[Photo today by Steven]
There hasn't been much information about the status of the Stage at 128 Second Ave. The 35-year-old diner has been closed since March 30 here between East Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place during an ongoing legal tussle with landlord Icon Reality.
Today, though, several EVG readers noted that the gate was partially open, and a group of workers (one observer said they were wearing T-shirts for a plumbing company) were milling about out front. Another reader noted that the interior looked mostly cleared out, though the napkin holders and salt-and-pepper shakers remained on the counter.
Despite the possibly encouraging sight of an open gate, EVG correspondent Steven spotted owner Roman Diakun, who shook his head and said that there weren't any updates on the Stage's status.
In the aftermath of the deadly explosion across Second Avenue on March 26, Icon Realty accused the Stage of illegally siphoning gas, which was the basis for an eviction notice in April. Diakun has strongly denied the accusations, and sued the landlord to stop the eviction process... al the while, the diner has been shuttered.
Previously on EV Grieve:
The possibility that the Stage won't reopen on 2nd Avenue
City serves stop work order on Icon Realty-owned building for installing gas pipe without permit across from deadly 2nd Avenue blast zone (48 comments)
Petition to help reopen the Stage
Tenants at 128 2nd Ave. file suit against Icon Realty in housing court
Troubling talk about 128 Second Ave, and the long-term future of the Stage
[Updated] Report: Icon Realty serves the Stage an eviction notice
Stage owner Roman Diakun responds to allegations of illegally siphoning gas
Petition to help reopen the Stage
[Updated] The Stage is giving away its bulk food and supplies to charity
Report: The Stage is suing landlord Icon Realty to halt eviction process
The Stage is now crowdfunding to help in its legal fight with Icon Realty
Sounds like Icon is determined to kill off Stage, like a python squeezing its prey to death. Stage has now been closed for over 5 months. B&H is back in business across the street, so it's not really about the gas lines at 128 2nd Ave., is it?
ReplyDeleteDo the residents at 128 have hot water & cooking gas? Will they have heat this winter?
This is all about Icon being exactly what we already know them to be.
Icon could help boost their awful rep by dropping all this nonsense and allow the Stage to reopen. C'mon Icon — a little goodwill after all you've done to this neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteFUCK YOU ICON, you pieces of garbage. Everything you are doing is making the neighborhood less attractive to the people that you want to purchase your product.
ReplyDeleteA gas problem in this city could take 5 months to resolve especially considering the players involved. I'm sure that Icon is being helpful and forthcoming at EVERY opportunity. There is no need for Icon to show any goodwill, they already have money.
ReplyDeleteIcon is what happens when the only values you have are related to money & manipulating other people for your own gain. So, were the Icon people raised by Trump's parents, or did they graduate from Trump University? Same values, same bad taste!
ReplyDelete100% support to the Stage, Roman and everyone there! We love and miss you!!! I know there was crowdunding a few months ago, but nothing since. Please post updates cuz we want to help!
ReplyDeleteisn't there something illegal that icon is doing that some action from local elected officials (or maybe the mayor) could make icon realize that the stage is some place that the city administration cares about
ReplyDeleteoops
the landlord that caused three second avenue buildings to be destroyed by gas explosion and fire is still walking around.
i guess that answers my question(s)
is there any hope for our neighborhood - and the city?
At 109:10 PM, blue glass said:
ReplyDeletethe landlord that caused three second avenue buildings to be destroyed by gas explosion and fire is still walking around.
Yeah, what about that? Isn't Maria Hrynenko being investigated? She's got blood on her hands.
Hey Scuba Diva...
ReplyDelete"Yeah, what about that? Isn't Maria Hrynenko being INDICTED? She's got blood on her hands."
There, FIFY. And yeah, I totally agree.
I miss The Stage SOOOOOOOOO much. It seriously pains me.
ReplyDeleteHaving B&H back is nice, but I need Roman's food man....I've lived off it for so many years, its like life-blood to me. To many of us....
I really really hope this gets resolved soon and The Stage is back.
I know, I know "first world problems" --but even more than me, Roman needs his livelihood back.
Guys chill. If Roman has a leg to stand on then he will win in court. If he messed up then this one is on him.
ReplyDelete8:10
ReplyDeleteThat's not how the court system works.
Currently there is an order to show cause stopping the landlord from terminating the Stage's lease. You can check on webcivil.
ReplyDeleteI miss Wednesday night lasagna at the Stage so much. No need to ask where our Council Person is (I never mention her nae). Missing in action after all of the hoopla-la about helping small businesses. Shame on every city official!!
ReplyDelete