Heyday bringing facials and skin care to Lafayette Street

Heyday, billed as a one-stop skin care shop, is opening a new location at 382 Lafayette St. near Fourth Street.

When Heyday opens toward the end of the year, this will mark their fifth NYC location.

The storefront was until last fall home to Screaming Mimi's, which left for a new space on West 14th Street after 25 years here.

As owner Laura Wills told me, the building at 382 Lafayette was sold, and she decided to relocate.

To be quite honest, we never considered staying. Lafayette Street was a wonderful home for almost 25 years but it has changed so much. I fear it will very soon be blocks of big glass and steel storefronts with no soul. Mostly everyone who opened when we did is gone."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Screaming Mimi's is leaving its home of 25 years on Lafayette for West 14th Street

Classic tags uncovered at under-renovation Lafayette Street building

[Photo from July 2]

Workers have been converting the former women's shelter at 350 Lafayette at Bond into a luxury retail store.

During the exterior work, the workers uncovered a decades-old DONDI tag as well as a barely visible SAMO© tag ... graffiti blogger/photography Fresh Paint NYC first made the discovery...

For those that want to see an original DONDI tag it's located at Lafayette and Bond. Probably will be gone in a few hours. Also if you have laser beam eyes you can probably make out the SAMO©. #dondicia #dondiwhite @doctc5 @bkstreetart @marthacoopergram @12ozprophet @outlaw_arts @faustnewyork @massappeal @thelisaprojectnyc @boweryboogieuncapped @streetartnyc ✌🏻

A post shared by @freshpaintnyc on Aug 28, 2017 at 10:09am PDT

"If you don't sell your life, how do you buy back your survival? Down With Wage Slavery." -- Many layers of paint were removed from a building on Lafayette Street, revealing some historic graffiti. #streetphotography #graffiti #nycgraffiti #downwithwageslavery

A post shared by TheDustyRebel (@dustyrebel) on Aug 28, 2017 at 2:33pm PDT

As Mass Appeal noted, "By the time of his death at the age of 37 in 1998, DONDI had cemented his legacy as one of the greatest graffiti writers to ever come out of New York City."

As for 350 Lafayette, Aby Rosen bought the building in 2015 for $26 million. The Center of Urban Community Services was the operator of what DNAinfo described as "one of the city's most highly-regarded homeless shelters for 27 years." Rosen intends to sign a single luxury retailer for the space. The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission OK'd the transformation of the landmarked space in February 2016.





Rosen did preserve the Sean “NEKST” Griffin tag during renovations at 190 Bowery.

Trinity's Services And Food for the Homeless hosting a summer fundraiser on Thursday

Trinity's Services And Food for the Homeless (SAFH) on Ninth Street at Avenue B is hosting a summer fundraiser this Thursday evening (Aug. 31) to benefit their food pantry and soup kitchen.

According to SAFH officials: "We recently lost a very large grant that was to be given over the next five years. We need to make up the difference."

Per the fundraising invite: "Join us for Happy Hour in our outdoor garden to enjoy the last days of summer and help your community."

Tickets for the event on Thursday evening (5:30-8:30) start at $40. Find more details here.

Refreshments and food for the event will be provided by nearby establishments Maiden Lane, Brix and Barnyard

Trinity's SAFH has been serving meals for more than 30 years. They are open Monday through Friday and serve lunch to between 200-300 people daily during the summer months. They also operate a year-round food pantry.

Saying goodbye to Clayworks Pottery after 44 years on 9th Street

[Storefront photo from 2009 via Facebook]

Late last week, Helaine Sorgen made official what had been a poorly kept secret among her customers — Clayworks Pottery is closing after 44 years at 332 E. Ninth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

The upcoming closing has nothing to do with, say, a decline in business.

"My building has been bought by a predatory landlord who will not renew my lease," she said. "It's been over a two-year fight, and the time has come to close up shop."

She shared with me a copy of her goodbye letter to the community. (The letter is displayed on the front window of the shop.)

Her last day will be around Sept. 15.

---

Well, it’s been quite a ride. When Clayworks opened in the EV in Jan, 1974, it was like an outpost of civilization. Empty stores were everywhere. Clayworks was the kind of unique, individual store that helped build this neighborhood into the desirable commodity it is today. Through four decades, I have been able to watch the EV grow and change from my window. It has been the finest front row seat I could ask for.

Clayworks survived everything the mad universe pitched at it — Hurricane Sandy, blizzards, The Great Recession, swastikas painted across the storefront, the front window being intentionally blown out, water main breaks, ceiling caves, the crack epidemic, and of course 9/11, all come to mind, plus the usual personal real-life challenges. Clayworks has always held its own, with great thanks to the support of this neighborhood and my loyal clientele.

That is, until the recent and well documented invasion of the EV by predatory landlords and perfidious financiers. You see, Clayworks now occupies real estate deemed too valuable to allow it to stay. The new building owner and the plethora of shell companies he hides behind wants me out, and this is a war that I cannot win. I have spent the past 2 years fighting. I am tired and my time is up. Let me be clear — this is not the story of an unsuccessful store hanging on for dear life. This is the intentional stomping out of yet another mom and pop store by predatory real estate weasels. We small businesses are a family. Every store whose light goes out is a small death among us, another cross in the graveyard. There, we are legion.

Clayworks is as much a part of the EV as the EV is a part of Clayworks. I live here. My heart lives here. The EV is my neighborhood, my community. I want to see thrive. I know there are 2 camps of thought in the EV currently. There are those who want to keep the wild, fierce, gritty, creative, independent EV spirit. There are others who want less edge and attitude and more sameness — tamer, user friendly stores, plus bars and restaurants that are trendy and cater more to the on-demand desires of a new generation. Why can’t we have a balanced mix here is the question.

I believe, if protected and supported by the City, it would be possible to have both — to support change, and yet maintain the unique identity that many of us treasure. But the Small Business Jobs Survival Act languishes in the purgatory of the City Council. Some form of this legislation, which supports small businesses the way other more enlightened cities do, has been moldering in the CC since Miriam Friedlander’s time. Politicians wave it around to get votes, but as soon as they are elected, it goes back into the junk drawer.

Now, we hear there is a movement to form a small-business-only region, and a protective registry for legacy businesses that have been around for 35 years or more. Well, that would be Clayworks, but, ironically, it’s too late for me.

I am not opposed to change but frankly, what is going on here is full-scale rape and pillage. So folks, it’s up to you. You vote with your ballot and you vote with your dollar. The kind of neighborhood and community you want to see is in your hands. If it matters, and it should, then be mindful. Exercise your right to vote and your right to make some noise.

It has been an incredible privilege to have been able to earn a living being a potter in the EV. I’ve always hoped that in a small way, Clayworks helped to make the world a better place, one mug at a time. I want to thank, sincerely and gratefully, every person who laid down their hard earned bucks to buy my work and support me. In my 44 years here, I have gotten to know many of you personally and my life has been greatly enriched by your company.

Everyone who came into this store, who shared their stories and lives, wove a fabric that connected us together, warp and woof, a tapestry of community and friendship. We made magic happen here. That’s really what it’s all about.

My last day will be sometime around Sept. 15. Whatever work I have left is all that there’s gonna be, so if you’ve been looking at something and can’t make up your mind, don’t wait too long! I will pack and store the rest with the intention of starting an online store (anyone out there who can help me set it up?). Or call me- I’ll meet you at the Veselka, you bring the $$$ and I’ll bring the goods!

With sadness and love,
Helaine Sorgen/Clayworks

P.S.

A special shout out of love for Santo and Margaret at The Source, who have generously supplied me with great quantities of packing boxes. Also to GOLES, which has helped so many here to organize and fight back. And to Cooper Square, especially SaMi Chester, who works tirelessly for EV tenants, and has been more than generous in sharing support and information and encouragement in my battle, even though commercial tenants are not really his purview.

And to 9th Street, the best little block in the EV and my home for 44 wonderful years!

Previously on EV Grieve:
29-year-old Gallery Vernon is closing on East 9th Street

Following eviction proceedings, Steve Croman's 9300 Realty has a new office

Over the weekend, these "We're moving" flyers appeared on some of the East Village properties owned by Steve Croman's 9300 Realty.

As noted, the company has a new office on Broadway as of today.

Not noted is that this move follows eviction proceedings against 9300 at their previous location, 632 Broadway. According to the legal papers filed in public records, Croman and company had until today to get out — or the Marshall would legally take possession of the space...





In June, Croman pleaded guilty to charges of grand larceny, tax fraud, and an additional fraud charge relating to false statements. As part of the deal, he will reportedly spend one year at Rikers. Croman will be sentenced on Sept. 19.

Meanwhile, last week, the civil case related to his tenant harassment tactics was adjourned from Sept. 18 to Nov. 13.



Croman's real-estate portfolio includes 47 buildings with 617 units in the East Village. He owns more buildings in the East Village than any other landlord.

Jennifer Esposito's Jennifer's Way Bakery is moving from 10th Street; destination unknown

An EVG reader who lives on 10th Street between Avenue A and First Avenue shared this... Jennifer's Way Bakery is moving, per the sidewalk signage spotted yesterday... owner Jennifer Esposito, the Brooklyn-born actress (currently on "NCIS"), was selling off some items (stools, tables, etc.) from the small bakery...



She reduced her hours here in May due to an increase in online orders for the organic bakery that makes its products without gluten, dairy, soy, refined sugar or peanuts, per store signage at the time.

The reader who lives nearby said that the bakery was closed last weekend and Saturday.

To date, there isn't any mention of the new location on the bakery's website or social media properties. The online bakery currently isn't taking any orders.

Esposito wrote about the situation on Facebook:

Only a handful thought I could even stay open for more than a few months, never 5 years. I am so very proud of not only what I managed to withstand here but so beyond thrilled how many of you I was able to help and feed safely. I celebrated birthdays, weddings and holidays with you and served your children their first safe cookie. My heart is full. However it's is time to move forward now. My lease on this magical little space is up and I must move on now. I am FAR from done with bringing you safe, reliable, TRUST WORTHY delicious food, it's just time to regroup ... stay tuned, I am not done.

The bakery opened in March 2013. Esposito was later reportedly sued by her investors, though she said in a tweet that the case was dismissed.

Her book, "Jennifer’s Way Kitchen," is set for release next month.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Jennifer Esposito responds to reports that she fled East 10th Street for Denmark

Little Tong Noodle Shop taking an end-of-summer break

Since opening in late March on First Avenue at 11th Street, Little Tong Noodle Shop has racked up some pretty solid reviews. (Like from Pete Wells at The New York Times.)

Now chef-owner Simone Tong and her team are taking a break. The restaurant closed after service last night... and will reopen after Labor Day on Sept. 5.

Per Facebook: "Coming back fresh and rested for more exciting mmmmiiiiixxxxxiiaaaannnnnn on Sept. 5th!"

Momofuku Ko remains closed as expansion-related work continues in Extra Place

As first noted back in May, David Chang's Momofuku Ko was expanding in the extra quiet Extra Place off of First Street here between the Bowery and Second Avenue.

The restaurant remains closed with the renovations in progress...



The plans submitted to CB3 show a bigger waiting area, six or seven more tables and an expanded bar/chef counter. There will also be a new entrance.

The sign on the door notes a closure until Sept. 6. According to the Ko website, "our re-opening date may change. We encourage you to revisit our website for the latest updates." In May, Chang told Eater that he did not anticipate the restaurant having to close during renovation.

Momofuku Ko relocated to 8 Extra Place from First Avenue in November 2014. To date, this is the only business to succeed in Extra Place since its debut 10 years ago.

Previously on EV Grieve:
With new restaurant opening, will Extra Place finally become a dining destination?

Extra Place now officially a Dead End

Extra Place and Heidi currently 'closed for renovation' in Extra Place

Red Hook Lobster Pound in the works for Extra Place

A few more details on Momofuku Ko (aka, TBD) coming to Extra Place

David Chang's Momofuku Ko is expanding in Extra Place

Côte opens a 'quick Côte' shop on 13th Street

Côte, "a luxurious nail care destination," opened its first NYC location last week on 13th Street between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue.

Here's more about what to expect: "Understanding the Manhattan woman's busy lifestyle, we'll be offering 'quick côtes' ($20) as our signature service (it’s a polish change, but with a little extra love) at our new york location."

Here's more about the L.A.-based founders:

côte founders mary lennon and leah yari created côte to provide a safe, transparent, quality product and an elegant nail care experience that could be shared with their families and friends without worry. they set out to take the “toxins” out of the nail treatment experience; from the shop environment, to the technician / guest interaction, to the actual products themselves. with that in mind, all of côte's polishes are created free of the major toxins and allergens that are often associated with nail polish: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, camphor, formaldehyde resin, TPHP, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens and gluten.

The space was previously an office for Mirador Real Estate.

Sunday's parting shot

EVG reader Ronnie shared this photo from today's Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Tompkins Square Park ... Ronnie noted, "it was a lovely, beautiful evening with a crowd I have not seen since the early 1990s and Wigstock!"

Week in Grieview

[Photo on Astor Place by Derek Berg]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

The owner of East Village Wines says goodbye to the neighborhood (Thursday)

Solar eclipse! (Monday)

Woman pushed onto F train tracks at 2nd Avenue in unprovoked attack; victim in stable condition (Wednesday)

Starbucks signage arrives at incoming Starbucks on Avenue A and St. Mark's Place (Tuesday)

Out and About with Felix Velazquez (Wednesday)

Landlord makes eviction case against tenant with the Confederate flags, then withdraws (Monday)

Checking in on the former Other Music space, soon to be a health-focused restaurant (Tuesday)

An updated look at that Moxy hotel for 11th Street (Wednesday ... Monday)

From Joey Ramone to Debbie Harry on the Bowery (Friday) And... The Joey Ramone street sign returns to Joey Ramone Place (Thursday)

Thaimee Box brings Thailand's Khao Kang eating culture to 13th Street (Monday)

Capturing lightning on a building (Wednesday)

The Village Voice is ending its print edition (Tuesday)

Montauk Salt Cave now open on 10th Street (Monday)

Watts up with the bright lights inside Key Food? (Monday)

Just For Fen bringing rice noodles to 1st Avenue (Tuesday)

You may now enter and exit Tompkins Square Park at 8th Street and Avenue B (Thursday)

Saltwater now serving on 12th Street (Friday)

Space Mabi sets Sept. 19 opening date on 1st Avenue (Wednesday)

On Target for a summer 2018 opening on 14th Street and Avenue A (Tuesday)

Dec. 1 date set for Boris & Horton, Avenue A's new dog cafe (Thursday)

Pata Negra has closed on 12th Street (Thursday)

A Cheers Cut sneak peek on St. Mark's Place (Monday)

Sooooo many "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" filming posts (Thursday)

75 1st Ave. now in bendy thing phase (Thursday)

Look at the former Bowlmor Lanes now (Monday)

... and spotted on Avenue A today...



---

Follow EVG on Instragram and/or Twitter for more updates

Today in street-closure planning

The Fourth Avenue Festival is happening now (Street fair!) ... and the Avenue is closed from Ninth Street to 14th Street ... coinciding with NYU's Move-In Day.

Bird Flies

Bird Flies

Bop! Shout! Fingers Pop!

Another bird flies in the park.

A jazz migration, people Hop!

Music passing through. Mark

that time once a year,

When people smile and cheer,

Saxophones soar, cymbals crash,

Improvisation worth more than cash.

People cool in fun clothes, a slick hat.

Sunday revelry, Angels scat.

Shades in attendance, no shadows cast,

We should have known it wouldn’t last.

Fold up that chair, head for the train,

Come back next year for Jazz, again, again …

•

peter radley

-----

The 25th annual Charlie Park Jazz Festival is today in Tompkins Square Park from 3-7 p.m.

The photography of Ryan John Lee at 9th Street Espresso (on 10th Street)

East Village-based photographer Ryan John Lee has a selection of his work on display at 9th Street Espresso (the location on 10th Street near Avenue B)... you can read more about this exhibit, which is up through Sept. 22, here.

He has shared his work with EVG in the past, such as here and here.

A farewell to Etna Tool & Die on Bond Street

After 70 years at 42 Bond St., Etna Tool & Die Corporation has closed... Gothamist has a feature on what was one of the last tool and die shops in the city.

Tool and die employees are a class of machinists in the manufacturing industry and make a variety of things one doesn’t usually think twice about—jigs, fixtures, dies, molds, machine tools, cutting tools and more. Galuppo invented the anti-coin theft device that was installed in most of the city's pay phones. ConEd was also one of Etna's biggest clients, making the tools they use every day in the streets.

Owner James Galuppo, who was born on the LES in 1918, opened here between the Bowery and Lafayette in 1946.

Per Gothamist:

The family owns the building on Bond Street, and Galuppo's daughter Flavia says she intends on "honoring my father’s wishes by maintaining the building" and not selling it, retaining the few commercial tenants it still has.

The position-based David Bowie art by Scott VanderVoort remains on the fence ...

A 'Sun' belt

Wrapping up Solar Eclipse Week with something via the Austin, Texas-based trio Ringo Deathstar from last year titled "Stare at the Sun."

Mattress Materialize

Mattress Materialize

Month ending, out they come,

Streets dotted with pale monoliths.

We walk among them as pagans,

Between their standing stones,

Magical meaning long forgotten,

no enlightenment to be revealed.

Swathed in plastic, sealing in,

Dreams, some lost, bitter tears,

Release, exhaustion, books half read.

Guarded by rumors of the uninvited,

Biting interlopers who have lost

the decency to leave when asked.

Suddenly, the mattresses are gone.

Pity, an equinox is almost here.

•

peter radley

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival comes to Tompkins Square Park on Sunday

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is now underway ... and the annual tribute to the eponymous late saxophonist comes to Tompkins Square Park for a free show Sunday from 3-7 p.m.

The Joshua Redman Quartet headlines a slate that also features “Sweet Poppa Lou” Donaldson, Tia Fuller and Alicia Olatuja. (Read the bios of the performers here.)

This is the 25th anniversary of the Festival, which each year coincides with Parker's birthday.

Parker, who died in 1955 at age 34, lived at 151 Avenue B from 1950-54.

Saltwater now serving on 12th Street

[Image via the Saltwater website]

Saltwater is now open at 345 E. 12th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. The Australian-style cafe had its grand opening yesterday.

The venture is via Lee and Sid, a couple who grew up in Sydney. Per the Saltwater website: "They missed the Australian-styled coffee reflective of the lifestyle back home; where it is a way of life and is uniquely intertwined with leisure rather than a fuel for work."

Saltwater's hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

No. 345 previously served as a to-go spot for S'Mac.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Saltwater bringing Australian coffee to 12th Street

From Joey Ramone to Debbie Harry on the Bowery

Back on Monday, a crew painted over the two-year-old Joey Ramone/CBGB mural on Bleecker at the Bowery...



In its place on Tuesday, Shepard Fairey (in connection with The L.I.S.A. Project NYC) created a mural in honor of Debbie Harry and Blondie...



..which wrapped up on Wednesday afternoon with a visit by Harry and Chris Stein. (Godlis has some photos here.)



Harry and Fairey previously collaborated on a project for his Obey fashion label coinciding with the 40-year anniversary of Blondie's debut album.

Updated 8:30 a.m.

Lola Sáenz notes this morning that, given the placement of the cardboard, it appears Debbie Harry has a new necklace...

NYU's residential hall Move-In Day is Sunday

You may have noticed some activity of late around the neighborhood's NYU dorms... it's all in preparation for...



Fall Welcome Week!

Sunday marks the Residence Hall Move-In Day... so you can expect some traffic and parking restrictions in and around the NYU dorm area — the Third North Dorm on Third Avenue between 11th Street and 12th Street, Founders Hall on 12th Street between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, and University Hall on 14th Street between Third Avenue and Irving Place.

Move-in times are staggered throughout the day between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Something to keep in mind in case you were planning a trip to Whole Foods Market Union Square, Trader Joe's or Bed, Bath & Beyond ... or anywhere on the map below...


[Joking!]

Thursday's parting shot

Here's Manhattan (aka Fledgling #1, Ten, BioTen), Christo and Dora's lone offspring this year, in late-season form in Tompkins Square Park today.

Photo by Steven.

Summertime snow job

In the 568 posts the past few days about crews filming the Amazon series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" on St. Mark's Place, we've seen the crew set up a Christmas tree stand and reindeer ... not to mention bring in cars that fit the dramedy's 1958 setting... so we'll wrap it up with a photo from last night when it all came to life in front of the cameras between Avenue A and First Avenue — complete with fake snow...



Thanks to @jaclynstagrams for the above photo!

Meanwhile, on the L train...

Photo by Grant Shaffer...

The Joey Ramone street sign returns to Joey Ramone Place

[Photo from this morning]

After nearly a month-long absence, the city returned the Joey Ramone Place street sign yesterday afternoon (H/T Jessie Malin!) to the northeast corner of the Bowery and Second Street. (This block of Second Street is co-named for the frontman of the Ramones.)

It appeared that the light pole on this corner was under repairs. (Plus, the street sign looked as if it had been bashed a few times.)

The sign first went up in November 2003. The sign remains pretty high up there ...


[Photo from this morning]

This placement happened several years ago after the sign was previously stolen a half-dozen times. So workers raised the sign to 20 feet. Standard street signs are between 12 and 14 feet off the ground, per the Post.



Meanwhile, the two-year-old Joey Ramone-CBGB 40th anniversary mural a block away at Bleecker and the Bowery has been painted over in place of a Debbie Harry-Blondie mural by Shepard Fairey. Will post on that a little later.

You may now enter and exit Tompkins Square Park at 8th Street and Avenue B

Two months-plus after the sinkhole began to sink... the entrance/exit is back in use.


[EVG photo from June 18 ... the times that we had]

Thanks to @dens for the top photo!

The owner of East Village Wines says goodbye to the neighborhood

[Photo via Facebook]

East Village Wines, 138 First Ave. between Ninth Street and St. Mark's Place, is now under new ownership.

Imran Ahmed was the store's manager for years before taking over as an owner in 2008.

Ahmed and his team's last day at this shop was on Aug. 7.

This week, he sent an email to the shop's mailing list. Ahmed was happy to have me share the letter here. He did not disclose why he sold the business.

Dear friends,

If you had told me 24 years ago, when I first walked into East Village Wines, that someday I’d be a owner of East Village Wines and a happily married father of two happy and healthy kids, I’d have laughed harder than I ever have. I have spent the majority of my adult life in this store. Through it, you welcomed me into your living rooms, weddings, and one-man shows, with a tall glass and a hug. So it is with a great deal of sadness that I must inform you that I have sold the business, and have left 138 First Avenue in the hands of somebody new.

The East Village is one of the most vibrant and creative places in the world, and it was a pleasure to befriend so many beautiful and talented people while I was here. Some of my customers I have known since they were in the womb (yes, that makes me feel old), back when their parents were regular customers, still swinging from the chandeliers of the East Village. I have loved and lost so many people through this little shop, that is hard to sit back and take it all in.

I have seen a lot of the East Village change in the last quarter century, from riots in the Park to caravans of double-decker tourist buses loading and unloading out front. We stayed open through a few international crises, a handful of hurricanes, and even a blackout. From the Polish butcher next door to Michelin-starred dining across the street, the neighborhood has evolved in ways nobody could have predicted, and I had a front row seat.

I will never be able to repay all the friendship and inclusiveness I have experienced here at East Village Wines. This store has broadened my idea of family, and has given me a place I am proud to call home. I leave this store a happier man. I’m not sure what awaits me, but hopefully, we can sit down sometime and have a glass of wine and talk about it.

Thank you all.

[Image of Ahmed via Yelp.]

There has been a liquor store at the address since after prohibition in 1933. It is known at the moment who the new owners are, and what, if any, changes they might make at East Village Wines.

[Updated] Pata Negra has closed on 12th Street

[Image via Facebook]

Pata Negra, the 25-seat Spanish tapas and wine bar on 12th Street just west of First Avenue, has closed for business as of July 31.

Chef-owner Rafael Mateo told me this in an email yesterday: "10-year lease expired. Cost of doing business and the changing East Village contributed to decision not to renew."

In 2010, Mateo wrote a compelling post (H/T Eater) on his blog about the trials and tribulations of running a restaurant in NYC. He addressed the hell that is the NYC Department of Health.

The Department of Health has been on a witch hunt. I understand the need for transparency with its newly implemented grading system, and further agree with the best conditions for public safety. But make no mistake about it, the DOH agenda is about making money for the city, period. Every day at 66 John Street, hundreds of owners are crammed into a stuffy room with a 10:00 am appointment summons to testify against all of the violations heaped upon their respective businesses during the latest visit from a DOH inspector. The owners are iced all morning; on my latest appointment I arrived before 10 am and was seen at 3:30 pm, all for an opportunity to be heard by a “judge”, whose qualifications are suspect. The owners are called like cattle into a room with the “judge”. A tape recorder is turned on, the owner speaks, and then the “judge” sends the owner back into the lion’s den awaiting some 45 minutes for a verdict. The verdict is an average of $2000. in fines. There are hundreds of owners there per day. Do the math. $$$$

That’s the cost of doing business. This has become my favorite go to expression for unforeseeable, necessary expenses and costs that a business commands. The DOH paid me a visit in February. Fine, $2000. I fixed the violations. Then they paid me a visit in October and I received 17 points which amounts to a “B” rating (13 or less for an “A”). The Inspector said he was sending me another inspector in a couple of weeks. He stated that I had a potential for an “A” if I fixed certain violations. Four weeks later another inspector came in and fined me 21 points for completely different violations. She awarded me a “B” with a grade pending, meaning that another inspector will be paying me a visit in the next month as well.

In a follow-up note today, Mateo said that in 2017, the DOH is better at working with business owners rather than just using the system to generate income through excessive fines.

"On more than one occasion, inspectors were helpful to me in finding solutions to problems and were collaborative in education. As a result the business received fewer violations and more A ratings. The desired effect of my blog post, and the ensuing press made some impact (I believe) ... While it is still far from perfect, it has improved drastically since Mayor de Blasio has taken office."

He offered more insights about the East Village business environment in this blog post from February. It offers more insight into why it wasn't possible to stay in business.

75 1st Ave. now in bendy thing phase

[Photo by Goggla]

There's more activity now to note at 75 First Ave., where the bendy thing arrived yesterday morning for some cement-pumping action here next to the Rite Aid on Fifth Street.

Meanwhile, as previously reported earlier this month, sales are underway at the 8-floor, 22-unit condoplex. The three units on the market are asking between $1.79 million and $2.25 million.



Previously on EV Grieve:
Developer: A shorter building in the works now for 75 First Avenue

High-rise for 75 First Avenue back in play

Long-stalled First Avenue site now has a brand-new rendering

Report: Long-dormant 1st Avenue development site changes hands

Plywood report and the future of 75 1st Ave. (Spoiler: condos)

Sales underway for Rite Aid-adjacent condoplex on 1st Avenue

Dec. 1 date set for Boris & Horton, Avenue A's new dog cafe

As we first reported last month, Boris & Horton, billed as "New York's first dog friendly coffee shop and community space," is coming to the former Ost Cafe and Raclette spaces on Avenue A at 12th Street.

The cafe made New York magazine's fall-opening listings. (The tentative opening date is Dec. 1, per New York.)

Here's what the magazine had to say in the preview: "Logan Holzman and her father, Coppy, the founder of Charity Buzz, will open this dog café in late fall, where canines can play while their humans hang out and sip wine or coffee. Logan has an animal-rescue background, so she also hopes Boris & Horton (named for the Holzmans’ dogs) will host adoption events."

Boris & Horton has a teaser site up with a little more info about the owners.


[Screengrab from the Boris & Horton website]

DNAinfo reported that the space will be divided by a glass wall into two sections per Department of Health rules. There's a cafe side with food and drinks ... with a dog-friendly side that will sell pet supplies.

Ost Cafe closed in February after nine years in business. Their owners said that it had "become too expensive to stay open any longer." (The Grand Street location is still in service.) Raclette moved from its 14-seat space on A around the corner to the former Northern Spy on 12th Street last fall.