Crank or Champion?

Editor’s note: A shorter version of this story appeared in the April 15 print edition of The Observer.

“Prince Street belongs to me. I’m sorry—it’s turf.”

Sean Sweeney, president of the Soho Alliance, was talking in late March about bike lanes. He could’ve been talking about political races. Restaurants. Condo-hotels. The thing doesn’t matter Read More

Landlord to Lola: Pay Up or Get Out

After three years of court fights with booze- and noise-wary neighbors over its liquor license and live music program, embattled Lola restaurant at 5-15 Watts Street has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

In addition to mounting unpaid legal bills — nearly $100,000 and counting — proprietors Gayle Patrick-Odeen and Tom Patrick-Odeen also owe Read More

Silver’s Challengers Fight the Odds and Each Other

In this clip from the DFNYC-Young Manhattan Democrats debate last Sunday, both Paul Newell and Luke Henry are asked if they would step aside to improve the other’s chances against the incumbent they hope to unseat: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Both say no.

Henry, an attorney, also says he’s the more viable candidate because he Read More