Friday, February 10, 2017
Only 'You'
A pre-Valentine's Day song for you... a cover of "Can't Get Used to Losing You" by the English Beat... from 1983...
A Valentine's Day rally to get some love for the former PS 64
This coming Tuesday (Valentine's Day!), City Council Member Rosie Mendez and other community leaders, organizations and residents are holding a rally and press conference on the steps of City Hall to get Mayor De Blasio's attention on the former P.S 64 and CHARAS/El Bohio community center on East Ninth Street.
As previously reported, developer Gregg Singer, who bought the property between Avenue B and Avenue C from the city in 1998, is reportedly pushing de Blasio's administration to remove a stop-work order that has been in place since 2015.
According to published reports, Singer has a signed lease with Adelphi University, and hopes to have students move in by the fall of 2018.
Preservationist groups and other residents have been opposed to Singer's plans, and want to see a return of the landmarked building to use as a cultural and community center.
The rally starts at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
Previously
Blue 9 Burger has not been open lately
[Photo by Harry Weiner]
The quick-serve burger place at 92 Third Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street has not been open the past week. (An especially bad sign that they were closed on Super Bowl Sunday.)
There hasn't been any activity here, including someone answering the phone. And the various food delivery services note that Blue 9 is not currently taking any orders.
I don't recall when this place opened. I found a review at Serious Eats from May 2005, which is about the last time that I ate here.
Take in a free reptile workshop at Social Tees
[EVG photo from Jan. 30]
The fine folks at Social Tees Animal Rescue on East Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue are offering this workshop tomorrow (Saturday!) at 5 p.m. ...
Previously on EV Grieve:
Out and About with Robert Shapiro, founder and director of Social Tees
A visit to Uogashi on 1st Avenue
We hadn't heard much about the place. This past week, though, Robert Sietsema checked in with a solid review over at Eater.
An excerpt:
Located in the East Village, Uogashi concentrates almost solely on sushi. Its parent organization, according to the greeter one evening, owns a fish wholesaler and several stand-up sushi counters in Tokyo, which explains how the prices at Uogashi can be so low. Sushi assortments run $38 and $45 for nine pieces of nigiri sushi, soup, salad, and a hand roll, or $75 for a more elaborate omakase.
And!
I’ve eaten there twice, and sampled all three sushi assortments, and the fish and crustaceans are pristine. The $45 Uogashi sushi begins with a tiny salad in a clear glass bowl and progresses to a miso soup bobbing with slender enoki mushrooms. The sushi course came on a single plate on a banana leaf, and the highlights recently were medium fatty tuna, Japanese sea scallop, and river eel, served warm and burnished in the usual way with sweet soy sauce.
You can check out the restaurant's website and menu here.
The space here previously housed Oyama, and whatever came after that.
Image via Yelp
A state-of-the-art Quad Cinema expected to open this spring
[Photo from Wednesday]
Walking by 34 E. 13th St. between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, you wouldn't know that there was a movie theater in this space.
Back in the summer of 2014, news broke that the Quad Cinema, family-owned and operated since 1972, was now the property of real-estate developer, film producer-distributor and movie buff Charles S. Cohen.
Since then, the theater has been undergoing a gut rehab to upgrade the space to showcase foreign, independent and classic films.
Cohen, whose personal wealth is a reported $2.8 billion, has given several interviews of late. For starters, the Quad is expected to reopen this spring.
Here's more from a Q-and-A published Feb. 4 at LA West Media:
What is the biggest challenge of being a distributor?
The biggest challenge a distributor has for limited release films is finding screens. The highest and best use of real estate in New York City is not movie theaters. So there are very few screens and the real estate for screenings is very tight. We have done very well with the current screens, but I wanted my own screens so I could insure that I could play the films that I feel strongly about that might not otherwise find a home. I tried years ago to buy the Walter Reed chain, but that didn’t work out. So in 2014, I acquired the Quad Cinema ... It’s going through massive renovations. It originally had 570 seats, but will open in April with four state-of-the-art screens, with 430 seats each.
There are more Quad details in a feature on Cohen in Surface magazine (H/T Jeremiah Moss!).
C. Mason Wells, the IFC film programmer who Cohen hired to co-run the Quad, tells me that he tracked Cohen down after hearing that he’d bought the theater. “I was so impressed by the scope of what he was doing,” Wells says. “There are so many people who do individual components, but not altogether—distribution, production, restoration and exhibition. That’s something I want to be a part of.” (Former Film Comment editor Gavin Smith was also brought on board to program the cinema.)
What clinched the deal was Cohen’s decision to dedicate one of the Quad’s four screens to classic cinema, which Wells wanted to focus on, and which is often relegated to matinee or midnight screenings at other theaters.
“Finding a fellow fan is great,” Wells says. “At our weekly meetings we’ll start talking about movies and the merits of them even when there’s other stuff on the docket. He watches pretty much everything that comes out and he can rattle off film facts like a human IMDB. It almost turns into a game of, ‘Oh man, I got stumped by Charles again.’”
And!
“I think it’s going to be a game changer,” he says of the Quad. “I think it’s going to be one of the best places to see film in New York. The programmers will create a new standard. It’s what New York is missing.”
As our time together came to a close, I wondered some things aloud.
What would it have that other theaters didn’t?
“They don’t have what I’m looking for,” Cohen says.
But what was he looking for?
“A soul,” he says. “Going to a movie should be more of an event. It should energize you and provoke discussion. It should be a curated experience, there should be someone to welcome you, to provide history, interpretation. It should be a window on the world.” One with a wine bar.
According to Cinema Treasures, the Quad was Manhattan's first four-screen theater when it opened in 1972.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Now playing at the Quad Cinema: Closed for Renovations
Thursday, February 9, 2017
A cold reception
Despite not having the proper work permits from the city, several people went ahead and built a suitably cheery snowman/person in Tompkins Square Park today ... here are two pics via EVG reader VigilantEVer ...
...and later, via Stacie Joy... seems like it needs a hat...
[Updated] Today snow far
A few photos from out and about via Derek Berg...
... and on Avenue D between Seventh Street and Eighth Street ... George Cohen shared these photos...
...and some 10th Street aerial views via Bobby Williams...
... ground-level 10th Street shots via Daniel...
...Tompkins Square Park via Allen Semanco...
... and on Avenue A via a reader...have a good snow day...
Proof that it is snowing
Just a few photos of today's snowfall ... here's a look at Tompkins Square Park via Steven...
... and a selection from Vinny & O... Second Avenue first around 6:30 a.m. ...
Tonight's L train shutdown workshop cancelled due to the snowy weather
The Storm of Feb. 9™ (Niko if you're nasty) claims a victim — the MTA's first public workshop to discuss the upcoming (2019!) L train shutdown has been cancelled tonight at Town and Village Synagogue on East 14th Street...
As for the L this morning!
But now!
Due to the expected winter storm, tomorrow's #LTrain Manhattan Eastside workshop with @NYCTSubway is cancelled. Stay tuned for a new date. https://t.co/BJDfw8vtwo
— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) February 9, 2017
As for the L this morning!
#Delays
— L Train NYC (@mtanowl) February 9, 2017
Following an earlier incident at 8 Av, [L] train service has resumed with delays.
But now!
— L Train NYC (@mtanowl) February 9, 2017
How can I really be expected to post today when the Storm of Feb. 9™ is here?
[EVG photo on 7th and A from 2011]
#SnowDay
Snow photos to come all day, probably!
Previously on EV Grieve:
How can I really be expected to post today when the Storm of Feb. 8™ is on the way?
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Citi Bike shuts down ahead of the storm
[Photo from Jan. 31 by Derek Berg]
Here's the official word from Citi Bike:
Due to heavy snow in the forecast, we will temporarily close the Citi Bike system starting at 11:00 PM tonight, Wednesday February 8. What does that mean for you? No bikes can be rented after the temporary closure has begun, though bikes that are in use can be returned to any Citi Bike station with an available dock.
The amount of snow and changing weather conditions will determine when it is safe to re-open.
They will post updates on Twitter tomorrow ...
Prepping for tomorrow's snowstorm
As we first reported after other outlets, it is going to snow tomorrow.
Ahead of that, people (store owners? supers? residents), like here on First Avenue near St. Mark's Place, are getting ready... creating emoji-like salt circles...
[Photo by Steven]
Meanwhile, the folks at Lois Dry Cleaners on Third Avenue at 10th Street noted that their hours might be impacted by the snowfall, expected somewhere between 6 and 12 inches.
Keep an eye on @LinkNYC kiosks for updates...
Ahead of that, people (store owners? supers? residents), like here on First Avenue near St. Mark's Place, are getting ready... creating emoji-like salt circles...
[Photo by Steven]
Meanwhile, the folks at Lois Dry Cleaners on Third Avenue at 10th Street noted that their hours might be impacted by the snowfall, expected somewhere between 6 and 12 inches.
Keep an eye on @LinkNYC kiosks for updates...
Snow daze: We are now under 'a hazardous travel advisory' for Thursday (tomorrow!)
[Photo from January 2016]
Via the EVG inbox...
The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Thursday, February 9. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect Thursday from midnight through 6 p.m. This system is forecast to bring heavy snow that will create slick and hazardous travel conditions on Thursday, especially during the morning commute.
“Although the weather is warm today, winter will return quickly on Thursday with dangerous conditions for the morning commute,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “New Yorkers should be prepared for snowfall and slippery roads and plan to take mass transit where possible.”
A coastal storm will develop off the mid-Atlantic coast Wednesday night, bringing a chance for precipitation after midnight. The precipitation could start as rain or a mix of rain and snow for coastal sections, but is forecast to turn to snow early Thursday morning. Snow will continue into Thursday morning, falling heavily at times, creating reduced visibilities. Snow will taper off Thursday afternoon into the evening as the storm pushes away from the area. A total accumulation of 6 to 12 inches of snow is anticipated, but locally higher amounts are possible. New Yorkers should avoid driving during the morning hours and use mass transit where possible on Thursday.
Snow Preparations
• DSNY
-The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is pre-deploying 689 salt spreaders across the five boroughs. PlowNYC will be activated and more than 1600 plows will be dispatched when more than two inches of snow accumulates.
-DSNY will assign 2,400 workers per shift. Workers will be assigned to 12 hour shifts beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
-DSNY has 315,000 tons of rock salt available.
-Garbage/recycling collections will be suspended once snow operations begin.
-DSNY is requesting emergency snow laborers to assist with snow removal operations on Friday. For more information on how to sign up, click here.
• DOT
-Alternate Side Parking is suspended Thursday to facilitate snow removal operations. Parking meters are in effect.
-Citi Bike service is expected to remain in service Thursday until further notice.
-DOT will deploy crews to pre-treat pedestrian overpasses and step streets, and ensure that ferry terminals and municipal parking garages are pre-salted in advance of any snow.
-The Staten Island Ferry is expected to run on a normal schedule, but all passengers should allow extra time should weather conditions impact the schedule.
-Typically, during snow operations, DOT deploys over 400 personnel and more than 200 pieces of equipment, including close to 80 trucks for plowing, over several shifts.
Out and About in the East Village (part 2)
In this ongoing feature, East Village-based photographer James Maher provides us with a quick snapshot of someone who lives and/or works in the East Village.
By James Maher
James Maher is a fine art and studio photographer based in the East Village. Find his website here.
By James Maher
Name: Lola Sáenz
Occupation: Artist, Poet
Location: 12th Street
Date: Saturday, Jan. 28 at noon
Read Part 1 with Lola from last week here.
I’ve been exhibiting with a group named Artistas de Loisaida since the late 1990s. It’s still alive and kicking and it’s run by Carolyn Ratcliffe, who is the art director. Mostly I exhibit at Theatre for the New City, and I also donated some paintings to the Leslie Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art on Wooster Street – the first LGBTQ art museum in the world.
I always dreamt about getting into a gallery or working with an art dealer but that whole thing is so hard to get into – it’s insane. I think it’s all who you know. I have files of turndown letters. I haven’t been able to get into a gallery because nobody’s responding, so I said screw it — I can be my own agent. It’s such a game.
I created a painting called Crossing Borders inspired by the women crossing the border. I’m Mexican and most of my relatives are in Mexico, and I said that belongs in my hometown, so I aimed for the El Paso Museum of Art. When I used to run cross-country in high school, as we were running the levy, I would see the Coyotes carrying the ladies on their shoulders walking through the Rio Grande. This piece was inspired by that — running for a better life. When I would go to visit my family, my mother and I would go to the Museum. I would drop off the portfolio to the art director, and I would take her to see all the artwork. They turned me down for like 15 years.
Then my mama Gloria passed away, and I decide to submit one more time in her honor. I said, ‘I want to donate this to my hometown.’ I shipped it, they got it, and they had almost a 3-month wait. It had to be approved by the committee, the Culture Department of El Paso, the mayor, the cockroaches, and maybe a couple of mice. So finally they wrote to me and said they loved it — yes. When I went to the museum with my family for the show, I felt as if my mother's spirit was there holding my hand. It was beautiful. It was my mami who said, ‘Never give up on your dreams.’
I was really taken by 9/11. I created a canvas called 9/11 Broken Heart. I would take it to Union Square and I was walking around and Martha Cooper discovered the painting — she’s a well-known photographer who specializes in graffiti artists. She suggested collecting some of the 9/11 artwork and turning it into a show, and I said sure. She introduced me to Marci Reaven, who worked for City Lore, and she called me and told me that I was invited to have my painting as part of an exhibit called Missing at the New-York Historical Society Museum.
A couple years passed and then I created a black-and-white painting of bodies called Ground Zero. I became very acquainted with the curator for the 9/11 Memorial Museum because I wanted to give them this one. She turned me down — saying they haven’t quit finished building the museum. A year later she said no still. So when they finished the museum, I sent her an email and said, ‘Look, this is it, again, in case you forgot what it looked like.’ And she said, ‘Wow are those bodies?’ I said, ‘Yeah, those are dead bodies.’ I said, ‘Can you just let me bring it and you and your people can just see it face to face?’ So she said ok.
Jan Ramirez is the curator of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and she had turned me down a few times in the past few years. But they finally said YES and they acquired Ground Zero and Fallen Leaves. It pays to believe in your dream and be persistent.
My mom raised 5 kids. My parents got divorced when I was 13, so I think a lot of the early work had a lot of trying to get over a lot of stuff — but it’s also part of life. The documentary end of it happens when I get inspired by an event like the East Village gas explosion or by Sandy.
During Sandy, I was in the dark here just with a flashlight, working. I did one piece titled Uptown, because I took the bus uptown and everybody was partying and having brunch and eating and shopping, and everything looked so beautiful and colorful. I was shocked that half of these people had no idea that downtown was in the dark and that it was really bad. Downtown was dark and it was watery. It was just the total opposite of uptown, so that’s where that inspiration came from.
The gentrification that’s happening breaks my heart. I do miss a lot of the places that used to be here. I miss Something Sweet the most — that little bakery on 11th Street and First Avenue, and the owner and her family were wonderful people. And another place comes in, and 18 months later and they’re not there anymore. It’s been a lot of there and not there. On 9th Street between First and Second, there’s a building that went up that looks like it should be on Fifth Avenue, my god. It’s pretty wild. It’s hard to believe. I would have never imagined in 1993 that we’d be experiencing all these dramatic changes.
But I love the East Village no matter what. It still has its grub. It still has its little dark side. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. To me, it’s very bohemian no matter what. Even with all my neighbors who are probably NYU students because they party a lot. Ever since I’ve been here people have been partying. Now I’ve heard the building is about 80 percent NYU students, but the noise doesn’t bother me.
I feel very lucky and very blessed. I’d like to end up in a few other museums and then maybe find a place to have a solo show, because I’m ready. Those are my next goals.
James Maher is a fine art and studio photographer based in the East Village. Find his website here.
Construction watch: 253 E. 7th St.
Just checking in on 253 E. Seventh St., where there are approved permits for a 6-story residential building here between Avenue C and Avenue D.
As previously noted, the Issac & Stern-designed condoplex will house six residences (each roughly 1,500 square feet) ...
Workers demolished the former four-story residence that stood here back in late 2015. A look through the blogger portal doesn't show much, if any, new building construction action...
Previously on EV Grieve:
Options for this lovely East 7th Street townhouse include demolition
New building in the works for 253 E. 7th St.
The disappearing 253 E. 7th St.
253 E. 7th St. is now a pile of bricks
Property at 253 E. 7th St. now for sale; perfect for a 'dream custom mansion townhouse'
New plans for a 6-story building at 253 E. 7th St.
New 6-story residential building OK'd for 7th Street
Lottery open for below-market rate apartments in Stuy Town
Property owner Blackstone said that potential renters who missed out on a unit last year (15,000 reportedly applied) could try again now through March 10.
Here's Town & Village with more:
This reopening is specifically for applicants in the higher-income bracket for one and two-bedroom apartments since those are the unit sizes that are most common throughout the property. However, the original waiting list is still active for unit types not included in the current lottery as well as one and two-bedrooms.
And!
An ad promoting the lottery that’s running in four newspapers this week, including Town & Village, states that the rent for a one-bedroom would go for $2,805 for one person earning $84,150-$104,775 or for two people earning $84,150-119,625. A two-bedroom would go for $3,366 for a 2-4 person household earning a minimum of $100,980 to a maximum of $119,625 for two people, $134,640 for three people and $149,490 for four people.
By contrast, market rent in Stuyvesant Town starts at $3,200 for one-bedroom units and at $3,900 for two-bedroom units.
Town & Village interviewed several people about the process. (Read that article here.) Here's one person, who entered the lottery last year, expressing frustration about the experience.
“The city was proud to announce that 5,000 units at Stuy Town would remain affordable, and they claimed that Stuy Town would remain a place to live for low to middle-income New Yorkers like nurses, teachers,” he said. “However, 90 percent of these affordable units are being awarded to those making no less than $84,150 a year. I don’t know any teachers or nurses who make that kind of a salary.”
You can apply online here.
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