EV Grieve Etc.: Union Square theater panic; the holiday season at Rolf's

[Photo by Derek Berg]

The Subway Therapy Post-It walls coming in book form (Gothamist)

A look at the new Chrystie Street protected bike lane (Streetsblog)

The sad state of Lanza's on First Avenue (Jeremiah's Vanishing New York)

Swift Hibernian Lounge tops this list of the city's best pubs (Grub Street)

Man causes panic at the Union Square theater during a screening of "La La Land" (DNAinfo)

The last bookbinder on the LES (Literary Hub)

A video interview with Ray of Ray's Candy Store (Gothamist)

Speaking of Ray, he unveiled an fish-and-chips ($9) this week...


[Photo by Peter Brownscombe]

Will anyone listen to the concerns of residents about the Two Bridges mega projects? (The Lo-Down)

Revisiting the 1898 Bowery Burlesquers (Ephemeral New York)

Pearl & Ash closes after three years on the Bowery (Eater)

Celebrating the life and legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who was born on Dec. 22, 1960 (Off the Grid)

A December day with Christo (Laura Goggin Photography)

The holiday season at Rolf's (Town & Village)

Classic Misfits pics (Dangerous Minds)

...and the tree vendors are wrapping up another season in the neighborhood... here's a photo of Jonathan Papillon Blanc, who has been selling here the past six years. This time around, he was on Second Avenue at Seventh Street, away from his usual spot in front of the Rite Aid on First Avenue and Fifth Street (construction next door prompted the move)...


[Photo by Rainer Turim]

A Croman Christmas

The following is from a group of tenants who rent from Steve Croman's 9300 Realty... several of whom say they do not currently have heat or hot water in their apartments... via the EVG inbox and with apologies to Dr. Seuss...

You're a mean one, Steve Croman
You really are a heel,
You're as cuddly as a cactus, you're as charming as an eel, Steve Croman,
You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel!

You're a monster, Steve Croman,
Your heart's an empty hole,
Your brain is full of spiders, you have garlic in your soul, Steve Croman,
I wouldn't touch you with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole!

You're a foul one, Steve Croman,
You have termites in your smile,
You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile, Steve Croman,
Given a choice between the two of you'd take the seasick crocodile!

You're a rotter, Steve Croman,
You're the king of sinful sots,
Your heart's a dead tomato splotched with moldy purple spots, Steve Croman,
You're a three decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce!

You nauseate me, Steve Croman,
With a nauseous super "naus!",
You're a crooked dirty jockey and you drive a crooked hoss, Steve Croman,
Your soul is an appalling dump heap overflowing with the most disgraceful
assortment of rubbish imaginable mangled up in tangled up knots!

You're a foul one, Steve Croman,
You're a nasty wasty skunk,
Your heart is full of unwashed socks, your soul is full of gunk, Steve Croman,
The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote,
"Stink, stank, stunk"!

In May, Croman was arrested and charged in criminal court with multiple felonies, including grand larceny, criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records. State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is also suing Croman in civil court.

Last week, tenants at 159 Stanton St. filed a lawsuit in housing court against Croman.

Per The Lo-Down: "According to the tenant association, residents have been forced to endure collapsing ceilings, dust and debris, mold, rats and floods. The lawsuit also alleges that poor security has led to numerous burglaries."

Croman's real-estate empire includes 47 buildings with 617 units in the East Village. He owns more buildings in the East Village than any other landlord.

Thursday's parting shot

A view to the west this evening via Bobby Williams...

A London Calling tribute

Joe Strummer died 14 years ago today... and at the mural of the frontman for the Clash outside Niagara on Seventh Street and Avenue A, someone has left two candles and a London Calling (the cover shot at the Palladium on 14th Street) T-shirt in tribute...

Sen. Squadron calls for False Claims investigation against group who sold Rivington House for condos

Via the EVG inbox...

State Sen. Daniel Squadron released a letter (see the PDF here) to letter to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Corporation Counsel Zachary Carter urging an investigation into the Rivington House deed restriction removal and purchase by the Allure Group under the State and City’s False Claims Acts.

At the City and State level, the False Claims Act provides authority to take civil action against those that defraud the government. The City has indicated it was misled by the Allure Group during the deed restriction removal and sale of the Lower East Side nursing home.

“The closure of Rivington House stunned the community and highlighted major flaws in the process that governs deed restrictions,” he wrote. “The role of government is to protect the public interest and to be transparent; but that role is undermined if government is misled, as may have been the case at Rivington House. But, it is also vital that we hold those who violate the public trust accountable.”

The Daily News has more on Squadron's press conference from yesterday here.

In February 2015, the Allure Group paid $28 million for the property, promising that 45 Rivington — the former Rivington Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation — would remain a health facility. In November 2015, a city agency lifted the the deed in exchange for the Allure Group's $16 million payment to the city. Earlier this year, Allure then reportedly sold the property for $116 million to the the Slate Property Group, a condo developer who plans to create 100 luxury residences in the building that overlooks Sara S. Roosevelt Park.

Last summer, the Department of Investigation released the results of an inquiry, which didn't reveal any corruption, but rather inattention and incompetence by the de Blasio administration.

Previously

Taberna 97 is now open on St. Mark's Place

After several weeks in soft-open mode, Taberna 97 has officially opened its doors at 97 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue...



The owners (Eric Baker and sisters Patricia and Raquel Sanguedo, who also own the bar St. Dymphnas on the same block) are behind this venture, modeled after a traditional Portuguese taverna. (The Sanguedos are originally from Porto, Portugal. Baker and Patricia Sanguedo are married.)

Here's a look at the menu... they also have a beer-wine menu....


[Click to go big]

There was a long build-out here. The owners said that Taberna 97 was constructed to meet standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

The previous tenant, Yaffa Cafe, closed (in September 2014), in part, because the city deemed the back patio illegal after being in use as a dining area for 31 years.

As previously reported, there aren't any plans for the Taberna team to offer backyard dining. "Let me assure everyone involved that this has not been nor is it the case," Baker told us back in September. "Our plans for the garden involve landscaping and beautifying so it can be enjoyed from inside our space."

Taberna 97 is open Tuesday–Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Previously

Dahlia's Tapas Wine Bar has been dark of late

Several EVG readers have noted a lack of activity of late at Dahlia's Tapas Wine Bar, 214 E. Ninth St.

The cafe between Second Avenue and Third Avenue has not been open during posted hours in recent nights while the phone kicks into a generic message about not having a voicemail box (or voice mailbox) set up.

Its sister restaurant, Dahlia’s Fine Mexican Cuisine on Second Avenue at Fifth Street, was busted by the SLA after serving a reported 50 minors one night in January. The Mexican restaurant then closed in May.

The owners replaced it with 100% Healthy Blend (or maybe just Healthy Blend), which closed after three months.

Here comes the 2nd Avenue subway!

Well, sort of. @ImPaulGale shared this photo from the Second Avenue F stop this afternoon... showing MTA workers putting in new maps to reflect the Second Avenue Subway ... the new line, set to commence on Jan. 1, will bring Q train service to 63rd Street, 72nd Street, 86th Street and 96th Street.

Report of a fire last night at 96 St. Mark's Place

There was a report of a fire last night around midnight at 96 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue.

Hey @evgrieve: several fire companies pulling hoses into buildings on St. marks between First and A. pic.twitter.com/Rl8VOVdxPO

— Julian Fleisher (@JulianFlei) December 21, 2016

The initial @FDNY tweet went out at 12:12 a.m.

MAN ALL HANDS 96 ST MARKS PLACE, MULTIPLE DWELLING FIRE 1ST FLR,

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) December 21, 2016

The all clear came at 1 a.m.

MAN ALL HANDS 96 ST MARKS PLACE, MULTIPLE DWELLING FIRE 1ST FLR, UNDER CONTROL

— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) December 21, 2016

According to a building resident, the fire started on the first floor, with some damage in the basement and on the second floor. The Red Cross was on the scene and provided a temporary place to stay for displaced residents. The fire marshal is expected on the scene today.

This morning, the front door was propped open. The interior smelled like smoke.



The only remnant of a fire was a piece of charred wood...



Residents on the upper floors were allowed back in. Per the EVG reader: "It smells pretty acrid, so I'm bunking elsewhere for a few nights to try to let everything air out."

As of this morning, the tenants had yet to hear from their landlord.

And if the address is familiar... the cover of Led Zeppelin’s "Physical Graffiti" depicts the two buildings located at 96 and 98 St Mark's Place.

Updated

Several readers asked... both businesses here, Physical Graffitea and Xe May Sandwich Shop, are open...

[Updated] David Barton Gyms abruptly close

[Image via]

Gymgoers heading over to the David Barton Gym on Astor Place (and other locations) were surprised/shocked/pissed to learn that the facility is permanently closed.

The sign for gymgoers notes that they "ceased operations due to competitive market conditions."

Gym members received an email in the middle of the night, per one EVG reader:



An EVG reader shared this email that sent to members of Cyc Fitness, which had a studio inside the Astor Place David Barton...



David Barton, who opened the clubs in the early 1990s, reportedly stepped away from the business in 2013.

The Astor Place location opened in 2009. The space was previously a Barnes & Noble.

David Barton Gyms have yet to make any official announcement about the closure, per NewNowNext.

Here's the official statement via the company website:

“DavidBartonGym has discontinued operations at its locations in New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago, and Bellevue, Wash., effective immediately. All affected employees and clients are being notified.

However, all DavidBartonGym facilities in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and the Island Club & Spa in Honolulu will remain open and operating as usual. These locations are owned by a separate legal entity, Meridian Sports Club, LLC, and are in markets that are more favorable to the company’s business model. Clients and staff will see no changes.

The company deeply regrets this final action, but due to severe competitive pressures, particularly in New York, it has become impossible for these locations to continue. DavidBartonGym greatly appreciates the past patronage of its clients and support of its staff and training professionals.”

Reps for rival gyms were outside the Astor Place location today offering deals to now-former Dave Baron members, per DNAinfo.

Updated 10 p.m.

The Post reports that the closure left 369 gym employees without jobs in the city.

Out and About in the East Village 2016 in review

That's a wrap on Out and About in the East Village (OAAITEV, per the T-shirts) this year.

As always, many thanks to East Village-based photographer James Maher for his continued contributions. (The feature dates to Aug. 1, 2012.) And also thank you to Stacie Joy for filling in several times this year when James was traveling.

Meanwhile, we're looking forward to featuring more people who live and/or work in the neighborhood next year. For now, here's a look back at this year's profiles...

Jan. 13 — Spike Polite (part 1)

Jan. 21 — Spike Polite (part 2)

Jan. 27 — Leslie McEachern

Feb. 3 — Niall Grant

Feb. 10 — Kevin Cloutier

Feb. 17 — Rafael Hines (part 1)

Feb. 24 — Rafael Hines (part 2)

March 2 — Annie Ju and Melissa Scott

March 9 — Parker Dulany

March 16 — Shari Albert

March 23 — Brother Rasheim

March 30 — Jon R. Jewett

April 6 — 2016 recap to date

April 20 — Alan Good (part 1)

April 27 — Alan Good (part 2)

May 4 — Maria and Brisco

May 11 — John Ellert and Sam

June 1 — Ceasar Noel Soto

June 8 — Joe (part 1)

June 15 — Joe (part 2)

June 22 — Colette Pwakah (part 1)

June 29 — Colette Pwakah (part 2)

July 6 — London

July 13 — Roosmarijn van Kessel

July 20 — Anna Pastoressa

July 27 — Creaux

Aug. 10 — 4-year recap

Aug. 17 — John Von Hartz

Aug. 24 — Craig

Aug. 31 — Hal Hirshorn

Sept. 14 — Amy Sheridan

Sept. 28 — Boris Ryback

Oct. 5 — Jamey Poole and Rusty James

Oct. 19 — Michelle Candela

Oct. 26 — Grant Stitt

Nov. 2 — Candice Brewer

Nov. 16 — Eric Paulin (part 1)

Nov. 23 — Eric Paulin (part 2)

Nov. 30 — Henry Hills

Dec. 14 — Cara Bloch, Carmen Ruiz-Davila and Luella

A reveal at 222 E. 7th St.

The scaffolding and construction netting came down yesterday at 222 E. Seventh St., showing the new-look condoplex here between Avenue B and Avenue C...


[Photo by Dave on 7th]

Workers had gutted the previous, rather nondescript (see below) 4-story brick building ... and added two new floors.

In total, there will be eight condos inside, per work permits filed with the city.

When the new development first revealed itself in 2011, it was named the rather jaunty Villa Capri, set to be ready in 2012. Not sure if that's still the name plan. We haven't seen any details about pricing or amenities for the new homes just yet.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Villa Capri condos coming to Seventh Street

[Updated] Work underway on the new residential conversion on East 7th Street

Bringing down 222 E. 7th St. brick by brick

[The old-looking No. 222]

An Urban Etiquette Sign about smoking indoors

An EVG reader woke up yesterday to find this note on the door of the building... located on Third Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue...

The letter writer is asking fellow residents not to smoke inside:

Second hand smoke is a risk to health, and the smell of cigarettes easily travels from one apartment to the next in this building.

At the very least, open your windows so LESS smoke enters neighboring units.

Thoughts (about the note)?

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: What do I do about my new neighbors who smoke pot all the time? (80 comments)

Out East bringing a coastal taste of Long Island to 6th Street

[EVG photo from August]

As we first noted back in the summer,, veteran restaurateur Peter Kane (Bowery Meat Company, Stanton Social, Essex & Beauty, etc.) is opening a two-level restaurant called Out East on 509 E. Sixth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Reps from Out East, whose team includes chef Tim Meyers (Charlie Bird) and Anthony Serignese (formerly of Beauty & Essex and Stanton Social), released more details about the venture.

As Eater noted:

Out East will serve "New American fare with influences from the coastal regions of Long Island." It’s largely inspired by the beach, which is the partners’ "preferred downtime destination."

Apparently the restaurant will be a spot for any New Yorkers who want to leave the city but do not want to actually go to Long Island: "Out East is the stylish, coastal cosmopolitan, downtown dining destination that transports guests away from the city for a night."

Well, it's really a quiet block for a downtown dining destination. Apparently some neighbors are cool with this: According to CB3, there were 52 signatures of support from area residents when the full liquor license went up for approval last July.

In any event, Out East will have a seafood-centric menu with a raw bar. Out East is expected to open next month.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Out East quietly announces itself on 6th Street

[Updated] Police make arrest in shooting outside the Hells Angels HQ on 3rd Street

[Pic from Dec. 13 by Event Photos NYC]

Police have arrested a 52-year-old Bronx man for a shooting that occurred early on Dec. 11 outside the Hells Angels clubhouse, the Daily News reports.

The Post names the suspect in custody as Anthony Iovenitti. Police sources have alleged that he shot Valley Stream resident David Martinez, 25, in the stomach during a late night/early morning fight outside the clubhouse between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Police said that the fight began after Martinez exited his friend's Mercedez-Benz to move an orange parking cone so that the car could pass a livery driver stopped on the street. This prompted a confrontation that ended with the shooting.

According to a previous report in the News, police were looking for a suspect who wore a hat with the word "dad" on it. Both the Daily News and the Post reported that the members of the Hells Angels had not been cooperating with the NYPD's investigation.

In a fairly large operation last Tuesday, police, armed with an Environmental Control Board Summons, shut down the street and removed two Hells Angels-branded planters, a bench and a ramp from outside the HQ.

Updated 12/21


[Pool photography via the Daily Mail]

Iovenitti (pictured above) was arraigned on assault charges, according to published reports.

Per DNAinfo:

Iovenitti, who has seven prior arrests, was arrested on charges of attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon, police said. He was ultimately arraigned on the assault and criminal possession charges, according to a criminal complaint.

Iovenitti was also reportedly arrested in October for another fight over a parking spot.

According to the Daily Mail, "Martinez's colon was severed by the bullet, which became lodged in his spine."

And:

He has been recovering in the hospital but was reportedly too scared to speak to police amid fear of reprisals from Hells Angels.

Defense lawyer Ron Kuby said today during the arraignment that "Martinez as the aggressor."

From the Daily News:

“This was not the cone wars,” Kuby told Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Lyle Frank. “(Martinez) grabs a chain from the Mercedes. He starts swinging the chain.”

Kuby also criticized the cops for ripping open Christmas presents in Iovenitti’s upstate home in a search that “caused mayhem in the apartment.”

And from the Post:

Iovenitti is a “prospect” with the notorious motorcycle club, a step away from becoming a full-fledged member.

He was released on $25,000 bail and is due back in court Friday.

Dancer in the trash

Seventh Street and First Avenue this morning via Derek Berg

Another day, another gas-service issue

Another day, another gas-service issue with a building managed by AJ Clarke, this one on Seventh Street, and "just in time for Christmas," per an anonymous reader who shared this notice dated yesterday...



Yesterday, we noted an AJ Clarke building on Ninth Street where tenants were left without gas for cooking. Here, the heat and hot water were also shut off, though management hopes to get it back on "within a day or two." However — "the process to restore the cooking gas service is long and arduous."

Residents in the Ninth Street building were told they would be given credit for the purchase of a hot plate.

And here? "No mention of any hot plate reimbursements, heater reimbursements, takeout stipends, or the like," said the reader.

According to Streeteasy, the average rent in this Seventh Street building is $3,300 a month.

Construction watch: 11 Avenue C

Crews have starting digging in and pile-driving at the triangular lot (the former Mobil station) between Houston Street, Avenue C and Second Street...





...where the city OK'd plans for a 10-story, mixed-use building with 46 residential unit on Dec. 5. The rendering, first revealed back in the fall, is now on the plywood...



Rotwein + Blake are the architects of record. Here's more about the all-new 11 Avenue C via their website:

The narrow triangular site, presented numerous challenges from its odd shape to zoning constraints, Rotwein+Blake crafted a well thought-out solution to maximize potential development opportunity for the client. At ten stories, the building will have 4,600 SF of ground level retail, 46 residential apartments and a landscaped roof terrace.

The buildings retail component engages the more lively Houston Street side on a pedestrian level, with an abundance of storefront glass, awnings and stone details, while the residential entrance on 2nd Street, creates a more private and embracing gesture. The brick and zinc façade blend a modern twist to a historic warehouse style, reminiscent of the now, chic residential adaptive reuse projects of Soho and Tribeca.

The rendering states the project's completion date as March 2018.

Previously on EV Grieve:
You have a little longer to get gas on Avenue C

Plans filed for new 9-story building at site of Mobil station on East Houston and Avenue C

State seizes Mobil station on Avenue C and Houston for nonpayment of taxes

New residential building for former Mobil station lot will be 10 floors with 0 zero affordable units

A look inside the last East Village gas station

Verizon Wireless takes over former Verizon Wireless storefront on 2nd Avenue

Back in April, the Verizon Wireless outlet on Second Avenue at St. Mark's Place closed after nearly three years here.

After several months on the rental market... the for lease sign came down and renovations commenced ... and yesterday, signs went up in the window showing the new tenant — Verizon Wireless...



H/T Steven

A new era for outdoor group fitness on 9th Street

EVG reader Moe spotted this scene today on Ninth Street at Third Avenue... likely the treadmills for the incoming Orangetheory Fitness here at 51 Astor Place/the IBM Watson Building/Death Star.