Photo: Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
Some of the headlines that caught our eye in the past week:
–The NYPD cracked down of counterfeit operators in Chinatown this past week, seizing $10 million in knockoffs. State Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Nou was sharply critical of the bust, saying, “Hassling 17 street vendors who are just trying to pay their rent is not a serious approach to addressing intellectual property theft.” [Daily News]
–The Wafra Group has sold a rental building at 138 East 12th St. for $56.8 million after having purchased the property for $98 million in 2015. [The Real Deal]
–The city got around to cutting the ribbon at Pier 42, celebrating the long-awaited opening of a new recreational space. [AM New York]
–Here’s a look at Community Board 3’s December meetings. The Grand Street/Clinton Street traffic issue is about to resurface. On Tuesday evening, the transportation committee will take up the following item: “Request for support for DOT’s previously presented proposal to restore Norfolk St as primary access to Williamsburg Bridge from westbound Grand Street while retaining bridge access from NB Clinton Street, contingent on DOT monitoring the area and returning to CB 3 to present a report after 1 year of operation.” [CB3]
–The latest incarnation of El Sombrero has closed, the owners saying that rising food costs, difficulties finding staff, among other reasons led to the decision to call it quits. The original El Sombrero made its exit in 2014. [EV Grieve]
–From the Corner Bar at Nine Orchard to the new club Virgo, “a string of high-end restaurant, nightclub and bar openings on the Lower East Side is transforming the area… The openings are part of a shift that’s remodeling the neighborhood, which once was known as a nightlife magnet for 20-somethings. Now there are more hospitality options for older professionals as well.” [Crain’s]
–A look at how the Lower East Side’s Economy Candy, a legacy business, is transforming, tapping into social trends. [Retail Touch Points]
