A full reveal at Zero Irving on 14th Street

As you may have noticed, Zero Irving (formerly the Union Square Tech Training Center, 14 @ Irving and tech hub) on 14th Street is now completely free of scaffolding, a sidewalk bridge, etc. ... providing the final view of the completed 21-story building...

The building, developed jointly by the city's Economic Development Corp. and RAL Development Services, will feature 14 floors of market-rate office space as well as a technology training center, co-working and event spaces on the seven floors beneath.

Zero Irving has reportedly signed several full-floor deals recently, including data analytics software company Sigma Computing Inc. on the ninth floor and B2B payments platform Melio on the 15th and 16th floors. And most recently: Laurel Road, a digital banking platform and brand of KeyBank, leased space for offices on the 11th floor. 

Urbanspace will operate a food hall on the ground level...

A refresher on what to expect with that via the Urbanspace website:

Thirteen vendors will occupy the 10,000-square-foot venue with an outdoor patio. Urbanspace is curating a dynamic lineup of chefs, food entrepreneurs, and exciting new restaurant concepts. The result will be more than a market: it will be a fertile ground for the food community, a place where ideas are shared and creativity and individuality shine. At least 25% of the Food Hall will be reserved for use by first-time entrepreneurs or start-up companies operating for less than four years.

No word on an opening date.

Long contested by local preservationists and community groups, the new building sits on the former site of a P.C. Richard & Son on city-owned property.

Foundation work started here in August 2019.

Jo's Tacos coming to 14th Street

Signage is up for Jo's Tacos, coming soon to 226 E. 14th St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. (Thanks to Pinch for the intel!)

Not sure who Jo is at the moment.

The landlord here split the storefront in half (The previous tenant, Williamsburg Pizza, decided not to reopen this spot during the pandemic. The pizzeria's other locations remain in service.)

The other side is — ding, dong — Bong World. 

And remember when we asked what will pair well with a bong shop?

J. Crew signage official a day before its grand opening on the Bowery

Updated 9/13:  From J. Crew:  This is "a new men’s concept store featuring a curated collection of J.Crew menswear, vintage finds including art and furniture, plus coffee from Urban Backyard." 

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 The JC signage went up Friday here at 316 Bowery at Bleecker...

... ahead of the grand opening of a new men's concept tomorrow...

As previously noted, the storefront will be selling coffee-espresso drinks (Think Coffee across the street must love this!) ... and there looks to be space for sidewalk seating.

There's also speculation, via Gear Patrol, that this will be a J. Crew Liquor Store redux. That was the brand's "clubby boutique" in an old liquor store in Tribeca from 2008-2019. 

Also from Gear Patrol: "Even if J.Crew doesn't use the basement, the ground level is still over 3,000 square feet, making this, at least to my knowledge, the biggest dedicated J.Crew Men's Shop in New York City, if not the U.S."

Last year, JC hired Brendon Babenzien — former Supreme design director — to be the creative director of J.Crew Men's. He debuted/celebrated his first collection last week at a party at Jean's, an opening-soon restaurant via the owners of Superiority Burger and Williamsburg Pizza in the former Butter space on Lafayette that featured a 7-song set by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.  

After filing for Chapter 11 in May 2020, J. Crew exited bankruptcy that fall. Per Retail Dive:

Lenders have taken over controlling ownership after a federal bankruptcy court approved J. Crew's reorganization plan. That deal left investment firm Anchorage Capital Group as the retailer's current majority owner. Kevin Ulrich, Anchorage's CEO, said in the release that his firm sees "an immense opportunity for growth and expansion at each brand," which includes the J. Crew and Madewell banners.

Sunday's parting shot

A Twin Towers memory on the 21st anniversary of 9/11... a view from Second Avenue and Third Street circa 1995. Thanks to Grant Shaffer for the photo.

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with a photo from Avenue A) ... 

• Here's a look at the proposed designs for the new East River Park amphitheater (Thursday) 

• At the grand reopening of Essex Card Shop (Tuesday) 

• Officials now say water tested at the Riis Houses never had arsenic in it; lab says results were 'incorrect' (Saturday) 

• An end-of-summer appreciation: InCircles (Monday) 

• CB3 wants your input on 2023 budget priorities (Friday)

• The East Village outpost of the Mermaid Inn reopens; take a look inside (Thursday) 

• Caleta will offer small plates and Bad Habit ice cream on Avenue A (Wednesday)

• Today in civic duty (Wednesday)

• The Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space turns 10 (Wednesday) 

• It's milling time (Thursday) • Why Blank Street Coffee seems everywhere, and maybe that's not a good thing (Monday) 

• J. Crew confirmed for the Bowery; opening scheduled on Sept. 13 (Tuesday) 

• State seizes Sestina for nonpayment of taxes; owners cite 'technical difficulties' (Tuesday) 

• Classic Odessa Restaurant signage gone for now on Avenue A; 'It's in a safe place' (Wednesday)

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Follow EVG on Instagram or Twitter for more frequent updates and pics.

Mayor Adams gives the all clear to the water at the Jacob Riis Houses

Image via @nycgov 

The city announced yesterday that residents of the Jacob Riis Houses on Avenue D can safely use the water at the complex between Sixth Street and 13th Street. 

In making the announcement, Mayor Adams and Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan stopped by a Riis House residence to drink from a kitchen sink. 

 Before chugging a glass, Adams declared: "Nothing's better than New York City water."

This morning, @nycHealthy reviewed the final test results for contaminants and we can confidently say the water at @NYCHA Jacob Riis Houses meets EPA standards. I wouldn’t ask residents to do anything I wouldn’t do, which is why I stopped by Riis Houses to drink the water myself. pic.twitter.com/0eTnIBDyaZ

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) September 10, 2022

This comes after the news Friday in which Environmental Monitoring and Technologies Inc. admitted that its earlier findings of arsenic in the water were incorrect. 

The water saga started on Sept. 2 when the NYCHA said it found traces of arsenic in the tap water at the Riis Houses ... and warned residents not to drink the water or use it for cooking indefinitely. According to posted notices, the levels of arsenic are above levels considered safe by EPA standards. 

Here's part of the statement released from Mayor Adams yesterday: 

I know the last eight days have been unbearable for the residents of Jacob Riis Houses, but, this morning, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reviewed the final test results for contaminants and found the water to be well within EPA drinking water quality standards. We can confidently say the water at Riis Houses is and has been free of any discernible amount of arsenic since the initial tests were initiated in August and meets EPA standards. I would not ask the residents of Riis Houses to do anything I wouldn’t do, which is why I have already stopped by Riis Houses and drank the water myself. 

As we stated yesterday, NYCHA nor any other city agency will test water through Environmental Monitoring and Technologies any longer, and the city intends to pursue all available legal options on behalf of the residents of Riis Houses and will look for how we can reimburse residents for costs incurred over the last week. In regard to the Legionella bacteria reported earlier this week, we suspect these results are inaccurate. 

As public health experts have noted, Legionnaires Disease cannot be contracted by drinking water. Additionally, we are actively reviewing our Legionella surveillance data, and have found no reported or confirmed cases of Legionnaires Disease at Riis Houses over the last 12 months.

Other reactions...

After being on the ground hearing directly from residents this week and laying out questions + demands below, we heard little from the City at tonight’s mtg with Riis families.

Blaming an outside vendor for NYCHA’s mistakes is not accountability. These families deserve better. https://t.co/rcSWQMA1Wg

— Carlina Rivera 利華娜 (@CarlinaRivera) September 10, 2022

Noted

Multiple readers noted some mostly charred mannequin heads this morning at Temperance Fountain in Tompkins Square Park (top photo via Steven, and below by Derek Berg) ...

This happened last evening (video clip here) ... not sure of the why at the moment... NYFW?

Saturday's parting shots

Photos by Derek Berg 

A few scenes from the (51st) 10th Street Block Festival today...

City cuts down this tree — said to be rotting — in Tompkins Square Park

Photos by Steven 

The city cut down a tree — said to be an American elm — today in Tompkins Square Park...

We're told that a good part of the tree, located near Temperance Fountain, was hollowed out and rotting... and in danger of falling... 

Here's a look at the tree last week... 

... which was a popular spot for squirrels... 

H/T to EVG reader Bobby G. for also sending along a few photos...

Officials now say water tested at the Riis Houses never had arsenic in it; lab says results were 'incorrect'

An update from the Mayor’s Press Secretary @Fabien_Levy on the water situation at Jacob Riis Houses in Manhattan:https://t.co/j1foCteceU pic.twitter.com/xUs2uLTRV0

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) September 9, 2022

Officials made a stunning announcement yesterday about the week-long water crisis at the Jacob Riis Houses on Avenue D. 

Here's part of the statement from the city: 

Today, Environmental Monitoring and Technologies — the original lab that provided the initial test results claiming there was arsenic in the water at Riis Houses issued a full retraction and released revised results, calling their initial results 'incorrect.' Worse yet, the company has now admitted to being the ones that introduced arsenic into the samples, leading to the false results. 

The revelation was made last night during a tenant meeting P.S. 34 on 12th Street and Avenue D. 

Per The City: 

The audience erupted, with tenants shouting that they don't know what to believe after being whipsawed back and forth over eight days, beginning on the Friday night of Labor Day weekend, that left them furious and exhausted. 

"This one week has felt like an eternity," said Riis tenant Dianna Fernandez. "Water is essential. NYCHA needs to do better. Mayor Adams: Where are you?"

Adams was in Washington, D.C. trying to woo the Democratic Committee to hold its convention in New York, but NYCHA Chairman Gregory Russ was present, facing the angry crowd and quickly becoming the target of much of the room’s explosive anger.

Angry residents of the Jacob Riis houses at a public meeting tonight demanding answers from officials about the complex’s water. @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/mBDygvJdFi

— Thalia Perez (@ThaliaPerezTV) September 10, 2022

And as NBC New York reported: "City leaders plan to explore all legal avenues while guaranteeing the end to all work with Environmental Monitoring and Technologies." 

Regardless of the revelation last evening, officials are still asking NYCHA residents at the complex between Sixth Street and 13th Street — home to more than 2,600 residents — to continue to avoid using the water as they await additional test results. 

Meanwhile, everyone seems to be demanding answers...

NEW: I, along with many of my colleagues, want answers from @NYCMayor and @NYCHA Chair Russ. Residents at Riis Houses have been through a lot. They deserve answers, transparency, accountability and compensation. We look forward to the response. pic.twitter.com/sJ7Rb0CKPH

— Harvey Epstein (@HarveyforNY) September 9, 2022

Saturday's opening shot

BOOTED IN THE BUS LANE! Avenue A between Second Street and Third Street. 

Shouldn't be an inconvenience for buses or street cleaners...

Updated:

An interesting theory from a reader... this car with the boot had been on Third Street, and the city towed it ahead of the milling the other night... why the tow-truck operator left it in the bus lane...?

When the Circus Amok came to town!

Photos by Derek Berg 

Updated: the shows scheduled for Sunday have been postponed due to the rain

Circus Amok, the circus-theater company whose mission is "to provide free public art addressing contemporary issues of social justice," was in Tompkins Square Park this evening. 

The performers will be back for two shows here on Sunday — 1 and 4 p.m. Catch them while you can...

That 'Thing' you do

 

And now for some 80s-style emotive synth-pop courtesy of Au Suisse, the debut record from NYC-based music vets Morgan Geist and Kelley Polar (aka Mike Kelley). Read more about the two here.

Enthusiasts of this era can check out their recently released record and spot the loving similarities here and there to Scritti Politti, Pet Shop Boys, Talk Talk, Visage and Tones on Tails, among others. 

And the video here is for "Thing."

The NYC Anarchist Bookfair is tomorrow (Saturday) in La Plaza Cultural

The 16th annual Anarchist Bookfair takes place tomorrow (Sept. 10) at La Plaza Cultural on the southwest corner of Ninth Street and Avenue C. 

According to organizers, the concept of this year’s bookfair is Direct Action. (Read more on this here.)

The day here begins at 11:30 a.m. ... and includes events in conjunction with the MoRUS 10th-anniversary celebration.

Tomorrow evening, there's the Emma Goldman Film Festival in Tompkins Square Park... read about the program of short films (expected to screen at 8 p.m.) at this link.

Sept. 9: The latest headlines on the water crisis at the Jacob Riis Houses

Photo by @decolorescommunityyard

Local media continues with solid coverage of the water crisis at the Jacob Riis Houses on Avenue D ... led by Greg B. Smith at The City and Gwynne Hogan at WNYC/Gothamist.

As previously reported, residents were told last Friday night not to drink or cook with tap water after tests revealed traces of arsenic. The City said that NYCHA officials learned about the contamination two weeks earlier and did not notify the nearly 2,600 residents in the complex between Sixth Street and 13th Street. NYCHA officials have denied that claim. 

 

• Arsenic-Free NYCHA water test results came after taps flushed for hours (The City) 

• East Village public housing tenants mystified as city claims no arsenic in water — but maybe Legionella (Gothamist) 

• Test results come back negative for arsenic at Jacob Riis Houses, but positive for traces of Legionnaires' disease bacteria (CBS New York)

Out here at Riis Houses, w/ @CarlinaRivera & @HarveyforNY, helping w/ hot meal distribution for tenants who are enduring yet another day without useable water.

We need this crisis resolved once and for all. And we need accountability for what residents here have endured. pic.twitter.com/FsgxLs0Tzx

— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) September 8, 2022

... and here's a flashback to a piece via PIX 11 about the water at Riis Houses from Aug. 12 titled, "Cloudy tap water has East Village NYCHA residents worried." 

Previously 

Updated 3 p.m. 

The Jacob Riis Tenant Association is hosting this meeting tonight at 6 at P.S. 34 on 12th Street and Avenue D...

CB3 wants your input on 2023 budget priorities

 Community Board 3 shared this information...

What parks need reconstruction? What programs need funding? Help us assess the needs of our community. 

Every year the Community Board submits a list of capital and expense budget priorities to city agencies. This hearing is your opportunity to have input into these district budget priorities. Tell us how money should be spent within Community Board 3. 

Organizations, groups and individuals representing all segments of the community are encouraged to participate. 

CB 3 Public Hearing — Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Priorities 

Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. 

Click here to register for the Zoom meeting. (You must register to attend this Zoom meeting.)

The 10th Street Block Festival takes place tomorrow (Saturday!)

The 10th Street Block Festival returns tomorrow (Sept. 10!) ... on 10th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

This is one of the best block events around... you can find antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing (no tube socks or tube steaks!) and music... all on a lovely tree-lined block. 

If our counting is accurate, this marks the 51st edition of the Block Festival. 

Also! We've heard that the 9th Street A-1 Block Association Block Party returns on Sept. 17.

Reminders: It's weekend No. 2 of Keyapalooza

A reminder that needs no, uh, reminding. We're at the start of the second weekend-long grand reopening ("RE-GRAND Opening" on some signage) at Key Food on Avenue A and Fourth Street.

As previously reported, the grocery has completed a near-year-long interior renovation, including an expanded produce section plus new lights, floors, and freezers — and thankfully, the same shopping soundtrack heavy on fringe-y late 1980s alternative hits ... as well as some other chestnuts.

On that note, here's an EVG Key Food playlist for Keychella... based on songs we've actually heard while in Key through the more-recent years...

Otherwise, over the next three days, there'll be some giveaways, samples, and savings if you spend a certain amount of money. (Loyalty Club Card required!) The raffle drawing is today, so get your raffle ticket in TODAY. 

Check out scenes from Day 1 here.

Thursday's parting shot

Thank you to EVG reader Michael Kramer for this photo from last night... in which crews were testing the annual Tribute in Light ahead of 9/11. 

Background:

Assembled on the roof of the Battery Parking Garage south of the 9/11 Memorial, the twin beams reach up to four miles into the sky and are comprised of eighty-eight 7,000-watt xenon lightbulbs positioned into two 48-foot squares, echoing the shape and orientation of the Twin Towers. The installation can also be viewed from a 60-mile radius around lower Manhattan.

It's milling time

Here's a look at Seventh Street at Avenue A after the late-night milling this week. 

We can confirm that First Avenue between 12th Street and 15th Street has been milled (and it makes that stretch even nicer!) 

The length of Seventh Street between Avenue D and Cooper Square was supposed to be fully milled by now. (If anyone can confirm, aside from Seventh between A and First. The EVG Milling & Paving Team is at a softball tournament upstate.) 

Third Street from Avenue D to the Bowery is/was set to be milled last night and tonight. 

Anyway, a few people asked. Yes, the Citi Bike docking stations will return to Seventh and A, Seventh and B, Seventh and C, etc. And: No, the city does NOT remove curbside-dining structures for the milling and paving. 

And no word yet when the paving will commence.