Text and photos by Linda Dyett
The jam-packed children's toy, game and book shop Dinosaur Hill, a neighborhood institution since 1983, will be closing at the end of November. Pamela Pier, the shop's tireless owner, has decided to retire.
Text and photos by Linda Dyett
The jam-packed children's toy, game and book shop Dinosaur Hill, a neighborhood institution since 1983, will be closing at the end of November. Pamela Pier, the shop's tireless owner, has decided to retire.
The volunteer effort to update an interactive map of what's open in the East Village during the pandemic continues.
The East Village Community Coalition and resident Paul Gale are maintaining the site that launched back in the spring. (And they could use some volunteers! Email director@evccnyc.org if you're interested.)
They've been busy keeping tabs on openings and reopenings in recent weeks, adding in opticians, salons, tattoo parlors and cultural institutions, among other businesses. They're also updating the free meals section.
There's also now an indoor dining filter for places with confirmed inside seating to go with the outdoor dining listings.
You can find the map at this link (and below, but the link is better).
Former Uchiko chefs Jeff Miller and Yoni Lang will be offering a sushi tasting menu, complemented by small plates and à la carte service, with an emphasis on locally sourced, sustainable fish and seasonal ingredients. Beverage director and co-owner TJ Provenzano, previously of Mayanoki and Rooftop Reds, has curated a selection of domestic wine, cider, and small-batch sake. The restaurant features a spanning wooden bar and fabric walls to create a warm, inviting environment, as well as outdoor seating.
The city issued partial work permits on Monday for the 10-floor, 10-unit condoplex that has been in the works for years at 14 Second Ave. between First Street and Houston.
Back in January 2019, workers set up a construction camp, which marked the first signs of the condoplexing ahead for Treetops, the name of the residential building that will rise here adjacent to First Street Green Art Park...
Owner Daniel Vislocky (of development firm Station Companies) told Curbed in December 2018 that he "expects prices to be in the $2.8 million to $3.5 million range" for the building's units, where residents will have access to ground-floor storage and a gym.
Vislocky also said that he'd be working with a consultant to take the appropriate steps to remedy the Stop Work Orders dating to 2000 and 2009, which was long before he owned the property.
This site has been vacant for years, last housing Irreplaceable Artifacts until its demolition by the city in July 2000. There's a lot of back story, which the links below cover...
Previously on EV Grieve:
• Workers remove artifacts from the vacant 14 2nd Ave., fueling speculation of new development
• Development watch: 14 2nd Ave.
• Vacant lot at 14 2nd Ave. sells for $7 million; will yield to 10-floor condoplex
• More about Treetops, the name of the condoplex coming to 14 2nd Ave.
After breaking ground two-and-a-half years ago, work is picking up here at 118 E. First St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.
Crew members — the contractor is listing on the plywood as Wonder Works Construction Corp. — are several floors up now on what will be a 9-floor residential building.
Jan Baracz, a 36-year resident next door, has been monitoring their progress as he's about to lose 70 percent of the natural daylight in his apartment as his views will become an air shaft.
He filmed the workers yesterday after hearing "their screaming of obscenities" and "the fact that many of them do not wear masks." (He has called 311.)
During the video, one worker tells another "you're on candid camera" ... and the one worker says with a laugh at the 36-second point: "Two more weeks and you won't be able to see us anymore!"
New York City and State must continue to provide clarity and support to ensure the industry remains healthy and is able to carry out its integral role in the City’s economy and within its many communities. For its part, the federal government should provide new stimulus targeting the sector to sustain operations and help local economies mitigate transmission risk.
On Sunday morning, the owners of Cafe Himalaya, the Tibetan/Nepalese restaurant at 78 E. First St. between Avenue A and First Avenue, arrived at the space to find that someone had broken the front lock ... and walked away with the cash register.
The owners posted about it on Instagram... and thanked patrons for offering support:
While this burglary adds to the already difficult year for a small business like ours, we’re just glad that nothing else was taken or damaged.
Thank you so much for your generous offer to donate through Venmo/gofundme — your generosity is truly appreciated.
However, the most sustainable and impactful way to support us would be to dine here, order delivery, or takeout. And tell your friends/family too! It’s truly the best way to show your love. (But if you happen to have an extra cash register lying around then we’ll gladly take it.)
The family-owned restaurant is open Tuesday-Sunday from 1-10 p.m. Find their website here. Or call: 212.358.0160.
EVG photo from May. And H/T Steph!