Photo by Derek Berg
At the third annual WasteFest today in Tompkins Square Park...
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Week in Grieview
• Support for the family of Salvino Luis Ceballos (Wednesday)
• Despite the city's endless bureaucracy, East Village residents continue to aid asylum seekers at the former St. Brigid School (Thursday) ... A call for volunteers and donations for asylum seekers (Monday)
• Decades-spanning ghost signage disappears from this East Village building (Monday)
• Reports: Woman in custody after menacing rampage in and around Tompkins Square Park (Monday)
• Sky watch: A breath of fresh air heading into the weekend (Friday) ... Holy smokes, that sky today! (Tuesday)
• Pinks moves on from 10th Street (Tuesday)
• The Astor Place Greenmarket returns (Tuesday)
• Tramezzini NYC has closed on Houston (Wednesday)
• Almost-opening report: Caffe Corretto on 12th Street (Monday)
• A new era for pedestrians on the NE corner of 3rd Avenue and St. Mark's Place (Wednesday)
• The East Village New Deli returns without the deli (Thursday)
• Little Uluh announces itself on 14th Street (Monday)
• PSA: The Tacos Cholula cart is still on 2nd Street (Tuesday)
• A pop-up gallery for the summer at 42 Avenue B (Friday)
• This prime corner storefront remains tenant-free (Tuesday)
• The Tribeca Festival takes over Village East by Angelika on 2nd Avenue (Friday)
• And now, your signage for the Popeyes opening on 14th Street near Avenue A (Thursday)
• City set once again to remove the curbside structure outside Pinky's Space on 1st Street (Monday)
Speaking of Pinky's Space, someone did remove the remains of the abandoned Pinky's roadbed seating space later this past week...
Despite hazardous air quality, ESCR work continued this past Wednesday afternoon
Photos and video by Marcella Durand
This past Wednesday afternoon, as smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada settled over NYC and the rest of the Northeast, the Air Quality Index here reached 484 — the worst in city history and the world on that day.
Despite the level that officials labeled as "hazardous," work continued on the $1.45 billion East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) Project in East River Park... with the machinery's black smoke mixing into the yellow-orange haze...
"Health and safety is the number one priority to the DDC. Due to the Canadian wildfire smoke effects in the area, DDC has halted late work shifts for [June 7] and suspended work for [June 8]. The City will monitor the conditions as the week progresses," the community construction liaison told a concerned nearby resident after 5 p.m.
An ESCR fact sheet on air quality monitoring (PDF here) states there is an Action Level for air pollution and that "[i]f it is determined that the construction is not meeting the standards set by oversight agencies, work will be halted and further assessed to assure protection to residents and park users."
ESCR watchers said that this "could be interpreted as only taking action if the construction itself causes the air pollution" and not necessarily from, say, wildfires.
Meanwhile, ICYMI: The DDC has pushed back the timetable for completing vital elements of the project. Officials revealed the new schedule during an East Side Coastal Resiliency Community Advisory Group meeting on May 25. (A video of the meeting is here.)
According to the presentation (deck here), officials moved the work's completion date south of Grand Street from this summer to June 2024... while work between Grand and Stanton changed from 2024 to early 2025.
As Hellgate reported in its coverage of the meeting:
DDC staffers explained that the delay on these sections, which are currently closed off to the public, is due to a reallocation of construction efforts to the large section south of Houston Street, where massive floodwater conveyance systems are now being buried underground. Soon, they say, they'll begin to infill the land in that section, and raise the park between eight and ten feet, before reconstructing it entirely.
Despite the delays, officials said they'll still hit their end-of-2026 completion date.
The "phased work operations" began in November 2021 in Project Area 1 between Montgomery Street and 15th Street.
Workers have been burying the 57.5-acre park under fill, cutting down trees and elevating the land by 8-to-10 feet above sea level to protect the area from future storm surges. The city has said they will maintain public access to at least 42% of the park throughout construction.
Residents still have access to the park via the FDR overpasses on 10th Street and Sixth Street and the north ramp at Houston.
[Updated] Why Kim Petras was at Ben's Deli on Avenue B
Photos by Stacie Joy
Fresh from a GovBall appearance, history-making Grammy winner (for "Unholy," her collaboration with Sam Smith) Kim Petras was at Ben's Deli yesterday at 32 Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street.
She was there to shoot a video ahead of the release of her new album out on June 23 and accompanying tour.
And why Ben's? The deli is known to location scouts these days after serving as a pivotal location for "Russian Doll" season 1.
And here's a photo (of a photo!) of Petras with the Ben's team (they said she was very friendly)...
And if this outfit looks familiar, it was apparently Petras then wearing the armor in Tompkins Square Park a little later in the day.
Meanwhile, you can read up on Petras in this recent New Yorker profile.
[Updated] Noted
Updated
Turns out this is the stand-in for Grammy-winning pop star Kim Petras, who was spotted wearing the armor while shooting a promo video at Ben's Deli on Avenue B earlier in the day yesterday.
Her team shot some footage in Tompkins Square Park as well.
Thanks to Eden for the photo yesterday!
The 3rd annual WasteFest is TODAY in Tompkins Square Park
On the bill:
• MDC
• Urban Waste
• Deathcycle
• Ache
• Action Park
• Sewage
• The Stress
The free show starts at 2.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Saturday's parting shot
On Avenue B today: the LES Young Artists of Color Fellowship Showcase
Throughout this spring, 10 fellows, ages 18-26, have been meeting with each other, co-facilitators Alejandra Acevedo and Mark Wilson, and POC artist guests and cultural workers, to share their work and experiences in the field.
This exhibition is the culminating event where the fellows will share what they have been working on with the public! Performances, ceramics, paintings and much more!
The exhibit is up from 1-5 p.m. between Eighth Street and Ninth Street.
Today's free concert in Tompkins Square Park
About Harold Hunter Weekend
Harold Hunter art by DeGrupo on Houston and the Bowery
The 16th annual Harold Hunter Weekend is underway.
Billed as "one of NYC’s largest and most highly anticipated skateboarding events," the activities — including in Tompkins Square Park — celebrate the legacy of Hunter, a charismatic local skateboarder who was born and raised at Campos Plaza on 13th Street. He died in 2006 at age 31.
The weekend is hosted by the Harold Hunter Foundation, a nonprofit that provides support, opportunity and advocacy for skateboarders.
You can find more details about events here.
Friday, June 9, 2023
To 'Better Days' ahead
Brooklyn-based duo Locations released a new single on Wednesday titled "Better Days," written via FaceTime during the early days of the pandemic.
This summer, Locations is embarking on the "No New Oil Tour" in collaboration with Extinction Rebellion NYC.
Per a release via the band:
Locations wants you to get out in the streets along with Extinction Rebellion to demand the U.S. government and the "big four" banks put an end to all new fossil fuel projects.
Visit the band's website for more info on their sit-ins and outreach. They're also hosting a single-release party at Alphaville tonight in Brooklyn.
A pop-up gallery for the summer at 42 Avenue B
Photos by Stacie Joy
A pop-up gallery, Life, The Universe & Everything, will be holding forth this summer at 42 Avenue B between Third Street and Fourth Street.
This month, the gallery is open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 2-6 p.m. or by appointment. For more info on upcoming events here.
The Tribeca Festival takes over Village East by Angelika on 2nd Avenue
Screenings for the Tribeca Festival got underway on Wednesday at the Village East by Angelika on Second Avenue and 12th Street.
BTW — the screenings are at various theaters around the city, not just here. Find a list of what's playing at this link.
As mentioned, the "Kim's Video" documentary on the former EV staple of the same name is showing here next Tuesday and Wednesday. Find ticket info here.
Sky watch: A breath of fresh air heading into the weekend
And!
As of Friday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 36 in New York City's Central Park. The "fair" air quality level is a significant improvement from the "very unhealthy" and "dangerous" levels it was at on Wednesday.
At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, the AQI was at 413 for NYC — historically high levels that haven't been seen in decades (the good old days!) for NYC, as NBC 4 and other outlets pointed out.
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Thursday's parting shot
[Updated] And now, your signage for the Popeyes opening on 14th Street near Avenue A
Photo by Edmund John Dunn
In the breaking news [🚨🚨🚨] department here at noon ET, the signage for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is going up at its new home at 442 E. 14th St., just west of Avenue A.
No word on an opening date.
This makes the second EV Popeyes: an outpost opened in October 2020 at 39 First Ave. between Second Street and Third Street.
The new 14th Street Popeyes combined two storefronts — the Lower East Side Coffee Shop, which closed here after 13 years in February 2021 ... and New Herbal World, which left in September 2019.
Now with a final signage shot via Vinny & O...
Previously
Where to get free N95 masks today in the East Village
Local City Councilmember Carlina Rivera's office is providing free N95 masks today until 5 p.m.
The office is at 254 E. Fourth St., just east of Avenue B.Air quality levels today are expected to be unhealthy and hazardous, and the City is advising that residents limit outdoor activity. We have N95 masks available at our district office at 254 E 4th St for pick up through 5 pm, while supplies last.
— NYC Council Member Carlina Rivera (@CMCarlinaRivera) June 8, 2023
And how long will these hazardous conditions and photogenic skylines remain?
Per Gothamist:
The National Weather Service said Thursday that a low-pressure system over Maine will be stalled at least until Saturday, keeping the smoke funneling southward instead of floating east.
Photo from this morning at 6:30
Despite the city's endless bureaucracy, East Village residents continue to aid asylum seekers at the former St. Brigid School
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Last week, EVG reader (and parent of Miss Kita the Wonder Dog) Jose Garcia messaged the site and offered to do a Costco run with his husband to purchase supplies for the asylum seekers temporarily housed at the former St. Brigid School.
So the three of us (Kita stayed home) spent this past Sunday afternoon trying to find inexpensive sandals, shoes, T-shirts, underwear, and socks at the 125th Street Costco location.
Upon returning to the school on Seventh Street and Avenue B with our newly purchased supplies, we started handing them to grateful asylum seekers outside. We didn't have enough for everyone, and I promised we'd return on the next distribution day.
At that point, Sunday's site supervisor came out and yelled at me, "You can't do this! You just can't do this! You have to stop!" The previous clothing drive had ongoing issues: fights between city employees and the state Assemblymember's office that led to someone calling the police. And problems working with all the different abbreviated groups inside the center: OEM, NYCEM, MedRite and the Mayor's Office.
There isn't a clear chain of command and no transparency. Despite clear and visible proof that the city needs help, they do not appear keen on accepting it. Some site staffers report being reprimanded for accepting donations or assisting with providing aid.
Signs went up at the center announcing that visitors and donations (not to mention weapons) were not permitted inside the school.
Tuesday's distribution ran more smoothly, primarily due to cooperation carefully forged and negotiated with the new MedRite site supervisor and a team of East Village volunteers who spent some sweaty hours sorting clothes and supplies and helping distribute them to those in need.
There was also an assist from some hired security team members from inside the center and help from the refugees themselves.
It was a successful event, and people could source most of what was needed. I was told there were 237 people inside at the time of distribution (maximum capacity is 350), and I guestimate we saw about 150 of them in line for supplies.
During Tuesday's volunteer distribution, NYC Mesh and Verizon both showed up (again), offering free Wi-Fi installation for the site — a crucial need for the asylum seekers eager to be able to contact loved ones. But the NYC Mesh and Verizon reps were turned away (again), with officials citing something about "proper procedure" and a need for authorization.
However, it's unclear just who authorizes this (or anything) at this respite center. A rep from the city's IT team was onsite as a volunteer, and she is trying some outreach, and we are trying to establish a pipeline with the Mayor's Office. Meanwhile, Father Seán Connolly from St. Brigid's/St. Emeric on Avenue B and Eighth Street wrote a letter requesting access to install equipment.
Everyone remains persistent and optimistic, but the endless bureaucracy and lack of transparency or assistance wear people down.
An official "from immigration" was onsite Tuesday asking asylum seekers in line if they want to be sent to Albany or points north with the same offer as before (housing, beds, a shower, working papers and a job). However, word is spreading that this may not be factual. I didn't see anyone taking them up on the offer.
We had supplies left over that were slated for the Police Academy Gym site on 21st Street (another local Respite Center). Still, we couldn't get any cooperation between that site supervisor or workers at the location. Officers from the 9th Precinct tried to assist with the delivery, but they, too, were rebuffed. After several frantic calls, we found a home for the donated items at the Delancey Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church on Forsyth Street, which will pass them on to the unhoused locals they work with.
If you’d like to donate or volunteer, another drive is scheduled today (June 8) from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Please just show up at 107 Avenue B at Seventh Street to volunteer or to drop off selected merchandise: men's pants, shorts, and sweats are especially in need. And, as always, chancletas in all sizes. New boxers-briefs, backpacks, and jackets/sweaters are also highly requested.
While volunteers are needed to sort the new donations at 107 Avenue B, there may not be an outdoor distribution if the smoky conditions remain.
Future drop-off date: Tuesday, June 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The East Village New Deli returns without the deli
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
The space has been renovated, and the deli counter is no more. (Counter staff Joe and Munch are now working a few doors to the north at Avenue A Deli and Grill.)
Management also mentioned that they have three years left on the lease for the storefront.
The focus now is on the usual quick-stop market items like water, soda, beer, snacks, etc.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
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