Had he been on his own resources, Laffan would have fled Manhattan; but there was a staying force that kept him here: the power of Charg.

My husband and I fled Manhattan about five years ago because of the deterioration of the quality of life.

He had spent part of that day in downtown Brooklyn, picking up people fleeing Manhattan and chauffeuring them home.

Fleeing Manhattan can have unexpected consequences for theatrical businesses that need direct contact with their clients.

They listed toughened mobsters; potential killers who had fled Manhattan.

They're fleeing Manhattan because of high costs.

Indeed, some companies that fled Manhattan and its high rents years ago are returning.

"Tenants are not fleeing Manhattan," Ms. Smith said, "but more young renters are looking to the waterfront for value."

Plans for the terminal, which date back to 1999, gained momentum after 9/11 when ferries carried tens of thousands of people fleeing Manhattan.

"As companies flee Manhattan and set up in the suburbs, their employees can support decent dining."