Happy Thursday! I was looking for some inspiration rather than talking about the weather in my intro, so googled “This Day in History”. Did you know that on this day in 1908 the New York Board of Education banned the act of whipping students in school!?
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo gave a boost to live performances and tourism with announcements that indoor theater could resume on April 4 (with limited capacity) and that US visitors with proof of vaccination would no longer need to quarantine. The moves have been welcomed, but Equity made the point that those in the arts should now be added to the vaccination list. More details here…
We reported back in September that members of NYSC had been getting charged during the pandemic, even after canceling their membership. New York State Attorney General Letitia James has announced a $250,000 lawsuit settlement with their former parent company. You could be getting your money back…
Our OLD FLAMES feature struck out with Frico Bar last week. Apparently, the bar was only around for “a hot minute” — but out of the ashes we’re now on the trail of Curtain Up! which was in the same location on W43rd St. We’re already gathering stories, memories and photos — can you add to them? Please email george@w42st.com.
What we’ve been reading
The key to selling in the luxury apartment market? Taking a loss. (Crain’s)
What do you think about scooter sharing in NYC? (Streetsblog)
Small restaurants could be thrown a rent relief lifeline. (The Real Deal)
Don’t count on concessions being open at movie theaters. (Gothamist)
Plowy McPlowface — what’s in a name…? (New York Daily News)
Freeze Frame
Thanks to Ben Schneider for this view of 8th Avenue. He said on Instagram: “with so many fewer people in midtown, the buildings seem to stand out more.” Very true…