Workers remove Cabrini Center awning on East Fifth Street

As we first reported back in March, the Cabrini Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, which provides health care for low-income elderly residents in the East Village, will close this summer.

In November, we noted that developer Ben Shaoul was the mystery buyer of Cabrini on Avenue B at East Fifth Street. Depending on the source, the space here will be converted to rentals or condos...

We never heard an exact closing date for the Center, which opened in 1993. Cabrini officials said in the spring that the closure process would last several months — likely until July.

The photo above by EVG reader @zmack shows that workers have removed Cabrini's awning. We've reached out to Patricia Krasnausky, president and CEO of Cabrini Eldercare, for more details on the closing.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Claim: Ben Shaoul is the new owner of Cabrini nursing home, will convert to condos

Report: Local politicians reach out to Ben Shaoul as re-sale of the Cabrini Nursing Center seems likely

More details on Cabrini's closing announcement

Q-and-A with Patricia Krasnausky, president and CEO of Cabrini Eldercare

2 East Village streetscenes this morning

St. Mark's Place...


[Shawn Chittle]

Avenue A...


[Dave on 7th]

What is happening with the Bowery Poetry Club?

[Monday outside the Bowery Poetry Club, where the sign has been removed]

We've heard a lot of speculation in recent weeks about the future of the Bowery Poetry Club. All sorts of rumors have been flying around, from an imminent closure to a months-long renovation.

Given the speculation, we decided to address a few of the rumors here.

In early May, the Club that Bob Holman founded in 2002 launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $50,000 for "a special dining experience that would include a bar, cafe/restaurant and a remodeled performance space," as BoweryBoogie noted.

However, three days later, someone cancelled the campaign.



We've heard that several promoters have taken their shows to other locations over issues with the Club. Meanwhile, there is little, if anything scheduled at the Club toward the latter stages of the summer. One producer with a monthly gig there has scheduled his show at another location for end of July.

One insider told EVG contributor Stacie Joy, "Bob told me there might be some be some changes, which is why there's little on the calendar for August. I'm hoping it's nothing major and trying not to worry."

According to another inside source: "Bob is insistent that this is a change and not the end. The plan is to close for renovations beginning in August. Of course it will have a different feel when they re-open but who knows? It might be even better than it is. At this time, no deal has been finalized, thus little information has been released."

We asked Holman for his take on the Club's future.

"Well, I'd hoped to be able to put rumors to rest by now — but really, there's no news till this New Idea becomes real! (or not!)," he said via email, adding, "Don't mean to be mysterious."

"But — rest assured — the Club is not closing!"

Building that houses Odessa Cafe and Bar for sale on Avenue A

Dave on 7th heard the rumor that the building that houses the Odessa Cafe and Bar at 117 Avenue A is for sale... sure enough, a sign has just arrived...



...this is the (old) cafe/diner space... the newer diner is next door at 119...



Unfortunately, we don't have much information about this listing. The HPNY site is under construction. An Odessa source tells EVG contributor Shawn Chittle that the owner lives in Arizona, and is asking in the $3 million neighborhood for the property. The landlord offered to sell the building to the Odessa proprietors, who own 119 Avenue A as well. They are passing on the sale for now.

The Odessa Cafe currently has three years left on its lease.


[Shawn Chittle]

Jane's Sweet Buns 'is currently under construction'

On Monday, we noted that Jane's Sweet Buns on St. Mark's Place has been closed of late... Meanwhile, Proletariat, the 10-seat bar that opened last month and has seemingly taken up most of the space for Buns, remains open...

On Tuesday, in the comments, EVG reader Bayou pointed out the arrival of an "under construction" sign on the front door... Anyway, a partial photo of that sign is above... No word on how long the construction will last...

Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] There's now a (sort of) secret beer bar behind Jane's Sweet Buns

Bakery opening on St. Mark's Place

Has Jane's Sweet Buns closed?

Tree asks, Don't pee on me

Forget the location... East Fourth Street? Photo by Bobby Williams.

The tower of Brigid

Just a quickie follow-up from yesterday's post ... now, workers have removed all the scaffolding from the tower on the East Eighth Street side of St. Brigid's at Avenue B...





...and the view of it from Tompkins Square Park...

EVG respost: The best outdoor spot for free air conditioning in the East Village

As I exclusively reported, it is warm out. So! Perhaps it's a good time to repost this, uh, post from July 23, 2011... May come in handy...

It's right here on Sixth Street and Hall Place Taras Shevchenko Place... there are several spots here outside the new Cooper Union building that provide a welcome blast of cool air... right where this fellow is lounging/passed out.

From the Boardwalk at Atlantic City... on East 12th Street

Let's check in again at the "Boardwalk Empire" filming action on East 12th Street this afternoon... for an episode from the upcoming third season of the show about prohibition and gambling and stuff in Atlantic City...









Photos by Bobby Williams.

Report: Arrest made in East Fifth Street stabbing death

Police have arrested Carl Knox, the career criminal accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend's nephew during a fight on East Fifth Street on June 9, the Post reports. Capers reportedly was trying to break up a fight between his aunt and Knox.

According to the Post, the NYPD arrested Knox at 1 a.m. Sunday.
The Daily News reported that Knox has been in and out of state prison since 1986. "His rap sheet lists more than 25 arrests, including for such serious charges as rape, assault and criminal possession of a weapon, police said."

The New York Times had more on the incident in an article published on June 15. Capers had a 6-year-old son and was engaged to be married.

An antiques roadshow on East 12th Street

@jessnepom shares this photo of the old-timey cars lined up along East 12th Street this morning for the "Boardwalk Empire" shoot...

Meanwhile, Off the Grid stopped by the set yesterday on East 12th Street for a few photos...

Previously.

Looking for a few good landlords

A newer EVG reader writes:

I'm looking for a studio in the neighborhood, and don't want to make any mistakes with slumlords or anything like that...I've been through that already.

Are you familiar with some of the better, or more reputable, rental agencies/realtors in the East Village? Any words of wisdom on real estate agencies/realtors in the East Village with above-average reputations?

Hmm. Good question. It seems as if people know about some of more, uh, vilified landlords or real-estate companies... Anyone want to share any positive experiences with any particular landlord(s)? Maybe one on a quiet block!

[Corny image via Getty]

East Fifth Street residents discover they are now part of the 9300 Realty family

Speaking of well-known landlords... a resident passes along this information... notices that arrived late last week at 325 E. Fifth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue...


[Click image to enlarge]

The notice posted in the building mentions there's a "new managing agent" for the building... the letter to individual residents in the building states that there is a new owner ... and the "lease and security deposit" have been assigned to "the new owner."

In both cases, the new landlord is 9300 Realty (owned by the notorious Croman Realty). The Village Voice put Steve Croman on their 10 Worst Landlords List a few years back, and the paper outlined his usual tactics: "badgering phone calls, endless lawsuits, and leaning on already hard-pressed tenants."

This article on tenant-landlord issues from the Times a few years ago specially addresses a tenant trying to get a security deposit back from Croman Realty.

In any event, we'll see what transpires here...

Summertime in New York City: The East Village 1991

In honor of the first official day of summer... a video titled "Summertime in New York City: The East Village 1991."



Here's the description via YouTube:

The Lower East side, 1991, NYC. I weep when I see this. I used to live here. 13th street between B and C. With Khusenaton, on flute. I see him step right in here, he used to do that when I read. Intense, beautiful fantastic. Dead. He died that winter. I can remember the way he used to say, "here comes James." "Hardcore. too deep." A beautiful human being. He told the truth, and was my friend. It seems long ago, and like yesterday.

H/T to Neighborhoodr for first posting this video several weeks ago.

Here's one of the towers at St. Brigid's

Workers removed more of the tarp/netting on St. Brigid's yesterday... showing the work under way on the tower on the East Eighth Street side of the church...



Photos by Bobby Williams.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A reader offers details about the restoration of St. Brigid's

Mystery digging at 35 Cooper Square

Yesterday, Curbed noted that the backhoe was back at the year-long vacant lot at 35 Cooper Square... We checked it out ourselves... the worker(s) had left for the day...

...there's now just a shallow grave hole of sorts in the southeast corner near the Standard East Village... There aren't any work permits posted or on file with the DOB, so we don't have any idea what is going on here...



Any guesses?

Previously on EV Grieve:
Toy excavator spotted at 35 Cooper Square

Noted

On Avenue B, Fu Sushi is advertising its 4th Annual Naked Sushi Party. Have no idea when it is. If you do find out, then please let me know. I'll go as long as it's not the same night as the First Annual Naked Pizza Night at Papa John's.

Previously (if you wish).

Noted

EVG regular William Klayer spotted these flyers plastered all along Avenue A this evening... we called the number, but no one answered...

Free iced things tomorrow

From the EV Grieve inbox... from S'MAC

Since Wednesday, June 20th, is the first day of summer, we decided to ring in the hot weather with free iced coffee or iced tea at our First Park location. Come swing by our kiosk to get a refreshing iced drink!

P.S. - this offer is available only at the First Park Cafe (which opens at 7 a.m.) and not at our 12th Street restaurant.

EV Grieve Etc.: Mourning edition

[Muzzarella Pizza on Avenue A]

Jeremiah works up the nerve to finally look at the "Tribute to Mars Bar" at Blue & Cream; wishes he hadn't (Jeremiah's Vanishing New York)

Activity at 35 Cooper Square (Curbed)

Robbery at the Delancey Street Duane Reade (BoweryBoogie)

The "current king of downtown nightlife" joining the team developing 199 Bowery (Eater)

The Bowery of a 1932 painting (Ephemeral New York)

Meet the new Parks & Rec Commissioner (Runnin' Scared)

Interview with LES photographer Vivienne Gucwa (Digital Journal via The Lo-Down)

Auditioning to be a CBGB biopic extra (Connect Savannah)

Attorney Stanley Cohen, with offices on Avenue D, indicted on tax-evasion charges (Syracuse.com)

...and EVG reader Robbie passes along this shot of film crews prepping at John's of 12th Street for the "Boardwalk Empire" shoot...

From wigs to veggies on East 14th Street

For the past few months, we noticed that the Royal Wigs shop was never open on East 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue... sure enough, in recent weeks, a few readers have spotted workers inside gutting the space... such as this one via LvV...



...and from Dave of 14th Street...



Dave said that it has been on the block the 15 years he has lived nearby ...

Before getting into history ... as for the future: A tipster tells us that it will be a vegetarian restaurant selling items that include wraps and sushi.

As for the past... like, Dave, it seems like the place has always been there. Does anyone know any of the store's history?

We came across an alt.rock country band called The Royal Wigs, who took their name from the store. According to the band's bio, the store "was frequented by such famous NYC denizens as Lou Reed, the New York Dolls, and Vivienne Westwood." Not sure about the merits of these claims ... though we like the thought of, say, Arthur Kane rummaging around in here one day years back ...

In any event, the storefront was always photogenic ... Here's a shot by Goggla...



...and via LuciaM on Panoramio...

Live above Kelly's Sports Bar on Avenue A for $12,000 a month

There's a new listing for 12 Avenue A ... it's a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home available starting July 1.

According to the listing at Maison International:

Enjoy this nicely furnished house located in the heart of the East Village. Come in from the city hustle and bustle and lounge in your 3000 sqft house that has a gracious floor plan. A large kitchen, separate dinning area and 4 bedrooms with private baths, no detail was left undone. This house comes with its own private outdoor space that has lovely outdoor furniture that will help you unwind and forget the hype of city. Perfect for a vacation summer rental you will not be disappointed. Listed at a great price for a quick rental.

So, are we already in $12,000-is-a-great-price territory? (And I had something planned for when it hit $10,000!)

Anyway, not sure if this is a short-term rental or what... the listing isn't too clear. Still, be great in the fall if you're a Sabres fan — can zip downstairs to Kelly's...

In closing, bedrooms...

The new restaurant for the former Bowery Wine Co. space

Before the May 2011 CB3/SLA committee meeting, we learned that the people behind restaurants like Dell'Anima and L'Artusi were taking over the Bowery Wine Co. space as well as the empty storefront next door in the sterile bowels of Avalon Bowery Place on East First Street.

Yesterday, Grub Street learned that the name of this new place will be called L'Apicio. (Here's the take from Eater.)

According to the original proposal, there'll be 50 tables seating 160 people with plans for outdoor dining and a sidewalk cafe. The proposed hours of operation were 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

Grub Street has the opening date as late summer or early fall...

Anyway, renovations continue in the space ... here's how it looked yesterday...



We noted this in our previous post about the space.. and we'll repeat it here... Not familiar with Dell'Anima? (Like us!) Here's a summary via New York magazine:

This is what happens when a former Babbo sommelier and an ex–Del Posto kitchen whiz get together and open an unassuming little trattoria: mobs of salivating foodies and goggle-eyed scenesters clamoring to get in.

Meanwhile, say goodbye to those GIANT SUSHI ROLL PHOTOS along here...

Previously on EV Grieve:
August Cardona buying Bowery Wine Company, expanding next door

Bowery Wine Company has closed

At the Bowery Wine Co. protest Friday night — in pictures

Linen Hall seeks sidewalk cafe

Over on Third Avenue near 13th Street, there are newish notices up that Linen Hall is seeking an unenclosed sidewalk cafe ...



Per the notice, there's a public meeting about the matter tomorrow at 2 p.m. downtown at 66 John St.

The owners of Penny Farthing also own this space, the former Cosmic Cantina, which had a small sidewalk cafe as well.

When this address went before the CB3/SLA committee in November 2010, Eater reported that "neighbors complained vehemently about the noise with one resident stating it made him 'miss the crack whores' ... they admitted that it wasn't so much Penny Farthing as the combination of all the restaurants on the block and no formal noise complaint was ever made against the bar."

Starbucks sidewalk cafe returning to Second Avenue

Speaking of sidewalk cafes... last night, The Lo-Down provided live coverage from the monthly CB3/SLA committee meeting. (There were still 22 items left to cover at 11 p.m. The meeting started at 6:30.)

One item that the committee dispatched with quickly: The renewal for the sidewalk cafe at the Starbucks on Second Avenue and East Ninth Street.

[An oldish sidewalk cafe shot via Google Street View]

On May 14, the city shuttered this Starbucks for having an expired permit for its sidewalk cafe. We heard about three different versions about how this happened... and employees told different versions of what happened too. (One employee told a reader the sidewalk cafe was never reopening.)

Anyway, the sidewalk cafe is coming back, as The Lo-Down noted. Also, the documents (PDF!) that the Starbucks reps provided CB3 are worth looking at (well, if you're a dork who likes looking at paperwork... like me!) Quite detailed!

Free tonight: "Permanent Vacation," Jim Jarmusch's first feature

From the EV Grieve inbox...

The Seward Park Branch Library is pleased to announce the second of its 2012 Lower East Side Heritage Film Series: the Eighties...

Tuesday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m.

In this installment of our FREE monthly series we will be showing Jim Jarmusch's first feature film:



Permanent Vacation (1980, 75 min., 16mm)

Jim Jarmusch direct his first feature: 16-year-old Aloysious Christopher Parker searches for meaning as he wanders a Lower East Side landscape of blind alleys, rubble-filled lots, and abandoned buildings. Along the way he meets his schizophrenic mother, a possibly psychotic war veteran, an hysterical Spanish-speaking Ophelia, and a junkie who recounts the sad life of Charlie Parker. Starring Chris Parker, Leila Gastil and John Lurie. With music by John Lurie.

Seward Park Branch Library
192 East Broadway

There's an essay by "Low Low" author Luc Sante in the booklet that accompanies the "Stranger Than Paradise" Criterion Collection, which includes "Permanent Vacation."

An excerpt:

"Permanent Vacation" sharply brings back the physical experience of the city then, both its serenity (a cobbled street lined with 19th-Century loft buildings possibly as empty as Egyptian temples) and its squalor (tenement rooms last painted during one of the Roosevelt administrations and pungent with the indelible odor of cockroaches).

Note the seemingly absolute darkness of the nighttime scenes. Note the devastation of the streets off Avenue C, looking like war ruins. We were right on the verge of owning the place, we thought — nobody else seemed to want it.

And how was your Monday night?

... a few observations via Twitter...

What's with all the drunkards in the hood? It's only Monday, people. You're not supposed to flood the streets til Thursday. #eastvillage

— Celine Willard (@CelineNYC) June 19, 2012

What's up with the people yelling and singing on 1st Ave? #eastvillage

— Alison Backman (@alibackman) June 19, 2012

Help find this East Village resident's stolen artwork

[One of the missing paintings]

A reader asked us to share this information (pulled from the Voice classifieds)

Please help!
My car was broken into on the morning of Wednesday, June 13th and a vintage green "Amelia Earhart" suitcase was stolen!

Sadly, this suitcase was FILLED with all of my paintings that I was going to hang in a show!

I believe the suitcase was discarded on the street shortly after the theft & one by one all the paintings were taken by passersby. (The car was parked on East 12th street between A & B.)

The paintings have fotografka.com on the back.

Please, if you have seen any paintings or know of their whereabouts please contact me!
email: The_Lost_Works@yahoo.com or call 646.567.0348

I am heartbroken over their loss!