Raccoon sighting on Avenue A

The new marquee went up last week at 206 Avenue A, where a bar-cocktail lounge is opening in the former Common Ground space between East 12th Street and East 13th Street.

We haven't heard too much about the new establishment just yet. Last November, the proprietors of The Garret — a rather hidden cocktail lounge above a Five Guys on Bleecker Street — went before the CB3/SLA committee for a new liquor license for the address.

However, CB3 denied the application, citing concern from neighbors and the applicant's inexperience operating a business, among other reasons, according to the minutes (PDF!) of that month's meeting.

Apparently the owners were able to secure a license directly from the State Liquor Authority.

The Garret's menu on Bleecker Street includes a slate of draft beers (priced $7 to $9) and house cocktails with names like A What What and Missus Wheeler ($14-18). As for the raccoon in a bow tie on the sign, the Garret has a character named Rocco on its website.

Common Ground closed at the end of April after 10 years in the location.

Common Ground has closed

The bar/restaurant at 206 Avenue A between East 12th Street and East 13th Street closed after service on Saturday.

Here's their official explanation, via Twitter...

Our lease is up, and it's time to move on. It's been a great 10 years. This weekend will be our last, so come on down for a few last rounds.

— Common Ground (@CommonGroundNYC) May 1, 2015

The owners have another location, West 3rd Common, on West Third Street and Broadway.

As for what's next at 206… we're not sure at this time. This past November, the proprietors of The Garret on Bleecker Street went before the CB3/SLA committee for a new liquor license for the address. However, CB3 denied the application, citing concern from neighbors and the applicant's inexperience operating a business, among other reasons, according to the minutes (PDF!) of that month's meeting.

Metal plates on Houston and Pitt driving some people crazy

These fliers were spotted on Second Street between Avenue B and Avenue C -- on the buildings that face Houston. The plates in question do make an awful ka-chunk! when a car/truck drives over them. Which is about every four seconds. It's annoying... On the bright side, you likely won't be able to hear the plates, at least during the day, once the Eastern stretch of Houston gets ripped up...

And what's happening at Pitt and Houston?