16 affordable apartments now available at the incoming 331 E. Houston St.

The Lo-Down points out that the city is now advertising the 16 affordable housing units available at 331 E. Houston St. at Ridge Street.

The building was constructed through the city’s inclusionary housing program — 20 percent of the apartments were set aside for applicants with household incomes ranging from about $30,000 to $50,000, as The Lo-Down reports.



The affordable studios are priced at $847 per month, 1-bedrooms at $909 and 2-bedrooms at $1,101. Half of the affordable units are earmarked for residents of Community District 3, which includes the East Village.

Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than June 29. For income guidelines and additional information, please go here.

As for the building, here's a description via the website of project architect Stephen B. Jacobs:

The ground floor includes the residential lobby, a lounge, and apartments in the rear of the building which have access to outdoor space. A large skylight brings natural light to the gym in the cellar, and stairs provide access to recreational outdoor space in the rear yard. A mix of studios, one, and two-bedroom apartments make up the bulk of the building. The top floor includes a three-bedroom apartment with a balcony. The rooftop is designed as an amenity space for the building, complete with deck seating, projector screen, bar, and outdoor shower.

The interior design was inspired by the raw nature of materials in the Lower East Side, such as exposed concrete and blackened steel, and includes touches of color such as the graffiti tiled accent wall in the lobby.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A look at 331 E. Houston St., with a rooftop deck for outdoor showers and 'Live Free or Die Hard'

A mini-pitch for East 12th Street

[Photo by Greg Masters]

This past spring, workers started prepping the empty field adjacent to East Side Community School on East 12th Street between Avenue A and First Avenue… all under the watchful eyes heads of Charlie Brown…


[GM]


[GM]

Fast-forward to Friday…


[Photo by Lola Sáenz]



The mini-pitch is courtesy of the New York Red Bulls, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the NYC Parks Department, who collaborated "to provide both critical afterschool programming and a safe place to play for New York City youth."

And the ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place this afternoon at the site.

The space will be known at the Lower East Side Playground Field.


[Photo from the March groundbreaking via Facebook]

Rumors and sales at New York Central Art Supply

There's been some talk of late that New York Central Art Supply on Third Avenue near East 11th Street is hurting for business. (Jeremiah Moss had a post on this last Thursday.)

"No one is buying art supplies the way they used to," a tipster here told us. "Now that there are so many online shops and NYC is turning into a gigantic mall people aren't going to the little tiny art supply store."

The tipster continued: "Basically it's going under and it's way more of an issue for the employees than the owners. The owners own three buildings, and can make plenty of money for themselves."

We heard that several longtime employees of the store were let go. The Observer reported that the store could close by the end of the year.

DNAinfo had more on this yesterday:

New York Central Art Supply began offering up to 50 percent in discounts on Friday to eliminate its low- and mid-level products so it can focus on more “high-quality, hard-to-find and unique” materials, said Doug Steinberg, whose family has owned the Third Avenue business since 1905.

“We’re going to get away from things you can get anywhere and only focus on stuff you can only get at New York Central Art Supply,” said Steinberg, who insisted the store was not closing, despite rumors.

“We’re just limiting our selection to a highly curated set of materials.”

The owners also plan on renting out their warehouse location around the corner on East 12th Street. Another family property, the New York Central Framing Annex, moved from 102 Third Ave. into the warehouse space in August 2012.

[Updated] Babu Ji opens tonight on Avenue B

We've been writing about Babu Ji, the new restaurant coming to 175 Avenue B at East 11th Street.

The wife-husband team of Jennifer and Jessi Singh, who own a popular spot in Melbourne, Australia, are opening their first U.S. restaurant tonight.

Here is some info that the restaurant's reps sent us via the EVG inbox...

Babu Ji … offers a bright and airy atmosphere, adorned with Hindi proverbs, eclectic Indian photography and Bollywood films projected on the walls. The restaurant will be open for dinner six nights a week (5 PM - late; closed Mondays), as well as for lunch on weekends (11 AM - late), serving the inspired and unexpected dishes that have earned Jessi an avid following in Australia.

Incorporating outstanding, fresh ingredients, including aromatic herbs, chickpeas, scallops, yogurt, pork belly and goat, sourced from local farmers markets and specialty purveyors, Jessi's menu at Babu Ji NYC will showcase his motherland's cuisine through thoughtfully prepared, aromatic and colorful dishes.

Some highlights from the new restaurant’s menu include:

• Papadi Chaat: a lively Indian dish similar to nachos, topped with chickpea, cucumber, tamarind, mint and yoghurt chutney, and pomegranate seeds

• Gol Gappa: a favorite Indian street snack enjoyed by millions in India every day, but unknown to most Americans, this dish it is a tangy, spicy, sweet and surprising favorite

• Yoghurt Kebab: a house-made hung yoghurt croquette with spiced center, served with a vibrant beetroot ginger sauce boasting the flavors of the Middle East that have influenced Indian culinary tradition

• Scallop Coconut Curry: Blue Moon of Eastern Long Island scallops served raw in a coconut milk based curry with turmeric and mustard seed – a must-try

• Kulfi: a refreshing and delicious dessert, this Indian equivalent to ice cream is house-made from milk, cardamom, pistachio and honey

• Chef’s Table: Eat like a real Babu Ji! Chef’s selection of entrees, curries, naan, rice & kulfi.

Diners can enjoy their food with an extensive and rotating selection of local and imported craft beers from the help yourself beer fridge, an approachable yet interesting wine list and some Australian beverages that have not yet made it state side, as a nod to Babu Ji's beginnings.

Updated 6:54 p.m.

Here's the menu via Gothamist…

Babu Ji Dinner Menu

Previously on EV Grieve:
More about Babu Ji, opening next month on Avenue B

Have you tried the Gnocco-Cafe Pick Me Up combo?

Café Pick Me Up on Avenue A at East Ninth Street closed for good after service on May 31.

The owners added the cafe portion to the other restaurant they operate, Gnocco at 337 E. 10th St. just west of Avenue B.

The combined Gnocco-Cafe Pick Me Up opened for service last Wednesday. They're serving coffee, pastries and lunch items starting at 9 a.m. before Gnocco's menu kicks in for the evening hours.

So far we've heard positive comments from readers about the space.

"I think this will be a nice addition for this block," said one EVG regular, who noted that some familiar faces from Cafe Pick Me Up are working here.

A rent hike forced Cafe Pick Me Up from its 20-year home at 145 Avenue A, which is on the market for $15,000 a month via Icon Realty …



The owners still have five years left on the lease in the adjacent space at 147 Avenue A. Co-owner Gian Luca Giovanetti told DNAinfo that they were unsure what will become of this storefront.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Rent hike forcing Cafe Pick Me Up into its smaller space next door on Avenue A (59 comments)

[Updated] Cafe Pick Me Up expected to close for good after May 31

Café Pick Me Up closes Sunday night ahead of a move to share the Gnocco space on East 10th Street

More about the new Café Pick Me Up-Gnocco combo on East 10th Street

Fasta has apparently closed on St. Mark's Place

[Photo via EVG reader Steven]

Word along St. Mark's Place is that Fasta ("Pasta Your Way") has closed at No. 36. The quick-serve restaurant between Second Avenue and Third Avenue hasn't been open since last Wednesday. Someone papered over the windows. Calls to Fasta go unanswered.

Fasta just opened on April 23. The space, however, may not be empty for long. Neighbor Jordy Trachtenberg hears that the owners will convert Fasta into a restaurant specializing in chicken.

The previous tenant, the $1.50 branch of 2 Bros. Pizza, closed in February.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Pasta in the works for St. Mark's Place

New butt-friendly Citi Bikes on the way

[Image via Citi Bike]

Some 2,400 newly designed Citi Bikes are on the way.

Here's the Citi Bike blog with details:

The new bike was designed through a rigorous process based on an analysis of years of bike maintenance and performance records. The bikes feature redesigned, and in some cases higher-quality, parts which will improve each bike’s overall durability and the ease of repair. The bikes also feature a new seat to prevent water from pooling when it rains, a sturdier kick-stand and better gearing for urban riding. Citi Bikes will spend more time on the street and less time in the repair shop, improving the experience for every Citi Bike rider.

And!

The new bikes were designed in a collaborative process between world-renowned bike designer, Ben Serotta, and lead mechanics from across the bike share systems that Motivate operates. Mr. Serotta’s bikes have featured prominently in many international competitions including the Olympics.

The Daily News took a new bike out for a spin, and "found the ride smoother, and the gear system easier to switch."

Astor Piano

EVG reader Daniel Root shares these photos from Astor Place... where one of the 50 Sing of Hope pianos is in place through June 21...

Franck de las Mercedes designed the piano's art.

His statement:

This piano is a celebration of the people and the arts of New York City. Growing up here, I was exposed to the visual clash of graffiti, decaying walls, torn-up ads, and the effect that time and the elements had on surfaces. Bright colors are an essential element in the piano in order to depict the diversity and fast pace of the city. I incorporated collage work using my photographs sketches, journal pages and scribbles on pieces of scrap paper. The piano also includes a "piano chords" chart to invite non-musicians to play also. Hoping this interactive and participatory experience with the work can perhaps become gateway into music, the arts and learning an instrument.

As we understand, this song is the most popular here outside the IBM Watson Building/51 Astor Place.

Santa continues to make the rounds in Tompkins Square Park

Last Thursday!



Today!


[Photo by Derek Berg]

Where will he end up next?

Action in the pits and new renderings along East 14th Street

[Drill team at 524 E. 14th St.]

There is lots of drilling and digging going on at the dual construction sites of 524 E. 14th St. and 500 E. 14th St., where the incoming residential-retail developments will feature 150 apartments and more than 56,000-square-feet of retail between Avenue A and Avenue B.


[Inside No. 524]


[A view of No. 500]


[View of No. 500 via an EVG reader]

There are also new renderings up on the plywood now… showing No. 524 …





… and No. 500 …





The renderings are pretty close to the images that have been associated with Extell's development since October 2013 …


[Rendering of 500 E. 14th St. via RKF]


[Rendering of 524 E. 14th St. via RKF]

According to signage at the scene, Janauary 2017 is the anticipated completion date.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The disappearing storefronts of East 14th Street

[Updated with correction] 8-lot parcel of East 14th Street primed for new development

New 7-floor buildings for East 14th Street include 150 residential units

1st activity at 500 E. 14th St. since the demolition phase, and when the standing water froze

Former Mary Help of Christians lot now ready for 82 market-rate condos

500 and 524 E. 14th St. look to have some construction company soon enough.

Over at the former Mary Help of Christians property, the lot is waiting for a new retail-residental building with frontage on Avenue A, East 11th Street and East 12th Street.

As we first reported, the permits that developer Douglas Steiner's reps filed with the city in October 2013 called for a 7-story, 158-unit 164,720-square-foot structure. The U-shaped building would offer rentals (and a rooftop swimming pool).

However, Steiner's reps told Community Board 3 in February that the residential complex, which would feature 22 affordable units designated as Inclusionary Housing, will now go as market-rate condos. (Several community leaders confirmed that the residences will hit the market as condos.)

The city approved (or at least partially approved) most of the required permits for the project last month. The square footage is now 107,000 for the residential portion, 8,376 for the retail and 961 for the community facility, per city documents. The 6-floor building will house 82 dwelling units and a pool on a lower level.

Meanwhile, last week, local residents spotted Steiner and a group of people walking the site…


[Photo by Meri Micara]

Previously on EV Grieve:
New residential complex at former Mary Help of Christians lot may include rooftop swimming pool

Meet your new neighbor on Avenue A

Permits filed to demolish Mary Help of Christians church, school and rectory

Preservationists call for archeological review of former cemetery at Mary Help of Christians site

The 'senseless shocking self-destruction' of Mary Help of Christians

Residences rising from the former Mary Help of Christians lot will now be market-rate condos

Excel Art and Framing Store relocating nearby on 3rd Avenue

Back in January, we heard that the 21-year-old Excel Art and Framing Store had lost its lease at 38 Third Ave. between East Ninth Street and East 10th Street.

According to various tipsters, the Duane Reade on the corner of 10th Street (above) is planning on expanding into the adjacent storefronts, taking up the space the belongs to Excel and East Village Cheese in the process.

Yesterday we reported that East Village Cheese made the relocation announcement to East Seventh Street official. Now fans of Excel will be pleased to know that the frame shop has a new home … a short distance away on Third Avenue between East 11th Street and East 12th Street…





The new storefront should be open in mid-July, per the sign. Visit their website for updates.

The previous tenant here in the storefronts of NYU's Third North dorm was Everything Bagels, which closed at the beginning of the year.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Rumors: Duane Reade expansion will take over adjacent storefronts, including East Village Cheese (74 comments)

East Village Cheese makes move to 7th Street official

Former Luca Bar space for rent on St. Mark's Place

The for rent sign has arrived at 119 St. Mark's Place, former home of the Luca Bar here between Avenue A and First Avenue.



The listing via Jonis Realty doesn't appear to be online just yet.

The landlord took possession of the space back in late April. Regardless, Luca Bar always seemed able to bounce back from tax/landlord-related issues, such as in November 2013 and June 2011.

Luca Bar isn't the only available space on this side of the block. The former homes of the Belgian Room, Hop Devil Grill and Ton-Up Cafe are all currently business-free.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Marshal seizes Luca Bar (again) on St. Mark's Place

Tink's has closed on East 7th Street

On Saturday, an EVG reader told us that Tink's had abruptly closed on East Seventh Street between Avenue A and First Avenue.

A sign outside the cafe noted: "No more. It's been real."



We don't know what the reason was for the closure. There isn't any mention of the closing on the cafe's social media properties. The family-run business opened at 102 E. Seventh St. in October 2012.

Temporary art and future condos on East 13th Street

On Thursday night, developers for the directionally named Thirteen East + West at 436 and 442 E. 13th St. between Avenue A and First Avenue unveiled the luxury condos with a street-art competition featuring ArtBattles, a nonprofit dedicated to "creating live art events and competitions to expose emerging artists to the public."


[No. 436 mural by El Niño de Las Pinturas]


[No. 442 mural by "King of New York" Cernesto ]

According to New York Business Journal, the two artists in the competition — "King of New York" Cernesto and El Niño de Las Pinturas — incorporated a "'transient theme' into their works, reflecting how their murals will only be temporary before demolished and made into luxury towers."


[Image via Instagram]

Broker Ryan Serhant, one of the real-estate agents featured on Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing New York," told New York Business Journal:

"We really wanted to highlight what the East Village is all about, which is stories and characters and art — and street art specifically. These two projects specifically are being done with the blood sweat and tears of the East Village, one thousand percent."

According to Serhant, each building has 6 floor-through homes, all with private outdoor space. The penthouses have their own private garages and roof decks. Pricing will start at $2.3 million; $3.4 million for the penthouses.

Meanwhile, back to the New York Business Journal:

David Amirian, principle of The Amirian Group, said the towers will fit into the neighborhood nicely.

"We think this will be a great addition to the neighborhood, you know we aren't building a 20-story glass structure where its going to be infill. We hope its going to be a very big part of the neighborhood in the future," Amirian said.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Tracking the coming changes to East 13th Street between Avenue A and 1st Avenue

Claim: Landlord of 444 E. 13th St. threatened 'to drop dynamite on the building'

A look at the new luxury condos coming soon to East 13th Street

The V-Spot opens an empanada outpost on St. Mark's Place ahead of planned vegan restaurant

The family-run Park Slope vegan restaurant The V-Spot has plans to open an outpost at 16 St. Mark's Place between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.

Until that happens, The V-Spotters started selling empanadas to-go from the storefront this past Friday…


[Images via Facebook]

As for a full-blown vegan restaurant on St. Mark's Place, the family has turned to Kickstarter to help get the business here started. If interested, then you can read about the campaign here.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Organic omnivore, vegetarian or vegan restaurant wanted at 12 St. Mark's Place

The V-Spot coming soon to St. Mark's Place

Week in Grieview

[7th and A the other day via Derek Berg]

East Village Radio is officially back (Thursday)

Rumors: Red Square has been sold (Monday)

A look at the new luxury condos coming soon to East 13th Street (Wednesday)

With space too expensive in the East Village, Pommes Frites will reopen on MacDougal Street (Wednesday)

Brewer and Mendez celebrate Mayor's signature of new tenant notification law (Friday)

Workers remove damaged linden tree from Tompkins Square Park (Wednesday)

Mixologoist Albert Trummer looking to bring a cocktail bar to Avenue C (Tuesday)

Urban Etiquette Cat Sign! (Thursday, 27 comments)

Your new Cooper Square dorm (Friday)

Taxi Relief Stand arrives on Avenue A (Thursday)

A new beginning for Diane McLean and her 3 children (Wednesday)

Presenting the Shops on East Fifth Street (Tuesday)

VolaVida Gallery opens on East Fourth Street (Thursday)

Out and About in the East Village 2015 recap (Wednesday)

Bar Akuda is now The Grayson after 2 weeks (Friday)

On Sixth Street, Hudson East fetches $60 million (Wednesday)

Avenue A storefront shuffle (Monday)

The disappearing penthouse of 515 E. Fifth St. (Friday)

New Steve Croman warning flyer makes the scene (Monday)

Moishe's has a new (temporary-looking) sign (Thursday)

The discarded Bill Murray throw pillow (Monday)

Commercial space available for rent at 117 Second Ave. (Thursday)

The B Bar's Urban Etiquette Sign about their neighbor's trash (Monday)

… and Tarzan Mike (aka He-Man) feeds a squirrel in Tompkins Square Park…


[Photo yesterday via Steven]

Report: Dog walker traded Sugar for PCP

PLS RT: Sugar last seen on 2.23 at 9am at 210 East 26th St. She may be wearing a navy sweater. #FindSugarNYC pic.twitter.com/1nm3kxIgvw

— FindSugarNYC (@FindSugarNYC) February 25, 2015

East Village resident Morgan Bogle has filed a new lawsuit claiming that her dog walker traded Sugar, her Amstaff/pit bull mix, in exchange for drugs, the Post reports today.

Here's what she alleges against dog walker Tommy Doerr in court papers, as reported by the Post:

Doerr, 46, was “detained by the police who had allegedly searched him and found him in possession of a controlled substance, believed to be PCP,” Bogle claims in court papers.

She “has also been told . . . that [Doerr] ‘traded’ Sugar to some drug dealers in return for PCP or sold Sugar in order to obtain money to buy drugs,” court papers state. “Morgan believes that her best friend and beloved pet was sold by Doerr to be used in connection with dog-fighting or traded for controlled substances.”

Doerr's lawyer responded:

“I can tell you there was a drug intake [at the hospital] and it was completely negative, which proves that any allegation that he was on any kind of drugs is completely false,” attorney Mel Ginsburg told The Post.

“There’s a lot of completely false allegations being made about this case,” Ginsburg said. “Nobody’s going to fake going into the hospital. There’s no intent here.”

Also:

The dog walker has countersued Bogle, accusing her of defamation because of the “false” drug allegations. Doerr also claims a pet detective hired by Bogle treated him “in a most abusive and intimidating manner” and told Doerr he should kill himself, according to court papers.

The 4-year-old Sugar went missing on Feb. 23 under mysterious circumstances.

Doerr, who had been with Sugar for three years, previously said that he didn't remember what happened to the dog.

Previously on EV Grieve:
More about Sugar, the missing pit bull mix with a $5k reward (78 comments)

Reward for Sugar is now $10,000, thanks to NBA all-star David Lee (45 comments)

An East Village Sugar sighting (53 comments)

East Village Cheese makes move to 7th Street official

As we reported on May 27, East Village Cheese was going to relocate this summer to East Seventh Street.

There's now a sign up at the shop at 40 Third Ave. between East Ninth Street and East 10th Street with a few more details on the relocation…



Their current lease expires at the end of July. In January, we heard that the Duane Reade on Third Avenue at East 10th Street was going to expand into adjacent storefronts on that block, forcing out several businesses, including East Village Cheese and Excel Custom Framing. (Excel has found a new home on Third Avenue, which we will write about in a separate post.)

The Cheese shop owners had considered a move to Avenue A and East 13th Street, though that plan never materialized.

The new East Village Cheese will be at 80 East Seventh St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue, which was the former home of Warwick and Framus Custom Shop.

H/T East Village Eats

Previously on EV Grieve:
Rumors: Duane Reade expansion will take over adjacent storefronts, including East Village Cheese (74 comments)

[Updated] Confirmed: East Village Cheese will be moving to Avenue A later this year

The downtown skyline this morning

Photo by Bobby Williams