May 5th - May 9th, 2008

Second Avenue Deli Reopening Downtown

May 5- The Downtown Express is reporting that the Second Avenue Deli may be opening in Lower Manhattan. Sources say Jeremy Lebewhol, who runs the family business, wants to set up shop somewhere in the Financial District, where corned beef is a favorite among Wall Street types.

Hudson Square BID Proposed

May 5 – A new BID- Business Improvement District- is being formed to among other things, address traffic problems along a 22 block stretch from Houston to Canal Street between Greenwich and Sixth Avenue. According to The Downtown Express, the steering committee of the proposed Hudson Square BID met last week to begin a nine-month long approval process. The BID will also focus on promoting new retail and cultural attractions to the area.

Cost Reductions Sought for WTC Transportation Hub

 May 8 – More developments about how the Port Authority plans to shrink the WTC Transportation Hub. The New York Times is reporting the PA will reduce the street-level perimeter of the transit hall by 10 to 15 percent. Other cost savings will come through using standard concrete in the ceiling rather than architectural concrete. The story also says the wings of the birdlike structure will reduced. More substantial changes may be needed if no contractor can be found to build the project for $2.5 billion. Bids will be invited next month.

Improved Construction Site Safety Sought by City Council

May 8 – The City Council is considering 12 separate bills that would improve safety at construction sites. The New York Times reports the measures include requiring contractors to hire independent monitors and denying permits to developers who habitually ignore the rules. Real estate officials and construction unions are calling on the city to replace the city’s Department of Buildings with a new public corporation that would recruit and train qualified professionals and act more decisively.

Newsweek Relocates to Lower Manhattan

May 8 – Newsweek magazine is moving to Lower Manhattan. According to Commercial Property News, the lease covers approximately 163,000 square feet at 395 Hudson Street. Newsweek had been located at 1775 Broadway in Midtown for the past 15 years.