On the covid rate, which data source are you referencing? 10007 is currently 3.43 and 10013 has been in the 4-5% range for some time. This happened after Thanksgiving and hasn't really budged much. Just as important, total number of cases and hospitalizations are key. Also keep in mind that % positive is really an indicator of whether or not there is sufficient testing vs. "how safe it is." https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-data.page — Duane Street on Seen & Heard: Indoor dining starting Feb. 12

Thank you for looking into this for us Pam! — Jason on Nosy Neighbor: Why does the tap water taste funny?

What are the criticisms of the Roxy? I've never stayed at the hotel, so I can't speak to that aspect, but was a regular attendee of the jazz, both in the lounge and The Django, and thought both were great. Fantastic music, great atmosphere, and friendly attentive staff. I will be very sad to lose those jazz music venues. Also loved the pastries at Jack's. — Marcus on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

It will be so sad if these buildings are torn down and replaced with another high rise (that this neighborhood does NOT need). I hope the new owners keep the buildings intact. — Warren st on 80-88 West Broadway has new owners

Sorry Charles, I've never met a tourist who didn't mind getting mugged or harassed by crazy homeless people. I think you are willfully denying reality because it doesn't fit your anti-racist political agenda. — Lowrider on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

The city has serious problems and we as residents have to pick the right mayor to get things back on track. I am hoping Ray MacGuire or someone with a moderate and fiscal conservative view can be that leader. — Scared on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

The rats in Washington Market Park are increasing by the minute, I’ve seen around 10 at a time crossing the street to get into the trash of the Fro Yo place every evening. I have called 311 to file a complaint and I urge you to do the same if you can! Let’s clean our neighborhood up (or at least try to) — TribecaResident on Bring on the Cats: Rodents of Unusual Size roaming the streets

What a huge loss to the community. Travel industry, restaurants, should have been helped during pandemic. People are not congregating or traveling unless necessary. They needed aid and didn’t get any. — Karen on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

Love this story. Thanks for sharing it. — Karen on Catching Up With: Joan Pantzer

I agree crime is way up. But the data shows it’s still less than it was in the late 90s/early 2000s. And that is my experience living here since 1992. I am just saying we need to have perspective - as large cities go it’s still quite safe - and I continue to believe that when there are businesses reopened, pedestrians all around, and jobs for people, crime will reduce. That being said - I agree there are some policy decisions around policing, bail reform, and homeless services that need to be fixed. All of the above is contributing to the overall issues. But all bets are off until we have people out and about again. Separate note - I am surprised to see the fans of Roxy - but to each their own I guess! — Charles on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

Love NYC in the snow! — Cathy on The neighborhood, as seen through the Blizzard of ’21

Whatever you do, make sure not to criticize the politicians responsible for this. You wouldn't want to be cancelled, or hauled off. Deblasio and Cuomo, they're the greatest! — Sub on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

Hi Charles, I agree Tourist have nothing to do with crime and homelessness. But I definitely have to disagree about the crime. It is way way up. We have mentally ill homeless in hotels all over downtown and in our streets. Our " wonderful" Mayor has put them all around us without community board meetings. This definitely has to do with assaults on our streets and trains. The past 6 plus months gun violence is way up ( no bail) also robberies. Our city all around isn't safe. Hopefully when we open up in the near future it will change. — Native on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

You go into a restaurant with a friend. You sit about 2 feet from the friend(s), or closer. You take off your mask to eat. Do you know where your friend has been and with whom? You use the restroom. You take transportation to get there. I am a foodie and used to eat out every week, several times a week, with friends. I miss that terribly. But I am not taking the risk. And now, weddings at 150 capacity? No, not with the variants. And the slow roll-out of vaccines. I am a great cook and ordering from Fresh Direct and Max's 1 hr. and tipping well. I am also supporting the local eateries, even though I can cook. We get lunches from Zutto, Ben Venuto, Greca, Nish Nush, Bubby's, 19 Cleveland (sister of Nish Nush), and occasionally Gigino and Max's Italian, oh and King Wok. For holidays, Burdicks by mail order. We're doing what we can but will not go back to indoor dining until the curve is flattened. Come spring will enjoy dining outside on the park benches in front of Citicorps on Greenwich -- COVID is in the air and I don't want it. Getting first shot at Javits (Jabbits) mid-March if supplies hold. Fingers crossed I don't pick up COVID going to and fro. My best to all of you — Martine on In the News: Restaurants are at their wits end

It is not in the historic district and while I am not an expert, I don't think that building would ever qualify for landmarking on its own. You can see the district and all local landmarks here at the LPC's interactive map. — Tribeca Citizen on 80-88 West Broadway has new owners

what a treat of a story. So wonderful to see old pics of the hood and relish their history. Just fantastic Pam, Thank you! — Lesley on Catching Up With: Joan Pantzer

Beer, Gin, and Coffee/Bakery - what apropos forerunners to The Odeon...thank you for sharing these photos James! — Franklin Foodie on Catching Up With: Joan Pantzer

I was going to say the same thing about the $1 oysters! Great minds think alike! :) TribecaMoms gonna miss Roxy and Soho Grand. Never patronized Soho Grand but they were nice tho. I had a project for work a few years ago related to allergen study, the hotel let me and coworker go in to interview their restaurant workers and collect data. — TribecaMom on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

Must say that Ray's is pretty comfortable to go to during the pandemic. They have a huge, 2000 sq ft space with high ceilings and partitions everywhere. — Roark Dunn on Local Business Update: Get a haircut!

What a fascinating history! I loved reading this. — Kevin Westfall on Catching Up With: Joan Pantzer

Spent many a morning in the Towers with my Times and poached eggs, listening to Joan and Artie's banter and feeling connected to a neighborhood through them. Thank you to Joan and Pam for the memories!! — Bobbie on Catching Up With: Joan Pantzer

The Roxy and Soho Grand have been great neighbors over the years. Many happy hours spent at the Roxy. Can't beat the $1 oyster special. They were always a big supporter of all of the neighborhood fundraisers too. The Django was a great place with live music for a night out. — TribecaMom on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

The Lockdown has to end soon. Otherwise the City will have no Restaurants, Clothing Stores, Theater, Entertainment, Tax Revenue, Business Offices, Universities, Sports, etc. — perry rothenberg on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel

This is not landmarked? — Heide Fasnacht on 80-88 West Broadway has new owners

The lack of tourists has nothing to do with crime and homelessness. Both were far larger when these hotels opened. The crime is still way lower than it was in the late 90s/early 2000’s. There are no tourists because everything has closed. What in the world would tourists do with indoor dining and theatres and other businesses closed? And in winter. We need to safely reopen when we can - and then we will need a massive marketing campaign and special events. When the city is filled with people again and there are jobs, the crime rate will drop again. Lastly - the Roxy sucked. It SHOULD have closed a log time ago. I am not sentimental about businesses struggling because they were awful. Let something else open in its place. — Charles on In the News: The Roxy and Soho Grand owner is tossing in towel