The countdown begins for this weekend’s debut of the Hester Street Fair. Above you see the new gate that was recently installed on Essex Street. We’ll have a lot more details as the week goes on about what to expect Saturday morning. It’ll be mostly sunny today with a high of 63. Coming up, we’ll have updates on several ongoing stories, including the Grand Street fire. Tonight, CB3 will meet to review liquor license applications (there are a few interesting/controversial proposals on the table). And our series leading up to the Taste of the LES continues with a profile of the Meatball Shop.