Fresh from playing two high-energy shows at the Mercury Lounge... here is the LA-based trio Clarion with "Media Mediocracy."
Friday, April 24, 2026
From the 1980s to today: Daniel Root’s East Village in focus
The book pairs Root's photos of the Lower East Side and East Village from the early/mid-1980s with images of the same (or similar) locations today — a decades-spanning look at a neighborhood in constant motion.
Backstory: In 1984, Root was commissioned to photograph "the changing East Village." The photos were taken, but the accompanying writing never materialized. The images were shelved as Root continued documenting the neighborhood over the years.
A book project resurfaced in 2014 ... but didn't come together.
Now, more than 40 years after those first shots, the project is finally in print.
The book includes a foreword by Peter McGough and an essay by Beat historian and Allen Ginsberg archivist Bill Morgan. It also features a Tompkins Square Park cartoon from Stan Mack and a poem by Ginsberg.
Root has several upcoming local events around the release:
• Sunday: Walk + talk at P&T Knitwear (1:30–3:30 p.m., ticketed)
• May 3: Conversation with musician Eric Ambel at Book Club Bar (7–8 p.m., details)
Publication date is May 12.
Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] For Two Boots Pizza on Avenue A, a tough slice of reality
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
As the future of Two Boots on Avenue A remains uncertain, owner Phil Hartman says the beloved decades-spanning pizzeria is weighing a handful of difficult options — none of which include leaving the East Village.
Last Friday, the landlord had two large for-lease signs affixed to the corner space — hours before Hartman was hosting a party at Two Boots to celebrate the re-release of his 1986 film, "No Picnic," at the Film Forum.
While Hartman said he had a cordial relationship with the landlord, he was upset when he learned the for-lease banner had been put up without his knowledge. He had it removed.
With a looming rent increase and new "for lease" signs returning soon outside 42 Avenue A at Third Street, Hartman says the choices come down to staying and absorbing annual losses, relocating to another part of the neighborhood, or returning to the original mid-block space at 37 Avenue A.
A decision, he said, is likely in the coming weeks as he balances financial realities with deep roots on the block — and concern from staff and the community.
Hartman got emotional during a recent conversation about Two Boots' future.
He was clear about this: "What is NOT an option: leaving the EV, our birthplace, behind."
Is there an update on the lease situation?
No, really, there's no update. I was quite sad because there had been no warning [about the for-lease signs]. We had an event [last Friday night], so I asked them to take it down. And they did. And then they asked us to put it back up on Monday. But we just got a special event with Alan Cumming. Alan was doing a series with the BBC on his favorite spots in New York, and he chose Two Boots as his pizza place. We created a pizza called The Cumming for him. He just came in and shot with his crew today. So that was fun.
I feel like [the for-lease sign] is seeking to pressure us. And I just don't know what we're going to do, so I don't have an update on our plans. They remain that we're either going to stay where we are or we're going to relocate in the East Village. Those are the only options.
Is there a timeline? When do you have to make a decision?
I would say in the next couple of weeks. Honestly, I've been really preoccupied with my film. So I've put it off a little bit, but now the film's up and running, and it's selling out every show, which has been great. Now I've got to figure it out. I have looked at other locations. ["No Picnic" has also been extended a week at the Film Forum.]
My past is rooted in this piece of land here on Avenue A. So it's very difficult.
If you do decide that what the landlord is asking for is too much, that the margins would be too slim, and you would need to leave. Is there an exit date?
Not yet, but I will share that when we get to that point. I'm just grappling with this very emotional situation, and I've got a dozen staff members there who are obviously very concerned. And I've had a whole community of people that are really concerned, and I'm trying to take all that into account.
I am going to put a clipboard on the counter [at Two Boots] so that people can leave their contact info, and I can keep them in the loop.
Updated 2 p.m.
The sign arrived today...
Per Hartman: "Sign is up. Ugh — so, upsetting."
Previously on EV Grieve:
Landlord: STIK’s 'Liberty' mural will remain on 9th Street and Avenue A
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Workers have been painting the building at the southwest corner of Ninth Street and Avenue A, prompting concern about the "Liberty" mural's fate.
A member of the building's management team, on-site yesterday, said the north-facing mural by UK street artist STIK was likely to remain. The rep contacted us later to confirm the news.
The rep also admitted that the landlord was surprised by the outpouring of support on social media for the 13-year-old, four-floor-tall artwork.
"The importance to the community is what did it," the rep said. "We will paint around it in some form."
In an Instagram Story, STIK also confirmed the news that the mural would be spared from the paint-over... and thanked everyone who spoke out about it.
The piece arrived in September 2013, a gift from the now-closed Dorian Grey Gallery on Ninth Street, and was meant to honor the history of Tompkins Square Park.
The rep said the building has been in contact with the artist and had been "exploring options," adding: "We're doing our best to speak to the community and we're taking into consideration the neighborhood."
He also noted that the building is in disrepair, pointing to recently refreshed details: "You can see how nice and sharp the cornices look now."
Chico's long-standing Doc Holliday's mural was not part of the building painting project, the rep said.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Thursday's parting shot
A (literal) visit with Anne DeVita
Photos and story by Stacie Joy
East Village-based artist Scooter LaForge and I stopped by to see Anne DeVita for her birthday — she turned 92 last week.
For more than 40 years, Anne, who was born and raised in the neighborhood, served as manager of the First Avenue Laundry Center, presiding over the day-to-day operations until the business closed for good in late 2022, into her late 80s.
As is tradition, Miss Anne had some strong opinions about what we should have brought: pork skins and tank tops (not the candy she usually requests). She also weighed in on the new Metro Acres Market that replaced her beloved Rite Aid."It's OK, I guess."
And she's keeping tabs on the building rising on the former laundromat on First Avenue and Second Street, where she worked for decades: "Still under construction."
Last year, she asked for a McDonald's Filet-O-Fish and a strawberry milkshake, so pork skins and tank tops aren't exactly a stretch.
Some things change. Miss Anne, thankfully, not so much.
She and Scooter chatted gossiped about all her friends in the East Village and got caught up on each other's lives. Despite recovering from another surgery, Anne's optimistic she'll be able to return to her East Village apartment at some point.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Judge pauses the City's East Village intake shelter plan
Above: Project Renewal, 8 E. 3rd St.
A State Supreme Court judge has temporarily paused the city's plan to open a new homeless intake shelter at 8 E. Third St. after a group of East Village residents filed a lawsuit to block it. (Coverage at the Post ... the Times ... and PIX11.)
The facility — intended to replace intake operations currently based at Bellevue — was scheduled to open May 1. But Justice Sabrina B. Kraus issued a temporary restraining order, with a court hearing now set for May 7.
As previously reported, the lawsuit, filed by a local group, argues the city rushed the plan under an emergency declaration and sidestepped required review and zoning processes.
City officials have said the move is part of a broader plan to close the aging Bellevue shelter and relocate services to other sites.
Advocates for people experiencing homelessness have pushed back on the lawsuit, noting the Third Street building has historically housed shelter services and citing the need for a functioning intake system.
For now, the planned opening is on hold ... with the next round playing out in court in early May.
Swap at this St. Mark's Place M8 stop: bench replaces leaning bar
Sometime recently, that setup, per EVG reader Terry Howell, was swapped out for a traditional bench — a new addition at this stop.
As noted here before, the lean bars aren't exactly comfortable (depending on your height), and critics have said they make bus stops less accessible — particularly for older riders and people with disabilities.
Regardless, for now, the M8 stop has something it didn't have before: an actual place to sit... that isn't the sidewalk.
The Lower East Side Film Festival returns for its 16th edition
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
The countdown is on for the 16th edition of the Lower East Side Film Festival, taking place April 30-May 4.
This year's fest opens with "Run Amok," an invigorating drama from Brooklyn-based director NB Mager (her feature debut), with a cast that includes Alyssa Marvin, Patrick Wilson, Margaret Cho and former EV resident Molly Ringwald.
Of particular local interest: the festival will close with David Shadrack Smith's documentary "Public Access," which looks at New York's public-access TV boom in the 1970s and '80s.
As always, LESFF leans into emerging filmmakers, shorts, and offbeat programming — along with Q&As, panels and after-hours events.
Screenings are typically held at the Village East by Angelika on Second Avenue and 12th Street, with additional events around the neighborhood. (Find the full schedule here.)
At the Village East, I met festival directors, East Village residents, partners in life and work, Tony Castle and Roxy Hunt, plus their son, Leo, for a walk-through...
The two have been behind the Lower East Side Film Festival since its scrappy start in 2011, when it began as a pop-up on Norfolk Street with folding chairs and brown bags of alcohol. (The two started the fest with filmmakers Damon Cardasis and Shannon Walker.)
Sixteen years on, they say the festival remains fiercely independent, filmmaker-first, and rooted in the same anything-goes downtown energy.
Previously on EV Grieve:
New Italian restaurant Prosciutto coming to 9th Street
This space was previously the sando shop Evil Katsu, which closed in December after five-plus years here in December.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Report of a roof fire at 433 E. 13th St.
According to a Citizen app, "firefighters quickly contained a fire involving trees on the roof... preventing the blaze from spreading to other areas."
That report was corroborated by witnesses.
The fire response drew a big crowd... luckily there weren't any reports of injuries.
The amenities at the newish building (at the site of the former Peter Stuyvesant PO), EVE East Village, include a "sunny roof deck, complete with a grassy lawn, a sizable BBQ area, and an outdoor TV with sound system," per its website.
Thanks to Tim and Henry for the photos!
Updated... here's one more shot, via dwg...
MoRUS is screening films about squatting and housing activism on the Lower East Side
Screenings will take place on Thursday evenings at 155 Avenue C between Ninth Street and 10th Street, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and films starting around 6:30, followed by discussions and Q&As with filmmakers, activists and other special guests.
The series runs from Thursday evening through May 28 and will spotlight stories tied to the Lower East Side's long history of grassroots organizing, housing struggles and community-building.
Lower East Side History Month is an annual celebration of the people and places that have shaped the neighborhood, with more than 60 organizations hosting tours, talks, performances, and other public programs. This link goes to the events calendar.
Find more film info here. Admission is free; donations accepted.
Flyer by Maya Drooker
Lawsuit filed to block East Village shelter plan; residents launch petition
Above: Project Renewal, 8 E. 3rd St.
Updated 4/22: A judge has paused the City's East Village intake plan.
-----
A group of local residents filed a lawsuit yesterday to stop the city's plan to relocate a key homeless-shelter intake center to the East Village, according to published reports.
The suit, filed in the State Supreme Court, argues that the city improperly bypassed required public review and notice by declaring the closure of the longtime Bellevue Intake Shelter on 30th Street and the relocation of intake services to the East Village an emergency.
As previously reported, beginning on May 1, adult men seeking shelter would be directed to Project Renewal's facility at 8 E. Third St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery, while intake for adult families (without minor children) would move to 333 Bowery between Second Street and Third Street.
Residents involved in the lawsuit said the shift would bring a more transient population to the block, raising concerns about the pace and process of the decision.
A City Hall spokesperson, however, told the Times that conditions at the 30th Street shelter had been unsafe for years and that the move is necessary to ensure continued access to shelter services.
Advocates have also raised questions about accessibility and whether the new site meets ADA requirements.
It remains unclear whether the lawsuit will delay the planned transition, which is scheduled to take effect on May 1.
Meanwhile, a community task force, VOICE (Village Organization for the Integrity of Community Engagement), has organized a petition, which "demands that the City rescind the emergency orders which have bypassed community safety."
Find the petition here.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Art returns to a familiar wall on Avenue C
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Work continues on a new mural on the southwest corner of Avenue C and Sixth Street, where art is returning to this single-level structure.
The project, led by Thrive Collective's Murals Art Director, Marissa Molina, is described as a "celebration of the neighborhood."
Also contributing is NYC-based artist OuterSource (below left)... with Molina and Thrive Collective Executive Director Jeremy R. Del Rio.
The mural is part of a 2026 Public Realm grant awarded by the city's Department of Small Business Services to Thrive Collective.
Last November, organizers hosted a community gathering at the Lower East Side/Chinatown Family Enrichment Center to help inform the mural's design.
The wall previously featured the long-running "Alphabet City" mural, which lasted nearly 11 years before falling into disrepair and being repeatedly tagged. It was painted over last summer. The building wall has been a frequent target of vandalism in recent years.
Thrive originated in 1996 on the Lower East Side as a youth center in NYC Public Housing serving primarily Hispanic youth. Today, Thrive Collective partners with schools and communities across the city on mural and arts education projects, connecting artists with students and local residents. Read more about their work here.
Here's an in-progress look... work will continue for the next few weeks, weather permitting...
The group is also creating a mural celebrating Earth Day at Bracetti Plaza on the corner of Avenue C and Third Street.
The work will officially be unveiled during the Loisaida Festival on May 24.
Signage alert: Bellanova on 9th Street
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Signage arrived last week for a licensed dispensary coming to 331 E. Ninth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
The shop will be called Bellanova, a venture from Elizabeth McGrath (owner of the Corner Bistro) and Matthew Hennessy.
McGrath said the space — a slim storefront — will focus on high-end, premium products.
The applicants appeared before Community Board 3’s Cannabis Control Task Force last June.
You can read their application here.
This space was previously an unlicensed spot called Pride Smokes.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Monday's parting shot
One of the workers today confirmed they would be painting over the 13-year-old mural by UK street artist STIK titled "Liberty."
Today, they focused primarily on the cornice atop the north-facing wall.
We're told there has been some dialogue with the landlord, although it's unclear what, if anything, might transpire. TBD.
The mural arrived in September 2013... a gift from the former Dorian Grey Gallery on Ninth Street... the work was to honor the history of Tompkins Square Park.
Shut out of Washington Square Park, 4/20 celebration descends on Tompkins
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Vendors arriving this morning for the annual 4/20 gathering at Washington Square Park were met with barricades and bag checks, according to East Village-based artist Delphine LeGoff (below in Tompkins today), who was there to sell her work.
"The perimeter of the park was barricaded by the NYPD completely, so only the area by the arch was accessible," she said. "They were checking bags, and no equipment or merchandise was allowed in — not even for artists."
She added that officers were polite and told people, "Don't go to Union Square — just go to Tompkins."
By late morning, activity had shifted to Tompkins Square Park, the site of the first unofficial smoke-in in NYC history in June 1967.
Around 11 a.m., EVG began receiving reports of vendors setting up marijuana tents, food stands, and art tables, along with a growing crowd and a party-like atmosphere.
The message, at least initially, was framed as a warning.
A few hours later, a larger police presence arrived, effectively shutting things down.
An NYPD official said the goal was voluntary compliance, noting that any enforcement would likely result in civil summonses rather than criminal charges.
Another source described the situation as "pretty chill," with no arrests or summonses as of 4:30 p.m.
Some vendors said they would pivot to giving items away to avoid violating vending rules. Others voiced frustration, saying they would prefer a legal pathway to operate.
"We want a license," said one participant from Long Island. "This could be tax revenue for New York."
Licensed cannabis operators were also on hand, some expressing concern that unregulated activity undermines their businesses while they remain bound by strict rules.
By 4:20 p.m., the traditional moment was still marked — with plenty of smoke drifting across the park.
All told, it remained a relatively low-key scene. While police ultimately moved to shut down the event, the NYPD did so without force, and there were no reports of injuries or arrests. Officers were largely polite and low-key, and participants, for their part, kept things respectful.
For a gathering that had the potential to go sideways, it never did.
Here are scenes from the morning and early afternoon in Tompkins...
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