I live in NYC myself, the Bronx borough.
I was too young to enter CBGB's but I would occasionally pass by the area, since the writing workshop I'm in was near there. I love that area of Manhattan, there is such a stillness without all that hussle in midtown. I will truly miss it.
Other places in NYC that has been loved, but shut down: Both stores, Funhouse and Religious Sex. Funhouse shut down in April, and Religious Sex, a while ago. I'll miss Funhouse, since they had the most affordable finger armours. 8th St. Lab is selling Funhouse clothing. I once had a dream that Trash & Vaudeville shut down, and my sister also had those dreams.
There are rumors circulating that the city is raising rent prices of St. Mark's Place, and other stores in 8th St., to rid of them and build their high-rise apartment buildings. They do not care a shit about us. They want us "freaks" out of here, and move somewhere else. Trash and Vaudeville spends more than $2,300 a month in rent just to keep themselves alive.
It's a struggle, and maybe the nice guys will not finish last.
--Neurosis