Virgin says it’s seeking NYC location for new hotel chain … and more

1. Virgin Group eyes New York City as it plans launch of hotel line [NYO]
2. Brooklyn residents debate future of Floyd Bennett Field, a 1,400-acre park and former airport [NY1]
3. Staten Island beach residents at Cedar Grovers refuse to leave, despite city’s plans to take over the land [NYO]
4. Squatter arrested on suspicion of arson at a West Farms building in the Bronx [Gothamist]
5. Crowdsourcing apartment rental site launches, finds average NYC rents based on user feedback [Curbed]
6. Chain video rental store Blockbuster expected to file for bankruptcy within days [Reuters via MSNBC]
7. Investor Sam Zell says he’s optimistic about NYC market [NYO]

8. L + M to break ground on mixed-use building near Brooklyn Navy Yard, which will include 455 residential units [Curbed]
9. Chocolatier Jacques Torres to replace other chocolatier Godiva at Rockefeller Plaza [Crain’s]
10. Massey Knakal tapped to sell non-performing debt at 75 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn, after plan for Cambria Suites hotel goes bad [Brownstoner]
11. CMBS market showing some signs of improvement [WSJ]
12. Unknown buyer assuming $35 million mortgage on a collection of 10 rundown Bronx buildings [Crain’s]
13. Mortgage interest deduction proves crucial for some homeowners [WSJ]
14. Zac Posen-designed penthouse at 16 West 20th Street among the luxury homes open to the public for Open House New York next month [Curbed]
15. Long Island City restaurant Brooks 1890 to close, reopen under new ownership [Twitter]
16. Nationwide, multi-family market shows strength [WSJ]
17. NYC interior decorator Michael Tavano files for bankruptcy [Crain’s]
18. Federal Housing Finance Agency posts a .5 percent month-over-month home price decline in July [WSJ]

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