🌱 Waterfront Developers Race For Permits + City Mask Requirements

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! I am your host, Patrick Murray here with a couple of fresh headlines to kick off your day.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and warmer with a high of 59 and a low of 45.

Here are the top stories today in Lower East Side-Chinatown:

1. Two developers on the Lower East Side are rushing to take advantage of expiring 421a tax exemptions. The Chetrit Group issued excavation and foundation permits related to their two-towered, 70-story supertall at 265 South St., while the Starrett Corp. obtained permits for foundation work just down the block at 259 Clinton St. In both instances, the developers filed foundational plans without the broader scope of their projects being approved. (Bowery Boogie)
2. After a federal judge in Florida struck down a federal mask mandate for travelers on Monday, the MTA will still require travelers to wear masks on subways and buses. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey also announced on Tuesday that they would follow state guidance and will continue to require masks at major hubs including LaGuardia, JFK, and others. The TSA, meanwhile, announced that they would not enforce mask rules, further complicating information given to passengers. (https://patch.com/new-york/low...)

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Today in Lower East Side-Chinatown:

• "Evil of Dracula" screening at The Metrograph. (2 p.m.)
• Live music at The Bowery Ballroom. (7 p.m.)
• Popped Jokes at Popped.NYC. (7 p.m.)
• Live music at Arlene's Grocery. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Don't miss these great mixology classes in NYC. (Gotham | Modern Luxury)
• Take a look at the local real estate roundup. (Lower East Side-Chinatown Patch)
• Don't miss "The Patsy" at Abrons Art Center. (Bowery Boogie)
• Surfergirl Gallery presents JOY: an exhibit by 12 women artists. Coming May 19. (PR Newswire)

Loving the Lower East Side-Chinatown Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Patrick Murray