What, pray tell, is this on Second Avenue?

And then there's this ... spotted by EVG reader David Kelly this morning on Second Avenue near East 10th Street...



Any ideas? What it is? Maybe a former Thirsty Scholar? Too many Pigs in a Blanket at Alder?

-----

And does it compare to the discovery of Pushcart Jesus St. Lazarus?

Coming soon

Yesterday, we took a look at the new Citi Bikes... coming soon to streets near you... that prompted a reader to share some photos from a recent trip to the Brooklyn Navy Yard ...

"[S]aw rack after rack of Citi Bikes, set up and ready to go. They were sprinkled all over the property. Seemed like a form of beta testing to me."

Expect to see these here in early May...















Think any East Village business owner will protest these like this guy did in Tribeca?

Halal cart battle developing on East 11th Street

Greg Matherly, an employee of Reciprocal Skateboards on East 11th Street, passes along the following from late this afternoon...

"Just about an hour ago in front of Reciprocal. There was arguing, pointing, shouting, and a brief appearance by the NYPD. Guy on the right just wheeled his cart up beside the Halal guy who has been across from the mosque for years. Also, it's totally blocking the view to the shop, entirely."

Then! A little later.

The NYPD returned. More arguing! Developing...

Today in Park critters

Tompkins Square Park...







By Bobby Williams...

Buddy system

The Stranglers with "Go Buddy Go" circa 1977.

And The Stranglers (w/o Hugh Cornwell) play the Highline Ballroom on June 3.

Pyramid scheme

A view of 51 Astor Place via EVG contributor jdx ...

Early-morning accident leaves truck overturned on Second Avenue

EVG reader MP provides the photos and narrative from this early-morning accident on Second Avenue at East Ninth Street.

"Was awoken at exactly 4.30 am by what sounded like an explosion... But no, just a truck rolling down 2nd Avenue, which apparently had swerved trying to avoid hitting a car that ran the light going west on 9th st."

Per MP, no one was injured. Here's a look at the scene.





The overturned truck belongs to Baldor Specialty Foods...

The inspiring story behind Robin Hoods

Last April, East Village resident Tracey Van Vooris learned that her mom was diagnosed with a terminal, grade 4 glioblastoma, or has she put it — "one nasty SOB of a brain tumor."

This devastating news eventually led Van Vooris to launch a line of head covers (turbans, modified head scarves, etc.) under the name Robin Hoods. (Robin is her mother's middle name.)

With the help of a successful Kickstarter campaign, Van Vooris was able to design her line of accessories inspired by her mother. The launch party is tomorrow night. (Details here.)

Here's her story, via an email interview with EVG.

How did Robin Hoods come about?

The inspiration for Robin Hoods came after my mom's diagnosis with terminal brain cancer in April 2012. After two brain surgeries, 46 radiation treatments, and non-stop chemotherapy, her head was left scarred, bald, and extremely sensitive. After many fruitless attempts to find her a head cover that was both fashionable and functional, I decided to create my own line. Many of the causes of hair loss and hair hardship are bad enough, I didn't want women to have to suffer further by not being able to comfortably conceal that hardship if desired.

Any trepidation about launching the Kickstarter campaign?

Absolutely! Much to my surprise, launching the Kickstarter campaign was one of the most intimidating things that I've ever done. For starters, I realized how terrified of being on camera I was. Additionally, it was such a vulnerable thing to put my story, my product, and myself out there for anyone and everyone to see. Aside from that, it is so difficult to ask people for money, no matter how worthy the cause, so I definitely felt the pressure to reach my fundraising goal. Luckily, I made my goal with a nail-biting 40 hours before the deadline, which was overwhelmingly exciting.

You're celebrating the launch tomorrow. Did you ever think you'd reach this point — looking back one year?

After I successfully met my Kickstarter goal, everything seemed to be more real. Looking back a year ago, I would have never guessed I'd be here, about to celebrate the launch of Robin Hoods. There have been so many life events (good and bad) that have put me on this course, and in this moment, I'm really trying to soak in this moment. The support and love from my friends, family, and even total strangers has been really, truly incredible. There is no better feeling than having purpose to what you do, and I definitely feel like I've found mine.

How is your mother doing today? What does she think about what you have done?

Unfortunately, my mother is not doing very well as of late March. The real nastiness of brain tumors, particularly those as aggressive as stage 4 glioblastomas, is that the slightest change in the tumor can cause massive disturbances in the brain. As a result, my mom's mental and physical abilities have really declined. She is the strongest woman I know though, and is fighting tooth and nail. Much of the celebration for Robin Hoods is in her honor and to thank those that have so selflessly helped make it a reality. For me, her trip to New York and celebration on Saturday, carry so much extra meaning and importance given the circumstances.

Mom is not able to express too much these days, but on the day I reached my Kickstarter goal, she emailed me that she was really proud of me and my accomplishment and that meant the world. She also loves wearing the product, so that says a lot.

-----

You can find more information at the Robin Hoods Facebook page here. The Robin Hoods website is coming soon.

[Image via the Robin Hoods Facebook page]

Hey, it's Record Store Day tomorrow

A Holy Day of Obligation for some. Kim's is open early. Per their Facebook invite:

We're starting bright and early at 8 AM with more than 200 exclusive LPs, CDs, and books in limited release especially for RECORD STORE DAY from Flaming Lips, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Big Star, Rolling Stones, Daniel Johnston, The Cure, White Stripes, Grizzly Bear, Moon Duo, Nick Cave, Nick Drake, Orange Juice, Pink Floyd, Caribou, Small Faces, Stephen Malkmus, Tame Impala, Thee Oh Sees, Wire and The Zombies to name a few.

If you sleep in, don't worry, there's plenty to do all day long. From 11am-6pm we will be hosting DJ sets from some of your favorite local artists and DJ's.

And at Other Music... the Record Day stock has been rolling in...


[Via Facebook]

And Other Music's DJ lineup via Facebook:

The store will open early at 10:30 am. DJ sets start at noon.

Other Music Record Store Day 2013 DJ Schedule:

12pm-1pm Parquet Courts (What's Your Rupture)
1pm-2pm Sharon Van Etten & Christian Schaal (Jagjaguwar)
2pm-3pm Caleb Braaten (Sacred Bones Records)
3pm-4pm Matt Werth (RVNG Intl.)
4pm-5pm Scott Mou/Queens (Dial)
5pm-6pm FaltyDL (Ninja Tune)
6pm-7pm Bryan Kasenic (Bunker)
7pm-8pm Jonathan Toubin (New York Night Train)

And at the Turntable Lab on East Seventh Street...



While there are several other record shops in the neighborhood, these are the only ones we spotted who were official participants, who signed the pledge, etc.

Support all your local record shops, though ... Good Records NYC ... A-1 Records ... Academy Records ... Sounds ... Rainbow Music...

Sadly, five record stores closed here in the last year... Tropicalia in Furs, Gimme Gimme, Norman's, Rockit Scientist and Big City Records.

Let's take a closer look at the Citi Bike

You may have seen the reports Wednesday where the Department of Transportation said that more than 5,000 people have registered in the first two days for the bike-share program that launches, probably, in early May. Annual memberships cost $95, and riders can use bikes for up to 45 minutes without an extra charge. (Anyone buy a membership?)

Meanwhile! If you haven't already done this, you can learn more about the bikes at the Citibike website.



Among the bike's features:

• Integrated Shifter & Handlebars
The integrated 3-speed shifter lets you shift
gears with a flick of the wrist. Upright bars
give you greater visibility and comfort.



• Protective Rack
The strong, protective frame & elastic strap let you secure a
wide range of bags.



• Chain Guard & No-Spray Fenders
Front & rear fenders keep
you dry in the rain, while a
chain guard keeps grease
off your pants.

What do you think now? Aside from the fact that No-Spray Fenders would be an awesome band name.

Oh, and here's where you will be able to find the docking stations around the East Village. Here.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Here are your East Village bike share locations, probably

Report: Citi Bike share back on track for a May debut, probably definitely

The East Village is in the 1st rollout phase of the bike-share program this May, probably for sure

Will the luxury apartment building at the former Cabrini Center include an outdoor pool?

Well, that's the rumor anyway... some neighbors adjacent to the property are convinced of this development here behind East Fifth Street and Avenue B... perhaps the end product of all that jackhammering out back here.

The former health care facility for elderly patients continues to be converted into luxury residences via developer Ben Shaoul. DOB permits show 81 units here, including a rooftop "public recreation space" as well as retail space.

Previously.

'Retail space available' at former East 10th Street laundromat

The laundromat (Chow & Lam Corp.) at 204 E. 10th St. near Second Avenue closed last month — victim of a large rent increase.

A "retail space available" sign went up on Monday, as this photo by Blue Glass shows...



We waited to post to see if we could get the new asking rent. However, we have not heard what that rent will be just yet.

Mimi opened the Laundromat with her husband Peter, who passed away in May 2000. Her son Antony worked by her side during this time as well.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Rent hike KOs East 10th Street laundromat

Reminders: Get your bike blessed tomorrow

Via the EV Grieve inbox... as mentioned last week

What: Saint Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery will be holding its 1st annual Blessing of the Bicycles. The event is ecumenical and welcoming to all cyclists of all persuasions wanting to take a moment to contemplate a safe cycling season and to get their bikes blessed.

When: Saturday April 20, 2 pm. In case of rain the Blessing will be moved to the same time on April 27.

Who: Open to all ages and cyclists of all skill level and experience.

Why: With expanded bike lanes and a new bike share program about to begin bicycle ridership is set to increase for 2013. New York City is a wonderful place to bicycle; cycling is good exercise and an alternative mood of green transportation. Saint Marks Church-in-the-Bowery is encouraging the community to consider cycling as part of their transportation and recreational options and offering a blessing to cyclists and their bicycles in contemplation of a safe and joyous bicycling season.

Falling debris reported on East Sixth Street

A reader notes the following:

I was walking ... on East Sixth Street near Avenue A when this debris hit the sidewalk right it front of me. Could easily cause injury to pedestrians. It's rotted wood from the facade of the building. It fell from 443 E. 6th St. Pedestrians beware.

We heard this from a few other people as well. Apparently the NYPD stopped by for a look ... no one was reported injured.

The Kushner Companies meet the neighborhood

Last night, reps from the Kushner Companies — owners now of half the East Village — met with residents and Community Board 3 members during a Land Use, Zoning, Public & Private Housing Committee meeting.

We did not attend, but the consensus from people we spoke with later seemed to be: waste of time.

Per Jill: "That meeting was bullshit."

Per Rob: "Well, we did learn that they intend to construct extensions on their buildings."

We heard the reps were very nice — and very media-trained, offering robotic soundbites from the Meet The Community Playbook.

BoweryBoogie was there. Per BB:

It didn’t go over too well. Not with residents. Not with the Land Use subcommittee of Community Board 3. The Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of real estate development represented the company, extending an olive branch, as it were, and pitching their intentions. Namely to create a “responsive, welcoming, and secure community” and to operate the buildings with “the same high standard.”

On Monday, residents of a now-Kushner-owned building shared stories of not having heat or hot water on a regular basis, structural damage and an unlocked front door, which reportedly led to a break-in.

Anyone else attend last night's meeting? Hit us up in the comments with your thoughts. Of the meeting.

[Photo via BoweryBoogie]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: Jared Kushner paid $49 million for 7 more Ben Shaoul-owned properties in the East Village

More about Jared Kushner's East Village buying spree

Soon, we will all be writing our rent checks to Jared Kushner

Report: Jared Kushner closes on latest batch of East Village walkups

An update on James Panitz

[Photo of James from last year courtesy of Damian Panitz]

Last October, we told you the story of James Panitz in a post titled Despite plea, landlord doubling rent on East Village family with cancer-stricken 2 year old.

Shortly before his 2nd birthday, doctors diagnosed James with rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer often found in children. He lives with his parents, Damian Panitz and Kate Perry, on East First Street. (Last September, friends and neighbors held "James Day," a benefit in First Park to help cover medical expenses.)

While James was undergoing intensive chemo and radiation therapy, they learned that their landlord, Steve Croman of Croman Realty/Croman 9300, was doubling their rent from $2,100 to $4,100. At the time, James, a technician with NYU, and Kate, a nurse, could not afford the price bump. Worse, moving James during his extensive treatment could have been detrimental to his recovery.

Last fall, Damian said Croman reps were not receptive to just a 10 percent rent hike while James recovered. They said they'd move out as soon as James was well enough.

-----

That was the last we heard from Damian. This past weekend, he provided an update.

First, the really good news. While doctors will continue to monitor James for a few more years, "so far he is doing great," Damian reported.

"It's been almost eight weeks since my son's final chemotherapy session," Damian said. "We had an entire six weeks without a clinic visit, an emergency room visit."

As for the housing situation, shortly after the story on James appeared, Damian said that they received a six-month extension without the rent hike.

-----

Damian and Kate are making plans to move by the end of May. Unfortunately, they are having challenges finding an apartment in their price range in the East Village.

"We would love to stay in our neighborhood, but everywhere we've looked the prices are [too expensive]. We are looking at Brooklyn. We hope to find something not too crippling. It's funny, you'd think two hard-working people could find a place around here," said Damian, a longtime East Village resident. (His mother's family emigrated to St. Mark's Place in the early 1920s from Bratislava, Slovakia.)

Meanwhile, he said that Croman is letting the current property go on East First Street. Workers removed all of the yard furniture, BBQ and garden buckets out back.

"Since then we've had a rat infestation — these rats are huge. I am afraid to take the trash out at night," Damian said. "As soon as I open the back door, they go running. Scattering all over the place, under your feet and up the walls. At night you can hear the rats fighting over a parcel of trash with trash can lids clinking."

-----

"In summary I have a lot to be grateful for. My son is doing well. It's terrific to have a sense that he will grow up."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Despite plea, landlord doubling rent on East Village family with cancer-stricken 2 year old

Tomorrow in First Park: 'James Day,' benefit for 2 year old with cancer

The clinic that treated James is having a walkathon on May 19 on the Upper West Side to raise funds and spread awareness of children's cancers. People do not have give money — you can simply walk, learn about childhood cancers and gain knowledge that could be passed on to other families. Find more details here.

Full-stop work order served at construction site adjacent to evacuated Avenue B building

[From early last evening]

There's now a full Stop Work Order on 26 Avenue B, the construction site adjacent to the building that had to be evacuated on Monday evening. Construction recently commenced in the empty lot next door on a new 6-story apartment building.

DNAinfo reported that a resident at 28 Avenue B started to notice cracks in her ceiling after construction started in the lot. Debris also reportedly fell from the fifth floor yesterday afternoon.

An EVG Facebook friend said that the building shifted. "There's a crack that runs up the back of the building. It's like the building experienced an earthquake."

The DOB notes the following about No. 28:

FDNY REQUESTS A STRUCTURAL STABILITY INSPECTION DUE TO VERTICAL CTACK AT REAR OF BUILDING FROM THE 1ST TO TOP FLOOR AND

Category Code: 30 BUILDING SHAKING/VIBRATING/STRUCT STABILITY AFFECTED

On Monday night, the city issued a Full Vacate Order for No. 28, which also houses Croxley Ales on the ground-floor. The bar remains closed. According to their Facebook page Monday night:

[W]e are sorry to inform you that we will be closed this evening until further notice due to neighboring construction. But have no fear! We will soon be back and better than ever...stay tuned...!!

Here's more from the Vacate Order via the DOB:



Meanwhile, yesterday, we spotted crews busy inside the 26 Avenue B site next to the damaged building. The following report is on the DOB website now for 26 Avenue B:

EXCAVATION OCCURRING AT ACTIVE SITE HAS HIT AND DAMAGED BUILDING WITH LARGE GAPING SPACE ON OUTER FASCADE, BRICK IS FALLING W/ FDNY RESPONSE IN PROGRESS. DOB REQUESTED.

Category Code: 14 EXCAVATION - UNDERMINING ADJACENT BUILDING EXCAVATION : ADJACENT BUILDING UNDERMINED

Joe Ferrante, an FDNY battalion chief, told DNAinfo that excavation "possibly contributed" to the damage at No. 28. No official word when residents might be able to return.

The following photos, via EVG Facebook friend Edward Arrocha, are from last Thursday, and show the extent of the work that was taking place inside the 26 Avenue B lot before Monday's discovery ...







And I was reminded that there were two major fires at 28 Avenue B ... one in 1994 that knocked out Collective: Unconscious and later when the storefront housed an electronic repair shop ...

Updated 8:36 a.m.



Per a reader:

"Imagine my surprise this morning when I walked past the lot at 26 Av B and saw excavation continuing. I called 311 and they said that the DOB would address the issue "within 1 1/2 business days". Here's to bureaucracy."

Perhaps they are there to help shore up the side of No. 28?
Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] 6-story apartment building ready to rise from the former Croxley Ales beer garden

[Updated] Report: 28 Avenue B has been evacuated

East Fourth Street cracking down on dog poop

EVG reader Steven Matthews notes that East Fourth Street, specifically the block between Avenue C and Avenue D, is now getting tough on dog poop... as seen with this nice new sign that arrived...



(What kind of leash is that anyway?)

And a mostly serious question... what kind of sign do you find more effective? The professional one above. Or! The more homemade variety, like this one spotted in January on East 12th Street near Avenue B...

About Bleecker Bob's moving to East 9th Street

The hot rumor making the rounds this past Saturday was that Bleecker Bob's had a deal in place to move to a storefront on East Ninth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue. Per a Facebook update last week, Bleecker Bob's had a bid on space here.

However, it's not a done deal. Ski, an assistant manager at Bleecker Bob's, provided an update. This is from Sunday night.

"Unfortunately, it's been a long ongoing process," he said of the East Ninth Street space. "At first, we were told everything should be fine and that Bleecker Bob's was the only client to be pushed for the space based on our years of business and our willingness to sign a 10-year lease."

Regardless, the wait continues for now. We exchanged emails again yesterday with Ski. Still waiting for the lease. In the meantime, Ski was busy scouting other possible locations in the East Village and on the Lower East Side.

Bleecker Bob's has also launched a crowdsourcing campaign to raise $6,500. Per Indiegogo:

Many people have offered assistance with moving expenses, relocation/storage expenses and renovation costs for our new location. So many of our friends have offered to help in so many different ways that we figured we'd bring everyone together in one spot with one goal in mind, TO REOPEN THE STORE!!!

The 46-year-old Bleecker Bob's closed last Saturday to make way for a Forever Yogurt chain.

Previously on EV Grieve:
[UPDATED] Let's help Bleecker Bob's find space in the East Village

Bleecker Bob's is for rent

Bleecker Bob's won't be moving to the East Village — or anywhere else, for that matter

Bleecker Bob's have a bid on space in the East Village

Someone stole the Burger Shop sign on St. Mark's Place

The Burger Shop opened on St. Mark's Place back in the fall of 2011 ... it is owned by Gregory Nardello and his father, who hail from Queens... While the place recently changed the name to The Village Joker, the Burger Shop sign was left hanging to help during the transition period.

But! Gregory Nardello shared this with us.

"Some time between Sunday night and Monday morning that sign was stolen off the building. Although I was planning to take the sign down soon anyway, I was really hoping to keep it for a couple of reasons. One being that this is the first restaurant I have ever opened and that was the only signage that I have remaining. The second reason is that I made the sign, and I really would of liked to hold on to it for sentimental value."

So, he would love to have the sign back... "if the person who took it would anonymously be willing to give it back. I am willing to offer a small reward for it."

Another look at Vella Market, now taking requests

Vella Market opened this past weekend on Avenue B and East Fourth Street (inside the former Kate's Joint)... EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by for a quick look...







Stacie said that they are accepting requests from residents for needed/desired foodstuffs or supplies. "They seem nice, and have a large selection of vegetarian food."

What the hell, Zoltar?

What's this outside Gem Spa? Wait why is.... AHhhhhhhh!



Just when we thought Zoltar was back in business after the unfortunate skateboard bashing... As Bobby Williams discovered, Zoltar is back on the DL alongside Jeter, Granderson, Teixeira ... everyone on the Knicks older than 38 and taller than 6-8 ...