Solow aims for the UN … and more

1. Sheldon Solow wants the UN to take space at a controversial office tower that’s part of his big East River project, which the City Council must approve. Opponents say the office tower doesn’t belong in a residential neighborhood. [NYT]
2. Vacancies increase again at Manhattan’s Class A buildings [NYO]
3. Mortgage defaults hit new U.S. high [NYT]
4. Javits Center’s board of directors disgusted by scaled-back plans, while the bad press could actually be a sign of progress [NYT] and [NYMag]
5. Will creative types be priced out of Brooklyn? [Brownstoner]