Signage alert: Baba Doner on Avenue A

Signage is up for Baba Doner, traditional kebabs, at 147 Avenue A between Ninth Street and 10th Street.

There's a placeholder website here with a sample menu.

This space has seen a handful of quick-serve establishments in recent years, most recently Korean Street Foods. 

A coming-soon sign for The Burger Guy (or "The Burger Guy") arrived last April, but he never arrived as promised.

We're still wondering about the brief, mysterious reopening of Burgers on B

Photo by Steven

A for-rent sign arrived last week at 168 Avenue B between 10th Street and 11th Street … bringing an odd little saga to an end for Burgers on B.

Let's back up for a moment. Burgers on B announced its closure this past Aug. 1 after two-plus years in business.

Then, out of nowhere, Burgers on B was back open in late October, and with a new Instagram account.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Burger on B🍔. (@burg.ersonb)

Several readers emailed us about it. New owners? Same owners? Some kind of burger-based resurrection? 

We tried to follow up multiple times over the next few days and nights to see what was happening. But the gate was always down — and then it was never heard from again, either on Instagram or IRL. 

As far as we could tell, Burgers on B 2.0 lasted 2-3 nights before disappearing once more. Adjacent business owners were curious and confused. Ditto for the original BoB owners — one of whom said: "I don't have [a] clue" who the new operators are.

Anyway, the original Burgers on B was solid. Can't say the same for BoB 2.0 … which came and went faster than a late-night order of fries.

Tuesday's parting shot

Seventh Street temperature check this morning... as today's high hit 20, though windchills were in the single digits. 

The heat will be back tomorrow, with temps reaching 36.

Paulie Gee tells us more about his slice shop opening on 1st Avenue in the East Village

Photo and reporting by Stacie Joy 

News broke last week that a Paulie Gee's slice shop was in the works at the former Dunkin' space on the NE corner of First Avenue and Sixth Street. 

On Friday, I stopped by the storefront and met Paulie Gee (aka, Paul Giannone, though he said to call him Paulie), who showed me the under-renovation space and answered a few questions about what we can expect here.

For starters, this space will be owned and operated by George Lin (below right).

"This [slice shop] is a franchise, a licensed shop, and it's run by George," Paulie said. "He's worked with me for years. He's the one who found this location and wanted to open the Paulie Gee's slice spot. It's a very visible location, a great block! We're excited." 

For his part, Lin said, "I wanted to open a good pizzeria, and Paulie Gee's is good. After working for him for a while, I told him I wanted to open a shop one day."

"I like hiring people who want to open their own business," Paulie said. "I like the entrepreneurs." 

There is a second foray into the East Village for Paulie Gee's. In December 2023, they were approved for a liquor license for the former Huertas space, a block to the south. But those plans didn't move forward.

"We were working with someone else, a real estate guy," Paulie said. "You know, I want to help people open their own spots, but it didn't work out, and he walked away from the project." 

So the big question — when will Paulie Gee's East Village Slice Shop be ready to serve? 

"Only God knows when the space will open," Paulie said. "We have a spot that's waiting to open in Gowanus. We're just waiting on the gas." 

Luckily, this space's kitchen is all electric, no gas, so the buildout should go much quicker. David Dean, the contractor and president of Precision Innovations, speculates it might even be open in March. 

Paulie explained the kitchen will have two PizzaMaster ovens, one for baking and one for warming/reheating.

Paulie and company are modeling the shop after their Greenpoint slice space, which opened in 2018.

"So if you've eaten there, it's a similar motif," Paulie said. "The space will have a retro feel, with black-and-white checkerboard tile floors, wood paneling, and a classic pizza focus. Nothing fancy." 

Expect the usual slices (plus Sicilian) and vegan options. (The vegan Vidalia is a favorite.) Coca-Cola products for now. They will eventually apply for a beer-wine license for anyone to anyone (21+) to enjoy while sitting at one of the four four-tops or the window counter. 

You can keep tabs on this location @pauliegeeseastvillagesliceshop.

The 2nd Avenue/2nd Street lot saga may have a new chapter

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Questions continue to surround the long-vacant lot at the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Second Street. This site has been the subject of years of litigation, neighborhood concern, and stalled development plans. 

Now there's a new wrinkle. According to Robert Proto, an adjacent property owner, the developer Gemini Rosemont is once again preparing to put the property on the market — and may be winding down its New York City operations altogether. 

Proto, who successfully challenged earlier permits for the proposed development and remains in litigation with Gemini (see below for more background), says he has not been contacted directly by the company.

Instead, he's hearing from brokers and others in the real estate world as word circulates about a potential sale. 

 We reached out to Proto to ask what he's hearing — and what might come next for the still-empty site. (We also contacted Gemini Rosemont, and did not get a response.)

You mentioned that Gemini may be wrapping up operations here and putting the site up for sale. What are you hearing, and from whom? 

I have not had contact with Gemini. I'm still in litigation with them. I've received several phone calls asking if I'm aware that the site is being put up for sale and whether I've given an access agreement. The answer was no and no. These people also told me that Gemini is closing up its New York operations. I can't confirm that this is true. 

Have they formally listed the property yet? 

 They have not listed it yet, but they've approached all the top brokers. I've already been contacted by three firms. They did get the plans approved last year despite my protest with the DOB. I still don't believe those plans are code-compliant, and I'm confident I can prove that on appeal. I've also been told — by someone friendly with a top person at Gemini — that they are liquidating their holdings and closing up shop, at least in New York. Again, that's what I know right now. Interestingly, several of their New York employees are looking for work on LinkedIn. 

What did this experience teach you about how developers — and the city — actually operate? 

I think there are good and bad developers. These are bad developers. I've learned that the city and the DOB put the needs of adjacent owners and tenants behind those of developers — especially under the Adams administration. I've found the DOB to be incompetent and corrupt, sadly. 

Given the property's potential transition, who is responsible for maintaining and monitoring the lot? 

The lot is still owned by Gemini, so it would be their responsibility.

What's the current state of the property when you look out your window? 

Nothing has changed at the site. I don't believe anything will happen for a while. 

Even if it changes hands, I still have not given an access agreement.

I also contend the plans aren't code-compliant, and I have avenues to appeal any issuance of a permit. It could take several years of appeals and litigation.

Looking ahead, what would you like to see happen here? 

I've always maintained that my only goal was to protect my building and tenants — not to stop development of the site.

If it changes hands, my hope is that the new owner will have learned from Gemini's mistakes and will come forward with plans that ensure neighboring properties aren't damaged. 

This whole saga occurred because Gemini thought they could steamroll anyone in their way. I believe that when you enter into an agreement with someone, you honor it. Gemini didn't. 

Second Avenue and Second Street sagas

In 2020, Gemini Rosemont spent more than $50 million to assemble the development ... buying the former La Salle annex at 38 Second Ave. and Second Street. The $14.5 million purchase of the four-story building was the third of three contiguous plots they acquired. The commercial real estate investment company closed on 42-44 Second Ave. and 46-48 Second Ave. (the former Church of the Nativity) in March 2020 for $40 million. 

However, as The Real Deal first reported in August 2023, the city revoked the building permits after Proto, who owns 50 Second Ave. at Third Street, raised concerns about the development.

Per TRD: "Proto made unceasing calls to officials for weeks, triggering an audit by the Department of Buildings that found code and zoning issues that had initially slipped past the agency."

Previously on EV Grieve:

 • On 2nd Avenue and 2nd Street, an empty lot and lots of questions about what's next

Reaching the top of the parking-garage-replacing condoplex on 9th Street

Workers have placed an American flag atop the all-new 220 E. Ninth St., marking the placement of the final beam. 

An 18-unit luxury condoplex is in the works here at the former Little Man Parking garage (aka LaSalle Parking) between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.

As previously noted, the homes at 220e9th range from one to four bedrooms, and seven of the residences will have terraces. There will also be three penthouses. Amenities include a 24-hour attended lobby, a sauna, fitness center with Pilates studio, a pet grooming station, and a Japanese-style garden.

The garage closed in April 2023 after the Department of Buildings issued a vacate order on the property following the deadly collapse at the Little Man garage on Ann Street in the Financial District. 

The address was offered as a "redevelopment project" in August 2023. 

Budget Car Rental and Tori-Bien, a restaurant that specialized in Japanese fried chicken, were also forced to leave their retail spaces at this address.

Signage alert: SKWR on 1st Avenue

Photo by Steven 

Signage arrived last week for SKWR at 139 First Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street. 

This is a new skewer concept... which we don't know anything about. 

There's a placeholder Instagram account for the quick-serve establishment here. 

No. 139 was previously Surprise Scoop, billed as "the world's first flavor roulette ice cream shop." In announcing their closure last month, the Scoop team announced that they "decided to give the space to friends who are interested in opening a skewer concept in the East Village."

Noted

As seen in the post-snow cars this morning along Avenue B: "I love Drake Maye ass." 

Drake Maye, of course, being the New England Patriots quarterback, who beat the Houston Texans yesterday in the playoffs (helped along by four first-half picks from C.J. Stroud). 

Based on careful analysis, our snowglyphic experts believe the "ass" was added later — turning a straightforward show of QB appreciation into something a bit more awkward.

Most Holy Redeemer hit with DOB 'failure to maintain' violation

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Back on Tuesday, a rep from the Department of Buildings arrived at Most Holy Redeemer and posted a notice on one of the currently-closed church's front doors... sparking curiosity from neighbors who can see the posted sign but can't access the locked gate...

The DOB category is 73 — FAILURE TO MAINTAIN. 

Per the complaint: 

OBSERVED A SECTION OF DETACHED PLASTER CEILING WITHIN THE SANCTUARY. FAILURE TO MAINTAIN VIOLATION WARRANTED.

As we've been reporting, neighbors and local preservation groups have been campaigning to have the 1851 structure landmarked here on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

Services here stopped on Sept. 1 (with one exception), and the property appears to be moving toward closure and possible sale, prompting growing concern from parishioners and preservationists alike. Organizers have called on the Archdiocese to keep the church from being shuttered or sold, and urged the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to move ahead with landmark designation. 

Church leadership cited the shortage of priests as a key reason for the shift away from Most Holy Redeemer to St. Brigid on Avenue B. Officials also raised concerns about the building's structural condition. As noted last summer, there is a small patch of plaster falling from the ceiling to the left of the altar (and not over any of the pews). Church leaders said that engineers would evaluate whether it remains safe. 

Parishioners — and even a church employee — expressed skepticism that a small section of falling plaster was reason enough to shut the building, as well as questions about the timing of the engineering review. (Photo below from Aug. 31.)

In the summer of 2024, the Archdiocese of New York sold the historic Holy Rosary Church in East Harlem to a developer, citing the building's "severe disrepair." 

This same analysis could lead to the end of the church that opened in 1851. 

The Archdiocese has yet to respond to any of the ongoing concerns or even share any potential future plans.

Find the petition about landmarking here. You can follow the Facebook group Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church here.

 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• At what may be the final Mass at Most Holy Redeemer

• At the prayer vigil for Most Holy Redeemer 

• Push continues to landmark East Village's historic Most Holy Redeemer 

• Most Holy Redeemer to halt regular masses this fall amid uncertainty about its future

• Grassroots effort to preserve Most Holy Redeemer grows with weekly vigils

Sunday's parting shots

Snowfall shots this evening from Astor Place (above) ... and Second Avenue...

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with neon nights on St. Mark's Place) ...

Never miss an EVG post with the weekly EVG newsletter. Free right here. 

• A look inside the sidewalk stations that test the East Village's drinking water (Jan. 14) 

• D.A.'s office announces indictment in fatal hit-and-run last month on Clinton and Stanton (Jan. 14) 

• Community gathers at St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery for a "Vigil of Lament and Hope" (Jan. 13) 

• Inside the film 'Irregular,' a love letter to Sophie's (Jan. 13) 

• A ‘cleanup only’ operation on 11th Street and 1st Avenue (Jan. 17) 

• Petition seeks to rename Tompkins Square Park skate area for Harold Hunter (Jan. 14)

• Paulie Gee’s appears headed for former Dunkin’ space on 1st Avenue (Jan. 13) 

• Most Holy Redeemer briefly reopens for Mass honoring longtime parishioner (Jan. 18) 

• From Katinka to a back entrance on 9th Street (Jan. 12) 

• ICYMI: Tom Verlaine's Downtown legacy enters the New York Public Library (Jan 15) 

• Signage alert: Drāvida Indian Diaspora by Chef Aarthi Sampath (Jan. 15) … Mag New York City on Avenue A (Jan. 15) … Visit Sicily NYC on 7th Street (Jan. 12) 

• Emmy Squared is now temporarily closed for a construction "glow-up" (Jan. 13) 

• Taverna East Village has been closed now for 13 months (Jan. 12) 

• Original 16 Handles outpost closes ahead of move to new 2nd Avenue home (Jan. 12) 

• Saba Candy & Groceries comes and goes on Avenue B (Jan. 15) 

• $1 slice Pizza Hub up next at 59 First Ave. (Jan. 12) 

• At Mulchapalooza 2026 (Jan. 10) 

... and a few things... this is not actually a warning about tagging the gate at 2 St. Mark's Place, but rather an ad for the new A$AP Rocky record, Don't Be Dumg, that was released on Friday (H/T Justin) ...

... and workers removed the plywood from the former Rite Aid on First Avenue and Fifth Street — soon to be home to a Metro Acres Market, as we reported here. (Photo by Stacie Joy)...

Passengers now have leaning rails at these East Village bus stops

This past week, the MTA installed leaning bars (aka, butt rails or butt shelves) at the eastbound M8 stop on St. Mark's Place at Second Avenue (above) and the westbound M8 stop on Ninth Street at First Avenue (photo below by Steven) ...

As noted before, depending on your height, the lean machines aren't super comfy. In addition, advocates have criticized the bars for making MTA bus and subway stops less accessible to segments of the population, including people with disabilities. 

However, the MTA says these booty bars cost about $450, compared to over $4,000 for a traditional wooden bench.

This past November, City Hall committed $40 million to putting seating or rear rails at every eligible bus stop in NYC — some 8,750 without a place to sit or lean. The rollout will reportedly take up to 10 years, with 875 stops updated annually.

Let us know if you have seen more of the new "I'm not sitting" bars around... some stops have had them for years.

Most Holy Redeemer briefly reopens for Mass honoring longtime parishioner

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Most Holy Redeemer — closed since Sept. 1 — briefly reopened yesterday afternoon for a Mass honoring Robert Keck, a longtime parishioner and sacristan. 

Keck died on Jan. 5, about a month after his 90th birthday. 

The reopening came as a surprise to some parishioners, given the limited access to the building since the closure. 

Still, parishioners were happy to be back inside the church and to pay their respects to Robert Keck.

"When the closure was announced, Msgr. Nelan [of Immaculate Conception on 14th Street] did say exceptions would be made for a wedding or funeral of a longtime parishioner — but then declined to hold a Mass on the anniversary of the consecration, citing safety concerns — so this was a complete surprise," said Laura Sewell, executive director at the East Village Community Coalition, one of the groups urging landmark status for Most Holy Redeemer.

A church custodian echoed the sentiment, simply noting: "Good to see the church open and with people in it."

Find the petition about landmarking here. You can follow the Facebook group Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church here.

 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• At what may be the final Mass at Most Holy Redeemer

• At the prayer vigil for Most Holy Redeemer 

• Push continues to landmark East Village's historic Most Holy Redeemer 

• Most Holy Redeemer to halt regular masses this fall amid uncertainty about its future

• Grassroots effort to preserve Most Holy Redeemer grows with weekly vigils

Saturday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

Snow view today from Avenue A and Fifth Street... all gone now (the snow, not 5th and A).