Nabe News: December 2

Is 38 East First Street the most expensive rental property in the East Village.  Brokers are currently seeking $30,000 per month for the three-bedroom apartment [EV Grieve]

New city-subsidized ferry service might be coming to the East River as early as next year [Streetsblog via Curbed]

The shampoo bottle condo tower in Astor Place is reportedly birthing a wine bar [Fork in the Road]

New York City Fire Department Commissioner Salvatore Cassano says fire deaths are down 18% from 2009.  If 2010 stays the course, it could best best last year’s record low of 73 civilian deaths [NY1]

BedBug Central, a site devoted to locating proper exterminators, is reaching out to several extermination firms to provide free service for needy New Yorkers [Observer]

More finger-pointing with regard to the updated Provincetown Playhouse, now part of NYU’s School of Law building on MacDougal Street.  It’s all about preserving and fastening the 1940s-era seat ends to each row of seating.  Andrew Berman of GVSHP is front and center in the debate [The Villager; Previously]

The paper of record reneges on its review of the Sperone Westwater Gallery from September.  In that article, author Ken Johnson called it “more toolbox than jewel box” with a more “utilitarian appearance, like that of a discount-furniture emporium.” Today brings a more positive view, calling it the “unmuseum.” [NY Times]