1) Call it a sign of the times. When Lillie’s Bar closed in Red Hook it was considered a sign that the times they were definitely changing as the Todd Shipyard buildings fell and Ikea started rising across the street. Yesterday, we noted the apparent upcoming end to Beard Street’s cobblestones. As we reported several months ago, the former Lillie’s is being changed into a jazz establishment, and we were surprised by the advanced stage of the remodeling. It should offer an excellent vantage on the cars coming and going to the Ikea across the street.

2) The Chelsea Garden Center has already expanded, opening up its Red Hook greenhouse. The building is located on Conover Street a few doors down from Sunny’s Bar.