–The Wall Street Journal mentions that the developers of Essex Crossing have secured a $43 million construction loan for Site 6 of their massive residential and commercial project. The building on this parcel will include 100 apartments for low income seniors, a medical center, senior center and cafe. (Subscription required. We’ll have more on this story later today).
–Fresh from his triumphs over Sheldon Silver and former Republican Senate leader Dean Skelos, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara sits down for an interview with the Times. “It would be, I think, irresponsible not to spend some time talking about… what those trials, have taught us,” says Bharara, “and what those cases may mean for how everyone can get good government.”
—New York Magazine is out with its annual issue, “Reasons to Love New York.” Making the cut on the Lower East Side: The Lowline underground park proposal and Sheldon Silver’s conviction.
—In the Times, Ben Brantley says “Once Upon a Mattress” at the Abrons Arts Center is not quite “smooth” or “wild” enough to hold the audience’s attention, but that its stars save the day. Jackie Hoffman’s “brassily self-effacing performance is one of two good reasons to catch” the show, writes Brantley. The other is the “haute-couture villainess” Lypsinka, playing the scheming nemesis, Queen Aggravain.
–Did you miss SantaCon madness? Check out EV Grieve’s coverage.
