–Mapping more than 30 new development projects on the Lower East Side. “The area’s growing trend towards high-end residential units bucks decades of the neighborhood’s existence—as a landing place for immigrants around the turn of the 20th century, and as a place of respite for those who couldn’t afford surrounding neighborhoods…” [Curbed]
–Retail vacancies are up 10% in Manhattan. [The Real Deal]
–In an opinion piece, City Council member Margaret Chin calls on the city to lift up immigrant communities through homeownership programs. [City & State]
–Mom and pop stores on the ropes: Kirsten Theodos of TakeBackNYC asks why the City Council refuses to take up the Small Business Jobs Survival Act. [City Limits]
–Tamara Shopsin is out with a new book about the family’s quirky restaurant, now located in the Essex Street Market. “It’s the consummate insider’s account, a treasure trove of lore, legend, and anecdote, the closest thing to an official history that (Shopsin’s) is likely to get.” [The New Yorker]
–We have a couple of cat cafes. Now the neighborhood is apparently getting its first dog cafe. [This Dog’s Life]