Per jdx: "Fire on the 6th floor, east 4th side, caused by a burning towel left on the radiator. no fatalities."
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Ageloff Towers fire update
Many thanks to reader jdx for this report and photos...
Per jdx: "Fire on the 6th floor, east 4th side, caused by a burning towel left on the radiator. no fatalities."
Per jdx: "Fire on the 6th floor, east 4th side, caused by a burning towel left on the radiator. no fatalities."
Breaking: Fire at Ageloff Towers
There's word of a fire at the Ageloff Towers on Avenue A between Third Street and Fourth Street... No other information just yet. Anyone with more info or photos?
[Photo via RyanAvenueA]
The Sin Sin saga continues
While Sin Sin may be physically gone from its space on Fifth Street and Second Avenue, there's plenty of behind-the-scenes drama.
At the end of September, The East Fifth Street Block Association, who has been battling the bar for several years, learned of a hearing that was taking place in October regarding a violation against Sin Sin issued in 2009 for a second-floor kitchen, which no longer existed, listed in their original application.
The violation was for making alterations without permission from the State Liquor Authority (SLA). The operation's license application was attached to the official violation issued, and from that it was apparent that the operation was nothing like its representation in its SLA application.
The application was for a full-service restaurant, staff being listed as chefs, sous chefs, waiters, dishwashers, etc. According to experts in the business, Sin Sin should have done like most other operators do — settle with the SLA and pay the fine. But they allegedly did not.
The East Fifth Street Block Association representatives thought that this hearing would be a good forum to relate to the SLA how, through an alteration to the premises and methods of operation, the space had become what they described as "a scourge on its neighborhood." SLA officials postponed the hearing from October to this past Monday.
However, given that workers have dismantled the bar, Association representatives were unsure if Sin Sin would appear at the hearing.
"It appears that they are gone, so we did not even know if they would show up," Block Association President Stuart Zamsky said via e-mail. "Out of the ashes came their SLA lawyer to fight the charges. And so, it is anybody's guess whether Sin Sin has really packed their bags. They have not turned in their license as they should, and they are fighting the fight."
The Block Association is also fighting the fight. At Monday's hearing, they delivered an array of documents to the State Liquor Authority, including:
• A printed version of Sin Sin's website (since removed from the web) and event posters, depicting the space as primarily a bar and dance club, not a restaurant.
• A printed version of user reviews, offering a perspective of the operation as it existed — a dance club with a happy hour, not a restaurant.
• A DVD documenting two separate occasions that depict a wilding crowd outside the cub and acts of assault, not usually associated with a restaurant.
• A letter signed by State Assembly member Deborah Glick, State Senator Tom Duane, State Senator Daniel Squadron, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer making mention of the fact that violence and prostitution have been associated with the club. Also stating that these representatives, "refuse to believe that support for free enterprise requires turning a blind eye to businesses that disrupt and endanger our communities." It refers to Sin Sin as an establishment that has spiraled out of control.
• A letter from Counsel Member Rosie Mendez asking for the revocation of Sin Sin's liquor license.
• A petition from more than 250 Sin Sin neighbors asking the SLA to revoke the bar's license.
Meanwhile, there's a "for rent" sign on the former bar's second-floor window.
The number is for the 85 Second Ave. Realty Corp. — Sin Sin's landlord. No word yet on the next steps. Sin Sin owner Philip Quilter didn't respond to e-mails asking about the bar's future.
Previously on EV Grieve:
'The neighborhood will not rest until you are gone and Sin Sin’s license is revoked'
NYPD hosting meeting between Sin Sin and neighbors tonight
East Village noise wars new battlefront: Sin Sin/Leopard Lounge
Why the president of the East Fifth Street Block Association carries a baseball bat
At the end of September, The East Fifth Street Block Association, who has been battling the bar for several years, learned of a hearing that was taking place in October regarding a violation against Sin Sin issued in 2009 for a second-floor kitchen, which no longer existed, listed in their original application.
The violation was for making alterations without permission from the State Liquor Authority (SLA). The operation's license application was attached to the official violation issued, and from that it was apparent that the operation was nothing like its representation in its SLA application.
The application was for a full-service restaurant, staff being listed as chefs, sous chefs, waiters, dishwashers, etc. According to experts in the business, Sin Sin should have done like most other operators do — settle with the SLA and pay the fine. But they allegedly did not.
The East Fifth Street Block Association representatives thought that this hearing would be a good forum to relate to the SLA how, through an alteration to the premises and methods of operation, the space had become what they described as "a scourge on its neighborhood." SLA officials postponed the hearing from October to this past Monday.
However, given that workers have dismantled the bar, Association representatives were unsure if Sin Sin would appear at the hearing.
"It appears that they are gone, so we did not even know if they would show up," Block Association President Stuart Zamsky said via e-mail. "Out of the ashes came their SLA lawyer to fight the charges. And so, it is anybody's guess whether Sin Sin has really packed their bags. They have not turned in their license as they should, and they are fighting the fight."
The Block Association is also fighting the fight. At Monday's hearing, they delivered an array of documents to the State Liquor Authority, including:
• A printed version of Sin Sin's website (since removed from the web) and event posters, depicting the space as primarily a bar and dance club, not a restaurant.
• A printed version of user reviews, offering a perspective of the operation as it existed — a dance club with a happy hour, not a restaurant.
• A DVD documenting two separate occasions that depict a wilding crowd outside the cub and acts of assault, not usually associated with a restaurant.
• A letter signed by State Assembly member Deborah Glick, State Senator Tom Duane, State Senator Daniel Squadron, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer making mention of the fact that violence and prostitution have been associated with the club. Also stating that these representatives, "refuse to believe that support for free enterprise requires turning a blind eye to businesses that disrupt and endanger our communities." It refers to Sin Sin as an establishment that has spiraled out of control.
• A letter from Counsel Member Rosie Mendez asking for the revocation of Sin Sin's liquor license.
• A petition from more than 250 Sin Sin neighbors asking the SLA to revoke the bar's license.
Meanwhile, there's a "for rent" sign on the former bar's second-floor window.
The number is for the 85 Second Ave. Realty Corp. — Sin Sin's landlord. No word yet on the next steps. Sin Sin owner Philip Quilter didn't respond to e-mails asking about the bar's future.
Previously on EV Grieve:
'The neighborhood will not rest until you are gone and Sin Sin’s license is revoked'
NYPD hosting meeting between Sin Sin and neighbors tonight
East Village noise wars new battlefront: Sin Sin/Leopard Lounge
Why the president of the East Fifth Street Block Association carries a baseball bat
Matt Damon pop art on Third Avenue
The southwest corner of Third Avenue and 11th Street above the Village Pourhouse is prime movie ad space...
And until the Cher-Christina Aguilera ad went up ...
you could still catch a little leftover Matt Damon...
It's from the ad for August 2009 release "The Informant."
The remnants look like some half-finished photorealist painting by Chuck Close...
Thankfully, we weren't treated to leftovers of this instead...
Anyway, I wonder how long this little bit of Matt Damon sticks around...
And until the Cher-Christina Aguilera ad went up ...
you could still catch a little leftover Matt Damon...
It's from the ad for August 2009 release "The Informant."
The remnants look like some half-finished photorealist painting by Chuck Close...
Thankfully, we weren't treated to leftovers of this instead...
Anyway, I wonder how long this little bit of Matt Damon sticks around...
Tree that ConEd killed disappears
For months, ConEd had been working on 11th Street just east of First Avenue ... In late June, ConEd finished up the job... leaving behind a dead tree where the steampipe was working...
Now, as EV Grieve First Avenue correspondent Blue Glass has recorded, workers have removed the dead tree...
...and started up the work again....
Previously on EV Grieve:
ConEd kills a tree
Now, as EV Grieve First Avenue correspondent Blue Glass has recorded, workers have removed the dead tree...
...and started up the work again....
Previously on EV Grieve:
ConEd kills a tree
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Report: Graffiti artist deemed 'mentally unfit' to stand trial
From DNAinfo:
An East Village graffiti artist was deemed mentally unfit Wednesday to face charges that he fatally stabbed a fellow tagger in the neck in a dispute over a girl, prosecutors said.
The murder case of Jairo Pastoressa, 25, will be put on hold while the alleged murderer is held and treated at Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center on Ward's Island. Pastoressa's lawyer would not disclose his client's diagnosis with he's while under psychiatric care.
[Photo by Jefferson Siegel via DNAinfo]
Meanwhile, TBD explores why Gawker posted a bloody photo of victim Christopher Lusko lying on Seventh Street.... Gawker removed the photo several days later after objections from Lusko's family and friends.
Previously.
'2 Days' this afternoon on Avenue A
"2 Days in New York" filming today at the Odessa Cafe on Avenue A... Several people spotted Vincent Gallo on the scene. Apparently he has a cameo or something. While leaving, he was heard saying, "that was easy." And he may have had some free time to rag on Kanye West.
The crew has been filming all over the place... BoweryBoogie has more on it here. The comedy is written and directed by Julie Delpy... and features Delpy and Chris Rock in a sequel to "2 Days in Paris."
EV Grieve Etc.: Mourning edition
Ousted Coney Island biz owners lawyer up (The Post)
Someone who thinks Coney Island is getting better now (YourNabe.com)
RIP Coney Island Bank Building (Scouting New York)
The Shake Shack Effect (Jeremiah's Vanishing NY)
Shooting a tea commercial in Tompkins Square Park (Melanie's East Village Corner)
Sanitation Department plays tree pit basketball (via Blue Glass) on 10th Street.
Memories of CBGB (Patell and Waterman’s History of New York)
LES Jewels makes the scene on Avenue A (Nadie Se Conoce)
Here come the holidays on Orchard Street (BoweryBoogie)
Why the world's 10th wealthiest person was recently in the East Village (Neighborhoodr)
And tonight at Otto's... in the front room...
Fate of The Theaters at 45 Bleecker Street seems decided
In mid-October, The Theaters at 45 Bleecker Street abruptly shut its doors... According to various news accounts, the theater has been involved in a long-running dispute with the building's landlord, Rogers Investment. The landlord had the property seized on Oct. 13, putting an end to two Off-Broadway productions, including "The Deep Throat Sex Scandal."
The theater manager told the Times on Oct. 14: “We’re really hoping to reopen immediately ... but I can’t say anything more because of the gravity of the case. We hope to say something more soon about how we’re looking to survive this hurdle.”
Meanwhile, the landlord has apparently decided to move forward... some rather homemade-looking "for rent" signs have just gone up at the space near Lafayette.
Be sure to read the Times piece for the backstory.
The theater manager told the Times on Oct. 14: “We’re really hoping to reopen immediately ... but I can’t say anything more because of the gravity of the case. We hope to say something more soon about how we’re looking to survive this hurdle.”
Meanwhile, the landlord has apparently decided to move forward... some rather homemade-looking "for rent" signs have just gone up at the space near Lafayette.
Be sure to read the Times piece for the backstory.
Reminders tonight: Meet the owner of 34 Avenue A
As reported, Jevan Damadian wants to meet neighbors tonight to discuss his plans for 34 Avenue A. Thanks to the EV Grieve reader for snapping the new signage in the window...
Previously on EV Grieve:
New owner of the former Aces and Eights space speaks out; "the beer pong is gone"
New owner of the Aces and Eights space wants to "meet the approval of the community"
And be sure to read The Lo-Down's interview with Jevan for the background on how he got where he is today....
An Italianate-style townhouse and an old Maple tree on East Fifth Street
Here's a townhouse that has been for sale now the last month on one of my favorite blocks in the neighborhood — East Fifth Street between Avenue A and Avenue B...
It's going for $3.95 million. Here are details:
In fact, there's an open house today from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Of course, the last townhouse that I really liked on this block — just a few doors to the east — was torn down to make way for a Williamsburgate condo.
It's going for $3.95 million. Here are details:
Italianate style townhouse tucked into a quiet block of the burgeoning East Village. There is a lovely front courtyard with a half century old maple tree. With it's large extension on all four floors, this house offers over 6300 square feet of living space. Due to the configuration of the extension, the home has four exposures on the upper three floors and three exposures on the garden level. Original mantels, window frames, baseboards and original floors have been preserved on many floors. Currently there is an owner's duplex, two floor through apartments and a front garden apartment. A charming garden meanders along the east of the property and opens up in the rear. There is also potential for a wonderful roof deck. This townhouse is delivered vacant and is perfect for conversion to a wonderful single or two family home.
In fact, there's an open house today from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Of course, the last townhouse that I really liked on this block — just a few doors to the east — was torn down to make way for a Williamsburgate condo.
The spirit of East Fifth Street
As I was saying, East Fifth Street between Avenue A and Avenue B is one of my favorite blocks around... and, aside from the masses looking for the Ace Bar on weekends, it's a lovely little street with a strong sense of community...
And this is the block in which the family of East Village-based professional photographer James Maher spent their lives... His grandparents and mother all grew up here... Thanks to James for letting me post some of his family photos from the 1930s and 1940s. (He has many more at his site, New York Photography by James Maher)
Talk about a strong sense of community. Here's a celebration of the "Fifth Street Boys" returning home from World War II.
Per James on the photos below: "I just spoke with my Aunt who tells me that the photo was taken around 1945 to celebrate the end of the war. I don't know exactly which building, but apparently my grandma and relatives had three apartments in the same building on 5th Street between Avenue A and B, which is where this photo was taken from. My grandmother and all of her sisters are most of the girls that are looking up at the camera in the second photo."
And here's a shot likely taken on East Fifth Street... on the way to an Easter Party...
And, arguably my favorite photo... "This is taken of my Great Aunt Julia, who lived until she was 100. She was sharper at 99 than I am at this moment, and it's nice to see a younger photo that shows the same spark that everyone knew her for." This was taken on a rooftop of an East Fifth Street building...
[Find a few more family photos like the one above at the New York Photograph Blog]
And as Mick noted in the comments, Ephemeral New York — an EVG favorite — highlighted "The East Fifth Street Boys" in a post on Sunday.
And this is the block in which the family of East Village-based professional photographer James Maher spent their lives... His grandparents and mother all grew up here... Thanks to James for letting me post some of his family photos from the 1930s and 1940s. (He has many more at his site, New York Photography by James Maher)
Talk about a strong sense of community. Here's a celebration of the "Fifth Street Boys" returning home from World War II.
Per James on the photos below: "I just spoke with my Aunt who tells me that the photo was taken around 1945 to celebrate the end of the war. I don't know exactly which building, but apparently my grandma and relatives had three apartments in the same building on 5th Street between Avenue A and B, which is where this photo was taken from. My grandmother and all of her sisters are most of the girls that are looking up at the camera in the second photo."
And here's a shot likely taken on East Fifth Street... on the way to an Easter Party...
And, arguably my favorite photo... "This is taken of my Great Aunt Julia, who lived until she was 100. She was sharper at 99 than I am at this moment, and it's nice to see a younger photo that shows the same spark that everyone knew her for." This was taken on a rooftop of an East Fifth Street building...
[Find a few more family photos like the one above at the New York Photograph Blog]
And as Mick noted in the comments, Ephemeral New York — an EVG favorite — highlighted "The East Fifth Street Boys" in a post on Sunday.
Reflecting on 'Alphaville'
At the Daily News, Denis Hamill has high praise for "Alphaville: 1988, Crime, Punishment, and the Battle for New York City's Lower East Side." St. Martin's Press released the book yesterday. It's a memoir by retired NYPD detective Michael Codella (and written with Bruce Bennett).
"It's one of the best cop books I've ever read, and sits on my bookshelf beside such classics as 'The French Connection,' Serpico' and 'Prince of the City.'"
Hamill accompanies Codella on a stroll down Avenue D ... where Codella and his partner Gio worked to stem the tide of the neighborhood's heroin trade in the 1980s. "When I first came here, everybody told me Alphaville was a lost cause," he says. "Kids kicked syringes instead of cans to school. Today women jog, listening to iPods. Couples eat in outdoor cafes. Kids walk safely to school. I busted one junkie kid named Mario at least 10 times. One day he shows up clean, saying we made it so hard to cop dope that he was forced into rehab. If I helped save one kid, yeah, it was worth it. But I think me and my partner helped save this neighborhood filled with good people from the junkies and the dealers."
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