Along its commercial spine, Genesee Street, buildings stand empty, including the downtown's 14-story pride, the Bankers Trust Building.

The commercial spine of Harlem has come a long way since it resembled an outdoor flea market.

On Nostrand Avenue, the community's commercial spine, several people said they had not heard about the bloodshed overnight.

But when yet another nude club opened last month on the borough's commercial spine, just south of the Long Island Expressway, residents gathered forces.

Merrick Boulevard, which bisects the community in a generally east-west direction, forms its commercial spine.

Flushing's business groups had planned to limit the decorations to those two commercial spines, said Ms. Colletta.

Entertainers are scheduled to perform along the 16th Street Mall, the 12-block pedestrian walkway that serves as the commercial spine of downtown.

The hotel, a longtime fixture on Rockaway Park's commercial spine, had housed the homeless for 11 years.

Its traditional and still bustling commercial spine - especially on Sunday - is 13th Avenue.

Marine Avenue and Agate Avenue form the commercial spine of the island.