*Everyday Chatter

Truffles Tribeca takes it to the next level to attract buyers: "they've placed faceless, contented-looking mannequins" on their balconies. Freaky simulations of reality! Is this what it takes to make desolate condos look lived in? [RS]

Tonight at 7: Jim and Karla Murray discuss disappearing store fronts (click for info):


As Minetta reopens, McNally reflects: "If Pastis was something of a catalyst for the changes in the Meatpacking District, as you suggest, then I should be ashamed of myself...I can’t bear most of the changes there. The area has become ugly and excruciatingly one-dimensional." [Villager]

Meanwhile, in front of the plywooded future McNally in Meatpacking East, aka the Bowery, you can sign a petition to save the neighborhood from become ever more MePa:


Ukulele player makes accurate prediction about Mo Pitkin's replacement: "another bland, chic meat-market with delicious mojitos. The people moving into the town...just want to get hammered and drag someone home to their luxury condo." [EVG]

Ask Joel Kotkin about NYC's middle class. And the first question is: "nyc has a middle class?" [CR]

Pissing (again) on Avenue A. [NMNL]

Batten down the hatches. East Village experiencing a rash of break-ins. [Blah]

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