j, I'm not sure if James was referring to that, but yes, I was referring to that, and more so the apparently counterfeit "designer" handbags for sale. The handbags are commonly spread out across the sidewalks to make them impassable, a problem compounded by crowds of tourist "shoppers". In addition there are the lurkers gathered on the corners and at subway entrances which their printed lists of items for sale and often whispered words of "Gucci" or "Rolex". All of this, along with the mad Canal Street traffic, graffiti, and abandoned storefronts and buildings, creates a sense of lawlessness around that intersection. It seems like minor problems compared to the greater problems of the city and world, but I fear also that small problems lead to bigger problems (more serious crimes, etc.). I don't understand how this goes on for years, decades, and the city just lets it happen, in plain sight. — Marcus on In the News: More trouble at Taylor’s place

(That was meant as sarcasm, in case you thought that was serious comment.) — G on In the News: More trouble at Taylor’s place

This window display is gorgeous. Every detail is stunning. Butterflies and tulips are two of my favorites (not to be cheesy) but tis true. I haven’t walked past this storefront past week or two. Glad you captured it. — j. on Seen & Heard: Curbside Canvas on film

That's pretty standard these days unless you're going to a chop shop like the one on Fulton where I think it's $16 (nothing wrong with that). Gentleman's Barber Shop on Church is $50 for example. Think of it as basically 30-45 min of someone's time, rent, build-out, electricity, etc. and you'll see why it gets to $60 pretty quickly. — DB on New Kid on the Block: Tribeca Barber Spa

I don't know. — Tribeca Citizen on Staples on Broadway will close permanently

I agree, let's give the police more to do. They just hang around now all day. Venders (don't forget subway food vendors too), homeless, get rid of the traffic bureau too, they give out tickets, and get the police to do parking tickets, etc. We need more enforcement!!! — G on In the News: More trouble at Taylor’s place

that is not an answer. that is running away from it because "defunding" the police is cool for him. he comes off as someone who will say anything to win without thinking of what it means. we want safe streets for our kids and this is not what our city deserves - someone who will say whatever it is to win. our city deserves a more legitimate representative and i hope everyone answers these important questions. i do like what danny salas had to say. his answers were good. — nicole lc on The Candidates 2021: Christopher Marte for CD1

Will the CVS two blocks away, on Fulton and Nassau remain open? — Tee on Staples on Broadway will close permanently

Is illegal vending all the watches for sale on tables over there as 1 example? It’s virtually impossible to walk through that area when need be. — j. on In the News: More trouble at Taylor’s place

A friend of mine went there recently for a haircut, just cutting hair. The cost: $60. — Richard on New Kid on the Block: Tribeca Barber Spa

The police do nothing about the illegal vending. They walk by or drive by, even park right next to it. Could it have something to do with the policy on "petty offenses"? https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/13/nyregion/new-york-city-police-officers-told-to-relax-stance-on-petty-offenses.html — Marcus on In the News: More trouble at Taylor’s place

So the cops could clean up graffiti on Canal Street, but not the illegal vending on the same street? Ok. — james on In the News: More trouble at Taylor’s place

Grant, I really like Chris but like you said he is for defunding police. That is the most Major problem in this city. Crime and bail reform. Without safety there is no city. — NATIVE on The Candidates 2021: Christopher Marte for CD1

Yes, reading through his campaign site is impressive. I’ve also interacted with him on Nextdoor regarding his advocacy on environmental issues and he listens, communicates well, and kindly. — j. on The Candidates 2021: Christopher Marte for CD1

He said this on crime in January, “According to Marte, the spike in crime is due to a reduction in social services during the pandemic. Once the city opens up again “we can make sure that people who needed help before the pandemic, [as well as those] dealing with isolation and substance abuse …will get the help they need.” Tribeca Tribune 1/28/21 — j. on The Candidates 2021: Christopher Marte for CD1

I've tried -- can try again. — Tribeca Citizen on The Wooly Public seems to be closed permanently

We’re experiencing a crime spree and Chris ignored the questions entirely. I looked him up and he seems to be very vocal about defunding the police. This: https://janosforda.medium.com/new-york-city-2021-candidates-demand-immediate-cuts-to-nypd-budget-d523354e79c And this: He also is a strong supporter of the movement to defund the police. “I was the first candidate to support defunding the police,” he said, “especially by a billion [dollars], at the very least. I believe in defunding and making sure those funds go to youth programs and summer programs.” https://www.google.com/amp/s/thevillagesun.com/d-i-d-endorses-chris-marte-for-council-district-1-maud-maron-grilled-on-schools-record-at-forum/amp How is bragging about defunding the police going to keep us safe? That’s not what we want. It seems like he repeats the lines of whatever is popular at the time. Does he still believe in defunding the police? — Grant Bezckalos on The Candidates 2021: Christopher Marte for CD1

Hi, Bruce, I agree with you. I know Barbara and can put you in contact. Are you a friend? — Barbara E Morgan on Cafe Clementine finds a new Tribeca home on Greenwich and Duane

There is no other candidate who has done more for residents across every neighborhood in this district. They say the best way to get to know a candidate is to see what they do after they lose. Narrowly defeated by only 200-ish votes in the race against Margaret Chin, Chris turned many political heads, and he could have gotten a plumb job on a national campaign and catapulted himself on a path to consulting stardom. Instead, Marte went to the mat for low-income tenants in Chinatown as they were being pushed out of their homes, helping them in the middle of the night when they had nowhere to turn. He has spoken up at Community Board meetings, testified for Historic Districts, organized against a monster jail, held listening meetings for SoHo artists, rallied on the steps of Tweed Court House on behalf of public schools, and the list goes on and on. He is a champion of Lower Manhattan. I look forward to having him as our City Council Member. — Night Owl on The Candidates 2021: Christopher Marte for CD1

Does anyone know if Parm in battery park is closed for good now as well? Its the only restaurant yet to reopen in north battery park. — DD on The Wooly Public seems to be closed permanently

Yes, a strong statement that I can agree with. I feel good about him. — j. on The Candidates 2021: Christopher Marte for CD1

Loved that bar! It was a block or two away from The Wetlands on Varick. Live music every weekend and it would be rockin. Had some great nights there that are a little hazy in hindsight. — Bob Beichner on When Tribeca Was Small (Part Two)

That's not accurate! NYC has control over five specialized high schools and can modify the entrance exams over them. Even the mayor considered doing this but punted using the state's control over three schools as an excuse. If the city council has the guile to change the terms of the five they control, it will force the state to act on the other three. That's how the legislative branch works! Plus, Denny worked at a school in the Bronx for the last five years - are you really going to question his knowledge on how it works? Good luck! — Julian Fraser on The Candidates 2021: Denny Salas for CD1

Wow.. this is sad.. i did enjoy their outdoor option during 2020, and was wondering if they closed for good. They had some good bar food options. — Richard on The Wooly Public seems to be closed permanently

Chris walks the walk. He is a tireless community activist with a balanced view of the compelling issues that face our district. — JONATHAN HOLLANDER on The Candidates 2021: Christopher Marte for CD1