Back when industry first abandoned New York and there was a glut of available loft space, we rented what had been a tie factory in Hoboken for $300 a month. There was a business that made wire lampshades below us, and a garment factory above. I used to sometimes run into Raymond, the guy with the garment factory, on the stairs or outside the building. He would fix me with a hard stare. “Are you busy?” I was always a little confused by the question but I would answer as best I could. “Yes I am. I’m busy.” Raymond always looked relieved.
– Adam Simon
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