Downtown News & Events

Friday, January 31, 2014

Spring is near

Historic Front Street Not History Yet

More than a year after Front Street was on the front lines of Hurricane Sandy, the waters have receeded, but the Damage is Not Quite Undone.

In the first of a two-part series, Marti Ann Cohen-Wolf speaks with business owners about their long road back.

Historic Front Street is the restoration of eleven 18th century buildings and the construction of three new buildings along an entire block of Front Street between Beekman Street and Peck Slip, comprising 95 apartments

and 15 commercial spaces

Within a few months of Hurricane Sandy life returned to normal for most Downtown residents and small businesses. Seaport area shops were an exception, especially those at Historic Front Street, a mixed-use development that refurbished old buildings and added new construction on Front Street between Beekman Street and Peck Slip. Since last October, many of those businesses have reopened and, save a few exceptions, the block finally looks much the same as it did before the storm.

Historic Front Street was initially built with energy-efficient geothermal wells to provide heating and cooling. On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy's flooding destroyed the wells and the electrical system. Redesigning the mechanical and electrical systems and elevating them above flood levels kept shop owners from their businesses until July 1, 2013, giving them only three months to rebuild before rent was due on October 1.

During time away from her store, Amanda Zink, owner of pet grooming spa and boutique The Salty Paw, a Historic Front Street business with its entrance on Peck Slip, was initially able to keep her business going through the generosity of the Seaport Animal Hospital. They gave her part-time use of their surgical sink so she could continue grooming small animals. This enabled her to keep staff, although she had to suspend retail sales until she reopened her shop. Not wanting to overstay her welcome, she negotiated with the Howard Hughes Corporation for summertime use of the space vacated by the Sequoia restaurant. People eagerly followed The Salty Paw's story on social media, which kept customers current on her plight and to this day brings visitors to the shop.

On the Front Lines:

Amanda Zink, proprietress of the Salty Paw, is one of a platoon of Seaport District small business owners who struggled for more than a year to restart their businesses after Hurricane Sandy

Ms. Zink is appreciative and upbeat when she refers to that part of her journey back, but not so once she talks about the frustrations of financing, getting into, redesigning and rebuilding her store. For starters she is one of many who had every kind of business insurance except flood insurance. As we've heard before, without flood insurance all the other coverage was negated.

She speaks for all of the area's shop owners when she says, "We are very grateful to the Downtown Alliance for extending their grants deadline for all of us." But she finds it frustrating that the NYC Small Business Services (SBS) packages (one percent loans, up to $150,000 with $60,000 in matching grant) that she and others applied for, are taking so long. She says it's been about six months and she still hasn't heard.

The build-out was challenging because of new code regulations that mandated costly new architectural plans and the landlord's decision that everyone hired to do repairs carry a five million dollar insurance policy. "We thought we'd start building out in July, but because of the amount of insurance and the loopholes we had to jump through for that insurance, I didn't even get in here and start rebuilding until September 5. I built out in 21 days 'cause I had no choice; the rent was due October 1 and I could not afford to be closed one more month," Ms. Zink explains. She recognizes her new store is a more user-friendly space for both staff and customers. In it, The Salty Paw is again grooming animals of all sizes and selling the accessories that keep them comfortable and looking adorable. The Salty Paw, 212-732-2275, 38 Peck Slip, thesaltypaw.com

Thinking Globally:
Co-owner Pauli Morgan, who had the wooden bar furniture made in Italy,
flies ingredients in from his native New Zealand

Nelson Blue, named for owner Pauli Morgan's hometown in New Zealand, serves New Zealand-inspired food in an environment of Maori-inspired design. Although inspired by all things New Zealand, the wood shelving and paneling in the restaurant and the bar, was originally from Italy, so after the storm it was all dismantled and sent back to Italy to be refinished. That, coupled with the landlord issues faced by the other tenants, accounts for their not reopening until this past New Year's Eve.

Partner Diane Honeywell says, "The bar was under eight feet of water and we basically put it back the way we had it in the first place." Mr. Morgan adds that the kitchen is completely new. All that rebuilding takes money and they, too, are grateful for the Downtown Alliance Grant they received upon reopening. They are waiting to hear about their SBS application.

Mr. Morgan sums up their experience saying, "We want to provide a good level of service and a great Kiwi menu to our regular customers. It's a beautiful bar-you know, for me it's great. How many times do you get a second chance in this business?" Nelson Blue, 212-346-9090, 233-235 Front Street, nelsonblue.com

Red, Hot, and Brew:

Jack's Stir Brew is one of the Front Street businesses that were shuttered for more than a year after Hurricane Sandy, but the coffee house

has returned in much the same condition as before the storm,

plus a few improvements, like cake that is now baked

in his own bakery on Sixth Avenue

Perhaps it's because Jack's Stir Brew is no longer a one-store, mom-and-pop operation, but David Trotta, the Director of Operations, says they weren't frustrated with their Historic Front Street landlord. "Durst was awesome," he says. "The main reason it took so long was they had to redesign the whole building, so that if this ever happens again, we're able to reopen in a timely fashion." Or, perhaps it's just what bothers others doesn't get to him. Jack's gained entry to their site very early on says Mr. Trotta, "Two days after the storm, we had already ripped out all the sheetrock, put in new insulation, put in new sheetrock: we were ready to open. We couldn't get power back because there was no power in the area. And then, you know what? You guys can't reopen. We're going to give you a white box back in six-seven months."

Like the others, they, too, are grateful for the Downtown Alliance grant and are working on the SBS loan and matching grant. Mr. Trotta is more measured when he talks about flood insurance, figuring it would have totaled about the same for the insurance as it cost to rebuild.

Jack's returned in mid-December with the same manager and many of the same staffers. It looks pretty much the same although returning regulars will note that baked goods are now produced in Jack's own bakery, located on Sixth Avenue. It's a change that occurred in all their stores while this one was closed. Jack's Stir Brew, 212-227-7631, 222 Front Street, jacksstirbrew.com

Marti Ann Cohen-Wolf

photos by Robert Simko

The new edition of the Broadsheet (Jan. 31 - Feb. 14)

will arrive in building lobbies today.

Click the image to take a look.

The Broadsheet

is distributed to most doorman residential buildings in

Battery Park City, the Financial District, the Seaport, and Tribeca.

And if it isn't and you'd like a copy, send us an email at [email protected]

ebroadsheet.com

Winter Carnival This Weekend

Battery Park City School, also known as P.S./I.S. 276, will host its annual Winter Carnival on Saturday, February 1, from 11am to 4pm.

Kids will love the bouncy houses, balloon artists, and face painting. And guests of all ages will delight in the arts and crafts, dance party, karaoke, and games.

The Taste of 276 section will include bars devoted to dessert and hot chocolate.

Admission is priced at $3 and additional tickets will buy more fun. All proceeds go to support enrichment programs at the school, which is located at 55 Battery Place, near the corner of Second Place.

All are welcome to attend.

Happy New Year of the Horse

The Lunar New Year, celebrated by many Asian Americans, begins today.

The Year of the Horse will be ushered in with vibrant festivities, and by the time the Chinese calendar year 4712 gets underway next week, school children may have another reason to celebrate.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, State Senator Daniel Squadron, and Assemblyman Ron Kim have called for passage of state legislation that would allow New York City schools to close on Lunar New Year, and the State Assembly is expected to pass the bill on Monday, February 3.

Approximately one in six New York City public school students are Asian American, and as explained by City Council Member Margaret Chin, who supports the bill, "Throughout the city and especially in my district in Lower Manhattan, classrooms are emptied and children are marked absent for observing the most important holiday in Asian culture. In a city whose Asian immigrant population is steadily growing, it is imperative that we allow millions of children to observe the Lunar New Year with their families and loved ones without the worry of missing a full day of school. The designation of Lunar New Year as an official school holiday would honor the diversity that makes our city great and recognize the outstanding contributions that Asian Americans have made to our city."

City Council Member Margaret Chin

Council Member Chin will begin the month-long celebrations by attending the following events this weekend -- a helpful guide for those who wish to join the festivities:

Today, January 31:

Firecracker Parade, Sarah D. Roosevelt Park at Grand and Hester Streets at 11am

The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Lunar New Year Celebration at 62 Mott Street at 1pm.

Sunday, February 2:

Pace University Confucius Institute Lunar New Year Celebration at 3 Spruce Street at 12pm, followed by the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival at Mott and Hester Streets at 1pm.

Boat Safety Classes

The historic ship Lilac, moored at Pier 25 at the foot of N Moore Street, is providing classroom space for the NYS Safe Boating Courses taught by

Capt. Bert Cohen and hosted by Sailors NYC.

An informative course, it provides both 'newbies' and 'old salts' with the basics of safe and proper operation and navigation of a vessel. The 8-hour course is mandatory for those 10-18 years old who operate any kind of powerboat, including a sailboat under mechanical means, and anyone operating a personal watercraft (PWC). A Safe Boating Certificate is expected to be phased in as a requirement for all ages of boaters over the next few years. Following Saturday's class, additional classes will be scheduled over the winter and spring seasons. The course fee is $100, or is included with a Sailors NYC membership. For additional information visit sailorsnyc.com or call Capt. Nitzan Levy at 646-203-5789.

Sailors NYC is a club for sailors who do not own their own sailboats. The organization provides ample opportunities to enjoy recreational sailing on medium-size vessels (30 feet or more in length) in a friendly club environment. Its sailboats are moored at the marina on the south side of Pier 25 and at Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, NJ.

The Weekend Calendar

This Day in History
876 - Charles becomes king of Italy

Guy Fawkes

1675 - Cornelia/Dina Olfaarts found not guilty of witchcraft
1851 - Gail Borden announces invention of evaporated milk
1865 - Congress passes 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in America
1865 - Gen. Robert E. Lee named Commander-in-Chief of Confederate Armies
1876 - The United States orders all Native Americans to move into reservations
1905 - First auto to exceed 100 mph, A G MacDonald, Daytona Beach
1928 - Scotch tape introduced by 3-M Company
1933 - Hitler promises parliamentary democracy
1953 - Hurricane-like winds flood Netherlands drowning 1,835
1958 - James van Allen discovers radiation belt
1958 - US launches its first artificial satellite, Explorer 1
1961 - Ham is first primate in space (158 miles) aboard Mercury/Redstone 2

Ham ready to be launched

Ever since the early days of experimental aviation, animals have been our guinea pigs, so to speak. In fact, in 1783 a sheep, a duck and a rooster were sent aloft in a hot air balloon to make sure it was all right up there.
With the spoils of WWll, the United States had a small supply of German V-2 rockets that permitted high altitude launches studying the effects of radiation, weightlessness, life support and and survivability in space. By the 1960's, primates were sitting in the pilot's seat, doing what they were trained to do . . . pull the right levers to get banana pellets as a reward or get an electric shock if their choice wasn't right. Ham, a chimpanzee, was the first primate launched and within three months Alan Shepard headed to space, though we don't think banana pellets had any part of that mission.

Herr Schubert

1968 - Viet Cong Tet offensive begins
1984 - US performs nuclear test in Nevada
Birthdays
1797 - Franz Peter Schubert, Lichtenthal, Austria
1881 - Irving Langmuir; his work on filaments in gases led to the invention of the incandescent light bulb
1923 - Norman Mailer, Long Branch, NJ; NYC mayoral candidate and novelist
1930 - Joakim Bonnier, Swedish racecar driver who died in 1972
Jo Bonnier was catapulted into the trees after his open-top Lola-Cosworth T280 became involved in a crash with a Ferrari Daytona. It happened on the straight between Mulsanne Corner and Indianapolis at Le Mans in 1972.
Divorces
1957 - Liz Taylor's second divorce (Michael Wilding)
Deaths
1606 - Guy Fawkes, convicted in the "Gunpowder Plot," executed at 35
1995 - George Abbott, playwright and actor (Damn Yankees) dies at 105

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liberty Community Gardens

Friday, January 31

Today's Greenmarket:

City Hall: (closed for the winter)

Staten Island Ferry Terminal: 8am - 7pm (Tues. and Fri.) is located at 4 South Street, inside the ferry terminal building.

Union Square: 8am - 6pm (M W F Sat) is located on the N. and W. sides of Union Square Park. The City's flagship market, it offers seasonal fare from up to 140 regional farmers, fishermen, apiarists and bakers.

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)

The museum, located at One Bowling Green, offers a variety of permanent and traveling exhibitions, as well as workshops, film screenings and lectures for adults and children. Entrance and all events are free.
Exhibition Tour of Before and after the Horizon: Anishinaabe Artists of the Great Lakes
Join Museum Ambassador Asia Marie Tail (Cherokee), for an engaging tour; tour highlights include discussion of underwater panther and thunderbird, figures in Anishinaabe cosmology; and an in-depth look at artists such as Norval Morriseau, George Morrison, and Keesic Douglas. Free. 12-1pm.

Animation Celebration 2014

This year, NMAI's annual animation showcase features tales of the Anishinaabe trickster Wesakechak in the lively series Stories of the Seventh Fire, and celebrates the artistic style of Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau, whose work is featured in the current exhibition Before and After the Horizon. Films include: Why the Rabbit Turns White, How Wesakechak Got His Name, and Shared Visions: The Art of Storytelling. The Screening Room. Free. 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm.

Meet a Cultural Interpreter, one of the museum's Native American educators, and learn about materials from throughout the America's. Tipi room, first floor. Free. 2-4pm.

For a complete list of daily events, visit americanindian.si.edu

Downtown Libraries

Battery Park City Library

175 North End Ave. 212-790-3499 nypl.org

New Amsterdam Library

9 Murray Street 212-732-8186 nypl.org

Free programs today at the BPC branch:

Free Tours of Tweed Courthouse and City Hall

Visit two of New York City's most architecturally distinguished civic monuments. Tours are offered free on weekdays. To make a reservation, visit HERE or call 212-788-2656.

BPC Seniors

Standing exercises with light chair aerobics, strengthening and balance exercises. Bring a 2 to 5 lb weight for the arm exercises. 10:15-11:15am. Free. 21 West Thames Street. BPCseniors

Sing & Dance Classes at the Church Street School for Music and Art

The acclaimed music classes for 2 - 5 year-olds with Richard Younger. 3:30-4:15 PM Pick-up available from local schools. More info at 212-571-7290 churchstreetschool.org

Winter Games at the BPC Ballfields

Free drop-in kick-ball, dodge-ball, flag-football and more for ages 7-12. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30 - 5:30pm through February 28. 646-210-4571. bpcparks.org

Hymn of the Universe: A Night of Epic Rock

at the Church Street School for Music and Art's 7entytwo

Hosted by Teen Concerts NYC and 7entytwo. Four bands will perform. A drug and alcohol-free zone. Doors at 7:30pm. $8. churchstreetschool.org

Little Miss Fix-It at Pace University

A student production from Pace University's Performing Arts Department. Check web site for more information. 7:30pm. Through January 31. pace.edu/dyson

Tyson vs. Ali at 3-Legged Dog Art & Technology Center

An hour-long fast-paced piece, set in a boxing ring, about a fictitious match between Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. A volatile combination of dance, theater, and new-media stagecraft, the palpable emotional and physical experience of boxing is examined through these men and their myths. Fri, Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm. $20/$15. 80 Greenwich Street. 3ldnyc.org

Saturday, February 1

Today's Greenmarkets:

Tribeca: 8am - 3pm (Sat year-round; Wed 4/2 - 12/24)

Greenwich Street between Chambers and Duane Streets
This market features cooking demonstrations, raffles, and educational activities along with locally grown produce, sustainably raised meat, seafood, live plants and cut flowers.
Textile Recycling - every Saturday, 8am to 1:30pm

Compost Collection - every Saturday, 8am to 1pm

Union Square: 8am - 6pm

Weekend Traffic Alerts:

Click on Street Closures or MTA Bridges and Tunnels

Open House at Church Street School for Music and Art

Free music, art, instrumental classes and more showcase the school's offerings. Try new classes and register for the spring semester. Click here for the day's schedule.

Church Street School also offers Presidents Weekend Camps (February 18 - 21) and Spring Break Camps (April 14 - 18). The summer camps run from June 23 - August 15. The school is located at 74 Warren Street and more information is available at 571-7290 and at churchstreetschool.org

Winter Carnival at P.S./I.S. 276

Battery Park City School, also known as P.S./I.S. 276, will host its annual Winter Carnival from 11am to 4pm. Kids will love the bouncy houses, balloon artists, and face painting. And guests of all ages will delight in the arts and crafts, dance party, karaoke, and games. The Taste of 276 section will include bars devoted to dessert and hot chocolate. Admission is priced at $3 and additional tickets will buy more fun. All proceeds go to support enrichment programs at the school, which is located at 55 Battery Place, near the corner of Second Place. All are welcome to attend.

The Elf on the Shelf Book Reading at Barnes and Noble

A reading of The Elf on the Shelf: A Birthday Tradition, a visit from the Elf, stories, activities. Free. 11am. 97 Warren Street. 212-587-5389 barnesandnoble.com

New Amsterdam Library: Scene it @ the Library

Classic movie every Saturday on the big screen!. Bring your own popcorn. At the Tribeca branch, 9 Murray Street. 2-4pm. nypl.org

Tennis Lessons at the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School

Professional staff will help beginners or intermediate level players develop their skills and improve their game. Learn the mechanics of each stroke, proper court position & movement, and strategies for future growth and development. Through Feb. 8. For ages 8 - 14. Members: $165/Non-members: $180. Drop-in: Members: $32/Non-members: $35 ccshs.org

Ultimate Frisbee at the BPC Ballfields

Free, drop-in games from 4-6pm. Bring your own frisbee. Saturday afternoons through March 1. 646-210-4571. bpcparks.org

Sunday, February 2

In a rare alignment, Superbowl Sunday and Groundhog Day coincide today.

Yellow Sneaker Perform at the Museum of Jewish Heritage

The musical group Yellow Sneaker and their puppet pals celebrate Jewish life and traditions. All families welcome. 10:30am. Also on March 2; April 13; May 4. mjhnyc.org

Badminton at the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School

Racquets and birdies available to borrow; preferably bring your own. 1:15pm - 5:30pm. Gym members free. Day Pass Fee: Adults - $12, Seniors/Students/Youth - $10. 345 Chambers Street. 646-210-4292. ccshs.org

Women's and Girl's Soccer at the BPC Ballfields

Free drop-in games for ages 12 & up. Sundays 2-4pm through March 2. 646-210-4571. bpcparks.org

Folk Music Sing-Around at John Street Church

Join the Folk Music Society of New York for a community sing-along. 2-4pm. 44 John Street.

johnstreetchurch.org

Cinematic Concert at the Museum of Jewish Heritage

"The Big Picture"

In this cinematic concert, master clarinetist Krakauer explores the intersection of music and Jewish identity in iconic movies of the last 50 years. Krakauer adds his contemporary style to beloved songs from films ranging from Funny Girl and Fiddler on the Roof to Sophie's Choice and The Pianist. The music is accompanied by projected visuals. Widely considered one of the greatest clarinetists on the planet, David Krakauer has been praised internationally as a key innovator in modern klezmer as well as a major voice in classical music. 7:30pm. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. $35 general admission, $30 students/seniors, $25 members. Part of a series of concerts on Sundays and Wednesdays that continue through February 23. For more information visit mjhnyc.org

Last Day: Design/Relief at the Seaport

The interactive installation built by Design/Relief in the South Street Seaport, called "Catch - & - Release," closes on February 2. In a vacant space under the FDR Drive (near the intersection of South and John Streets), visitors enter a pop-up building and are invited to write and share messages of gratitude for the assistance that came in Sandy's wake. As the messages accumulate, this installation will become a visible symbol of the unity and shared visions of the South Street Seaport community. In February 2014 (exact date TBD), all the messages will be released to their recipients in a public ceremony of gratitude and recognition. A series of programs will follow throughout the Spring offering participants the opportunity to collectively build a shared vision and social network of the South Street Seaport community. More information aigany.org

Bikeman: The 9/11 Theatrical Experience at Tribeca Performing Art Center

Bikeman is a new play adapted from the critically acclaimed book by Thomas F. Flynn, a reporter recounting his first person experience on the morning of the September 11 attacks. The producers of Bikeman proudly support the 9/11 Memorial. 7pm. 199 Chambers Street. Through March 30. More information and tickets at: bikeman911.com

photos by Robert Simko

Bulletin Board

Community Notices

Fiterman Hall as seen from Greenwich and Cedar Streets

The Shirley Fiterman Art Center in the lobby of Fiterman Hall (entrance at 81 Barclay Street) hosts exhibitions by students, faculty members, emerging contemporary artists, and works on loan or from their permanent collection. The current exhibition, "Top of the World" shows Joe Woolhead's photographs of the rebuilding process at the World Trade Center, from the devastating attacks of 9/11 to the completion of 4WTC, the first tower to open on the new World Trade Center campus. The photographs bring viewers up close to the people, terrain, geology, and equipment at the site.

National Archives at One Bowling Green

The National Archives at New York is located in the Alexander Hamilton United States Custom House, the same building that houses the National Museum of the American Indian. Access to their historical records and programs is free, and their offerings include:

Monday - Friday 10-5, and first Saturdays of the month: Welcome and Research Center (3rd floor) are open to the public. Visit the New York on the Record exhibit gallery, or perform historical or archival research, including family history research and more.

Tuesday & Thursday from 2-4pm: Free walk in activities at the Learning Center (also on the 3rd floor) For more information call toll-free 866-840-1752 or visit archives.gov/nyc

Music for Baby and You: A new program presented by the BPC Parks Conservancy

Stories & Songs performers will present a new 30-minute program for the youngest music lovers: newborns to 6-month olds. Classes will include sing-along lullabies and new songs for babies with their caregivers. Advance registration is required. Space is limited. 8 sessions, $125. Starts Feb. 5 and runs through March 26. To register call 212-267-9700 x 363 or email [email protected].

Fire Safety

The NYC Fire Department recommends that residents periodically re-familiarize themselves with the Residental Apartment Building Fire Safety guidelines, available HERE.

Join a Community Board: Volunteers Welcome

The Manhattan Borough President's Office is currently accepting applications to join one of Manhattan's 12 community boards. Lower Manhattan is represented by Community Board 1. Community Boards are local organizations tasked with being the independent and representative voices of their communities. The application form for Community Board membership along with related information can be found at this LINK on the CB1 website. The deadline to submit the application to the Manhattan Borough President's Office is February 1, 2014.

Important Information about Rent Overcharge Applications and Rent Stabilization

Community Board 1 recently posted the Department of Human Resources (DCHR) easy-to-use Rent Overcharge Application on their website. The direct DCHR link is available HERE.

Tenants who wish to lodge a complaint can use the RA-89 form, "Tenant's Complaint of Rent and/or Other Specific Overcharges in Rent Stabilized Apartments." Please note that you are required to submit all documentation in support of your claim or rental overcharge at the time you file this complaint.

If a tenant of a building that is classified as 421-G (see attached list) submits a RA-89 claim form, and their apartment is acknowledged by DHCR as qualifying for rent stabilization, then the entire building could become stabilized for a period of 12 years. (421-G is a tax abatement program that gives developers savings when converting office buildings to residential in Downtown NYC. In exchange, the tenant units must be stabilized.)

For more information visit DHCR and CB1.

Kindergarten Update:

The Department of Education has sent the following notice for NYC parents: If your child is turning five years old in 2014, they are eligible to attend kindergarten in September 2014.

Families can submit a 2014-2015 kindergarten application in one of three ways: online, over the phone by calling 718-935-2400, or in person at an Enrollment Office. Admission is not first-come, first-served. All applications received by the February 14 deadline will be treated the same.

Several resources are available to to provide useful information on the Kindergarten Admissions website. All families are invited to attend an information session where they can learn about kindergarten admissions for the 2014-2015 school year. If you have questions or concerns, contact [email protected] or call 718-935-2009.

RiverWatch

Arrivals & Departures

North Cove

Friday, January 31

Norwegian Breakaway
Inbound 7:15 am; outbound 6:30 pm; 2-night cruise to nowhere
Explorer of the Seas
Inbound 7:30 am (Cape Liberty terminal); outbound 4:30 pm;

9-day Eastern Caribbean cruise

Sunday, February 2

Norwegian Breakaway

Inbound 7:15 am; outbound 3:30 pm; 7-day Bahamas cruise

Many ships pass Battery Park City on their way to and from the midtown passenger ship terminal. Others may be seen on their way to or from docks in Brooklyn and Bayonne. Stated times, when appropriate, are for passing the Colgate Clock and are based on sighting histories, published schedules and intuition. They are also subject to tides, fog, winds, freak waves, hurricanes and the whims of upper management. Photos by Robert Simko.

Downtown in the News

"New York City Council 2014: Margaret Chin," The Epoch Times, January 29. "Council Member Margaret Chin has been leading District 1 since 2010, which includes the communities in Lower Manhattan." Read more.

"Silverstein wants refi for stalled 3 World Trade Center," The Real Deal, January 29. "Larry Silverstein is asking the government to cut him a better financing deal at Silverstein Properties' unfinished 3 World Trade Center." Read more.

"Agnes Varis Trust to Give $3 Million to Gibney Dance," The New York Times, January 28. "The Agnes Varis Trust will give $3 million to Gibney Dance, the formerly all-women dance troupe that is known for its social activism and is about to expand its operations to 280 Broadway in Lower Manhattan. The gift is earmarked to fund the restoration of 36,000 square feet at the space, which was vacated last fall after Dance New Amsterdam declared bankruptcy."