is nothing on its website indicating a NY store will be opening at any time). I doubt there will be much overlap between the retailers already in Brookfield Place, and I also doubt Westfield will end up with as many watch stores as indicated above. Sadly, I would expect that the usual suspects will all end up there: Duane Reade, Banana Republic, L'Occitane, Pret a Manger, Sephora, etc. And any retail establishments could share the fate of the original tenants in the World Financial Center: the hype died quickly and it became a retail ghost town (especially on weekends when most retailers make most of their money). New Yorkers just don't like shopping in malls, especially those underground. But hope springs eternal. — Frank on Update: Who’s Onboard at the World Trade Center Mall

I am interested in the ring - 18 K gold inspired by foil cigar bands as seen in Elle Sept. p.158. What is the price? — Corrine Powers on A New Boutique on Lispenard

It seems like the turf conversion could have been done in 2 weeks for $30K tops. Rip out the grass, lay down some base layer and then the turf. Instead we have feckless bureaucrats managing a process that involves a "new design" of the whole area, not to mention some preferential bid rigging someone came up with. Are they so bored and is there really so much money that they just sit around and concoct inane things to do all day? I wanted to have more sympathy for the Ritz Carlton residents. — cami on In the News: Pier 26 Meeting Recap

The sky is the limit only when it comes to property taxes. — BobR on Pier 40 Rescue Plan Announced

What's the occupancy limit for the island of Manhattan? Is the sky the limit? — Jim Smithers on Pier 40 Rescue Plan Announced

It could have been worse. Nice to see some variety and few things that are not chains. — cami on Update: Who’s Onboard at the World Trade Center Mall

I rather have the Ballerina up there forever than the building..just sayin'! — HH on Seen & Heard: Ballerina Mural Extended

The scaffold is down at 325 West Broadway. ExoSKELETON is the right word because in my opinion it looks like dinosaur bones welded together. — James on Seen & Heard: Ballerina Mural Extended

That's certainly possible, but DDG did pay $9.5 million for the property, so it'd be taking a sizable loss if it doesn't build something there. — Erik Torkells on Seen & Heard: Ballerina Mural Extended

I heard they are not building I guess this pretty much confirms that. — TriBeCa on Seen & Heard: Ballerina Mural Extended

Brookfield is more of a destination for something specific you need to get or do. This seems more of a destination when you don't really know what you want to get or do. Either place has its pros and cons. — lowphat on Update: Who’s Onboard at the World Trade Center Mall

I sure hope there's not a Food Moratorium. That would suck, like for reals. — Jim Smithers on The Food Emporium Is in Limbo

I agree with Luis, it looks pretty diverse and well rounded. — George on Update: Who’s Onboard at the World Trade Center Mall

i live on Lispenard and i am sick and tired of these people and the rubbish they leave behind! — fabien on Seen & Heard: Counterfeit Vendors Camped Out on Lispenard

I think it looks great. Something for everyone, unlike Brookfield Place which is skewed to the super luxury. I think Westfield, on the other hand will do very well as it will appeal to a far broader clientele. I'll be so happy when we finally have a local Apple store. — Luis Vazquez (FiDi Fan Page) on Update: Who’s Onboard at the World Trade Center Mall

looks like a pretty suburban & dull line up with only a couple standouts... — KtO on Update: Who’s Onboard at the World Trade Center Mall

Contact Community Board 1 (man01@cb.nyc.gov) and Councilmember Margaret Chin (chin@council.nyc.gov). Either on their own or together, they'll have more sway with the NYPD than you will. Get your neighbors to email them, too, and include photos noting the dates/times when the vendors were there. If you have ever felt unsafe or harassed by the vendors, by all means mention it. Another option, but with less accountability, is the 1st Precinct's Community Council meeting (1stprecinctcc.org.) — Erik Torkells on Seen & Heard: Counterfeit Vendors Camped Out on Lispenard

So we just put in a 311 request & this was the response: Your Service Request was closed. The Police Department responded to the complaint and with the information available observed no evidence of the violation at that time. 90x This is very frustrating as there obviously were- and still are- vendors illegally selling counterfeit goods on Canal & Lispenard Street, but the NYPD is not wanting to deal with it. Is the Mayor's Office a better place to lodge complaints? — lispenard resident on Seen & Heard: Counterfeit Vendors Camped Out on Lispenard

HH, I am aware that Canal Street is legendary for it's counterfeit goods and have seen it for many many years. But at least there were more stores (albeit for tourists) a few years back and it fit the area. With the recent developments in northern Tribeca and the continued growth of Soho, Canal Street is beginning to be pushed into this bizarre situation that is not fitting the area anymore. Things are getting nicer all around it, and the bodegas and tourist trap stores of canal streets are closing and yet the vacancies grow and counterfeit goods continue to litter the street. It does hurt the local retailer that are near Canal Street and hinders growth. — Josh on Seen & Heard: Counterfeit Vendors Camped Out on Lispenard

FYI "Step cracks" are cracks that run up a brick wall in a stair step fashion within the mortar joint only, i.e., none of the bricks themselves are cracked. — James on Seen & Heard: New Tenant for 124 Hudson

Huh. No bookstore. — MM on Update: Who’s Onboard at the World Trade Center Mall

And I'll say it again, because James is being polite: If you want something to change, you have to complain loudly to people who can do something about it, and you have to get others to complain, too. Also, pictures help. — Erik Torkells on Seen & Heard: Counterfeit Vendors Camped Out on Lispenard

NYPD precincts are measured by weekly and monthly crime and complaint statistics. Without ongoing complaints by the public, even anonymously, about ongoing problems, there appears to be no managerial motivation from commanders to solve even the most flagrant quality of life issues. — James on Seen & Heard: Counterfeit Vendors Camped Out on Lispenard