Noted

Here's a late-afternoon look at the line for the annual (since 1979) Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day on St. Mark's Place between Second Avenue and Third Avenue... looks as if the line stretches back to Third Avenue? The West Side Highway?

The Ben and Jerry's opened here in January. Apparently this is their Grand Opening.

Thanks to Lola Sáenz for the photo!

Previously on EV Grieve:
7 years later, a Ben & Jerry's is returning to the East Village

These spray painted boots are made for...

They are being made for "SEAGULLMACHINE," a play starting Saturday at La MaMa's Ellen Stewart Theatre... photo today on Fourth Street between Second Avenue and the Bowery by Derek Berg

A look at the other OTHER hawk in Christo's life

[Amelia on the left with Christo]

Last Wednesday, as Dora was leaving Tompkins Square Park for a wing-rehab stint on Long Island, an unknown female red-tailed hawk quickly took up residence in the now-empty nest. She and Christo, Dora's longtime companion, then mated.

Since then, the Park's hawk watchers have had a chance to observe this newcomer. (For the record, she isn't Barucha/Nora/Not-Dora, Christo's hawk-pal from when Dora left the first time around.)

Goggla was the first report on the hawk, who last week showed considerable skill maneuvering in that day's wind gusts that reached 50 mph. "For this reason, a fellow hawk-watcher suggested calling the new girl 'Amelia' after Amelia Earhart." (Hopefully this Amelia will enjoy a less-mysterious existence.)

Steven shared these photos of Amelia from recent days...







... and coming in for a landing...



As Goggla points out, she is larger than Christo... she has also been assisting in nest-building duties.


[Amelia on the right here with Christo]

There's no timeline yet for Dora's possible return... So all eyes now on Amelia.

Concern again for Merchant's House Museum as developer moves forward with hotel next door

Nearly four years have passed since we heard much about the proposed 8-floor hotel at 27 E. Fourth St. — next door to the Merchant’s House Museum here between the Bowery and Lafayette.

In April 2014, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved plans for the hotel. Now the City Planning Commission has received the developer’s application for the special permits they need to begin construction.

Tomorrow night, Community Board 2 is holding a public hearing on the proposed construction. The meeting starts at 6:30, NYU Silver Building, 32 Waverly Place, Room 520.

This development is of grave concern to preservationists, not to mention the leadership of Merchant's House, the circa-1832 building that is a city, state and federal landmark. (It is one of only six residences in NYC that is both an exterior and an interior landmark.)

However, landmark status does not guarantee protection from adjacent construction, and Merchant's House officials are worried that the ensuing excavation and subsequent work will damage their building.

Merchant’s House has issued a call to action (read that here):

Why Say NO!

• The proposed hotel, at 100 feet tall, is in violation of the City’s Zoning Resolution. The developer’s application for a zoning text amendment – “spot zoning” – in effect would rewrite the law for a series of waivers that benefit the developer alone.

• At eight stories, the proposed hotel towers over the 4 ½ story Merchant’s House (completely blocking sunlight to the rear garden) and is grossly incompatible with the surrounding buildings in the Noho Historic District.

• If the Planning Commission approves the application, the developer would be able to proceed – and the museum’s fragile, 186-year-old building would suffer catastrophic structural damage and likely collapse during construction.

• The Merchant’s House is New York City’s only family home preserved intact, inside and out, from the 19th century. It is a vital – and irreplaceable – New York City cultural institution, open to the public since 1936.

If the Merchant’s House — Manhattan’s first designated landmark in 1965 — can’t be protected, NO New York City landmark will be safe from out-of-control private development.

For their part, as Curbed has reported, the developers have promised to take extensive measures to ensure that the neighboring structure will not be harmed.

Over an 18-month period, architect Ed Carroll presented three different designs to the LPC before receiving the OK in 2014. The hotel is still apparently underwhelming. Per Curbed:

"Yeah, the building is boring, but it's appropriate," said Commissioner Michael Goldblum. The other Commissioners concurred, for the most part, that the new design featuring beige brick, glass, and metal spandrels, met the basic requirements they had set out for it. The only Commissioner to vote against the proposal, Margery Perlmutter, called it "drab on so many levels." "I feel like we've been exhausted into saying yes to this proposal, so I'm saying no," she said.

[Via SRA Architecture and Engineering]

The proposed site of the hotel, 27 E. Fourth St., currently houses Al-Amin Food Inc., which stores food carts.


[EVG file photo]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: Landmarks Preservation Commission OKs plans for hotel next door to the Merchant's House

Plans filed for new 8-story hotel next to the historic Merchant's House Museum on East 4th Street

More about Bubbleology Tea, possibly coming soon to 1st Avenue

Over the weekend, some Bubbleology Tea backgrounders went up on the window at 120 1/2 First Ave., where applicants are hopeful to open a franchise here between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

As noted last week, the applicants are seeking a full-liquor license this month for the former International Bar space... the info on the window notes how the London-based chain got its start...



... with info on the variety of bubble teas they serve...



There's also a notice that nine of their 43 bubble teas contain alcohol (in case you were wondering why they were seeking a full liquor license) ...



In addition to the beverage menu, Bubbleology Tea will serve a "variety of authentic Sweet & Savoury Toasted English crumpets, as well as assorted snacks," per their questionnaire on file at the CB3 website ahead of Monday evening's meeting.

We'll take a look at a few other applicant's on Monday evening's SLA committee docket later this week. The CB3-SLA meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on April 16 in the Public Hotel, 17th Floor, Sophia Room, 215 Chrystie St. between Houston and Stanton.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Bubbleology Tea seeking full liquor license for the former International space on 1st Avenue

A reminder of the development to come at 24 1st Ave. and 99-191 E. 2nd St.

These "sold" development site banners went up yesterday at 24 First Ave. ... and on its sister property at 99-101 E. Second St. ...



As reported late last month, Sergey Rybak of the South Brooklyn-based Rybak Development was the winning bidder during an auction in February. According to EPIC Commercial Realty, who represented the buyer and the seller, the winning bid was $12.25 million.

So far there's nothing new on file with the DOB for the addresses. The property can be developed with or without the inclusionary housing air rights, providing between an additional 19,000 and 22,000 square feet. No word yet about what Rybeck plans to do with the L-shaped assemblage.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Onetime home of Lucky Cheng's and adjacent property on the development market for $26 million

Building that housed Lucky Cheng's on 1st Avenue now on the auction block

Onetime home of Lucky Cheng's and adjacent property sell for $12 million

'No fees whatsoever' here at 14 St. Mark's Place (no private bathrooms either)

Just noting the recent arrival of the multiple for rent signs that adorn the entryway at 14 St. Mark's Place between Second Avenue and Third Avenue (home of Funkytown!) ...



Reminiscent of, say, Lumber Liquidators, the ads promise "no fees whatsoever not even for credit reports" ...



This address has peddled studios with shared bathrooms in previous years. In 2015, Brick Underground noted a studio with an $1,150 ask. The shared bathroom was down the hall... (I recall a few people chiming in saying these units were a better deal for students than a dorm room...)



The signs do promise that the units are "recently renovated," so... there are a few units at Naked Apartments... this one, asking $1,250 a month, looks cozy... the bathroom is shared ... There is a fridge and a sink...

CB3 to hear request of support for low-income housing at former 2nd Avenue church site

Members of CB3's Land Use, Zoning, Public & Private Housing Committee will hear a request for support tonight from the Cooper Square Community Land Trust to acquire the former Church of Nativity Church for use as low-income housing.

The church here between Second Street and Third Street closed in July 2015 as part of a consolidation reportedly due to changing demographics and a shortage of priests available to say mass. The Church of the Nativity merged with Most Holy Redeemer on Third Street.

The Cooper Square Community Land Trust is proposing 116 units of low-income housing along with a community center and meditation center in honor of Dorothy Day. (The Friends of Nativity had previously proposed a Dorothy Day Shrine and retreat center with services for the homeless at 44 Second Ave. Read more about that proposal here.)

The parish was first established in 1842 and for time was a Jesuit mission parish. Dorothy Day, the co-founder of the Catholic Worker, was a parishioner. Her funeral mass was held there in 1980.

Last December, parishioners held a prayer service on Second Avenue to ask the Archdiocese of New York to turn over the church to the land trust.

Here's part of the coverage via The Villager last Dec. 7, including comments from Valerio Orselli, project director for the Cooper Square Community Land Trust:

Joseph Zwilling, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of New York, said ... that the Church of the Nativity belongs to Most Holy Redeemer, since the two merged, and is not owned by the archdiocese.

“In parishes where there is unused property, the archdiocese works with parish leadership to determine the best course of action,” he said. “Nothing has been determined at this time for Nativity Church.”

“We understand they have many responsibilities. This is one of 18 churches,” Orselli said of the number of former archdiocese churches currently for sale on the open market. “We are not expecting action tomorrow. But I’m hoping they will meet with us sooner rather than later. We are trying to make the project proposal concrete. It will take at least a couple of years. All we are asking now is for the church not to sell the building to a developer.”

There has been speculation that the block from the church to Second Street will eventually yield to a luxury retail-residential complex.



The Cooper Square Community Land Trust has been preserving affordable housing in the Lower East Side for more than 20 years, and in collaboration with the Cooper Square MHA owns, manages and operates 21 buildings.

The CB3 committee meets tonight at 6:30 at University Settlement, Speyer Hall, 184 Eldridge St. between Rivington and Delancey.

Previously on EV Grieve:
As the Church of the Nativity closes for good tonight, take a look at the original structure

Parishioners fight to save the Church of the Nativity on 2nd Avenue

Parishioners hope their prayers are answered with former Nativity space on 2nd Avenue

Beijing-based hot pot chain taking over the former Dunkin' Donuts storefront on 14th Street

First Lamb Shabu, a Beijing-based hot pot chain with more than 300 locations in China, is opening its first Manhattan outpost at 218 E. 14th St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.

According to the Commercial Observer, the company, which has a location out in Flushing, signed a 10-year lease for the space with a $20,000-per-month rent.

The storefront has been empty for several years, ever since Dunkin' Donuts decamped for a smaller space on the block in August 2015.

Previously on EV Grieve:
East 14th Street Dunkin' Donuts shuffle complete

The Dunkin' Donuts space on East 14th Street is for rent

Scumbags & Superstars closing this month on Clinton Street

[Photo via Instagram]

The shop/brand that sells clothing and a variety of B-movie monster pins, patches and "everything weird" at 100 Clinton St. between Rivington and Delancey is closing on April 22.

Here's part of the message that founder George Rosa posted on Instagram Friday:

I want to thank everyone that has supported the store over the years. All the regulars & neighborhood people that come [through]. First in Brooklyn & then when we moved into Manhattan to the Lower East Side. It was a wild ride! And a lot of fun times. But as you know New York City has changed drastically. And we've been doing the impossible for years now. We weren't even supposed to be here this long. But we persevered. We are a very small independent brand. Run by me & a couple of buddies. And for many reasons we will have to close up the store in the next few weeks.

We want everyone to come by the shop at least one last time & say goodbye before we close. There'll be a going away party all weekend on April 21st & 22nd for our final last 2 days. Noon to around 10 PM each day. We hope all our friends & supporters can make it out & party with us! There will be free booze & food & lots of friendly weirdos.

This is the end of the shop. But not the end of brand by any means. We are traveling every month this year to conventions.

The shop will also continue on with its online business.

Scumbags & Superstars, which got its name from the Talking Heads song "Lifetime Piling Up," started in Bushwick and eventually moved to the LES in early 2016.

After its debut in Brooklyn in late 2014, the store came under fire for what some people considered the offensive use of Native American iconography in its logo.

Soft openings on 12th and 2nd: Lumos Kitchen and Dunhuang East Village

Lumos Kitchen is now in soft-open mode on Second Avenue at 12th Street...

Per the restaurant's website: "Lumos Kitchen is proud to bring the best modern Chinese to you, our customers. Our signature baiju cocktails will also be making a splash into our menu."

Lumos was previously (until April 2017) a cocktail bar on West Houston Street between Thompson Street and LaGuardia Place. As New York magazine noted, "Lumos ... is likely the only [bar] in America that specializes in baijiu, the ancient Chinese liquor that's probably the most surprising, divisive thing you can drink in the whole city."

Perhaps Lumos Kitchen will add some stability to the corner. Three restaurants — Hot Pot Central, DumplingGuo and Dumpling Go — all came and went since March 2015.

... and next door on 12th Street, Dunhuang East Village is now serving its take on northwestern Chinese cuisine in a family-style dining room ...





This is the fifth location for the owners. You can check out their menu here.

The address, 300 E. 12th St., was previously Angelica Kitchen, which closed almost one year ago to the day.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Lumos Kitchen bringing the baijiu to 2nd Avenue

Cows, pigs and chickens now adorn the walls at the former vegan favorite Angelica Kitchen

[Updated] Suffolk Arms has not been open lately

Suffolk Arms, the cocktail lounge on Houston at Suffolk from celebrated bartender Giuseppe Gonzalez, has been dark this past week — weekend included.

There isn't any message about a temporary closure on the bar's website or social media properties ... or on the front door. Will update if we hear back from them.

The well-appointed bar opened in February 2016 to much acclaim. Per Grub Street: "New York’s Next Big Cocktail Destination Opens Tonight."

This prime corner spot sat empty for several years. The Local 269 never reopened after a flood wiped out the live music venue's equipment in the fall of 2012. Other recent bar tenants included Meow Mix and Vasmay Lounge.

Updated:

Thanks to ed in the comments for this info from Neat Pour:

No official reason for the locked and dark bar was provided by ownership. Emails, calls, and messages to Suffolk’s Arms official contacts went unanswered as did attempts to reach both owners.

Two employees told Neat Pour that they were informed that the establishment would reopen at a later date with a new concept, but the same staff. Other employees declined to comment.

Co-owners Ruben Rodriguez and Giusseppe González have long been rumored be at odds with one another. Sources told NP that there were previous attempts to remove González from the business this winter, but the staff’s loyalty to the charismatic bartender thwarted these efforts.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Plywood wraps itself around the incoming Suffolk Arms