A renewed effort to restore and preserve the Yiddish Theatre Walk of Fame on 2nd Avenue

If you've walked on the southeast corner of Second Avenue and 10th Street outside the Chase branch, then you've likely noticed the five-pointed gold stars set into granite celebrating names such as Abraham Goldfaden, Bessie Thomashefsky and Michal Michalesko ...


[Top two photos from 2014 by Derek Berg]

In 1984, Abe Lebewohl, who owned the Second Avenue Deli in this corner location, installed this Yiddish Walk of Fame to commemorate when the area was a vibrant Yiddish theater community in the early 20th century.

In recent years, many of the stars in the double row have become worn down or broken and are mostly illegible. Higher rents forced Second Avenue Deli to vacate here in 2006. (Lebewohl was murdered in March 1996.) Since then, the building's landlord, Jonis Realty, who's responsible for maintaining the sidewalks, hasn't apparently done much to repair the stars (though at the same time they didn't have them removed).

There's now a fresh movement afoot to preserve and protect the Walk of Fame in an effort led by the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and several other community groups. Yesterday, EVG regular Daniel noted that reps for Friends of the Abe Lebewohl Yiddish Walk of Fame were collecting signatures of support on this corner...





Here's more on the history of the Walk of Fame ... via the GVSHP...

The Second Avenue Deli closed its doors at this location in 2006. Luckily, the Walk of Fame remained despite the closure. But now this civic tribute is deteriorating. Friends of the Abe Lebewohl Yiddish Walk of Fame is working to promote the history and culture of Yiddish Theatre and the neighborhood inspired by the granite stars first embedded in the sidewalk of Second Avenue by restauranteur Abe Lebewohl. GVSHP is proud to be working with fellow stakeholders, with the support of the Lebewohl family, to secure the future of this important piece of our neighborhood history.

Here's what they have planned ...

Friends of the Abe Lebewohl Yiddish Theatre Walk of Fame seeks to preserve, educate, inspire and reinstall a recreation of the historic plaque tiles in the area of cultural relevance and with long term stewardship. We will work to gently remove the original plaque tiles.

Exhibit them as part of a permanent or traveling exhibition. Support programming that highlights the Yiddish Theatre and the neighborhood, and inspire the continuation of the rich artistic tradition. And we will commission a recreation of the original plaque tiles to be reinstalled somewhere relevant and nearby, with long term stewardship as our goal.

Learn more about the preservation efforts here.

A few dining details about Joe and Pat's, the Staten Island pizzeria opening on 1st Avenue

Work continues over at 168 First Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street. (Given the scaffolding and construction netting, it appears that the entire building is getting a rehab.)

Joe and Pat's, the pizzeria and restaurant that debuted on Staten Island in 1960, is opening a location here, in the former longtime home of Lanza's.

The pizzeria's owners are on this month's CB3-SLA docket for a new liquor license for the space. The questionnaire on file ahead of that CB3-SLA meeting reveals a few more details about what diners can expect at the the East Village Joe and Pat's.

For starters, aside from pizza, Joe and Pat's will offer an "extensive menu" of Italian food. (Find their menu from the Victory Boulevard location here. Or check out their Instagram account here.)

The proposed hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; and until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The configuration shows seating for up to 43 diners, including use of the rear yard, where there are five tables. (It's not clear if this is an enclosed space. And the rear yard space won't be in use all hours.)

Earlier this year, New York magazine wrote that Joe & Pat’s offers the best of Staten Island pizza. "Its pies are the ultimate version of one of the borough’s dominant styles: thin-crust, vodka-sauced bar pie. Open since 1960, it doesn’t look like much, but the pizza is magnificent."

The July CB3-SLA committee meeting is July 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Ian Schrager's Public Hotel, 215 Chrystie St. just below Houston.

Films on the Green: 'La Cérémonie' Friday night in Tompkins Square Park

Films on the Green, a free French film festival in NYC parks, will screen the first of two films in Tompkins Square this Friday evening. (This year, for the 10th anniversary of the series, Films on the Green is featuring 10 guest curators, including Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch, Isabella Rossellini and Laurie Anderson.)

• Friday, July 7, 8:30 p.m.
"La Cérémonie"
By Claude Chabrol, 1995, starring Isabelle Huppert and Sandrine Bonnaire
Film selected by the creator of the series "Mad Men," Matthew Weiner



... and next week in Tompkins Square Park...

• Friday, July 14, 8:30 p.m.
"Port of Shadows (Quai des brumes)"
By Marcel Carné, 1938, starring Jean Gabin and Michèle Morgan
Film selected by Laurie Anderson

Find the full schedule here.

The new view of 10th Street from 11th Street

Just a quick look at where 112-120 E. 11th St. stood between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue... the five circa-1890 tenement buildings were demolished ...



Work on a 13-story hotel for Marriott’s Moxy brand will commence as soon as the city approves all the necessary permits. According to the DOB website, the plans for the 300-room hotel were last disapproved by the city on June 9.

The Lightstone Group paid Pan Am Equities $127 million for six-building portfolio — 112-120 E. 11th St. and 85 E. 10th St., which survived the hotel purge ... though residents in the back of the building will, unfortunately, have months-long views and sounds of the hotel construction ... then permanent views of the actual hotel.

Report: Steve Croman sued to stop his father from managing 3rd Avenue properties

Guy Jacobson, a minority owner with Steven Croman of 99-105 Third Ave. and 204 E. 13th St., is reportedly suing his embattled partner ... in an effort to stop Croman's father from taking over as manager of the properties, according to The Real Deal.

Jacobson filed a lawsuit in Manhattan State Supreme Court today "claiming his partner’s dubious practices harmed the company, and asked a judge to appoint a receiver to manage the business."

Per TRD: "Croman is the sole manager of the properties, according to the operating agreement, and should he cease being manager for any reason, his father, Edward, will take over as the manager."

Last month, Croman pleaded guilty to charges of grand larceny, tax fraud, and an additional fraud charge relating to false statements. As part of the deal, he will spend one year at Rikers. Croman will be sentenced on Sept. 19. (A civil case related to his tenant harassment tactics continues.)

A Croman spokesperson called the arguments "false" and said Jacobson had a history of filing frivolous lawsuits, TRD reported.

The businesses at these addresses include Linen Hall, the Penny Farthing and Bruno Pizza.

The former Church of the Nativity one step closer to hitting the sales market on 2nd Avenue

[EVG file photo]

On Friday, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York relegated 16 churches to profane use — the first step toward a property sale. On that list: the former Church of the Nativity at 44 Second Ave. between Second Street and Third Street.


[Image via @NativityNYC]

The church closed in July 2015 as part of a massive consolidation reportedly due to changing demographics and a shortage of priests available to say mass. The Church of the Nativity merged with Most Holy Redeemer Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Archdiocese officials allow 10 days for parishioners to appeal the decree of a closed church. (As one Nativity activist noted, the Archdiocese made the announcement on a Friday before a long holiday weekend, which cut into the time to prepare an appeal.)

The Friends of Nativity have proposed a Dorothy Day Shrine and retreat center with services for the homeless at 44 Second Ave. Read more about that proposal here. (The space in front of the now-closed church has been a spot for the homeless of late.)

There has been speculation that the block from the church to Second Street will eventually yield to a luxury retail-residential complex...


[EVG file photo]

Developer Douglas Steiner bought the Mary Help of Christians property, including the church, school and rectory, from the Archdiocese for $41 million in 2012 to create his Steiner East Village on Avenue A between 11th Street and 12th Street.

The first Nativity church, located at 48 Second Ave., was built in 1832. This building was demolished in 1970 after a fire. It was rebuilt by parishioners at 44 Second Ave.

Previously on EV Grieve:
As the Church of the Nativity closes for good tonight, take a look at the original structure

Parishioners fight to save the Church of the Nativity on 2nd Avenue

S'MAC is open in new home on 1st Avenue and 12th Street

[The former S'MAC space at 345 E. 12th St.]

As noted earlier last week, S'MAC (aka Sarita's Mac & Cheese) was moving from their 11-year-old home on 12th Street several storefronts away to the northwest corner at First Avenue...

That move is now complete. (Friday was the last day for S'MAC at 345 E. 12th St.)



Several readers noted that S'MAC was open for awhile in the new space on Monday...


[Photo by Lola Sáenz]

They are expected to be back open after the July Fourth holiday...



The corner space was previously East 12th Osteria, the Italian restaurant that left at the beginning of the year.

Remembering Louise Nevelson at the Nevelson House on 7th Street

[Photo by Bobby Williams from Sunday]

Rentals got underway back in May at the all-new 222 E. Seventh St. — now with two additional floors — between Avenue B and Avenue C.

The address (before the previous building was gutted and rebuilt) served as a home and studio for sculpturist Louise Nevelson in the 1970s.


[The former No. 222]

The building is named in her honor — the Nevelson House.

And there's now a plaque out front with more details about her time at No. 222...





The plaque reads in part...

During the 1970s her art studio was on the 4th floor of this building. ... She hosted many parties with guests like Andy Warhol and Ray Johnson here. Neith Nevelson, her granddaughter, is an artist ... Neith lived and painted on the 2nd floor.

The building has been renovated and remains as a place of inspiration for those who live within its walls.

Streeteasy shows the monthly rent for units ranging in price from $4,195 to $7,750.

Previously on EV Grieve:
New 7th Street rental named for artist Louise Nevelson; amenities include a backup generator

A look at the incoming Starbucks on St. Mark's and Avenue A, site of a rally on July 13

The plywood has been up for two-plus weeks now on the northwest corner of Avenue A and St. Mark's Place, where workers are carving out a Starbucks from the remains of Hop Devil Grill and Nino's.

The door was open the other day...



There looks to be a ways to go before you'll be able to buy coffee drinks or use the restrooms here.

Meanwhile, various community groups and local shop owners from the East Village Independent Merchants Association are planning a protest here on Thursday, July 13 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.


[Image via @evimanyc]

Per the invite...

Another Starbucks is planned for the huge storefront at 125 St Mark's Place at Ave A. We don't need more chains in the East Village! We need retail diversity and independently owned local businesses!

Join community groups and local shop owners from EVIMA and more to stand up for the unique character of the East Village. Support policies that can promote retail diversity, prevent chain stores and preserve small businesses!

Paloma Rocket looking to land in the East Village

[Photo Friday by @RatedRuwan]

Several EVG readers noted the recent arrival of for rent signs on the Paloma Rocket storefront, 7 Clinton St. just south of Houston on the Lower East Side.

The self-serve craft beer bar — there's a price-per-ounce-pour — opened in April 2016. Are they closing? Moving?

In an email, team Paloma Rocket (the owner is East Village resident Graham Winton) said that they are very close to signing a lease to move to a new location in the East Village.

"Our landlord is facilitating the process by offering us other locations and incentives to move. For us it will enable us to hopefully move to a larger location and expand our tap offerings to include spirits and mixed drinks as well as have space for birthdays, etc."

I mentioned that some people thought they might be closing.

"We have carefully run this business with an eye on longevity and we are now secure that both the concept and system are valid and strong and reliable, thus our comfort level in moving forward. It also helps that our original lease in retrospect is aiding in the process and we are guided by some very knowledgeable and experienced operators whose wisdom has been indispensable in navigating the horribly treacherous real-estate terrain ... greed hath no fury like an NYC landlord and being able to stay in business now more than ever is solely about rent. We have chosen not to be shortsighted and sell what is left of our soul ... by running a messy operation for short-term gain."

Meanwhile, Paloma Rocket remains open here on Clinton Street... here are their hours...

ICYMI, July 4 holiday edition

[Stress of getting to the BBQ on time when you have the grill]

In case you were away or not online much during this long holiday break... a look at some EVG posts from Friday night on...

Christo needs a larger bird bath (Tuesday)

Body found in the East River north of the Williamsburg Bridge (Tuesday)

Details on the "New York in the 70s" series starting this week at the Film Forum (Monday)

Reader report: Rooftop fire on 12th Street (Monday)

Cab strikes and kills 87-year-old man on Cooper Square (Monday)

There was a street fair (Sunday)

Why it would be a bad idea to take this discarded carpet on Second Avenue (Sunday)

Fake severed head discovered in Tompkins Square Park (Sunday)

Your July 1 rainbow action (Saturday)

"Sesame Street" filmed on Sixth Street, starring Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird (Saturday)

The Tompkins Square Park sinkhole remains in sinking form (Saturday)

The Victor Gallery closes on Third Street (Saturday)

Gigi wants to know where the Yasso S’mores frozen Greek yogurt bars are at Key (Friday)

... and yesterday, Derek Berg spotted this pretty rare 1965 Ford Cobra on Seventh Street at First Avenue ... which attracted some attention...

Today, we celebrate our Independence Day and street closures

[Screengrab via Macy's]

Last week, Macy's reportedly changed the location of the barges for tonight's fireworks... something to keep in mind in case you had plans for watching from, say, the South Street Seaport or Brooklyn Heights. You won't have a view like you did last July 4. The five barges will be located in the East River between 24th Street and 41st Street.

This map via Macy's has a rundown of viewing spots.

The fireworks will also impact driving/parking around here. Gothamist has a full list of closures, including:

• East Houston Street between Baruch Place and FDR Drive
• Avenue C between 13th Street and Avenue C Entrance Ramp to FDR
• Avenue C Entrance Ramps
• East 6th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
• East 10th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
• 14th Street between Avenue C and Avenue B

These roadways will be closed roughly from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. The fireworks are from 9:20 to 9:50 p.m. And you still have time to memorize President Whitmore's "Independence Day" speech.

Christo makes the case for a larger bird bath in Tompkins Square Park

Just a few red-tailed hawk photos from the last few days... first with Christo cooling off and wondering where the deep end is in a bird bath ... photos by EVG reader Cheyenne ...





...and here's Christo and Dora's summer of 2017 offspring, who has a variety of names (Fledgling #1, Ten, Manhattan, BioTen) photographed by Steven...







No word yet what the hawks have planned for July 4.

[Updated] Body found in the East River north of the Williamsburg Bridge

The NYPD and other emergency responders are in East River Park this morning. There are reports of a body in the East River near Sixth Street and the FDR.

Dave on 7th shared these photos...



NYPD officials said that it wasn't immediately known whether the body was male or female, per NBC New York.

Updated 10:45 a.m.

The Daily News reports that the recovered body is a male, who appears to be in his 40s. "His body bore no signs of trauma, police said."


[Photo via EVG reader @Section215]

Reader report: Rooftop fire on 12th Street last night

[Photo from around 8:20 last night by Charles]

EVG reader Charles shares this from last night — a report of a fire at 519 E. 12th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Shortly after 8, Charles looked out his window to see "flames shooting up the rooftop of the three-story apartment building at 519. I called 911 immediately. Thankfully, at least one other witness had also called in a report prior to me because no sooner had I hung up when three firetrucks roared onto the block."

Here's more via Charles:

The fire was very quickly extinguished with minimal damage to the top-floor apartment.

According to what I gleaned from eyewitnesses, the fire had been going on for several minutes. One resident of the building behind 519 said that he had smelled smoke at least 20 minutes before looking out and seeing flames that were as high as 15 feet and climbing the side of the adjacent building at 517. He called 911 at 8:07. The fire marshal at the scene couldn't ascertain the fire's cause but he did note the presence of candles atop a picnic table on the rooftop.

We were very lucky the fire was spotted early and quickly put out. But as we head toward the 4th and the prospect of several weeks of summertime gatherings, I hope all East Village residents will exercise proper caution and vigilance.

That 70s show at the Film Forum

Not East Village-related but of possible interest... the "New York in the 70s" series starts Wednesday at the Film Forum with "Midnight Cowboy." (Cheating! This movie is from 1969!)

In total there are 44 films in the 23-day series, including some expected classics like "Dog Day Afternoon," "Serpico," "Manhattan" and "The Warriors" as well as more lesser-known titles like "Across 110th Street" and "A New Leaf."

Find the full schedule here. The Film Forum is at 209 W. Houston St., west of Sixth Avenue.

Report: Cab strikes and kills man on Cooper Square

A yellow cab going southbound struck and killed a man last night on Cooper Square at Fifth Street, according to published reports.

The collision between the cab, an SUV, and the man happened around 9 p.m. The Associated Press article in the Daily News lists the victim as 87. The Post puts his age at 70. EMTs took the man to Bellevue, where he died from his injuries. Authorities did not release the man's name pending notification of his family.

The driver, 45, remained at the scene and has not been charged. Both news reports say the investigation is ongoing. Neither report offers up other details, such as if the cab driver ran a light or if the pedestrian was crossing at a crosswalk.

Updated 9:30 a.m.

Per DNAinfo:

The man was crossing east to west near East Fifth Street when he was hit by the yellow cab about 9 p.m., the NYPD said.

He was in the crosswalk but did not have the light, police said.

Week in Grieview

[Photo of accordionist at Cooper Union by Derek Berg]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

Driver charged in collision that killed cyclist Kelly Hurley on 1st Avenue and 9th Street (Thursday)

A five-alarm fire at 60 E. 9th St. (Wednesday)

Rent Guidelines Board approve increases between 1.25 and 2 percent (Wednesday)

Push-in robbery on Avenue B was actually a drug deal gone bad: NYPD (Thursday)

Out and About with Sierra Gilboe Zamarripa (Wednesday)

A new lease for Three of Cups (Wednesday)

A new home for S'MAC on 1st Avenue and 12th Street (Monday)

The Marshal seizes Mamani Pizza on Avenue A (Thursday)

Fledgling No. 1 (Wednesday)

More dessert choices for Avenue A as Eggloo opens this weekend (Thursday)

City pools open; and a reminder to have a swimsuit to enter the pool area (Thursday)

The Black Rose looks to be moving into the former Benny's Burritos space on Avenue A (Friday)

A call to expand the boundaries of the proposed special business district in the East Village (Tuesday)

Saltwater NYC bringing Australian coffee to 12th Street (Tuesday)

Economy Candy's 80th anniversary retro signage (Friday)

Mancora now open in new First Avenue home (Monday)

Thoughts on the 9/11 mural on 9th and A (Tuesday)


[The musical bags of 11th Street via Derek Berg]

Your ideas wanted on improving McKinley Playground (Tuesday)

Sushi Lounge emerges from a crowded combo of brands at 31 St. Mark's Place (Monday)

Wasan East Village has apparently closed on 4th Street (Friday)

DOT looking for feedback about the Village Plaza (Monday)

First look at the Other Music documentary (Tuesday)

Looking at the Allegro Coffee Roasters coming to Whole Foods Market® Bowery (Monday)

Bluemercury rising on 3rd Avenue (Friday)

The New Stand coming to Patricia Field’s former storefront on the Bowery (Tuesday)

55 Third Ave. sells for $57 million — AGAIN (Monday)

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In case you were thinking of taking this carpet back home

Second Avenue and Fifth Street this morning... a discarded carpet with a PSA... discovered by EVG reader Sam Teichman ...

"This is not one of those cool furniture street finds. To be clear it's a carpet riddled with dog poop & vomit. YOU DO NOT WANT THIS unless you particularly enjoy those scents, which to be clear, you shouldn't.

Also, the carpet was really ugly & in shit shape. Godspeed! X"

Street fair! Street fair! Street fair!

This one is called Pride on Astor... taking place on Astor Place from Lafayette to Broadway.

Here's a description via the Facebook event page:

Experience the 20+ Authentic food booths, Browse the 50+ merchandise booths that sell a huge variety of goods that range from handmade metal statues to African baskets to the year's hottest trends in jewelry & fashion accessories and much more.

There's also a variety of butter for the corn...