Yes, and you now get a once in a lifetime vantage point of the Bernard Semel building from the west side of Broadway. It is a gorgeous building, go check it out! — DB on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

Tortola Salon is back and, unlike the folks pictured above, are wearing masks and have retooled their space with maximum safety in mind. Also, judging by the picture of 1803 posted here, there is not 6' distance between those tables. It looks like about 2 feet. I am seeing this all over the place. When diners are seated they are practically touching. Well, I guess if we want the Pandemic to be over then, voilà, it is. — Heide Fasnacht on The latest openings around the neighborhood

Very happy to report that the stellar folks at Fourteen Jay are also back at work and they've carefully implemented several health and safety measures. More info about new procedures here: http://www.fourteenjay.com/phase_02_reopening/ — Kimberly M. Wang on The latest openings around the neighborhood

I think what DB was getting at, though, is that it's not really your decision as to whether or not they undertake that risk. You could be right that they may not make a profit for 5 (or 10) years, but A) this is probably built into their projection models, and B) that's a risk they're seemingly willing to take. Beyond that, this also assumes that Tribeca won't recover, and I am not nearly so pessimistic. It's a highly desirable place to live, for many reasons. And city vacancy rates at large don't necessarily tell the whole story. Would I like to live in a glass tower on 57th street? Not at all, and I wouldn't. Had I the means, would I like to buy a condo in Tribeca, even now? Certainly. Though my preference would be to the west of Broadway. :) The neighborhood may not be oversupplied just because some other parts of the city may be. — malcolm on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

But real estate was drowning before the virus and flight. Most already built projects were really struggling. Now you have half sold towers that have to sell apartments while competing with original buyers getting out. It’s laughable not think this new project will make any money for 5 possibly 10 years. What kind of real estate loopholes exist for developers that makes this a smart course of action? It makes no sense — Huh? on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

They demolished the building across from Gourmet Garage (corner of Franklin and Bway). Will be another condo building taking its place (Erik had a post about the plan a few years back). — TribecaMom on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

Occupy City Hall is an amazing example of the NY spirit. We are finally having a much-needed discussion in the country and the city about some important issues that need to be addressed. We have walked through downtown on many occasions these past few weeks and so far it seems pretty normal--no broken glass or vandalism. I think many pearl clutchers are eager to announce the "downfall" of the city, but so far the reality is not that. I am not saying things are going to be challenging but its not evident right now. Also, so many cool things are going on and much needed corrections in different aspects of the city are underway. — cami on City Hall occupied to demand $1 billion in NYPD budget cuts

Agree with DB, but I thick the reality timeline is more like 3-4, maybe even 5 years. There is no rush, and American Land is an experienced developer. — GC on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

Let me also add that having an empty McDonald's that attracts graffiti and other illicit acts that happen around abandon buildings, is in no way better than having a new development on that corner. — DB on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

Do you all think that this 20-story building will be built in a day? In fact, this is a great time to build if you think you will have a market in 1-2 years. Construction labor is cheap as people are just trying to secure work at this point. I'm bullish on NYC long-term. Yes, we will see a flee in the short-term, but it may have just accelerated people's plans to leave NYC anyway. Most likely property values will reflect a short-term decrease as the market may be flooded with sales (supply and demand) which may actually give opportunity to a new round of buyers who also believe in NYC. Your arguments lead me to believe you may be property owners in fear of your own investment. A reminder that your purchase was just as much a financial risk as these developers, and in a free market, they, as you, are allowed to spend your capital as you see fit. — DB on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

I agree. This is laughable. How can they even think of moving forward with this project right now? No one will be able to sell the apartments that already exist in this neighborhood, the last thing we need is more apartments. — K on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

Grand Banks is terrific! Love their tables on the pier also! — New York on Is the end of cash near?

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/13/realestate/new-development-new-york.html — Wells on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

Its a very very sad time in New York. To see our neighborhoods go down like this. Our Mayor needs to go!! We are going back to a time of unrest back to the 70s and 80s! It's scary! Shame on you Mayor Dummy!!! — Native on City Hall occupied to demand $1 billion in NYPD budget cuts

Instead of a new 20 story building in an area where people are fleeing faster than ever, why not invest in actual local businesses that have been crippled? I guess there is no buddy buddy tax breaks and easy money for that concept and the developers will still make out even if the place is half full at best. How could anyone think more construction for more space is needed in these times? — Huh? on In the News: 20-story building for Broadway and Thomas

@PeterD, can you clarify how Smithers won't have access to free wi-fi if he's camping at City Hall Park, when City Hall Park has...free wi-fi? — Kelli on Where in Tribeca?

Probably not. Any savings in overhead will probably be offset by the losses in merchandise that walks out the door without being paid for at the self-checkout machines. — PeterD on Is the end of cash near?

The homeless, the drug addicts, the looters are taking over TriBeCa while our loser mayor fiddles. He watched in fear and throws the police and firemen under the bus while our city burns! Sham on you Da Blasio. — lewis h gross on City Hall occupied to demand $1 billion in NYPD budget cuts

Of course not! — Makes You Go "Hmm-m-m" on Is the end of cash near?

So will grocery prices go down, since presumably self-checkout machines reduces operating overhead of a supermarket (while also presumably laying off more workers at a time with massive unemployment already)? — Marcus on Is the end of cash near?

But City Hall Park has free wi-fi? — Kelli on Where in Tribeca?

Yes to both! — Robert Ripps on Seen & Heard: How is this going to work exactly?

Whole Foods also put in self check out machines... — toni on Is the end of cash near?

I think a lot of this comes down to personal choice and responsibility. Do you get groceries delivered or do you go to the store. I think most New Yorkers are following the rules. If you go to a restaurant and you do not feel they have tables far enough apart or are not following CDC and NY’s guidelines, don’t eat there. As far as taking up parking space, I’m all for the restaurants trying to re-establish their businesses. If we lose a few parking spaces, so be it. If lots of establishments close due to lack of business, that will hurt our community. Meanwhile TriBeCa seems pretty quiet to me most days. — Laura G on The new look of al fresco in the city

He doesn't have access to free wi-fi since he began camping out with his fellow protesters at City Hall park. — PeterD on Where in Tribeca?