Exclusive: New proposal calls for replacing Meltzer Tower

Image from the Meltzer Tower PACT resident presentation. 

The building design is conceptual. 

The heavy machinery and soil testing recently spotted on the grounds of Meltzer Tower now have a clearer context. 

Multiple residents along Second Street between Avenue A and First Avenue notified EVG of workers using a soil-boring machine in the tree-heavy landscaped area west of the 20-story senior housing complex at 94 E. First St. (Photos below by Stacie Joy from Sept. 10.)

The work raised concerns that NYCHA was again considering new construction on the property. A controversial 2013 "infill" proposal, which called for leasing NYCHA green spaces and parking lots to private developers, was shelved after community opposition. 

At the time of the recent testing, a few residents heard that NYCHA was conducting preliminary work in case it decided to build on the site. 

Presentations to Meltzer residents from March, July, and August show that NYCHA and its private PACT partners are proposing a new building beside the existing tower. 

Under the "build first" plan, residents would remain in their current apartments during construction and then move directly into the replacement building.

The new-building proposal was not part of the project initially described to the public.

In 2024, NYCHA announced that Meltzer Tower, Hernandez Houses and the Seward Park Extension would share $318.1 million in repairs through the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together program. 

The Meltzer PACT website still refers generally to upgrades, apartment renovations and site improvements. 

According to the new presentations, the plan would replace all 231 apartments at Meltzer Tower. Most residents would receive one-bedroom units, even if they currently live in studios. About 12 two-bedroom apartments would be available to qualifying households. Plans also call for larger apartments and elevators, improved accessibility, individual heating and cooling controls, and a 24-hour lobby attendant. 

Possible amenities include in-unit laundry, dishwashers, resident lounges, hobby rooms, a fitness center and outdoor space. Several of those features remain subject to NYCHA and resident approval. 

The project would also include at least 5,000 square feet for a community facility and indoor amenities, along with at least 5,000 square feet of outdoor amenity space. 

The case for a new Meltzer Tower

The proposal for a new tower comes as the PACT team has documented extensive repair needs in the existing building. The presentations are available as PDFs under a section titled "Resources for Residents" in recaps of the resident meetings on the Meltzer PACT website.

At a May 15 resident meeting, the PACT team said Meltzer Tower has more than $80 million in projected repair needs over 20 years, with many building systems beyond their useful life. The work would include repairs or replacement of the façade, roof and windows; heating and hot-water systems; plumbing and electrical systems; ventilation equipment; kitchens, bathrooms and flooring; and building security systems.

The presentation also cited asbestos in floor tiles and textured ceilings.

According to the PACT team, renovating the existing tower would still leave some limitations unresolved. Apartments could not be enlarged, parts of the building could not be brought fully up to current accessibility standards, and residents would have to temporarily relocate within Meltzer Tower while their apartments were renovated.

A change in management 

The proposal timeline shows that Meltzer Tower would convert from traditional public housing to Project-Based Section 8 under PACT next summer. Wavecrest Management would take over management of the existing building while the new tower is under construction. 

The presentations state that existing residents will not be rescreened based on income, credit or criminal history. Rent would generally remain at 30% of adjusted household income, and residents would retain the right to an apartment in the replacement building. 

Residents would sign new PACT Section 8 leases that renew annually and may be terminated only for good cause. They would not be charged additional fees or utility expenses greater than what they currently pay, according to the presentation. Households considered over- or under-housed, however, would be moved into apartments deemed appropriate for their household size. 

The current timeline — subject to change — calls for construction to begin in late 2027, with the building completed and residents moving into their new homes in late 2029. 

Unanswered questions 

The presentations do not explain what would happen to the existing Meltzer Tower or the site it occupies after residents move. It also does not say whether the site would eventually include additional housing or other uses. 

The replacement building's size and final location have not been determined, and the rendering shown to residents is conceptual. 

It also remains unclear how construction would affect the mature trees and green space on the western side of the property — the same area where residents observed the recent soil testing. 

Other questions include which amenities will make it into the final plan, who will operate the proposed community facility and what safeguards will be available to residents if construction extends beyond 2029. 

To date, meetings about the proposal have been limited to current Meltzer Tower tenants. Residents of buildings directly adjacent to the property along First Avenue and Second Street said they have not received any direct information about the proposed construction or its potential effect on their block.

While the final building footprint has not been determined, neighboring residents are concerned about what construction could mean for the existing green space.

"Many of the apartments on East Second Street look out over that park," one resident told EVG last week. "Building there would mean the destruction of the park, loss of all the trees, a minimum of one or two years of heavy construction, noise, dust, and dirt. And ultimately it would result in the loss of the cleaner air the park provides, fresh air, sunlight, and birds. In its place would be a tall building that would block out the light and air to all of the buildings surrounding the park."

A check of Department of Buildings records at the time of the soil testing found no new-building applications for the property. 

The next all-resident meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24 and described as a "New Building Design Charrette." According to the presentation, residents will be asked to provide feedback on indoor and outdoor spaces and terrace programming. 

The presentations shared from the spring and summer do not mention a public-review process.

The current Meltzer Tower, named after Lower East Side lawyer and community leader Max Meltzer (1908–1962), was completed in 1971.

Dioramas time: The 'Pools' are open on Avenue C

A fall classic returns. 

East Village artist J. Kathleen White has installed her latest peephole dioramas on the northeast corner of Avenue C and Sixth Street, outside the Francisco "Pancho" Ramos Community Garden.

This year's theme is "Pools"...

Take a peep at each diorama... perhaps during an event here for the 2026 Harvest Arts Festival. 

White started creating and sharing the dioramas in 2005. Revisit the early editions at this link.

Thursday's parting shot

A view of Second Avenue and Second Street tonight, looking north. 

What's going on with this lot? Read our scoop here.

Today in urban etiquette signage

Photo by Stacie Joy

Spotted on Seventh Street between Avenue B and Avenue C... a homemade reminder to share the greenery. 

The sign gets right to the point: DOG & MAN PISS KILLS PLANTS & TREES (DOGS CAN’T READ — YOU CAN).

There are even blank spaces to note how long it might take the offending plants and trees to recover. 

Also, dibs on Man Piss for a band name.

Community gardens take center stage for the 15th annual Harvest Arts Festival

The 15th annual LUNGS Harvest Arts Festival starts Friday (tomorrow!) evening. 

This year's festival, which runs through Sept. 27, features more than 50 free events in 30 East Village and Lower East Side community gardens. 

The 10-day schedule includes music, poetry, puppetry, theater, opera, dance, workshops and spoken-word performances. 

Opening night at La Plaza Cultural, on the southwest corner of Avenue C and Ninth Street, begins at 6 p.m. with the Pressure Point Brass Band. Isabel Estrada Jamison and friends follow at 8 with Afro-Cuban folklore and Rumba de Corazón. 

All events are free and do not require tickets or registration. Find the daily, garden-by-garden schedule on the LUNGS website.

The 9th Street A-1 Block Party returns Saturday

The annual 9th Street A-1 Block Association Block Party is this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Residents and merchants along the block — Ninth Street between Avenue A and First Avenue — will have items for sale. The Moody Bastards will provide original music, Americana and blues from 2 to 4 p.m., with Phil Dunn, Ari Martin, Dominick Mitchell and RK Watkins joined by special guests. 

As we've said, this is a top-two neighborhood block party — along with the 10th Street Block Festival. And they are both happening on the same day this year...

Antiques, music and more on 10th Street Saturday

The 10th Street Block Festival — a decades-spanning neighborhood favorite — returns Saturday between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. 

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with vendors offering vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, books, records and more. The Larry Luger Quartet will also perform. 

The 9th Street Block Party is also taking place on Saturday — be sure to visit both! 

H/T Steven

Openings: Herbie's Burgers on 1st Avenue

Herbie's Burgers is now open at 109 First Ave., between Sixth and Seventh Streets. 

This is the brand's first Manhattan outpost, which started in Albany in 2021, with more locations opening across the Capital Region. There's also a Herbie's in Williamsburg. 

Herbie's specializes in smash burgers, shoestring fries and milkshakes. They also offer vegan burgers and a vegan version of their chicken sandwich and tenders. Find the menu here. 

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Cannoli believe it: the Feast of San Gennaro turns 100

Photo from 2026 by Stacie Joy

The Feast of San Gennaro returns TODAY for its 100th year. 

The 11-day festival runs through Sunday, Sept. 27, along Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston, with additional blocks on Hester and Grand. 

The Feast began in 1926 as a one-day celebration organized by Neapolitan immigrants living along Mulberry Street. It has since expanded into an annual street festival with food vendors, games, live entertainment and religious observances, and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. 

Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, extending to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free.

The Grand Procession takes place on Sept. 19 following Mass at Most Precious Blood Church. The statue of San Gennaro will be carried along Mulberry and Mott streets between Canal and Houston.

A 6-story Basquiat mural is taking shape on the Bowery

A nearly six-floor-tall mural of Jean-Michel Basquiat is in the works on the SW corner of the Bowery at Great Jones. 

This work-in-progress is still in the outline phase. On the lift: Owen Dippie, a New Zealand-based street artist. 

At the time of his death in 1988, Basquiat lived two buildings to the west at 57 Great Jones St.

A colorful comeback on 4th Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After a few months in primer, the color has returned to 246 E. Fourth St. at Avenue B. 

Building owner Tony Echeverri and his son, Michael, hand-picked the new palette: Mayan Gold-Aqua Leaf with extra glitter, Spring Lilac, Charmed Violet, Heritage Red and Serendipity Peach, along with black and white.

The project required more than 300 gallons of Benjamin Moore paint. Gold alone costs $260 per gallon, and Tony added glitter because he wanted even more sparkle. The paint and primer cost several thousand dollars, not including labor.

As previously reported, the building receives a new paint job every five years or so. This time, the Echeverris switched from water-based paint, which generally lasted five to seven years, to oil-based paint. They hope the new exterior will last a decade. 

The previous palette featured green and blue. Regardless of the combination, Tony has always selected and designed the details himself. 

Tony bought the building in 1992 and moved in two years later, after previously working as a superintendent at 20 Clinton St. The building contains 16 apartments: five one-bedrooms, 10 two-bedrooms, and the studio where Tony lives.

You've seen the outside... let's head inside... which Tony has meticulously cared for through the years...

Work starts on the new 16 Handles on 2nd Avenue

Storefront renovations are underway at 105 Second Ave. at Sixth Street, the future home of 16 Handles.

As reported in June, Neil Hershman, CEO of the frozen-yogurt chain, purchased the four-story building for $4.5 million. The property is expected to house the relocated East Village shop. 

The longtime 16 Handles outpost at 153 Second Ave. closed in January after the operators couldn't reach a lease-renewal agreement with the new landlord. That location, which debuted in 2008, was the first 16 Handles. 

The storefront at 105 Second Ave. had been vacant in recent years following a succession of bank branches. The building once housed part of the Fillmore East and, later, The Saint. 

No word yet on an opening date.

Openings: Flamingos Vintage Pound on 1st Avenue

Flamingos Vintage Pound is now open at 199 First Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street. (First reported here)  ... in a former smoke shop-convenience store.

The shop sells secondhand clothing by the pound — currently priced at $17.99 per pound — and frequently offers discounts on larger purchases. 

This will be Flamingos' second East Village location. The company, with 40-plus locations in the U.S. and abroad, opened a shop at 4 St. Mark's Place in May 2025. 

Before the pandemic, the retailer operated stores near Ninth Street and on 11th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue, as well as a location on Stanton Street. All three eventually closed, with the First Avenue shop being the last to shutter in the fall of 2021. 

The Astor and Bar Torino open at the Public Theater

EVG file photo

The Public Theater and NoHo Hospitality Group debuted two food-and-drink spaces yesterday inside the venue at 425 Lafayette St. on Astor Place.

The Astor, located on the mezzanine behind the lobby, includes balcony seating, a bar and a dining room. The space features red banquettes, white-tablecloth tables and walls lined with posters, photographs, letters, playbills and other items from The Public's archives. 

Among the pieces are a photograph of Meryl Streep with Public Theater founder Joseph Papp, a telegram from Jacqueline Kennedy, a handwritten note from Samuel Beckett and gold records from "A Chorus Line." 

A mural by André Carrilho around the island bar depicts 32 people associated with The Public, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alicia Keys, David Byrne, Ntozake Shange, Suzan-Lori Parks, Sam Shepard and Tony Kushner.

Bar Torino is located downstairs in the lobby, with additional seating beneath the mezzanine. 

Per the press materials, the openings continue a partnership that began in 1998, when Serge Becker, Josh Pickard, Paul Salmon and Kevin Abbott launched Joe's Pub with the theater. 

NoHo Hospitality partners Andrew Carmellini, Luke Ostrom and Pickard are overseeing the new spaces. 

Astor Bar photo by Michael Condran

John Baer’s neighborhood views come into focus with monograph, exhibit

Photo from the 3rd Avenue El by John Baer 

A debut monograph devoted to the work of John Baer, a self-taught photographer who lived at 215 Second Ave. between 13th and 14th Street in the 1950s and often photographed the neighborhood from his fire escape, is out today. 

"John Baer: The Extraordinary Ordinary/A Memoir in Photographs, 1945–1954" brings together images Baer made in postwar Europe and 1950s New York City. 

He put away his camera in 1954, and his work remained largely unknown during his lifetime. After Baer died in 1994, his son, Andrew, discovered three boxes containing nearly 4,000 negatives and prints. 

The new book marks the first time a selection from the collection has been published. 

To coincide with its release, the John Baer Archive is presenting an exhibition of 40 photographs from the book at White Loft, 273 Grand St. (second floor), from Thursday through Saturday (Sept. 17–19).

Thursday's opening reception runs from 5-9 p.m. A discussion about Baer's work will take place from 6:30–7 p.m. with Andrew Baer and Megan Moynihan of the archive, along with members of the Paper Cinema Editions publishing team.

A book signing will follow.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m- 7 p.m. The exhibition and related events are free.

The Walking Gallery brings art — and protest — to St. Mark’s Place

Photos and interview by Stacie Joy

Outside the new Sephora, the Walking Gallery is staking its own claim on St. Mark’s Place.

The small outdoor gallery sets up most afternoons and evenings on the northeast corner of Third Avenue at St. Mark's Place, weather permitting. It features original clothing by NOFACE, HOMESICK and STOP MEN, along with prints, trinkets and poems written on the spot by artist Mia (@lovemia.arg). 

We caught up with @nofuckenface at the gallery to discuss the work, reclaiming space for artists and the group's uneasy relationship with its corporate neighbor.

When can people expect to find the gallery here?

The hours vary, but mostly we're out here six to seven days a week; we usually start at 3 or 4 p.m., depending on the day. Sometimes a little bit later, but we go till 2 a.m. We're always here unless it's raining, or unless it's super windy. But even if it's super windy, we're still sometimes here! 

We have a new Instagram, and from now on we'll post on our stories when we're up and when we're not.

What is available at the gallery?

The clothing is mine, with work from HOMESICK and STOP MEN as well.

I truly believe in the idea that when I make clothing, it's the same as a painting. I want each piece to be unique, and I only use my own film photos, which were mainly shot in New York and on this very block of St. Mark's.

Each piece incorporates aspects of my film photography and art; the idea is to cross mediums until the border between them blurs. That's what I live for. 

And my friend Mia? She’s a poet and artist. She writes poems for people on the spot — for donations; she's incredible and people really connect with her work.

You are set up right outside the new Sephora. What is your relationship like with them? How have they reacted to your art gallery? 

Sephora… we don't see eye to eye with Sephora. They came onto St. Mark's… They are a corporation that literally gives nothing back to the community or the artists who inhabit it. 

[He went on to argue that the arrival of large chains contributes to rising costs and puts additional pressure on residents, artists and independent businesses such as Village Works on the block.]

Sephora is very angry. They strong-armed Mia into moving to the other side and down the block a little bit, but they did it in a very hostile way. I came back, and I moved it all back here. And I said, we're never doing that again. 

They also asked us to move across the street, which is ridiculous, so no, we don't see eye to eye with them. 

They've called the cops on us before, and sent their security guards out here to try to make us leave. I told the security guard we're in solidarity with the artists, bringing back art to St. Mark's. 

This is a protest against Sephora too, and a poke at gentrification, at the corporations buying up St Mark's. We want to bring back art and reclaim the movement.

Find the Walking Gallery on Instagram here.

A floral changing of the guard on Avenue A

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

The flower stand outside Key Food on Avenue A and Fourth Street has reopened after a brief renovation, but a new team now runs the operation. 

Meanwhile, one familiar face from the former Key Food crew has resurfaced nearby. 

Miguel now works at Metro Acres Market, where the flower department offers roses, lilies, sunflowers, and tulips when in season, along with custom arrangements.

A sign of Stickett Inn on 10th Street

The Stickett Inn logo recently appeared at the under-renovation storefront at 279 E. 10th St. just west of Avenue A.

As previously reported, the cider bar cleared out of its home at 157 First Ave. this summer, with a reader telling us that the business planned to move to this 10th Street address. 

As far as we can tell, Stickett Inn never publicly announced the First Avenue closure or the move. There is also no word yet on when the new location might open. 

The space previously housed a dog-washing facility with self-service stations. 

Stickett Inn, an extension of the Barryville, N.Y.-based boutique inn and cidery founded by husbands Johnny Pizzolato and Roswell Hamrick, opened its East Village outpost in June 2021.

Celebrating Chet Mazur at Otto’s Shrunken Head

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Friends, family and fellow musicians gathered at Otto's Shrunken Head on 14th Street on Friday evening for a celebration of the life of Chet Mazur, a longtime presence in the downtown music and arts scene. 

Mazur died last month after being struck by a U.S. Postal Service truck near his Hell's Kitchen home. He was 66. Just hours earlier, he had performed at Otto's with his band the Rasslers.

In the back room, a slideshow played as family members and friends shared stories about Mazur. Photos and handwritten remembrances lined the hallway, and bands performed later in the evening, including Alice Donut, a group often associated with Mazur.

The mood mixed sadness with plenty of laughter as attendees recalled their favorite Chet stories. 

Outside, several people remarked how much he would have enjoyed the gathering — that it was his kind of party.

One attendee said she was glad some time had passed since the initial shock of his death, allowing everyone to celebrate his life properly — "all the good and wild parts."

On tonight's CB3-SLA docket: A vinyl cafe called Bobblehead for the former Pardon My French

Photos by Stacie Joy

Tonight's September meeting of Community Board 3's SLA committee includes the following applicants (find the full list here)... 

• Bobblehead NYC LLC, 103-105 Ave B (op) (restaurant) 

The former Pardon My French space at 103-105 Avenue B between Sixth Street and Seventh Street may become an all-day vinyl cafe and restaurant called Bobblehead. 

Applicants Kahiem Rivera (GM experience includes Le Dive and Jean's) and Natalie Manion (who worked with Rivera at The Turk's Inn and the Sultan Room in Brooklyn) will appear before Community Board 3's SLA committee to apply for a new liquor license. 

According to the questionnaire on file with CB3, Bobblehead would serve coffee and lunch during the day, then transition to a New American restaurant at night. Plans also call for curated vinyl playlists on a custom sound system and retail sales of records, clothing and ceramics.

The cafe hours are listed as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with the restaurant open until 2 a.m. The rear garden would close at 10 p.m. The sample menu includes baked goods, a Basque breakfast, salads, skewers and natural wines. 

Pardon My French closed in May after more than a decade in business. The Parisian-style bistro opened in March 2015, taking over Casimir's longtime home. 

• Laozao Hotpot 8ST LLC, 37 St Marks Pl (op) (restaurant) 

An authentic Chinese hot pot restaurant is in the works for 37 St. Mark's Place just west of Second Avenue. 

The questionnaire on file with CB3 shows that the restaurant will feature 26 tables with 110 seats. 

Proposed hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, with the kitchen closing at 10. The plans do not include music or outdoor dining. Principal Ming Lin has 11 years of restaurant management experience with Szechuan Mountain House. The application also lists connections to the nearby Mountain House and Blue Dimsum restaurants on St. Mark's Place.

Chef Tan closed here in February after nearly four years in business. A sign initially cited exhaust-duct maintenance, though a demand-for-rent notice later appeared on the front door. The restaurant opened in 2022 as the first NYC location of the Jersey City-based establishment serving Szechuan and Hunan cuisine. 

• Red Onion (Red Onion Foods Inc), 277 E 10th St (upgrade to op/corp change/alt: license space next door) 

Red Onion is looking to expand into the adjacent storefront (the one on the east side) here on 10th Street between Avenue A and First Avenue.

Reps for the Indian restaurant are also seeking an upgrade from beer and wine to a full liquor license, a corporate change and approval to license the additional space. 

According to the questionnaire on file with CB3, the expanded restaurant would have 22 tables with 53 seats and a bar with eight seats ... with proposed hours of 11 a.m. to midnight daily.

Red Onion has been operating at the address since 2024. Incoming president Vishnu Singh, who will hold a 69% ownership stake, previously worked in restaurant operations at Darbar Grill and Darbar Fine Indian Cuisine. 

• The Hairy Lemon (Galmac LLC), 28-30 Ave B (op/method of operation: removal of security on quiet evenings, addition of a DJ, allow cover charges) (bar/tavern) 

The Hairy Lemon is seeking several changes to its current method of operation at 28-30 Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street. 

The sports bar requests approval for a DJ once a week, cover charges for approximately 12 sporting events per year, and the addition of a pool table. Ownership also seeks to remove the requirement for security personnel on quieter evenings. 

Under the proposed change, security would be used as needed Thursday through Saturday. No changes are proposed to the hours: noon to 4 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. on weekends. 

The Hairy Lemon opened in September 2017 in the former Croxley Ales space.

• The York (Dos Dudes LLC), 186 Ave B (op/alt: license adjacent storefront) (bar/tavern) 

The York is looking to expand into the adjacent storefront at 186 Avenue B between 11th Street and 12th Street. 

According to the questionnaire on file with CB3, the expanded space would include six tables with 22 seats and a bar with nine seats. The York would continue serving its American comfort-food menu, including smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and tater tots. 

The York opened in March 2023 and currently occupies the north storefront at the address. 

The adjacent south storefront was home to Jose Luis Restaurant (seen below in better days), which recently closed...

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CB3's SLA meeting is tonight at 6:30. The Zoom link is here. This is a hybrid meeting, and limited public seating is available. The first 15 people who show up at the Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. Fourth St., between Second Avenue and the Bowery, will be accommodated.