The Round-Up: Thursday

A coalition of arts organizations has asked the city for $15 million that would go to so-called culturally specific organizations, serving blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans and American Indians. [NY Times]

City Council approved an amendment to zoning regulations to preserve the "low-slung" character of Carroll Gardens. [NY Times]

A nine-block section of Hudson River Park opened to the public on Wednesday after a $16.3 million reconstruction. [NY Times]

Representative Charlie Rangel plans to ask the House ethics committee to examine whether he violated any congressional rules by renting four rent-stabilized apartments. [NY Times]

A former official has filed a $150,000 suit to recoup damages to his apartment from the May 30 crane collapse. [NY Post]

Grimaldi's Pizza, the iconic, cash-only restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge, was shut down yesterday for owing the state $100,000 in back taxes. [NY Post]

The two owners of a celebrity-frequented spa in Mexico are battling it out for full ownership in a Manhattan courthouse. [NY Post]

A housing bill that is likely the federal government's most expansive effort to stabilize the mortgage and financial markets moved close to becoming a law on Wednesday. [WSJ]

Oddly-shaped apartments don't appeal to everyone, but inspire "fierce devotion" in some. [NY Sun]

There are reasons to be bullish about the city's hotel industry. [NY Sun]

Westhampton is becoming many people's first choice after years of being upstaged by its neighbors. [NY Sun]