Will Life Cafe be split in two?

As we first reported, Life Cafe on Avenue and 10th Street closed on Sept. 11 ... closed "until further notice." As owner Kathy Kirkpatrick said:

I’m doing this due to issues around building repairs the landlords were supposedly going to complete one year ago. Until the landlords complete the repairs, I will remain closed.

In this week's issue, The Villager has more details. As the paper points out, the sidewalk shed and scaffolding have been covering Life's sidewalk cafe for more than a year. Meanwhile, exterior renovations have yet to start.

Making this more challenging — Life "spans a space belonging to two different buildings with two different landlords whose dispute over the price of the work contract has prevented construction from starting," according to The Villager. (I sort of outlined this in the photo above.)

One of the landlords is Robert Perl of Tower Brokerage, who "was reluctant to explain all the details in the press."

"We’re in the process of trying to work this out," he said. "Life Cafe is an iconic and great restaurant, and I'd love to see it be a part of the East Village for the next 30 years."

Meanwhile, the rumor is that the landlords will simply split up the Life space into two storefronts. Again — just a rumor.

Read the whole Villager piece here.

What are the chances that Andre Balazs shows up for tonight's CB3/SLA meeting?

On Friday, we pointed out that famed hotelier Andre Balazs is taking over the Cooper Square Hotel. Tonight, the Coop appears before the CB3/SLA committee for a liquor license transfer.

A reader asks, "What are the chances that Andre Balazs shows up for the meeting?"

Hmm, haven't thought about it.

On one hand, it would certainly be a neighborly gesture. Show up and make a good-faith appearance. Share what his plans are. Meet the neighbors. Show that he's just one of the guys. Say nice things to Susan Stetzer.

But, in reality, isn't this what minions are for? You really think someone as busy and powerful and Chelsea Handler dating as Andre Balazs is really going to show up for a community board meeting?

(Keith McNally showed up for a Community Board 2 meeting last year. But he just owns restaurants, not hotels.)

Regardless, keep an eye out for him. Here's what he looks like:

Oops! Sorry. That's my 1977 Topps card of Richie Zisk.

Here is Andre on the left with Jordan Catalano Jared Leto from the other week:

[Via]

Meatballs coming to East Ninth Street

Two restaurants have quickly come and gone here at 424 E. Ninth St. between Avenue A and First Avenue ... (Olivia and Sintir.)

Now, a new tenant is taking over the space...

...and they provided a sneak preview Saturday during the block party. Zi Pep's Italian Sorry — we had the wrong name. It's Zi' Pep's Italian.

[Photo by Shawn Chittle]

Speaking of meatballs... a quick look at the Destino-backed Meatball Factory coming to the former Pizza Hut-Nathan's-Arthur Treacher's combo on the northwest corner of 14th Street and Second Avenue ...

Antifolk Festival starts tonight at Sidewalk

From the EV Grieve inbox ...

Antifolk Festival Highlights More than Fifty Performers and Groups, September 19 through 25 at Sidewalk Cafe

After five months in exile, the Antifolk community has returned to its home on Avenue A. The Fall 2011 Antifolk Festival, which takes place September 19 through 25, will feature performances by more than 50 songwriters, groups, and other performers who are part of the extensive network of artists that orbits around Sidewalk Cafe. In addition to showcasing a cross-section of performers from the Sidewalk community, this year’s Festival marks a celebration of the group’s return to its longtime home after the restaurant suddenly closed in March for extensive renovations. Sidewalk Cafe is located at 94 Avenue A at Sixth Street.

Artists
Among those scheduled to play the Festival are Sidewalk veteran and Rough Trade recording artist Jeffrey Lewis; Vincent Cacchione, lead singer of the band Caged Animals; Jason Trachtenburg with his group The Pendulum Swings; and Antifolk pioneer Kirk Kelly. It also marks the return of banjo-player and underground songwriting sensation Debe Dalton after her seven-month recovery from a traumatic hand injury. Dalton is a beloved figure on the scene whose stirring performances have been missed. She will close the Fest on the final candle-lit, all acoustic “Blackout Night,” with a special bill of artists she selected. Among the many dynamically talented performers representing more recent generations of Sidewalk artists are the brilliant songwriter and singer Emily Einhorn, the punk rock and classical xylophone-influenced group Crazy and the Brains; laid back ukelele maestro Morgan Heringer; and the jazz-influenced, piano-based Albert Goold Band.

Fall 2011 Antifolk Festival
Complete Schedule Here
September 19 through 25
Sidewalk Cafe, 94 Avenue A (6th Street)
No cover charge, one drink minimum

How much longer will the lights be covered in Tompkins Square Park?

Workers covered up a handful of the lights in Tompkins Square Park at the start of the Thursday night summer movie series on June 30 ... the last film was the makeup date for "Rosemary's Baby" on Sept. 8.

A reader wonders how much longer those handful of lights (5-6) will remain covered in the Park...

Exclusive: Capital One unveils new ATM at 123 Third Ave.

Sadly, though ... when we took a closer look, the damn think isn't hooked up (plugged in?) yet. So you'll just have to wait for your comprehensive review.

Week in Grieview: Life closes, the elephant poses

[Ninth Street yesterday by Bobby Williams]

We were first to report that Life Cafe had closed (Sunday)

The Free Willie Nelson catches on fire (Monday)

The first look inside Tompkins Square Bagels (Thursday)

The Night Owl Cafe lives again at Sophie's (Wednesday)

We looked at the Union Square elephant (Friday)

Andre "Boom Boom" Balazs is taking over the Cooper Square Hotel (Friday)

The city doesn't care to preserve 316 E. Third St. (Thursday) or 135 Bowery (Friday)

Starbucks taking over the Bean space on First Avenue (Wednesday)

More on the future of St. Mark's Bookshop (Thursday)

Day trippers: Picture yourself in a park under Delancey

The story people seem to talking about at the moment comes courtesy of New York magazine, where three "urbanist entrepreneurs" share their idea for the long-abandoned trolley terminal under Delancey Street ... (Read more about the trolley terminal here.)

The men want to turn it into the High Line. Except that this strip of urban greenery would be underground. Called Delancey Underground, "but will inevitably be known as the Low Line." Says one of the developers: “We’re channeling sunlight the way they did in ancient Egyptian tombs, but in a supermodern way.”

Take a look for yourself... very Middle-earthy...

It's not the worst idea ever. It just seems like it. Still, love the renderings... An accordion player! And an aspiring Kardashian in short shorts...

You can see all this for yourself on Wednesday during a CB3 meeting...

Land Use, Zoning, Public & Private Housing Committee
Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30pm -- University Settlement, Speyer Hall - 184 Eldridge St (btwn Rivington & Delancey Sts)

1. Discussion of EIS draft scoping document
2. Green Space Under Delancey Street: Presentation of a concept for the abandoned Williamsburg Trolley Terminal below Delancey Street: using innovative solar technology to create a sizable underground community park

Tantshoyz Yiddish Dance Party in Tompkins Square Park this afternoon

[Dave on 7th]

Today at 3 in Tompkins Square Park:

Tantshoyz Yiddish Dance Party featuring the music of Grammy-winning trumpeter Frank London of The Klezmatics and his Klezmer Brass All-Stars with guest Yiddish singers Eleanor Reissa and Joanne Borts. Dancing will be led by Jill Gellerman. Followed by a set of Latin jazz by The Arturo O'Farrill Sextet. (Via)

Outside the East Village IHOP: Scent of bacon is a whiff of things to come

Training continues at the East Village IHOP, which opens Tuesday. We've seen the IHOP crew there prepping all weekend. This morning, preparations must include serving real live food. Which explains why we could smell the bacon from a few doors down...

Bar Veloce now open for breakfast (brunch whatever)

Speaking of breakfast... I didn't realize that the newly expanded Bar Veloce on Second Avenue between 11th Street and 12th Street was now serving breakfasty foods... open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When the light is stuck at Seventh Street and Avenue A

Traffic light stuck on Seventh Street and Avenue A... Such honkers!

Hello again

The red-tailed hawk today in Tompkins Square Park today... Photo by Bobby Williams...

Today in East Ninth Street block parties

A little earlier, Shawn Chittle took a walk through the 9th Street A-1 Block Association Block Party ...

Meanwhile, the 9BC Tompkins Square Block Party — between B and C — is just getting set up...

[Updated] Reader report: Woman assaulted on East Eighth Street this morning

Multiple readers have reported a strong police presence this morning on East Eighth Street between Avenue B and Avenue C. The police have two buildings in the middle of the block cordoned off...

[Via @dens]

A detective on the scene told a resident that someone assaulted a woman on the sidewalk earlier this morning.

More information as it becomes available.

Updated ... Per a reader:

Details are still a little sketchy but word is that a woman, possibly passed out on the street, was sexually assaulted early this morning. Someone walked out of their building, saw it happening, and called the NYPD. They arrived fairly quickly and apparently the suspect was caught. The health of the victim is unknown.

The way we live now

Second Avenue and East First Street this morning.

St.. Mark's Place, 9:33 a.m., Sept. 17

Reminders today: The 9th Street Block Party

From the EV Grieve inbox...we first posted this on Thursday...

Please join our 9th Street A-1 Block Association Block Party!

9th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A
Saturday, September 17th, 11 am – 5 pm (no rain date)
Live Music (from noon - 4 pm) featuring:

• Cracked Latin – hybrid psychedelic latin salsa band
• Serena Jean Southam – country rock singer-songwriter
• Star '69 – Grateful Dead Tribute Band
• Primativa in Hi-Fi – (DJs) – Electrolounge, Bossa Nova, Nova Bossa and similarly sultry soundtracks
• Bird Love – Indie / Post Punk / Rock
with more bands to come!

Resident artists, crafts people, and photographers will be showing and selling their work, and residents will be selling a la "stoop sale" — antiques, bric-a-brac, clothing, accessories, music, jewelry, etc.

Raffles for gifts, discounts, or coupons from block businesses
Block businesses include:

• Autumn Skateboards, Bridal Veil Falls, Cloak & Dagger boutique, Dorian Grey Gallery, Dusty Buttons vintage boutique, Enchantments, Flower Power (herbs), M Sonii (boutique), Ollie's Place (cat adoption), Pink Olive (gifts), Polytima (jewelry), Pork Pie Hatterie, Puppy Love Kitty Kat (pet supplies), Tae with Jane (boutique), The Upper Rust (antiques)
• Restaurants: Dirt Candy, Good Beer, I Coppi, Itzocan, Kajitsu, Whitman's, Zucker Bakery
• Hair Salons/Barbers: Lovemore & Do, Maria Mok Salon, Neighborhood Barber, Ueno Salon

And this ain't no fooling around

"This Ain't No Picnic" by The Minutemen from the 1984 double album epic "Double Nickels On The Dime."

And developers win again

Yesterday, a City Council subcommittee voted down by a 4-1 count a landmarking proposal for 135 Bowery, an 1817 federal style row house. First American International Bank, who owns the property, plans to tear down the house, which, granted, isn't in the best shape, to toss up a seven-story commercial building. District 1 City Councilmember Margaret Chin was the deciding factor. She was initially for landmarking the building, but later changed her mind because she was "swayed by [the owner's] offer to create affordable commercial space for small businesses in Chinatown," as The Lo-Down noted.

City Council votes on the issue next Wednesday, but there's no chance without Chin's support.

And has anyone actually seen the bank's plans?

Per Save the Lower East Side:

The bank that owns 135 Bowery hasn't submitted its affordable intention in writing. The bank hasn't shown any affordable rent rates; the bank hasn't produced any legally binding contract for this promised affordable commercial space or any indication how long the leases would remain affordable, or even any binding document whatsoever showing their intent. All we have is the word of the bank. (What do you think that's worth?)

Any bets that 135 Bowery becomes luxury housing?

Coverage:
The Lo-Down
Curbed
WNYC