Public meeting set on possible Village View parking lot sale

Councilmember Harvey Epstein will host a public meeting tomorrow (Thursday, Sept. 3) about the proposed sale of one of Village View's parking lots.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at STAR Academy (P.S. 63), 121 E. Third St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. Assemblymember Keith Powers, State Sen. Brian Kavanagh and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal are also expected to attend. 

According to a flyer distributed to Village View residents, attendees will be able to provide feedback on the proposal. Registration is not required to attend. 

As previously reported, the Village View board has been exploring a possible sale of the property. 

According to minutes from the co-op's January board meeting, directors voted to hire Alan Cohen of ABS Partners under a six-month exclusive contract to market Parking Lot 7 — located on Second Street between Avenue A and First Avenue — to prospective residential developers. 

The board's decision to retain a broker has prompted questions among some shareholders about what, exactly, could be built there and how any future project might affect the co-op and the surrounding neighborhood.

The possibility of redevelopment has raised concerns among some shareholders, who say they want more transparency about the process and assurances that affordable housing will be considered if the site ultimately moves forward with development.

Continuing the effort to preserve Most Holy Redeemer

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

A small group gathered outside Most Holy Redeemer Church on Monday evening to call for the preservation and reopening of the historic parish at 173 E. Third St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

The low-key vigil, held on the eve of the first anniversary of the suspension of regular services, included neighbors, former parishioners and preservation advocates. No candles were lit as in previous vigils, though two attendees wore custom shirts in support of the church.

Several people expressed concern about the church’s finances and future. One attendee, who was married at Most Holy Redeemer, said it broke his heart to see what had become of the parish. Another declined to be photographed because she still works for the Catholic Church and feared possible repercussions. 

Organizers have said that recent actions by the Archdiocese of New York suggest the property could remain permanently closed and eventually be sold.

Parishioners, neighbors and preservationists have urged the Landmarks Preservation Commission to consider the 1851 structure for landmark designation. 

Church leadership previously cited a shortage of priests and concerns about the building’s condition as reasons for moving services to St. Brigid on Avenue B. 

In January, the Department of Buildings issued a "failure to maintain" violation after an inspector observed detached ceiling plaster inside the sanctuary. 

Most Holy Redeemer has reopened only once since regular services ended — for a special Mass in January.

Find the petition about landmarking here. (And write a letter here.) You can follow the Facebook group Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church here.

Double Zero closes after 12 years on 2nd Avenue

A note posted to the front window of Double Zero announces that the plant-based pizza and wine bar at 65 Second Ave. at Fourth Street has permanently closed. (Thanks to the EVG reader for the photo and tip!)

The posted sign reads: 

Dear Valued Patrons, 

After 12 years in the East Village, we have made the difficult decision to close Double Zero. 

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years. It has been a pleasure serving you, and we truly appreciate your loyalty, your visits, and the many memories we've shared. The restaurant industry has become increasingly challenging, with rising food and operating costs, the realities of our lease, and a broader slowdown in the plant-based dining trend making it increasingly difficult to operate sustainably. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision that continuing Double Zero is no longer financially sustainable. 

Thank you for being part of the Double Zero family. We are grateful for every one of you and for the support you have shown us throughout these 12 years. 

Citing strong customer demand, a representative told EVG in May that Double Zero had returned under its original name. Consultant chef Matthew Kenney had also rejoined the operation. 

Double Zero and Bar Verde merged in early 2025 to form Plant Made, which served vegan pizzas and Mexican fare. Double Zero later reopened in the storefront next to its original space. 

The vegan pizzeria debuted in 2016 as 00 + Co., part of Kenney's plant-based hospitality portfolio.

Salumeria Rosi sets reopening dates on Avenue B

Photo from August by Stacie Joy 

Salumeria Rosi will reopen its cafe on Tuesday, Sept. 8, followed by the restaurant on Friday, Sept. 11.

The Northern Italian restaurant at 222 Avenue B between 13th and 14th Streets has been closed since early July following severe weather and flooding. 

As previously reported, owner Andrew Loscalzo said the building sustained damage that required structural repairs.

Later this month, Salumeria Rosi, which debuted in January, plans to remain open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with music and a late-night menu.

In search of a monk parakeet

Photos by Steven 

Several local birdwatchers received a tip earlier last week about a monk parakeet in Tompkins Square Park. 

The search party found the bird late in the afternoon near the chess tables. It later perched on a light pole at Avenue A and Sixth Street, where this photo was taken.

This isn't believed to be an escaped pet. Monk parakeets have established wild colonies around New York City, including a well-known group living in the Gothic Arch at Green-Wood Cemetery.

Mayor Mamdani joins Lower East Side tribute to Chino Garcia at St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

A packed St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery hosted a memorial service Saturday afternoon for longtime Lower East Side activist Carlos “Chino” Garcia. 

Before the service, Mayor Zohran Mamdani met privately with Garcia's family, the Revs. Anne-Marie Witchger and Amanda Hambrick, and David Soto. 

He later addressed the gathering, speaking about Garcia's life, family and decades of community work — and the responsibility of carrying that legacy forward.

After his remarks, Mamdani spent time greeting and comforting Garcia's loved ones and other attendees.

The afternoon also included remarks from elected officials and community members, along with a slideshow, music, food and fellowship. 

Among those attending here on Second Avenue and 10th Street were actor and LES native Luis Guzmán, former City Councilmember Margarita López, Councilmember Harvey Epstein and many longtime residents.

Garcia, who died on July 24 at age 80, co-founded CHARAS and was a pioneering neighborhood organizer. 

His decades of work included housing advocacy, sweat-equity rehabilitation, community gardens, environmental initiatives, the arts and the continuing campaign to preserve the former P.S. 64 for use as a community center.

886 has closed on St. Mark's Place

886 closed last night (Aug. 31) after eight years at 26 St. Mark's Place between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. 

Owners Eric Sze and Andy Chuang announced the closure in an Instagram post. No official reason was given. 

The lively Taiwanese restaurant debuted in 2018 with a mix of traditional dishes and playful creations, including the sausage party — pork sausage wrapped in sticky rice — and a fried chicken sandwich inspired by the McDonald's version Sze ate while growing up in Taiwan. 

The owners' Greenpoint restaurant, Wenwen, remains open.