#notourpresident storefront not coming to 2nd Avenue

[Reader photo from Nov. 18]

As we first noted on Nov. 19, coming soon signage arrived for #notourpresident on an empty storefront (No. 64) on Second Avenue between Fourth Street and Third Street.

The #notourpresident sparked some speculation, especially when there was a cafe sign in view as well. (Maybe this would be another attempt at satire like the dearly departed 'Merica on Sixth Street.)

In any event, the signage is gone, and the for rent banner is back in view ...



The asking rent here is $13,000, per the listing.

The space previously housed NYC Velo, who moved next door in March.

Velo was curious too about what might coming next door...

In non-bike news, it looks like our former shop space is getting a new tenant. While we try to be apolitical (it's #allaboutthebike) it will be interesting to see this one unfold #notourpresident

A photo posted by @nycvelo on Nov 27, 2016 at 2:24pm PST

PokéVillage opens today

PokéVillage is ready for poké action today here at 250 E. 14th St. near Second Avenue... as you can see, there is a 50-percent off deal coinciding with the grand opening...



Aside from a variety of the Hawaiian raw-fish salad, PokéVillage is serving burritos, nachos (!!!) and Korean-fried chicken wings...





This is the second new poke place to open in the neighborhood this year, joining PokéSpot, which debuted on Fourth Avenue and 12th Street on Aug. 12.

No 250 was previously home to Saving$ Paradise, which merged with I.Q. Decor back in the spring.

At the 25th annual Tompkins Square Park tree lighting

East Village residents gathered late this afternoon for the 25th annual Tompkins Square Park tree lighting.

The Tompkins Square Park Neighborhood Coalition, East Village Parks Conservancy and Third Street Music School Settlement hosted the event, which featured, as always, music by Mandel & Lydon Trio (Ellen Mandel, Michael Lydon and John Hagen) ... and the Carolers of Olde New York from Theatre for the New City. Veselka served food and drinks. Angelica's Kitchen, C&B Cafe and Jimmy's 43 also chipped in on snacks for the lighting.

EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by and shared these photos...




[Artist Albert Fabozzi planted the tree 25 years ago to commemorate the loss of his friend, Park advocate Glenn Barnett]

The first dusting of snow this season can only mean 1 thing

Photo on 9th Street by Steven...

Santa comes down the ladder on 2nd Street

Courtesy of Engine 28/Ladder 11 between Avenue B and Avenue C... Photos by Bill Buchen...

SantaCon 2016 in photos

A few scenes from SantaCon yesterday in the East Village...



















Above photos by Derek Berg...


------

...and some photos by EVG reader Cheyenne...









------

Will update later with any reports of arrests, donation totals, etc. (Two SantaCon protesters were reportedly ticketed yesterday for using megaphones without a permit.)

Perhaps we'll find out more about all this at One and One ...



Or this...



Updated 2:19 p.m.

From Gothamist:

An NYPD spokesperson told Gothamist that there were no SantaCon-related arrests made last night. NBC caught footage of two "SantaCon Is Cancelled" protesters who appeared to be arrested before noon, but an NYPD spokesperson told Gothamist that there was no record of their arrests. Officers did issue 100 summonses though, most of which were for disorderly conduct.

H/T NOTORIOUS

Reminders: tree lighting, cookie walk and holiday fair

[Tree photo Friday by Steven]

• The 25th annual tree lighting in Tompkins Square Park is today from 4-5 p.m. Details here.

• Day 2 of the 8th annual Cookie Walk at St. Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church (Avenue A at 10th Street) is noon to 3 p.m. today. Details here.

From the Cookie Walk website:

The baking team kept baking Saturday so there are delicious cookies waiting for you today. Come early! We may not make it until 3 pm but we have plenty of varieties to start the day.

• The Neighborhood School's annual Holiday Fair is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 121 E. Third St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. Details here.

Speaking of the school, workers yesterday removed the last of the sidewalk bridge and construction materials on the Fourth Street side of the building...





...marking the end of a long three years of renovations here.

A note from super Eddie

Welcome home.



Photo on Ninth Street yesterday by Steven.

PS
Because someone will ask — this is not one of the buildings on the block owned by Jared Kushner that have had other reported issues.

The Christo pounce

Red-tailed hawk dad Christo was spotted yesterday in Tompkins Square Park... hunting and gathering ...



...and eating...



Photos by Bobby Williams

2nd Avenue, 8:13 a.m., Dec. 11

How was your BumbleCon?

Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster costume pic on 14th Street earlier by James and Karla Murray...

Hawk fight

EVG correspondent Steven shares this photo from yesterday... when red-tailed hawk parent Dora (on the lower right) was fighting with what the hawk watchers in Tompkins Square Park thought was a juvenile red-tailed hawk.

It was not immediately clear what the fight was over.

It's Christmas time at Mikey Likes It

RUN DMC is on the gate at Mikey Likes It, 199 Avenue A near East 12th Street. Andre Trenier's 1980s-flavored mural coincides with the flavor of the month — "Christmas in Hollis" ...

New month, means new flavor. Presenting "Christmas in Hollis" white chocolate ice cream with crushed peppermint puffs, semi sweet chocolate chips and chocolate covered marshmallows. #mikeylikesit #mikeylikesiticecream #nyc #foodie #food #goodeats #foodblogger #feastagram #feastagram #🍦 #leadersofthenewscoop

A photo posted by Mikey Likes It Ice Cream (@mikeylikesiticecream) on Dec 4, 2016 at 4:47pm PST

Reminders: The 8th annual St. Nicholas Cookie Walk is this weekend

As we noted here several weeks ago...the 8th annual Cookie Walk at St. Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church on Avenue A at 10th Street is this weekend.

Sale hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and from noon to 3 p.m. tomorrow. Find more details at the St. Nicholas website.

Just before 9 a.m., East 4th Street

Photo by Derek Berg