Photo by Stacie Joy
From Saturday evening on Avenue A, King Geronimo and his Queen Loca are urging us all to vote. Tomorrow is Primary Election Day in NYC.
Monday, June 23, 2025
The heat dome is upon us
Per the NYC Emergency Management Department:
This is the highest level of heat alert. It means dangerously high temperatures and humidity will create life-threatening conditions, especially for older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and anyone without access to air conditioning.
Con Ed is also asking consumers to conserve energy, especially between 2 and 10 p.m.
As of yesterday, cooling centers are open. Find a list of centers and other resources at NYC's Beat the Heat page.
The map and listings below for Lower Manhattan are from Sen. Brian Kavanaugh's office...
Activity returns to vacant lot on 3rd Avenue after 6 months
Workers were taking soil samples this past week… a first sign that something may finally be in the works. (Photo below by Steven.)
The lot has sat quiet since January, when crews finished demolishing six buildings at 50-64 Third Ave.
Here's a plot view from earlier this year ... via the AMC Village 7 on the NW corner of Third Avenue and 11th Street...
Residences are planned for the space — the site allows for 160,000 square feet of new construction. However, there aren't any new building work permits on file with the Department of Buildings just yet.
We spotted a rendering for the new building in September 2023, though it's unclear if this is the final design.
Tompkins Square Park mini pool springs a leak — but still set to open Friday
Photo and reporting by Stacie Joy
After a brief delay, the long-dormant mini pool in Tompkins Square Park is expected to reopen this Friday, following minor repairs and final inspections.
Park staff filled the pool with water last week, as we first noted here, but parkgoers soon noticed it had been drained again.
According to the Parks Department, two leaks — one along a seam and another in the circulation line — were discovered and repaired late Friday into Saturday morning. The epoxy used in the fix needed time to fully cure before the pool could be refilled and cleared for use.
Between the pandemic and field house renovations, the pool has been out of commission for years, and there was some sinking in the back that had to be leveled, according to a Parks Department employee.
The city will inspect the site tomorrow. Barring any issues, the pool is still on track to open to the public on Friday at 11 a.m.
The pool, restricted to use by children and their guardians, will operate in two daily sessions: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., with a one-hour afternoon break for cleaning.
"A lot of families are pleased with the community revitalization area, and we hope families will be happy with the pool," a Parks Department employee told us. "We've made great strides and improvements getting the area ready. It will be used by kids and families; Tompkins is a family-oriented location."
A tent and a table will be installed at the pool entrance this week to prepare for the opening.
Openings: Maza on 7th Street
Photos by Stacie Joy
After a few days in soft-open mode, Maza officially debuts today at 102 E. Seventh St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.
The quick-serve Mexican spot is delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub) and take-out only...
Menu highlights:
• Handmade corn tortillas
• Celiac-friendly, vegan and vegetarian options
• Late-night crispy burritos
• A half chicken served with Mexican-style sauces, rice and beans
Maza is open daily, with a 2 a.m. close on Fridays and Saturdays. They have an Instagram account here.
The business is owned by the folks behind Hearty & Healthy on First Avenue.
Bad vibrations: Former Babeland space for lease on the Lower East Side
Photos by Stacie Joy
A for-lease sign hangs now on the vacant storefront at 94 Rivington St. between Ludlow and Orchard ...
This is the former home of Babeland, a nearly 30-year tenant here. The sex toy shop closed on May 25. Per ownership: "We have not been able to update the terms of our lease and will be leaving this longtime store location."
You can visit the outpost in Park Slope... or Pike Street in Seattle. The founders sold the business to Good Vibrations, another sex toy franchise, in 2017.
As for the original LES outpost:
From Babeland's founding years, we have loved bringing our sex-positive and feisty vibe to the neighborhood and all its babes, customers, friends, and neighbors. Thank you — and all the staff members who have helped us serve you and answer your sex and product questions — for an unforgettable 27 years.
It earned a reputation as a safe, inclusive place with a knowledgeable sales team to browse for toys — free of the sleaze of a tacky XXX shop or the shame of a 1970s Catholic school.
Said one Babeland customer in an email to EVG: "So many people explored their sexuality and needs here, so many teaching events and parties, plus a supportive staff (at least in the early years). Where do people go now in the neighborhood?"
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Sunday's parting shot
Photo by Stacie Joy
Celebrating the first year of Carnitas RamÃrez today on Third Street at Avenue B...
A Spike Polite birthday show in Tompkins Square Park tomorrow
It's a Spike Polite birthday show featuring, starting at 2, Thirsty Pirates ... followed by RBNX, Outernational and Spike Polite & SewAge.
DJ Pitter Pat is spinning some punk during the changeover.
Week in Grieview
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• Wrong-way chase ends in crash, arrest on 3rd Street (Thursday, June 19)
• Meeting brings East Village and LES bar owners together to talk noise, nightlife issues (Tuesday, June 17)
• RIP John Garbarini (Tuesday, June 17)
• As summer begins, guidance on caring for neglected tree plots (Friday, June 20)
• People of the block: Small business snapshots from the East Village (Saturday, June 21)
• Live from Tompkins Square Park with Um, Jennifer? and Vial (Monday, June 18)
• Former 9th Street garage demolished to make way for luxury residences (Monday, June 16)
• Tompkins Square mini pool makes a big summer return (Monday, June 20)
• Art meets aisles at Village Gourmet Grocery (Sunday, June 15)
• A look at the all-new 356 E. 8th St. (Wednesday, June 18)
• In case you are looking for the Sing for Hope piano in Tompkins Square Park (Friday, June 20)
• Signage alert: Ops on 2nd Avenue (Monday, June 16)
• Curbside comeback: Tree beds revived along this section of 2nd Avenue (Monday, June 16)
• About the new farm share taking place on the roof of the Swiss Institute on 2nd Avenue (Friday, June 20)
• Construction watch: Pumping out the concrete at 88 E. 2nd St. (Wednesday, June 18)
• Carnitas RamÃrez celebrating 1 year in the East Village on Sunday (Wednesday, June 18)
• About that 'White Plains' shoot in the East Village (Wednesday, June 18)
• Pedestrian ramp upgrades slated for 7th Street this week (Monday, June 16)
•
Watching the new David Byrne video (Friday, June 20)
• High hopes: Licensed dispensary planned for this 9th Street storefront (Monday, June 16)
Report of a fire at 249 E. 13th St.
A reader report from the scene: "More than five ladder trucks started around 9 a.m., two hoses deployed ... lots of black smoke ... medical team standing by with gurneys at about 9:55."
The Citizen app reports that the fire started in the basement of the three-story building with six residential units.
Will update when more information becomes available.
Updated 11:45: According to a report via the Citizen app, two firefighters were treated for minor injuries. The fire is now under control.
A witness says the FDNY had it wrapped up just after noon...
There wasn't any word of injuries to residents. And no word on a possible cause.
Con Ed arrived on the scene early in the afternoon ... (thanks again to Hubs for the pics)...
This week's EV Grieve newsletter is now available
You can sign up for a free subscription here.
Reminders: The East Village Music Festival is today at La Plaza Cultural
The East Village Music Festival, a community celebration with food and live music, is set for today (Sunday, June 22!) from noon to 7 p.m. at La Plaza Cultural, the community garden on the SW corner of Avenue C and Ninth Street.
The lineup:
1 p.m. — Youth in a Roman Field
1:55 p.m. — Syl DuBenion
3 p.m. — The Quashie Collective
4:05 p.m. — Olivia K & The Parkers
5:10 p.m. — Momentum
6:15 p.m. — Pinc Louds
A suggested donation of $20 helps support the artists and cover production costs... though all are welcome.
You can find updates via Instagram.
Read our Q&A with organizer Grady Tesch here.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
People of the block: Small business snapshots from the East Village
Photos by Stacie Joy
Above: East Village Finest Deli
On walks this spring, we started casually taking portraits — no agenda, just a nod to the people we see every day. Shopkeepers, business owners, and restaurant staff.
Now, with summer arriving, it felt right to share a few of those familiar faces.
... Jane's Exchange...
...Clash City Tattoo...
...HAGS...
... CLLCTV...
... Stoned Pizza...
...iGirl...
...Exit9...
...Laundry Mart...
...Essex Card Shop...
... 3rd & B'zaar...
... C&B Cafe's Jaylen (on the right and with a friend)...
... and EV resident Lenny Rotali, who recently retired from the Tompkins Square Station of the USPS ...
Details about the 4th annual Lower East Side Pride Bookstore Crawl
Per organizers: "Celebrate the diversity and resilience of the neighborhood's indie bookshops by spending a day shopping discounts, special giveaways, and curated selections of queer books."
Taking part:
- Bluestockings Cooperative (116 Suffolk St.)
- Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks (28 E. Second St.)
- Book Club Bar (197 E. 3rd St.)
- Pillow-Cat Books (328 E. Ninth St.)
- Sweet Pickle Books (47 Orchard St.)
- Village Works (12 St Mark's Place)
- Yu & Me Books (44 Mulberry St.)
Each bookstore will offer discounts and perks (such as free merchandise or snacks) throughout the day.Saturday's opening shot
Photo by Steven
From last evening, traveling troubadour Robert Leslie played an acoustic set in Tompkins Square Park.
He is expected back tonight (Saturday) from 7-9.
If you're on Instagram, he's posting more info in his Stories about NYC locations this weekend. And if you happen to be in his current hometown of Seattle, he has three shows coming up there.
Friday, June 20, 2025
They all laughed
David Byrne recently released the first single from his next album, Who Is the Sky, out Sept. 5 on Matador.
Check out the above video for "Everybody Laughs."
Byrne plays Radio City on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
In case you are looking for the Sing for Hope piano in Tompkins Square Park
It first arrived on June 9 near Temperance Fountain. We don't know why someone moved it.
This year's piano, designed by Kate Fauvell, will be here through June 29.
As summer begins, guidance on caring for neglected tree plots
Text by Donald Davis
Photos by Kelley Ryan
As spring draws to a close and summer begins, the sidewalk tree garden in front of 97 Saint Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue is doing well.
The plot is dominated by tall ryegrass. Interspersed are a number of sunflowers approaching three feet tall, as well as the smaller cosmos plants and bachelor buttons.
This plot is an experiment of sorts, as earlier EV Grieve posts explained (here and here).
The constant burrowing of rats has created a situation across the East Village and beyond, where many volunteer farmers have given up and installed small-hole mesh, or in many cases, gravel or cement over the soil. Sometimes, large rodent bait stations are placed in the tree bed. Yet, the burrowing and holes persist, the flying dirt destroying seedlings.
In working toward a solution, the 97 Saint Mark's gardeners laid chicken wire directly atop the soil and planted seeds in the hexagons of the chicken wire, as previously described. (A series of window boxes at 248 E. Seventh St. also demonstrates successful use of this technique.)
When recent photos of this project were presented to the NYC Rat Portal, a city government site for rat control, the response was: "Chicken wire is not recommended as rats can widen the openings and squeeze through."
Our response was: "Not only have they not done so in the case of 97, it would be impossible for a rat to get into position to squeeze through chicken wire placed directly on a soil bed."
In fact, rats will dig down and throw dirt (mostly just for fun, it seems — though we have pulled decayed rat fetuses out of dead-end tunnels using our bare hands) only when it is easy to do. We have not heard back from the portal, although we continue to listen to gardeners seeking solutions.
Our hope is that in time — possibly with the use of our method — we will see some of the abandoned plot projects restored and the streets greener. Next spring is not soon enough.
The first step, if you wish to claim a spot (encouraged by the city and landlords), is to clear out the rocks (if this is one of those failed attempts at rat control). Build a fence if one does not already exist. The best start for fencing is the short iron (usually three-sided) variety that the city and tree organizations have installed around many plots. These can be extended higher (and the fourth side completed) with softer fencing from hardware stores.
As for the chicken wire: because the plots are four feet wide, two rows of standard 24-inch wire side by side fit perfectly. The best means for tacking down the mesh are standard wood shims, available in large packs at low cost, also at hardware stores. Once the mesh is installed (takes only a couple of hours, the tree snug in the middle), you can plant seeds in the hexagons.
While individual laying of seeds may seem tedious, it is a good tedious. The process actually takes only a short afternoon and is also an excellent way to space the plants. In one situation, we have two sunflowers that are growing next to each other from adjacent hexagons, and they seem to be doing very well. (Though the plants are large, sunflower roots tend straight down with less side branching, which helps.)
It is not too late this year to begin planting. Many plants thrive during the summer and fall. In November, for example, you can plant a winter crop such as winter ryegrass, which will survive close to the ground. What is important from the standpoint of nature is to keep a cover on the soil. The nurturing of underground fungi among plant roots will do the hard work for you, restoring health to your soil.
We adhere to the regenerative agriculture principle of minimal soil disruption. We have never turned the soil (plowed). A question may be what to do with a surface that is barren and hard and suffering from foot traffic/dogs and appears lifeless. This is a first-year decision you will have to make before laying down the chicken wire.
Our recommendation: if there is any significant plant activity (weeds, etc.) or there has been growth within the last year or so, you can leave the soil undisturbed. Otherwise, a light turning of the soil can be done — and with your planting work, nature will, in time, take over the underground for you.
Tompkins Square mini pool makes a big summer return
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
For the first time in several years, the Tompkins Square Park mini pool (yes, Tompkins has a mini pool) will be open to the public.
City pools open next Friday, June 27, including Dry Dock on 10th Street and Hamilton Fish on Pitt Street.
This week, Parks employees filled the mini pool, reserved for kids and their guardians. (In other words, no adults without a child!)
New this year (aside from renovated restrooms), hooks along the fence to hang your TUMI Voyageur Patricia backpack, Anya Hindmarch I Am A Plastic Bag water bottle holder and Prada terrycloth scrunchie. (Working on our brand-dropping influence!)
Also new this year is the warning about breath-holding contests...
...to go along with the existing staples...
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with a closure between 3-4 p.m. for cleaning.
The pool initially closed during the pandemic and remained out of service due to a lack of bathroom access while the park's field house was under renovation for the past two summers.
It's unknown if this might be the last summer for the TSP mini pool.
Last August, Gov. Hochul announced nearly $150 million in capital grants through the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative.
As part of that, Tompkins Square Park was awarded $6.1 million for a new in-ground pool, which will double the capacity of the current above-ground trailer park model.
A start date for construction on the new pool has not been announced yet.
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