This is Union Square West in the ’40s. The reason all these buildings are so narrow is that the lots originally held townhouses.
In case you missed it on Friday, protesters invaded and occupied the New School buidling on our block for about 6 hours on Friday morning. Unlike the previous demonstration in December, this one was summarily shut down by a powerful NYPD push at the request of the university, and around 20 occupiers, some of whom appear to have been troublemakers as opposed to students, were arrested. The real losers in all this were the businesses on our block, who were prevented from opening until Friday afternoon.
Here’s a groovy photo of a groovy chick planting flowers in Union Square on the first Earth Day, 40 years ago. Funny to think she’s over 60 years old now. 
TGI Fridays signage is now up on Union Square East.
The trendy and chic Asian Eatery Qi (31 West 14th Street, 212 929-9917) combines environmentally conscience design and hip ambiance with an adventurous menu of options, including seasonal and macrobiotic selections that help detox and cleanse the body to reset energy flow. Dishes include Lemongrass Tuna Tartar and Ginseng Duck with Five Spices. Lunch specials start at just $6.90, everyday from 11 AM – 3:30 PM, including a free appetizer and rice.
