Free Shredding Day May 19

Goodbye Borgo Antico on 13th across from our front door. It’s turned into City Tavern, a rather uninteresting bar with regular old bar food.

After more than 15 years, the very first location of Crunch Fitness is closing on March 16. All members will be directed either to the new and much larger branch at 4th Ave. and 12th St. or the Lafayette St. branch.

Long-timers will remember the 40-foot lizard that one sat atop the now demolished deli on the corner of 13th and 5th when it was the famed Lone Star Cafe. The bar closed in 1989, and the iguana disappeared, but as this article says, it has now been found.

The Union Square Partnership has released its latest annual survey of people’s opinions about our neighborhood’s livability in terms of cleanliness, safety, landscaping, lighting, and quality of life. It makes for an interesting read. One highlight:

“USP is committed to enhancing livability in the Union Square 14th Street district through its Clean + Safe program. According to the 2024 survey results, satisfaction for district conditions improved or remained consistent compared to 2023 results, with satisfaction for public safety increasing by 15%. This notable increase follows USP’s deployment of Public Safety Officers (PSOs) in June 2023, and survey respondents noted that their patrols have had a positive impact in Union Square Park and the playground. Despite this improvement, respondents dissatisfied with the conditions expressed ongoing safety, sanitation, and quality of life concerns around the district, including the lack of City enforcement and City services for those in need. USP is dedicated to continuing investment in the PSO program and increasing coordination with City agencies and law enforcement in response to the community’s quality of life concerns.”

Wow. NYU has some very big plans for its expansion.

The New York Times reports on the new busway and the potentially positive effect it has on real estate prices, although it seems certain not everyone would agree.