From left: Rubin Schron and the Sperone Westwater Gallery

While many Lower East Side veterans might consider a two-year-old art gallery the definition of a newcomer, the Sperone Westwater Gallery has set its sights on blocking the arrival of an even newer arrival. Owners of the Bowery gallery are working alongside preservationists to halt city approval of a 25-story hotel-condominium development that they say will block a sky view, the Wall Street Journal reported. [more]

215 Chrystie Street, Ruby Schron and a blueprint of the hotel

Ruby Schron appears to have found the fastest way to a community board’s heart — promises of rent regulation. The Cammeby’s International head was given the green light by Communtiy Board 3 to build a controversial 25-story hotel on Chrystie Street in the Lower East Side in exchange for extended rent regulation at an adjacent building, Bowery Boogie reported. [more]