–The city’s new “nightlife mayor,” Ariel Palitz, faces skepticism from some locals in the East Village/Lower East Side, while others are convinced she’s the right woman for the job. [The Village Voice]
–Target is opening three more small-format stores in New York City, similar to the 22,000 square foot store it will soon debut at Essex Crossing. [CNBC]
–The real estate industry really doesn’t care for the idea of a tax on property owners who leave their storefronts empty. The mayor expressed support for a vacancy tax during a recent radio interview. [Commercial Observer]
–The founder of the Italian American Museum talks about the institution’s future. Last year, the museum sold its building to real estate developers, who plan a residential project, with exhibition space on the ground floor. [Crain’s]
–John Zorn talks about The Stone’s last days on Avenue C. [Artforum]
–RIP Gino DiGirolamo, East Village tailor for more than 50 years. [EV Grieve]
