Work is underway on Avenue B's permanent Open Street redesign

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

The Department of Transportation has officially begun construction on the permanent redesign of the Avenue B Open Street between Fourth Street and 12th Street, a project that will bring expanded pedestrian space, new bike connections, loading zones and intersection safety improvements to the corridor.

As we've been reporting, one of the biggest changes will be converting Avenue B to one-way northbound traffic for motorists between Seventh Street and 10th Street while creating a two-way bike connection along the entire corridor. 

The redesign also includes curb extensions, additional pedestrian space and other traffic-calming measures. 

The DOT will also add neighborhood loading zones at the beginning and end of each block to accommodate deliveries and reduce large-truck traffic along the corridor. Vans will continue to be permitted on Avenue B for deliveries, loading and unloading. 

Meanwhile, pedestrians can continue to use the Open Street daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Per DOT officials in a media release on Monday: 

The agency will redesign every intersection in the project area with new pedestrian curb extensions that are protected with planters, bike corrals, granite blocks, or other elements. 

These sidewalk expansions will provide the triple benefit of creating more public space for pedestrians and shortening crossing distances while also improving visibility between crossing pedestrians and other road users. 

We stopped by yesterday as DOT crews continued installing new signs along Avenue B.

One worker pointed out the newly installed "Do Not Enter" signs on the southbound side of B at 10th Street tied to the one-way traffic pattern.

As we stood there, car after car continued driving through them. 

"It will take some time for drivers to get used to it," the DOT worker said. "That happened at 14th Street too." 

Nearby, crews were installing new No Parking/No Standing signs, while fresh spray-painted markings on the pavement offered a preview of the new street layout.

Construction is expected to continue in phases over the coming months. The DOT says the project is intended to build on the success of the Open Street, which launched in 2020, while creating a safer and more permanent streetscape for pedestrians, cyclists and local businesses.

The Pizza Pusha says goodbye to 4th Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Stoned Gourmet Cannabis Pizza has closed at 235 E. Fourth St. near Avenue B. 

Owner Chris Barrett — better known to many customers as "The Pizza Pusha" — opened the restaurant in the fall of 2020, serving cannabis-infused pizzas, snacks and drinks in a space with blacked-out windows, a dining room and a private smoking lounge. 

Barrett said the closure came after a combination of building issues and an impasse with the landlord.

"The rats chased us out," he told EVG yesterday morning. "The rats are scaring my customers, especially at night. Plus electrical problems. The A/C is broken, and it costs $30,000 to fix, and the landlord won't help."

Barrett said he paid $12,500 a month in rent, plus an additional $10,000 for the apartments upstairs after tenants complained about smoke. 

"I stopped paying," he said. "I said that's it." 

According to Barrett, city marshals arrived yesterday morning shortly after he finished clearing out the space.

"I cleaned the place out at 8 a.m., and the marshal came at 9," he said.

The business isn't disappearing entirely. Barrett said everything — including the staff — is relocating to a new Astoria location featuring three floors, a backyard with a retractable roof and more parking. 

"I'm so sad to go," he said. "I love this place. I love the neighborhood. This was my first restaurant. All morning, people have come by to say they are sad to see us go." 

Barrett said he had hoped to resolve the building issues but ultimately couldn't justify making additional investments in the East Village location. 

"Up until a couple of days ago, I thought we could work things out, but in the end, no deal," he said.

As for what comes next at 235 E. Fourth St.? 

"You know what I think?" Barrett said. "I think this place is going to sit empty." 

HT to the EVG reader who first alerted us to the marshal's notice.

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• A visit to Stoned Gourmet Cannabis Pizza

There's still time to see 'Art-Work: Balance' at the Clemente

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Above left: Curator Arthur Polendo 

and ABC No Rio ED Gavin Marcis

If you haven't made it over to "Art-Work: Balance" yet, there's still time. 

Organized by ABC No Rio and on view through July 12 at the Clemente Center, the group exhibition explores the often unseen balancing act between making art and earning a living.

Rather than depicting day jobs directly, the participating artists examine how work outside the studio — whether fulfilling, exhausting or simply necessary — shapes their creative lives and artistic practice.

"Art-Work: Balance" is on view on the fourth floor of the Clemente, 107 Suffolk St. between Rivington and Delancey. Gallery hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Previously on EV Grieve: • Inside the new ABC No Rio