Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Fresh & Co. closes 4th Avenue location



After 21 months on the southeast corner of Fourth Avenue and 13th Street, Fresh & Co. has called it a day...



What was the kale-and-quinoa chainlet's 12th NYC location closed late last week. Fresh fans are directed to nearby locations on Broadway at Waverly and Eighth Street at Mercer...



The last tenant here, Pie Face, didn't fare much better. Before the renovation and rent increase (to $30,000), the previous tenant, Brothers Deli, didn't seem to have any issues with business.

A psychic departs East 14th Street building accused of being a hotel



Over at 536 E. 14th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B, the Psychic (Psychi) Advisor who has operated out of the storefront for years ...



... has been told to vacate by the city...



The DOB website complaint notes this about the space: "illegally converted (west) store to Class A Apt with psychic office w/o providing required means of egress."

There are also complaints of "illegal hotel rooms" in the building. Per one complaint dated Dec. 11 (and left in the DOB ALL-CAP STYLE):

THERE IS A APARTMENT BUILDING BEING USED AS A SHORT STAY HOTEL.PEOPLE ARE CONSTANTLY COMING AND GOING. I SPOKE TO A RENTER AND THEY SAID THEY WERE STAYING FOR THIRTY DAYS. I HAVE IT ON VIDEO TAPE.

The building's longtime owner is listed as Betty & Lilly Corp.

In any event, this space is likely more attractive these days ... just two storefronts away from the new mixed-used building going in at 524 E. 14th St., where luxury housing and some retail are on the way.

For further reading:
"What Does the Future Hold for the City’s Tarot Card Readers and Fortune-Tellers?" (The Commercial Observer)

Thanks to Michael Paul for the photos!

Dahlia's Tapas Wine Bar appears closed for good



Last week, we noted that Dahlia's Tapas Wine Bar at 214 E. Ninth St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue had been closed of late during posted business hours.

A look inside yesterday reveals an interior in disarray ...



There aren't any signs up for patrons about a closure... and no one answers the phone.

The owners also operated Dahlia’s, the Mexican restaurant on Second Avenue and Fifth Street that the SLA busted for allegedly serving 50 minors last January. The restaurant closed in May.

Monday, December 26, 2016

Report: 2 people stabbed at 1 Haven Plaza

A man and woman were stabbed by a neighbor who has a history of emotional problems, according to published reports.

The attack happened this morning before 9 inside 1 Haven Plaza on Avenue C near 12th Street.

The suspect, who lives on the 19th floor, reportedly ran down to the 8th floor where he stabbed a man and his daughter, who is deaf, following a dispute.

Per the Post: "The suspect, in his 30s, who neighbors say lives on the 19th floor with his mother and suffers from mental-health issues, was taken into police custody after he led officers on a brief chase."

It was not clear what led to the attack. The victims were taken to Bellevue.

Per one report:

Friends told NBC 4 New York at the scene that the suspected stabber had texted a friend several days ago that he was going to "snap" and wanted to go back into the church where he wanted to be a minister. He may have recently broken up with his girlfriend.

The suspect and the male victim were martial arts partners and played music together, friends said.

Noted



Spotted on Seventh Street between Avenue A and First Avenue by Derek Berg...

Annual Boxing Day Coat Drive today at Jimmy's No. 43

The annual Boxing Day Coat Drive is today (2-11 p.m.) at Jimmy's No. 43. Donate a new or gently used coat, get a free pint. Coats will be donated to the Mary House Catholic Worker on Third Street.

Jimmy's is at 43 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square.

Noted



I was walking south on Fourth Avenue this morning around 9:15... I noticed just a few people standing outside the new Tim Ho Wan at 10th Street. Lines had been back to 11th Street when it opened on Dec. 16. Perhaps the holiday season curtailed the lines?

Oh! The line was on 10th Street, maybe 30 deep...



Lunch service during Tim Ho Wan's soft-open phase starts at 10 a.m.

The grand opening for this first U.S. location of the Hong Kong-based, Michelin-starred dim sum parlor is Jan. 18.

The eerie splendor of an abandoned Union Square Holiday Market



The annual Holiday Market was up and running from Nov. 17 through Dec. 24... EVG reader Harry Weiner shared these photos from yesterday, showing the empty structures waiting for removal for another season...



Because it's never too early to talk about MulchFest


[Photo on 2nd Avenue from yesterday]

Although your holiday/Christmas tree should remain fresh until it's time to take it to the curb next December, some people may want to discard of it sooner.

Soooo ... the annual MulchFest takes place on Jan. 7 and 8 (2017!) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Tompkins Square Park. Details are here.

And if you can't drag the thing to the Park? You can leave by the curb... but with some rules. Per the NY Department of Sanitation ...

Weather permitting, DSNY will collect and compost clean Christmas trees left at the curb from Tuesday, January 3, 2017 through Saturday, January 14, 2017. The trees are chipped, mixed with leaves, and recycled into rich compost for NYC's parks, institutions, and community gardens. Remove all lights, ornaments, stands, and plastic bags from your tree; trees that still have these items attached will be collected as garbage.

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Here comes Santa Claus



Right on Avenue A today... photos by Derek Berg...

Week in Grieview


[Holiday lights on East 5th Street]

David Barton Gyms abruptly shut down (Wednesday)

Report of a fire at 96 St. Mark's Place (Wednesday)

Police make arrest in shooting outside the Hells Angels HQ on 3rd Street (Tuesday)

Taberna 97 is now open on St. Mark's Place (Thursday)

OAAITEV 2016 recap (Wednesday)

Dahlia's Tapas Wine Bar has been dark of late (Thursday)

A reveal at 222 E. 7th St. (Wednesday)

East 12th Osteria resumes service (Monday)

An Urban Etiquette Sign about smoking indoors (Wednesday)

A line-waiting opening for Tim Ho Wan (Monday)

A ride on the MTA's vintage fleet (Sunday)

Gas-service interruption (Monday ... Tuesday)

Construction watch: 11 Avenue C (Tuesday)

Out East bringing a coastal taste of Long Island to 6th Street (Wednesday)

Verizon Wireless takes over former Verizon Wireless storefront on Second Avenue (Tuesday)

A Croman Christmas (Friday)

Remembering Joe Strummer (Thursday)

A sign of the Second Avenue subway (Wednesday)

Sen. Squadron calls for False Claims investigation against group who sold Rivington House for condos (Thursday)

... and new art went up this past week on Second Street at First Avenue courtesy of @HimBad...



...with a bonus cat between the Lotus and the Flower...

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Saturday's parting shot



A view toward Midtown tonight via Goggla...

Holiday feast



Christo on Christmas Eve in Tompkins Square Park via Bobby Williams...

Free love



On the freshly paved Seventh Street between Avenue B and Avenue C... photo by Dave on 7th

A-Paving We Go!



And in other Christmas miracles noteworthy items... Seventh Street between Avenue B and Avenue C now has a new surface... this after Con Ed had been replacing gas mains on the block the past three months.

Thank you Suzy and Jack



A holiday gift in Tompkins Square Park...



Not sure if it's still filled with caramel corn or maybe frozen embryos.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Captain's Christmas



Season's greetings from Captain Sensible.

Reports: Office building in the works for current home of P.C. Richard on 14th Street

Here's an update on 124 E. 14th St., current home of P.C. Richard (and Son!) at Irving Place.

In November 2015, the city's Economic Development Corp. (EDC) began accepting proposals to redevelop the city-owned site that P.C. Richard (and Son!) has leased the past 19 years.

And now, a short 13 months later, the de Blasio administration has selected RAL Development Services, a real-estate firm, to develop the site, as Politico first reported.

According to Politico, Civic Hall — "a tech-focused work and event space" — will anchor the space.

In a public notice, EDC described it as "an opportunity to create an iconic commercial development that drives inclusive economic growth through the diversification of the city's economy, the retooling of NYC's traditional anchor industries and/or support for both start-ups and early stage growing companies to scale up while remaining in the city."

As The Real Deal reported, RAL Development Services is "one of the companies behind a controversial residential project in Brooklyn Bridge Park."

Anyway, it's not exactly clear what else is in store for the two-level space ... and if demolition is in the future. NY Yimby reported this about the property: "The 15,450-square-foot site ... can accommodate up to 92,700 square feet of commercial space. An additional 46,350 square feet of space could be built as residential or community facility space."

There aren't any demotion permits on file yet.

As for P.C. Richard and family, its lease expired back in February. Despite media reports to the contrary, this P.C. Richard remains open, having been relegated to mattress sales. And maybe some appliances.

EV Grieve Etc.: Union Square theater panic; the holiday season at Rolf's


[Photo by Derek Berg]

The Subway Therapy Post-It walls coming in book form (Gothamist)

A look at the new Chrystie Street protected bike lane (Streetsblog)

The sad state of Lanza's on First Avenue (Jeremiah's Vanishing New York)

Swift Hibernian Lounge tops this list of the city's best pubs (Grub Street)

Man causes panic at the Union Square theater during a screening of "La La Land" (DNAinfo)

The last bookbinder on the LES (Literary Hub)

A video interview with Ray of Ray's Candy Store (Gothamist)

Speaking of Ray, he unveiled an fish-and-chips ($9) this week...


[Photo by Peter Brownscombe]

Will anyone listen to the concerns of residents about the Two Bridges mega projects? (The Lo-Down)

Revisiting the 1898 Bowery Burlesquers (Ephemeral New York)

Pearl & Ash closes after three years on the Bowery (Eater)

Celebrating the life and legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who was born on Dec. 22, 1960 (Off the Grid)

A December day with Christo (Laura Goggin Photography)

The holiday season at Rolf's (Town & Village)

Classic Misfits pics (Dangerous Minds)

...and the tree vendors are wrapping up another season in the neighborhood... here's a photo of Jonathan Papillon Blanc, who has been selling here the past six years. This time around, he was on Second Avenue at Seventh Street, away from his usual spot in front of the Rite Aid on First Avenue and Fifth Street (construction next door prompted the move)...


[Photo by Rainer Turim]

A Croman Christmas



The following is from a group of tenants who rent from Steve Croman's 9300 Realty... several of whom say they do not currently have heat or hot water in their apartments... via the EVG inbox and with apologies to Dr. Seuss...

You're a mean one, Steve Croman
You really are a heel,
You're as cuddly as a cactus, you're as charming as an eel, Steve Croman,
You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel!

You're a monster, Steve Croman,
Your heart's an empty hole,
Your brain is full of spiders, you have garlic in your soul, Steve Croman,
I wouldn't touch you with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole!

You're a foul one, Steve Croman,
You have termites in your smile,
You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile, Steve Croman,
Given a choice between the two of you'd take the seasick crocodile!

You're a rotter, Steve Croman,
You're the king of sinful sots,
Your heart's a dead tomato splotched with moldy purple spots, Steve Croman,
You're a three decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce!

You nauseate me, Steve Croman,
With a nauseous super "naus!",
You're a crooked dirty jockey and you drive a crooked hoss, Steve Croman,
Your soul is an appalling dump heap overflowing with the most disgraceful
assortment of rubbish imaginable mangled up in tangled up knots!

You're a foul one, Steve Croman,
You're a nasty wasty skunk,
Your heart is full of unwashed socks, your soul is full of gunk, Steve Croman,
The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote,
"Stink, stank, stunk"!

In May, Croman was arrested and charged in criminal court with multiple felonies, including grand larceny, criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records. State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is also suing Croman in civil court.

Last week, tenants at 159 Stanton St. filed a lawsuit in housing court against Croman.

Per The Lo-Down: "According to the tenant association, residents have been forced to endure collapsing ceilings, dust and debris, mold, rats and floods. The lawsuit also alleges that poor security has led to numerous burglaries."

Croman's real-estate empire includes 47 buildings with 617 units in the East Village. He owns more buildings in the East Village than any other landlord.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Thursday's parting shot



A view to the west this evening via Bobby Williams...

A London Calling tribute



Joe Strummer died 14 years ago today... and at the mural of the frontman for the Clash outside Niagara on Seventh Street and Avenue A, someone has left two candles and a London Calling (the cover shot at the Palladium on 14th Street) T-shirt in tribute...


Sen. Squadron calls for False Claims investigation against group who sold Rivington House for condos

Via the EVG inbox...

State Sen. Daniel Squadron released a letter (see the PDF here) to letter to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Corporation Counsel Zachary Carter urging an investigation into the Rivington House deed restriction removal and purchase by the Allure Group under the State and City’s False Claims Acts.

At the City and State level, the False Claims Act provides authority to take civil action against those that defraud the government. The City has indicated it was misled by the Allure Group during the deed restriction removal and sale of the Lower East Side nursing home.

“The closure of Rivington House stunned the community and highlighted major flaws in the process that governs deed restrictions,” he wrote. “The role of government is to protect the public interest and to be transparent; but that role is undermined if government is misled, as may have been the case at Rivington House. But, it is also vital that we hold those who violate the public trust accountable.”

The Daily News has more on Squadron's press conference from yesterday here.

In February 2015, the Allure Group paid $28 million for the property, promising that 45 Rivington — the former Rivington Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation — would remain a health facility. In November 2015, a city agency lifted the the deed in exchange for the Allure Group's $16 million payment to the city. Earlier this year, Allure then reportedly sold the property for $116 million to the the Slate Property Group, a condo developer who plans to create 100 luxury residences in the building that overlooks Sara S. Roosevelt Park.

Last summer, the Department of Investigation released the results of an inquiry, which didn't reveal any corruption, but rather inattention and incompetence by the de Blasio administration.

Previously

Taberna 97 is now open on St. Mark's Place



After several weeks in soft-open mode, Taberna 97 has officially opened its doors at 97 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue...



The owners (Eric Baker and sisters Patricia and Raquel Sanguedo, who also own the bar St. Dymphnas on the same block) are behind this venture, modeled after a traditional Portuguese taverna. (The Sanguedos are originally from Porto, Portugal. Baker and Patricia Sanguedo are married.)

Here's a look at the menu... they also have a beer-wine menu....


[Click to go big]

There was a long build-out here. The owners said that Taberna 97 was constructed to meet standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

The previous tenant, Yaffa Cafe, closed (in September 2014), in part, because the city deemed the back patio illegal after being in use as a dining area for 31 years.

As previously reported, there aren't any plans for the Taberna team to offer backyard dining. "Let me assure everyone involved that this has not been nor is it the case," Baker told us back in September. "Our plans for the garden involve landscaping and beautifying so it can be enjoyed from inside our space."

Taberna 97 is open Tuesday–Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Previously

Dahlia's Tapas Wine Bar has been dark of late

Several EVG readers have noted a lack of activity of late at Dahlia's Tapas Wine Bar, 214 E. Ninth St.

The cafe between Second Avenue and Third Avenue has not been open during posted hours in recent nights while the phone kicks into a generic message about not having a voicemail box (or voice mailbox) set up.

Its sister restaurant, Dahlia’s Fine Mexican Cuisine on Second Avenue at Fifth Street, was busted by the SLA after serving a reported 50 minors one night in January. The Mexican restaurant then closed in May.

The owners replaced it with 100% Healthy Blend (or maybe just Healthy Blend), which closed after three months.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Here comes the 2nd Avenue subway!



Well, sort of. @ImPaulGale shared this photo from the Second Avenue F stop this afternoon... showing MTA workers putting in new maps to reflect the Second Avenue Subway ... the new line, set to commence on Jan. 1, will bring Q train service to 63rd Street, 72nd Street, 86th Street and 96th Street.

Report of a fire last night at 96 St. Mark's Place

There was a report of a fire last night around midnight at 96 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue.

The initial @FDNY tweet went out at 12:12 a.m.


The all clear came at 1 a.m.


According to a building resident, the fire started on the first floor, with some damage in the basement and on the second floor. The Red Cross was on the scene and provided a temporary place to stay for displaced residents. The fire marshal is expected on the scene today.

This morning, the front door was propped open. The interior smelled like smoke.



The only remnant of a fire was a piece of charred wood...



Residents on the upper floors were allowed back in. Per the EVG reader: "It smells pretty acrid, so I'm bunking elsewhere for a few nights to try to let everything air out."

As of this morning, the tenants had yet to hear from their landlord.

And if the address is familiar... the cover of Led Zeppelin’s "Physical Graffiti" depicts the two buildings located at 96 and 98 St Mark's Place.

Updated

Several readers asked... both businesses here, Physical Graffitea and Xe May Sandwich Shop, are open...

[Updated] David Barton Gyms abruptly close


[Image via]

Gymgoers heading over to the David Barton Gym on Astor Place (and other locations) were surprised/shocked/pissed to learn that the facility is permanently closed.

The sign for gymgoers notes that they "ceased operations due to competitive market conditions."

Gym members received an email in the middle of the night, per one EVG reader:



An EVG reader shared this email that sent to members of Cyc Fitness, which had a studio inside the Astor Place David Barton...



David Barton, who opened the clubs in the early 1990s, reportedly stepped away from the business in 2013.

The Astor Place location opened in 2009. The space was previously a Barnes & Noble.

David Barton Gyms have yet to make any official announcement about the closure, per NewNowNext.

Here's the official statement via the company website:

“DavidBartonGym has discontinued operations at its locations in New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago, and Bellevue, Wash., effective immediately. All affected employees and clients are being notified.

However, all DavidBartonGym facilities in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and the Island Club & Spa in Honolulu will remain open and operating as usual. These locations are owned by a separate legal entity, Meridian Sports Club, LLC, and are in markets that are more favorable to the company’s business model. Clients and staff will see no changes.

The company deeply regrets this final action, but due to severe competitive pressures, particularly in New York, it has become impossible for these locations to continue. DavidBartonGym greatly appreciates the past patronage of its clients and support of its staff and training professionals.”

Reps for rival gyms were outside the Astor Place location today offering deals to now-former Dave Baron members, per DNAinfo.

Updated 10 p.m.

The Post reports that the closure left 369 gym employees without jobs in the city.

Out and About in the East Village 2016 in review



That's a wrap on Out and About in the East Village (OAAITEV, per the T-shirts) this year.

As always, many thanks to East Village-based photographer James Maher for his continued contributions. (The feature dates to Aug. 1, 2012.) And also thank you to Stacie Joy for filling in several times this year when James was traveling.

Meanwhile, we're looking forward to featuring more people who live and/or work in the neighborhood next year. For now, here's a look back at this year's profiles...

Jan. 13 — Spike Polite (part 1)

Jan. 21 — Spike Polite (part 2)

Jan. 27 — Leslie McEachern

Feb. 3 — Niall Grant

Feb. 10 — Kevin Cloutier

Feb. 17 — Rafael Hines (part 1)

Feb. 24 — Rafael Hines (part 2)

March 2 — Annie Ju and Melissa Scott

March 9 — Parker Dulany

March 16 — Shari Albert

March 23 — Brother Rasheim

March 30 — Jon R. Jewett

April 6 — 2016 recap to date

April 20 — Alan Good (part 1)

April 27 — Alan Good (part 2)

May 4 — Maria and Brisco

May 11 — John Ellert and Sam

June 1 — Ceasar Noel Soto

June 8 — Joe (part 1)

June 15 — Joe (part 2)

June 22 — Colette Pwakah (part 1)

June 29 — Colette Pwakah (part 2)

July 6 — London

July 13 — Roosmarijn van Kessel

July 20 — Anna Pastoressa

July 27 — Creaux

Aug. 10 — 4-year recap

Aug. 17 — John Von Hartz

Aug. 24 — Craig

Aug. 31 — Hal Hirshorn

Sept. 14 — Amy Sheridan

Sept. 28 — Boris Ryback

Oct. 5 — Jamey Poole and Rusty James

Oct. 19 — Michelle Candela

Oct. 26 — Grant Stitt

Nov. 2 — Candice Brewer

Nov. 16 — Eric Paulin (part 1)

Nov. 23 — Eric Paulin (part 2)

Nov. 30 — Henry Hills

Dec. 14 — Cara Bloch, Carmen Ruiz-Davila and Luella

A reveal at 222 E. 7th St.

The scaffolding and construction netting came down yesterday at 222 E. Seventh St., showing the new-look condoplex here between Avenue B and Avenue C...


[Photo by Dave on 7th]

Workers had gutted the previous, rather nondescript (see below) 4-story brick building ... and added two new floors.

In total, there will be eight condos inside, per work permits filed with the city.

When the new development first revealed itself in 2011, it was named the rather jaunty Villa Capri, set to be ready in 2012. Not sure if that's still the name plan. We haven't seen any details about pricing or amenities for the new homes just yet.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Villa Capri condos coming to Seventh Street

[Updated] Work underway on the new residential conversion on East 7th Street

Bringing down 222 E. 7th St. brick by brick

[The old-looking No. 222]

An Urban Etiquette Sign about smoking indoors



An EVG reader woke up yesterday to find this note on the door of the building... located on Third Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue...

The letter writer is asking fellow residents not to smoke inside:

Second hand smoke is a risk to health, and the smell of cigarettes easily travels from one apartment to the next in this building.

At the very least, open your windows so LESS smoke enters neighboring units.

Thoughts (about the note)?

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: What do I do about my new neighbors who smoke pot all the time? (80 comments)