On the topic of long-vacant lots

Once again, the entrance gate is broken to the long-empty lot at 89 First Ave. between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. (Thanks to Steven for the photos.) 

Despite this, the broken purple office chair that has been here for weeks remains in place...

There is some new news here. The Department of Buildings has given partial approval for permits to construct a 6-floor building with eight residential units (condos?) and ground-floor retail. (The permits had been pending since May 2020.) In total, the proposed structure is 8,183 square feet. 

In 2017, the city never approved plans for a similar-sized structure — eight units, six floors.

There isn't any timeline on when construction may commence here.

This previous EVG post has more about the space's history.

A broken gate at 89 1st Ave., where permits are still pending for a new building

Photos by Steven

The entrance gate is broken to the lot at 89 First Ave. between Fifth Street and Sixth Street... (Updated 3/18: Someone repaired the entrance!)

This sighting prompted several queries from EVG readers, mostly about what might be happening with this long-empty space.

Aside from the broken gate and new tags on the neighboring walls, not much seems to be happening here. Our last post on the property came on Sept. 1. Late last summer, legal documents affixed to the fence stated that the city has a legal right to enter the property "for the purpose of inspecting and abating the nuisance existing thereupon in violation of the health and safety requirements of the New York City health code."

These days, the lot is relatively free of discarded boxes and trash (compared to what we've seen). 

Not much else has changed. There are still permits pending from May 2020 with the city for a 6-floor building with eight residential units and ground-floor retail. In total, the proposed structure is 8,183 square feet.

Public records show that the city disapproved the plans again just yesterday, with a note stating: "Appointment required to resolve objections." 

Our previous post has a little more of the history of this space. Here's one piece: In December 2017, workers dismantled the sculpture fence that lined this lot for years (since the late 1980s, per one estimate). The fence was created at the former Gas Station (aka Art Gallery Space 2B) on Avenue B and Second Street by Claire Kalemkeris and Johnny Swing in collaboration with Linus Coraggio.  

It takes a court order to clean out the long-empty 89 1st Ave.

The long-empty lot at 89 First Ave. between Fifth Street and Sixth Street has been cleared of the weeds, mushy cardboard boxes and other discarded items that have turned the space into a paradise for rats.

In the spring, a nearby tenant told us that "the rat situation in the courtyards behind the building is dire." Some surveillance signage went up along the fence, though that didn't deter anyone, such as a nearby business, from using the space as a dump.

Apparently, it took a court order to clean out the lot...  legal documents affixed to the fence state that the city has a legal right to enter the property "for the purpose of inspecting and abating the nuisance existing thereupon in violation of the health and safety requirements of the New York City health code."

Some recent history here. In May 2020, another set of new building permits were filed with the city for the lot. According to the DOB, the proposed building is six floors with eight residential units and ground-floor retail. In total, the structure is 8,183 square feet. The plans were disapproved last fall.

This is the second time in recent years that plans have been filed for a new building for the address. In 2017, the city never approved plans for a similar-sized structure — eight units, six floors.

As previously reported, Florence Toledano was the owner of this lot. In 2013, public records show that the deed for the property was transferred from the Florence Toledano Living Trust to 89 First Avenue LLC. The DOB permit lists Daniel Toledano as the manager of the property. (We do not know the relationship between Daniel Toledano and Florence Toledano. One reader said Daniel is a nephew of Florence.)

Daniel Toledano is still listed as the property owner and developer of the project. (Toledano is also listed as the lot owner that housed the 2Bn2C sculpture garden at 231 E. Second St. between Avenue B and Avenue C.)

In December 2017, workers dismantled the sculpture fence that lined the First Avenue lot for years (since the late 1980s, per one estimate). The fence was created at the former Gas Station (aka Art Gallery Space 2B) on Avenue B and Second Street by Claire Kalemkeris and Johnny Swing in collaboration with Linus Coraggio.

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield affordable housing?

• Drilling and soil testing commence at the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

• Workers remove the sculpture fence and prep lot at 89 1st Ave.

• Reader report: It's 'rats galore' at this long-empty 1st Avenue lot

• 'Rats galore,' the video sequel

Empty 1st Avenue lot enters the surveillance era

A few weeks ago, in a post with a "rats galore" headline," a reader pointed out that the long-empty lot at 89 First Ave. between Fifth Street and Sixth Street had become a dumping ground for discarded boxes and other unwieldy items. 

Among the questions the reader had: suggestions or tips for getting the lot better secured from dumping and trespassing.

Last week, someone removed the mushy stacks of boxes, whacked some weeds and posted "private property" signs... 

.... as well as a "you are being watched!!!!!" warning...

We'll see if this keeps the Utz-Chips-box-tossing scofflaws at bay.

To recap: There are development plans here ... in May 2020,  another set of new building permits were filed with the city for the lot.  According to the DOB, the proposed building is six floors with eight residential units and ground-floor retail. In total, the structure is 8,183 square feet. The project is still awaiting approval.

This is the second time in recent years that plans have been filed for a new building for the address. In 2017, the city never approved plans for a similar-sized structure — eight units, six floors.

As previously reported, Florence Toledano was the owner of this lot. In 2013, public records show that the deed for the property was transferred from the Florence Toledano Living Trust to 89 First Avenue LLC. The DOB permit lists Daniel Toledano as the manager of the property. (And people always ask: Any relation to former boy wonder tenant hassler, Raphael Toledano? Don't know. Going with No.)

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield affordable housing?

• Drilling and soil testing commence at the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

• Workers remove the sculpture fence and prep lot at 89 1st Ave.

'Rats galore,' the video sequel

Yesterday we posted the reader report about the rat problem in the long-empty lot at 89 First Ave. between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. 

Today, we have a reader video report via 2ndAvenueSilverPanther showing a few rats frolicking among the discarded mushy boxes inside the lot... 

Reader report: It's 'rats galore' at this long-empty 1st Avenue lot

An EVG reader shared an email with the subject line: "New tenants for 89 1st Ave?"

A bit of a misleading title, but it's rats, rats and rats galore. This "fence" (especially in quotes compared to the former grand one) is an invitation for garbage dumping, and the rat situation in the courtyards behind the building is dire. 

This is just the sidewalk; the lot is a mess. Do readers have suggestions or tips for how to get the lot better secured from dumping and trespassing? Or who to call to come to issue a fine? Or how to get this turned into a community garden for the time being? It's only been what, 40-plus years?!

There are development plans here ... last May,  another set of new building permits were filed with the city for the lot between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. 

According to the DOB, the proposed building is six floors with eight residential units and ground-floor retail. In total, the structure is 8,183 square feet. The project is still awaiting approval.

This is the second time in recent years that plans have been filed for a new building for the address. In 2017, the city never approved plans for a similar-sized structure — eight units, six floors.

As previously reported, Florence Toledano was the owner of this lot. In 2013, public records show that the deed for the property was transferred from the Florence Toledano Living Trust to 89 First Avenue LLC. The DOB permit lists Daniel Toledano as the manager of the property. (We do not know the relationship between Daniel Toledano and Florence Toledano. One reader said Daniel is a nephew of Florence.)

Daniel Toledano is still listed as the property owner and developer of the project. (Toledano is also listed as the owner of the lot that housed the 2Bn2C sculpture garden at 231 E. Second St. between Avenue B and Avenue C. More on that space in another post.)

In December 2017, workers dismantled the sculpture fence that had lined the First Avenue lot for years (since the late 1980s, per one estimate). The fence was created at the former Gas Station (aka Art Gallery Space 2B) on Avenue B and Second Street by Claire Kalemkeris and Johnny Swing in collaboration with Linus Coraggio.


[EVG photo from 2017]

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

• Drilling and soil testing commence at the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

• Workers remove the sculpture fence and prep lot at 89 1st Ave.

Another new building permit filed for the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

Another set of new building permits are now on file with the city for a development at 89 First Ave., the long-empty lot between Fifth Street and Sixth Street.

According to the DOB filings, the proposed building is six floors with eight residential units and ground-floor retail. In total, the structure is 8,183 square feet.

This is the second time in recent years that plans have been filed for a new building here. In 2017, the city never approved plans for a similar-sized structure — eight units, six floors.

As previously reported, Florence Toledano was the owner of this lot. In 2013, public records show that the deed for the property was transferred from the Florence Toledano Living Trust to 89 First Avenue LLC. The DOB permit lists Daniel Toledano as the manager of the property. (We do not know the relationship between Daniel Toledano and Florence Toledano. One reader said Daniel is a nephew of Florence.)

Daniel Toledano is still listed as the property owner and developer of the project.

In December 2017, workers dismantled the sculpture fence that had lined the lot for years (since the late 1980s, per one estimate). The fence was created at the former Gas Station (aka Art Gallery Space 2B) on Avenue B and Second Street by Claire Kalemkeris and Johnny Swing in collaboration with Linus Coraggio.


[EVG photo from 2017]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

Drilling and soil testing commences at the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

Workers remove the sculpture fence and prep lot at 89 1st Ave.

Workers remove the sculpture fence and prep lot at 89 1st Ave.

[Photo yesterday by Goggla]

Workers yesterday dismantled the sculpture fence that had lined the empty lot for years (since the late 1980s, per one estimate) here on First Avenue between Fifth Street and Sixth Street.

As I understand it, the fence was created at the former Gas Station (aka Art Gallery Space 2B) on Avenue B and Second Street by Claire Kalemkeris and Johnny Swing in collaboration with Linus Coraggio. (In an email, Coraggio said that he wanted to salvage the fence and place it in the Kenkeleba Sculpture Garden on Third Street between Avenue B and Avenue C where more of his work is on display.)

For now, it appears that at least one section of the fence is lying inside the lot...


[Photo by EVG reader Mona]

Aside from removing the fence, workers — once again — cleared out some of the weeds in the space.



Plans were filed in the spring with the city for a 6-floor building. According to the pre-filing info at the DOB, the building will house eight dwelling units in nearly 7,400 square feet of space. The nearly 1,000 square feet per unit suggests condos. There's another 900 square feet listed for the ground-floor storefront. (The city has yet to approve these permits.)

As previously reported, Florence Toledano was the owner of this lot. In 2013, public records show that the deed for the property was transferred from the Florence Toledano Living Trust to 89 First Avenue LLC. The DOB permit lists Daniel Toledano as the manager of the property. (We do not know the relationship between Daniel Toledano and Florence Toledano. One reader said Daniel is a nephew of Florence.) Andrew Fredman is listed as the architect of record for the new building.

In recent weeks the fence had started to sag... there was an opening in the front...


[Photo from Sunday]

It looked as if someone or something rammed the fence...


[Photo from Sunday]

And someone had written a lyric from "Chinese Rocks" back in the summer...



Updated 5:30 p.m.

EVG reader Rik Rocket shared this photo of the new fence going in...



Previously on EV Grieve:
Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

Drilling and soil testing commences at the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

Permits filed for 6-story building in long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.


[Photo from 2014]

Permits filed for 6-story building in long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

[Photo from Friday]

Plans were filed last week with the city for a 6-floor building at 89 First Ave., the long-vacant lot between Fifth Street and Sixth Street.

According to the pre-filing info at the DOB, the building will house eight dwelling units in nearly 7,400 square feet of space. The nearly 1,000 square feet per unit suggests condos. There's another 900 square feet listed for the ground-floor storefront.

As you may recall, we heard a rumor in the fall of 2014 that there were preliminary plans in place to build a 7-floor residential building here.

Since then, we've spotted workers clearing the lot of various weeds and trees and taking soil samples (here and here, for instance).

Florence Toledano was the owner of this lot. In 2013, public records show that the deed for the property was transferred from the Florence Toledano Living Trust to 89 First Avenue LLC. The DOB permit lists Daniel Toledano as the manager of the property. (We do not know the relationship between Daniel Toledano and Florence Toledano. One reader said Daniel is a nephew of Florence.) Andrew Fredman is listed as the architect of record for the new building.



Daniel Toledano is also listed as the owner of the lot that housed the 2Bn2C sculpture garden at 231 E. Second St. between Avenue B and Avenue C. Development plans have been rumored there in recent years as well. There is nothing on file with the DOB for this property.


[231 E. 2nd St.]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

Drilling and soil testing commences at the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

Rumors continue about the future of the empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

As we've noted (here and here, for instance) in the past few years, workers continue to poke around inside the long-empty lot at 89 First Ave. between Fifth Street and Sixth Street.

Yesterday, EVG reader Michael Hirsch spotted a crew taking more soil samples.

As you may recall, we heard a rumor in the fall of 2014 that there were preliminary plans in place to build a 7-floor residential building here.

There still aren't any permits on file with the DOB noting any new-building construction, though it's hard to imagine that a prime plot of land would stay vacant any longer in this day and age...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

Drilling and soil testing commences at the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

Activity again in the empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

[Photo Friday by Michael Hirsch]

Several times (here and here, for instance) in the past few years, workers have come into the long-empty lot at 89 First Avenue between Fifth Street and Sixth Street and whacked down the weeds/trees growing in the space.

All this usually — and understandably — brings out the "here comes the new development" thoughts. There still aren't any permits on file with the DOB noting any new-building construction.

As you may recall, we heard a rumor in the fall of 2014 that there were preliminary plans in place to build a 7-floor residential building here. In September 2015, workers were on the property drilling and soil testing.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

Drilling and soil testing commences at the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

Drilling and soil testing commences at the long-empty lot at 89 1st Ave.

[EVG photo from September 2014]

As you may recall, we heard a rumor last fall that there were preliminary plans in place to build a 7-floor residential building in the long-emtpy lot at 89 First Ave. between East Fifth Street and East Sixth Street.

The rumor gained strength in March when workers cut down 10 trees and cleared the brush from the lot.

There still aren't any permits on file with the DOB noting impending construction ... however, workers recently cleared out the weeds growing in the lot.

And yesterday, EVG reader Sam Teichman spotted a crew inside the lot during the morning hours...


[Photo by Sam Teichman]

And this morning, EVG reader EVA spotted workers drilling and soil testing on the lot ... usually a sign of incoming development.



Previously on EV Grieve:
Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

Love locks and weeds at the long-empty 89 1st Ave.

[Photo from March by Michael Hirsch]

We heard a rumor last fall that there were preliminary plans in place to build a 7-floor residential building in the long-emtpy lot at 89 First Ave. between East Fifth Street and East Sixth Street.

The rumor gained strength in March when workers cut down 10 trees and cleared the brush from the lot.

There still aren't any permits on file with the DOB noting impending construction ... and the lot is pretty much overgrown again...





Meanwhile, EVG reader Michael Hirsch yesterday noted the arrival of what appear to be two love locks on the fence...



Perhaps this might become a new tourist destination for couples to show their affection... they can throw the keys into the lot before a romantic stroll through the great Dual Specialty Store next door.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

Workers remove 10 trees from long-empty 1st Avenue lot

[Last September]

A tipster told us last September that there were preliminary plans in place to clear out this long-emtpy lot at 89 First Ave. between East Fifth Street and East Sixth Street ahead of some kind of development. (The rumor was a 7-floor residential building that included affordable housing.)

Workers fulfilled those clearing-out plans yesterday, as this photo by EVG reader Michael Hirsch shows…



By Michael's count, workers took down 10 trees.

To date, there's nothing on file with the city for anything on this property.

The lot's owner, Florence Toledano, also owns the 2Bn2C sculpture garden on East Second Street.

Perhaps coincidentally (or not), someone recently cleaned up that space too…



Previously on EV Grieve:
Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

Previously outside 89 First Ave….


[Photo by Michael Hirsch]

Will this long-empty lot on 1st Avenue yield to affordable housing?

So, according to a tipster, there are preliminary plans in place to clear out this long-emtpy lot at 89 First Ave. between East Fifth Street and East Sixth Street.

The other day, there were several workers on site to offer an estimate about removing the trees.

And why? The woman who has owned the lot is apparently handing it over to her nephew, who has plans/aspirations to build a 7-floor residence that will provide affordable housing.

There is nothing on file yet with the city about such plans. So keep this in the rumor stage for now.

And for now enjoy the sculpture fence ...





The lot's owner, Florence Toledano, also owns the 2Bn2C sculpture garden on East Second Street.