Terra, West Broadway and Franklin Street — James on Where in Tribeca?

For me, the big difference is that on 9/11 I was forced out of my home; now, I am forced to stay at home. As part of the human family, our instinct is to reach out and help. That was easy to do after 9/11 -- I remember stirring huge kettles at Bouley. Activities helped us to feel like heroes rather than victims. That is a great gift to survivors. And, of course, having an enemy that can be seen without a microscope makes it too easy to visualize and hate. At least this time around, we can avoid that and, if we do declare war, it will be on a disease! — Betty Heller on Reflecting on another crisis, 19 years ago

New York welcomes everyone and as usual anything different ruffles feathers and intimidates others, that’s proven by these negative comments, even from those that didn’t even give it a shot. You are inspiring and it was great to have you in NYC, with your energy and spirit. Small Business raise communities and we are grateful that you too a chance and invested here. All your clients will miss your kind heart and GREAT haircuts! See you in Miami! ???? — Mayra on Razzledazzle Barbershop has closed

RIP to two pillars of the community. — So sad on Peter Panayiotou, the owner of Gee Whiz, dies from the coronavirus

That's the north side of Warren, just fyi, but yes, same spot... — Tribeca Citizen on Seen & Heard: Making noise in the neighborhood

This is not my attempt to one up a tragedy, or say one had a “greater effect” on one than the other, or decide which factors of a tragedy bear more weight, rather simply a specific observation. During 9/11, going immediately back to work in the face of losing many friends and colleagues, as crazy at it sounds, was a way to cope with the grief, something to take your mind off of events and bizarrely using it to ignore a lot of feelings. Probably not the right way to cope but it helped. Covid does not offer that option, rather it has the added stress of not earning any income, and the strain of wondering for how many years things will be financially difficult. It just feels like a lot of industries are going to be harmed for a long, long time. This won’t end with the flick of an “ok” switch. As a local I fear which great small businesses can actually survive, the ones that make this area a place we all want to reside. If they can’t make and are replaced by chains, or remain shuttered for years, we’re then left with (even more) mediocrity. It could have a ripple effect anywhere from increasing crime to schools deteriorating to having to spend too much to live in a place that lost its magic. Again these tragedies have real human injuries and loss of life, devastation to families. Financial aspects are nowhere near as important , but that doesn’t mean they don’t also exist and have the ability to be felt negatively for years. — Trib Ecka on Reflecting on another crisis, 19 years ago

Stefan who manages Les Enfants de Boheme is an extraordinary individual - he gives so much to our community. Let's save our small, favorite places. — danielle on Seen & Heard: Lights of Hope

Thank you. — JP on Reflecting on another crisis, 19 years ago

While the rest of the country did declare solidarity with us after 9/11, they did not experience the 6 month long fires and toxic air that we did. But most importantly I want to say this: we were lied to then and we are being lied to now. Christine Todd Whitman, then head of the EPA told us the air was safe to breathe when it most definitively was not. Bush blamed the Iraqis and lead us into a war built on lies, dismantling societies everywhere with massive support on both sides of the aisle. The press did not dare to challenge him. Are we still recovering? Some would say we have not. Because now we are being lied to by Trump and his team. But today, there are segments of the government, fed, state and local, and the press standing up for the truth. As the curve sharpens and flattens, as the days and weeks turn into months and years, our neighborhood, and all neighorhoods bear enormous responsibility to vote for those who stand for the truth. This did not have to be this bad. Never again, again. — Heide Fasnacht on Reflecting on another crisis, 19 years ago

Standby Although I am fearfully afraid for all. The irony is entertaining Truly hope happy days ahead — J on Reflecting on another crisis, 19 years ago

On 9/11 and after for those of us displaced, who returned, and who remained, the fact of the lives taken and physical destruction was unavoidable, and daily for a year and more. That part of the experience was unique for those of us who lived below Canal (admittedly, an arbitrary line, but a longtime physical border enforced back then by police and soldiers). I think it's early still for conclusions from the events of the past month, although they are consequential, many devastating. Two observations, however. It's important to continue with as many good and necessary things in one's daily life as possible, whatever those may involve. The other is to take care along the way of one's mental and emotional health. The latter can get devalued or suppressed in service of the former. — E on Reflecting on another crisis, 19 years ago

After 9/11, those closest to the site were more affected, for a much longer period of time than those even in other parts of Manhattan. So, while they were getting on with their lives, we were still displaced and dealing with insurance, damage to our homes, health and a host of other issues. It wasn’t that these folks weren’t in shock or deeply affected, it was just that the impact on their daily lives was minimal. Yes, they read about us, couldn’t take some subway lines, but... If this sounds odd, think about how much, and how long, we are deeply impacted by natural disasters in Puerto Rico, Texas, wherever. How long does it take for those to move to the inner pages of the newspaper, and then disappear? 9/11 wasn’t that bad, but the dynamic was still the same. So it was very communal if you lived down here but less so until you reminded friends. With the pandemic, everyone, everywhere is dealing with the same things. I talk and text with friends all over the world and we’re all locked in our homes, bored, dealing with the local manifestation of how this impacts are particular city or country. And, as a 70 year old, everyone my age is wondering how we will ever be able to leave our apartments, and how long it will take before we can. — A. on Reflecting on another crisis, 19 years ago

That one felt more "communal", and people pulled together. There was more warmth and solidarity than usual in this town (or maybe that was just my impression). Now it pulls everyone apart. Although, if you have a good family life, for example, it can pull you together in that small group, but still not in that wider sense of community. Also, with 9/11: Most people were still able to work through the times after, so at least it didn't have that additional level of economic chaos, above and beyond the deaths and physical suffering. Work itself can be therapeutic for many, creates a sense of stability, and of course provides income. In the current crisis, so many (most?) cannot even work. So there can be a feeling of powerlessness, futility, emptiness, and of course fear and stress about how to pay the bills and make ends meet. Both crises have this in common, however: Both are cruel reminders of the fragility of our lives. — Marcus on Reflecting on another crisis, 19 years ago

April 9: just checked to see if this bike shop is still open (YES): New Bo Bo Bicycle 96 Elizabeth Street just south of Grand ST. Bicycle sales Repair and parts NO rentals Owner, Pat, is very knowledgable. Open until 7 PM most days But, call to check 212-226-1668 — neighbor on Need wheels? Options in the neighborhood for getting around without the subway

Disasters are local/regional. Pandemics are global. We have survived many disasters. Some that have directly impacted us, and some that we have observed from afar, but you can always go someplace else and find some comfort in unaffected places where things remain normal. This is different. We don't get to decide whether we want to work/stay open. It doesn't go away on a pre-determined date. All we know is every day that goes by means another handful of businesses that don't return. There is no place to retreat to. The world is shut down and nobody has talked about a plan on how it turns back on. So yeah... uncertainty. Post 9/11, people picked up, and left Tribeca to continue life and heal. They could reclaim some shred of normalcy even if it changed the world we live in today. In the pandemic, there is nowhere to go, and you watch the economic disaster happening now tear down the world outside your window. Except everything looks normal. It's just that everything is hollow. — alee on Reflecting on another crisis, 19 years ago

Did anyone hear church bells at 7PM yesterday Wednesday the 8th when everyone was clapping and banging pots and pans? The above video looks like it was taken from the south side of Chambers maybe next door to me(above the wine store) or the waxing salon. I heard bells chiming but could not figure from where? — dianne talan on Seen & Heard: Making noise in the neighborhood

I'll take "On Broadway" for a NYC anthem. I love the brilliant George Benson version(s)... "They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway (on Broadway) They say there's always magic in the air (on Broadway) But when you're walkin' down that street And you ain't had enough to eat The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere (on Broadway)..." There are so many videos of his various performances online. Here's one from happier days at NYC's Cafe Wha?. An impromptu performance, with unfamiliar band, on someone else's guitar, and as the comments note, Benson shows his brilliance regardless of circumstance. A master musician and gift to all of us. https://youtu.be/6jdH1T8hc9c — Marcus on Seen & Heard: Alicia Keys from the rooftops

I had to return to this excellent description of the Citi's HQ building. It really turned out amazing. Brings so much reflected light to the surrounding area. What would have to happen for Skidmore Owing's & Merrill to provide the same amazing rehab for all the brick IDP buildings? — MattieNYC on More Details About Citi’s New Headquarters

Really enjoy these paintings! I look at them every time I pass by. They are so well done and express the beautiful quality of light in Tribeca! Thank you!! — Bobbie on The Paintings of John Lloyd

As the days turn into weeks and weeks to months I am hoping the desperation does not lead to looting. I’m grateful to the police and firemen always on a daily basis and especially now for their heroic commitment and sacrifice. I am known for “Bringing the Happy” not heroics that’s for sure. As far as a block party, no need to ask me twice I’ll grace the place with fabulous balloons in honor of their service and sacrifice. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay strong, Sharon Balloon Saloon — Sharon Balloon Saloon on Seen & Heard: Making noise in the neighborhood

While possible, it’s unlikely a prisoner is leaving Rikers and traveling directly to TriBeCa to smash the window of a boutique. More likely possibilities? Restless teenagers, Anyone of any social class who might be feeling upset (aren’t we all?), Drunk folks, High folks! (And once again, these could be any social class - let’s remember that some of the wealthiest members of society still buy illegal and controlled substances). Let’s focus on doing our best to treat all of our neighbors with compassion during this difficult time. Perhaps by donating to organizations that help get released inmates back on their feet. Windows can be repaired, the fearmongering against “the other” creates divisions in our society that cannot. — M on Clic outpost to open on West Broadway

There was also a broken window on church yesterday at The Drug Store Tribeca; the self serve spot selling fancy beverages. Also has gold lettering on the window, perhaps a coincidence or perhaps an odd vendetta? The Drug Store - Tribeca 293 Church St, New York, NY 10013 https://goo.gl/maps/sEN4svoE8vfXj8pE9 — philmang on Seen & Heard: Making noise in the neighborhood

Mattie - echo your commentary on peaceful sleep, hearing birds chirp and agree, if this wasn’t all so tragic, finding it very pleasant in TriBeCa. I responded above to the broken windows...let the prisoners free!!!! Sadly, a broken window will be the least of our worries in the neighborhood. — Vima on Seen & Heard: Making noise in the neighborhood

And here it starts...saw another broken window on Church St. near canal. Keep letting criminals out of Rikers, who typically have no resources in place, and track the results. — Vima on Clic outpost to open on West Broadway

Wonderful..love the ingenuity, it’s a great opportunity to help a neighborhood gem and vulnerable children .. — Vima on Local Business Update: Boomerang Toys