The Afternoon Wrap: Thursday

Bank of America to shed up to 35,000 jobs over the next three years as a result of its purchase of Merrill Lynch. [WSJ]

While in Bed-Stuy this morning to announced $2.3 million in grants to nonprofits that prevent New Yorkers from falling into foreclosure, Bloomberg defended the Community Reinvestment Act, saying it can’t be held solely responsibly for the foreclosure crisis. [PolitickerNY]

Controversy grows over developers David and Jed Walentas’ plan for an 18-story residential building in Dumbo that would include a middle school but block views of the Brooklyn Bridge. [Brooklyn Paper]

Maya Schaper Cheese and Antiques, made famous by the film You’ve Got Mail, to shut down after 14 years as it makes way for a café. [City Room]

Beloved Astroland Rocket to be sold for scrap metal. [Curbed]

Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany’s 5,200-square-foot mansion at 17 Prospect Park West closes for $8.45 million. [Brownstoner via Curbed]

As it grows its mortgage lending division, Guardhill Financial Corp. takes on 30 new employees (all from bankrupt IndyMac Bank) and expands to new offices in Long Island. [TRD]

Carolers to sing outside a West 14th condo this Sunday in an effort to lure New Yorkers into one of its nine available units. [TRD]

Concrete falls on Times Square construction worker. [Queens Crap]

After the building that houses it is sold, Soho’s Ohio Theatre will likely close next year. [VV via VNY]