Today in photos of a casket on St. Mark's Place

Between First Avenue and Avenue A ... via EVG regular Bayou...

Any guesses why this is here? Washed up with Sandy? Artistic statement on the plight of the neighborhood? Pub crawl? Happy hour special? So many possibilities.

Meanwhile, at everyone's favorite local post office branch...

Via EVG reader Mike at the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office on East 14th Street... where he simply wanted to buy a stamp.

The windows were closed. No Internet, per the sign.

Well, just use a machine.

"Nope, the wall machines weren't working either. And they got rid of (probably a while ago) the simpler, dumber (i.e., not Internet-connected) machines that just took money and dispensed stamps."

Anyone around working?

"The only thing open was the line to hand out held packages. And, of course, there wasn't another employee to be seen, even after repeatedly knocking on the door to the back room."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Today in rants: the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office

11th Street A-B-C Block Association opposing incoming 7-Eleven; eyeing future developments

[From August]

The following is a synopsis of last night's 11th Street A-B-C Block Association meeting...

By Matt Amoroso

At Father’s Heart Ministries church last night, approximately 50 attendees comprised largely of 11th Street residents discussed strategies and action items regarding the incoming 7-Eleven on the corner of Ave. A and 11th St., the pending luxury development in the Mary Help of Christians lot as well as the proposed construction of a social services building at 535 E. 11th St.

While the discussion centered on East 11th Street and parts of Avenue A, the fact was not lost on the room that these development concerns are symptomatic not only of the greater East Village neighborhood but also the rest of Manhattan.

Despite the presence of several issues on the docket, the incoming 7-Eleven stood out as the hot-button topic of the evening. The consensus in the room largely acknowledged: the 11th St. Block Association opposes the 7-Eleven, and there is not much the members of the 11th St. Block Association can do to stop this particular location from opening.

In a majority decision, the Block Association voted to oppose outright the opening of this 7-Eleven, and in the failure of that attempt, to push for a list of agreed upon concessions from the local 7-Eleven owner or the landlord. Those concessions included:

• Reduced evening/late night hours
• Reduction in lights and signature signage
• Noise control
• Entrance on Ave. A only
• Enforcement of loitering laws
• Possible security guard
• Limits to the sale of alcohol
• Keeping the door closed at all times

In addition to “Is this really happening?”, the pressing question for most attendees was “What can we do about it?” Aside from a general boycott, the attendees suggested numerous courses of action to accomplish the above goals. The most feasible and effective suggestions centered upon utilizing legislative channels through elected or soon-to-be-elected officials to gain notoriety for the grievances of the block and East Village overall.

Other ideas included: social media engagement and petitioning, flyering, picketing, NY media engagement, and research into the existence of any public funding going into construction.

Despite the clear opposition to the incoming 7-Eleven, several residents noted that this franchise would solve the often-voiced problems associated with the (now-closed) bars on the street, including Bar on A and Angels and Kings. In addition, if this 7-Eleven were not to open, then another bar would surely fill the void (if not out of spite from the landlord).

No love was lost in the room for the much-maligned real-estate developer Ben Shaoul, who owns the building housing the future 7-Eleven as well as the Mary Help of Christians lot.

It remained reluctantly clear to the attendees that there is not much that can legally stop a private owner from developing businesses or luxury condos on his property. One can only hope for community engagement, elected official support, and a little bit of luck to turn the tide in the East Village and Manhattan as a whole.

As community leader Rob Hollander reminded everyone: “The law couldn’t stop Robert Moses, but Jane Jacobs did.”

Author’s note: There were many great ideas and viewpoints expressed during the meeting that couldn’t make it into the above story due to time and space. I encourage people to add anything that was left out in the comments section!

Matt Amoroso is the Co-Editor of The Stark Online.

Free legal assistance for Hurricane Sandy victims today

Today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Haven Plaza ... East 12th Street and Szold Place...

[Click image to enlarge]

Image via Matt LES_Miserable

85 Second Ave. is for sale

We spotted the listing for 85 Second Ave. the other day. We were waiting for more details. So far, though — there's not much posted about the five-floor building at East Fifth Street.

Per CitySites, there are three apartments in the building... as well as the retail tenant, BareBurger, which spans two floors. Asking price: $7.8 million.

The storefront was once home to neighborhood nemesis Sin Sin.

[EVG file photo]

Hyatt Union Square is now opening Jan. 2; and where's the the hydroponic bamboo garden?

One of our favorite five-years-in the-making developments, the Hyatt Union Square, now has an official opening date of Jan. 2, per the Hyatt Union Square website.

Earlier estimates put the opening around Nov. 15 here at Fourth Avenue and East 13th Street.

Which explains why there's still no sign of the hydroponic bamboo garden and halo!

Test drilling at the former Mary Help of Christians lot

A work crew was in the Mary Help of Christians lot yesterday on Avenue A and East 11th Street ... hanging out with a Davey Drill and testing water levels and the composition of the soil ... steps to take before any development can go up here... whatever that may be... stay tuned.

Photos by Bobby Williams.

Previously.

Say hello to Jupiter 21 at the former Mars Bar (for real)

[Oct. 20]

So the new apartment complex that's rising at the former home of the Mars Bar on Second Avenue and East First Street has a name — Jupiter 21.

[Pause]

Jupiter 21.

That's per the official news release that went out yesterday... Curbed had the details:

The building will ultimately have 65 units: 13 affordable condos, 52 market-rate studio through two-bedroom rentals, and two commercial condos. Nine of those affordable condos "have been reserved for the tenants of the original buildings displaced by the new construction" ...

Jupiter 21.

Can you think of a worse name for a building here? Maybe something with Uranus?

Previously.

Here's a blackout-friendly apartment with a fireplace on St. Mark's Place

Seems appealing at the moment — fireplace and all ... though this "junior" one bedroom at 42 St. Mark's Place is going for $2,850. Per the listing:

This classic NY apartment on St. Marks Place has several exposed brick walls with a wood burning fireplace. It provides outstanding light, 11 foot ceilings and an open layout. Your bathroom has been renovated in a clean and contemporary style while the loft style bedroom offers you the best night sleep.

There's an open house tonight from 6-7. Bring a log. Stay awhile.

R.A. Dickey's trip to Tompkins Square Park propelled him to win the Cy Young Award, maybe

Back in May, New York Mets knuckleballer (and all-around-nice-guy) R.A. Dickey was in Tompkins Square Park to watch people throw Wiffle balls and stuff.

Today, he won the National League Cy Young Award, the first knuckleball pitcher to ever receive the honor.

What saved his season and put him in the all-time record books?

Tompkins Square Park, of course.

The stats back this up sort of.

At the time of his visit to the East Village, his record was 3-1 with a not-so-great 4.45 era.

Since then, he went 17-5, and lowered his era to 2.73.

What do you think it is about the Park that turns journeymen pitchers into Cy Young winners?

Previously on EV Grieve:
Allright meat, show him your heat

Reports: Hurricane Sandy damages bike-share program equipment; more delays?

[Citi Bike NYC]

There are multiple published reports this afternoon that Hurricane Sandy has likely added another delay to the city's already-delayed bike-share program. Per the Post:

Bikes and electronic docking components for the program are being stored in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which took on four to six feet of water during the storm surge two weeks ago.

Officials at the Transportation Department say they are now "assessing" the damage.

They won't say if the first of 10,000 street bikes that were supposed to hit the streets starting in March will be rolled out on schedule.

The Times has more details here.

First sign of the incoming 7-Eleven on Avenue A

For a few months now, people have been talking about the 7-Eleven coming to the corner of Avenue A and East 11th Street... in the space previously occupied by Bar on A and Angels & Kings... workers even told residents as much.

Still, despite plenty of evidence, nothing at the DOB actually said 7-Eleven. (There was mention of a "convenience store.")

Anyway, paperwork went through today to "ERECT NON-ILLUMINATED NON-ADVERTISING AWNING ON WALL. 12 SQ FT COPY TO READ STRIPE 7-ELEVEN."

On this topic... a reminder about tonight's meeting where the supersize 7-Eleven is sure to be discussed...

Block Association Meeting
Wednesday, November 14, 7 pm
@ Father's Heart Ministries
545 E 11th St

Anyone living on 11th Street is a member of the 11th Street A-B-C Block Association.

EV Grieve Etc.: Mourning Edition

[Outside Elsewhere Espresso on East Sixth St. via a special EVG correspondent]

13 new hotels on the way for the Lower East Side (The Lo-Down)

Selling off Lucky Cheng's — and dibs on the tiki canoe! (Jeremiah's Vanishing New York)

Cleaning out SoHo Billiards on East Houston (BoweryBoogie)

The 'gentle poet' of the Lower East Side slums (Ephemeral New York)

A week in the life of the Northern Spy owner post-Sandy (The Huffington Post)

Looking at a boarded up South Street Seaport (The Gog Log)

Last call for Hogs N' Heifers? (Eater)

A review of Calliope begins: 'The southern blocks of the East Village aren't the dreamiest destination for leisurely dining (see: NYU pubs) ... (The Wall Street Journal)

Someone stole this bike on Second Avenue this morning

From the EV Grieve inbox...

My bike was stolen today ...

Stolen outside The Bean on 3rd Street and 2nd Avenue
Time: 10:45am
Date: Wednesday, November 14th

Model: Linus, Dover 1 single speed
Color: Black
Details: Silver basket (that's a pre-basket photo above)

Anyone with info... or if you spot it on Craigslist... we'll contact the owner... let us know via the EV Grieve email

And the bike was locked...

[Updated] Rebreaking! Union Market opens this morning at 10:30 today at noon

On East Houston and Avenue A... Photo and info via EVG regular samo...

Been a long time coming. The signs went up for the space on Feb. 4, 2011, as we first reported.

Previously.

UPDATED. Hold on! Via @IansTweets ... it's now a noon opening!

Everything that you've ever wanted to know about the new benches outside Starbucks on First Avenue

CB3's Transportation & Public Safety/Environment Committee meets tonight at 6:30 ... and on the agenda:

• "Starbucks Coffee (Starbucks Corp), 1st Ave and E 3rd Street – new revocable consent to install, maintain and use 4 benches on the sidewalks of the southwest corner of 1st Ave and E 3rd Street"

The Starbucks here in the former Bean space opened back in February. There have been a few temporary-looking benches in the meantime (like the ones in the photo above!) ...

The CB3 website has a PDF with all the detailed details about the new benches.

Here's a look at what's coming.

I'm a little surprised that they're not going with the HDA -TR 30-M16x190/60 expansion bolt. The HDA -TR 22-M12x125/50 only has an embed depth of 125 mm. Oh well.

But on a serious note. Any thoughts on permanent benches here?

Petland is moving away from East 14th Street, fueling more new development rumors

In late September, we laid out the three rumors about the future of East 14th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. (Read that post here.) The most severe of the rumors: All the space starting at the ABC Animal Hospital west to Avenue A will be developed into some type of housing-retail complex.

The speculation has returned with the arrival of a moving sign at Petland: The store will be relocating to First Avenue.

An EVG Facebook friend asked the manager why they were moving. The response: The landlord is tearing down the building.

So far, there aren't any permits on file with the city indicating any immediate demolition... Still, most people we've talked with figure this block has a relatively short life span as it is now...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Conspiracies: What next for 14th Street and Avenue A?

Those ongoing rumors about the future of East 14th Street between Avenue A and B

The inside story of Con Ed and Superstorm Sandy

I've been curious about some of the events of Oct. 29, when the East River was flooding Avenue C... and before the lights went out for the next 4-5 days. I'm trying to even remember what happened that night. It seems like longer than 16 days ago. Maybe that's a good thing.

What I recall. About 6:30 that Monday night, with the storm on the way, I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. Maybe get a drink. See what was going on. Take some pictures. Great idea!

I stop by a few places. Not many people around. At this point, I'm just inside Vazac's. Before entering the second set of doors, I pause and quickly glance at my phone/email. There's an email from EVG reader faces from 7:01 p.m. saying that 14th Street and Avenue C was under water. He sent this photo:

It is now much later than 7:01. I leave and head east on Seventh Street... About a third of the way from Avenue C, I encounter the water rising on the street. I talk with a few people. No one is panicking. So far. I figure I can go back to Avenue B, and head south for a better vantage point. I'm right near that big Tompkins Square Plaza apartment complex at 190 E. Seventh St. when the sky to the southeast lights up in that greenish tint ... an explosion from somewhere. I heard a variety of WHOOOOAAAAAAAAs and WOOOOOOOOOssss and WTFs.

EVG regular William Klayer took this shot at nearly the moment he heard the explosion about 8:13 p.m. or so:

Figure it might be a good time to go home now. And you know the rest, after the second explosion...

Anyway, Stephen Gandel at Fortune has published a detailed account of what happened at Con Ed the night of Superstorm Sandy... and how the utility eventually restored power to the city.... an excerpt...

By the time [Con Ed CEO James] Burke reached the command room, word was already circulating through the media and among his staff that Con Ed's 13th Street sub-station, one of the largest in the city, had blown up.

In the room, John Miksad, one of Burke's top lieutenants, was on the phone with a crew at one of the lower Manhattan power stations that had been turned off getting a report on the flooding when the lights in the command center went off and on. Miksad looked up at one of the three giant screens at the front of the room that displayed the number of Con Ed customers who had lost power. Before the lights went off it was about 100,000. When the screen came back on a moment later, the number had jumped by more than 200,000.

John McAvoy, another one of Burke's top lieutenants, was already on the phone with workers at the 13th Street station when Miksad came over. Everyone was okay. They didn't see any fires. Power was out. The first floor control room was still dry but outside the streets had turned into rivers. Water was pouring over the wall. They wanted out.

Miksad, though, wanted in. His computers weren't telling him anything. He would need to get into the plant and look at the equipment to know what had happened, but he couldn't leave the command center. He told McAvoy to send an engineer on the rescue mission.

Shortly after that, Miksad got an e-mail with a link to the now-infamous youtube clip of the 13th Street substation. That was the first time he saw the flash. Technically, the plant hadn't blown up. It was what they call an arc, kind of like the spark you sometimes get when you plug something into an outlet, except much more powerful. Arcs happen. But the flashes are only supposed to last fractions of a second before breakers divert the current away from the problem. The flash Miksad saw in the video went on for 30 seconds, and it seemed to come in waves. He watched the video again and again. "That's when I knew we had a problem," says Miksad. "And it was a very, very big one."

Read the whole article here.

Out and About in the East Village

In this weekly feature, East Village-based photographer James Maher provides us with a quick snapshot of someone who lives and/or works in the East Village.

Editor's note: We originally had the following Out and About scheduled for Oct. 31. In the aftermath of the Superstorm Sandy, we suspended the column for two weeks...

By James Maher

Name: Tamara Hey
Occupation: Musician
Location: 9th Street Between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
Time: 3:45 pm on Monday, Oct. 22

I’ve lived here since 1998, between 1st and A on 9th street.I’m from the Bronx and then I moved to the Upper East Side for five years. The Upper East Side was boring, so I came here.

Mostly when I’m out walking around it’s because I have a dog. As soon as I got a dog I learned a lot more about the neighborhood and met a lot more people. Sometimes I work at Puppy Love, Kitty Cat. I’ve got a Jack Russell terrier, who was made for killing rats. It’s a problem, because our block is filled with them. She’s killed a couple. At night, when we go for a walk, I have to pick her up and bring her a couple blocks away or she’ll kill more.

My husband and I are both musicians. He plays the piano. We have a baby grand piano in an under 700-square-foot apartment. I’m a singer and songwriter and I teach. I’m on my way to teach right now on the Upper East. I’ve played around the neighborhood. These days, I tend to play at Rockwood Music Hall. I do a kind of storytelling pop. I wrote a song called "Alphabet City" about the neighborhood:

Walking my dog down Avenue A

NYC on the first spring day

Everybody in their shorts and their shades

Tompkins Square Park on their rollerblades

Iced coffee to go from Pick Me Up Cafe

Walking my dog down Avenue A.

ABC ALPHABET CITY

ABC ALPHABET CITY

You're good to me,

ALPHABET CITY

ABC ALPHABET CITY

OH, ALPHABET CITY


Avenue B watching my laundry go 'round

Near the M9 bus stop to Chinatown

Horseshoe Bar, Lakeside Lounge

Saturday night bridge and tunnel crowd

Lucky me, I can just stay in

Or Avenue B and watch my laundry spin.


(Chorus)


Got a place in my heart for Avenue C

Where the C-note open mic used to be

Friday nights playing my guitar

Singing my songs for Ira at the bar

He'd give me a wink like I was a star

Avenue C, you got a place in my heart.


(Chorus)

James Maher is a fine art and studio photographer based in the East Village. Find his website here.

Sandy spoils the Surprise Garden

Back on Oct. 16, we posted this photo of the robust-looking Surprise Garden on East 14th Street between Avenue B and Avenue C ...

[Bobby Williams]

Given that this stretch of East 14th Street spent time flooded by the filth muck of the East River during Superstorm Sandy ... we were expecting the worst at this tiny plot... Indeed, things aren't looking so good at the moment...

We're hopeful that the Surprise Gardeners will be able to bring this back to life in the spring...

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Surprise Garden and how it got that way on East 14th Street