Primary Election Night 2025

Photos by Daniel Efram 

Last evening, d.b.a. on First Avenue hosted a watch party for Zohran Mamdani.

And it turned out to be a night to remember for his supporters as the 33-year-old Democratic socialist from Queens appeared set to win the Democratic nomination for NYC mayor over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Although a winner won't be officially declared until July 1 due to the city's ranked-choice voting system, Cuomo conceded less than two hours after the polls closed at 9 p.m. 

Mamdani carried about 43.5% of the vote, in what Democratic political strategist Trip Yang described to Gothamist as "the biggest upset in modern New York City history." (Read more: 5 takeaways from the NYC mayoral primary at The Hill.) 

He will now face off against Mayor Adams, who's running as an independent, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in November. He may also see Cuomo again, per Axios and other published reports. 

In the race for term-limited Carlina Rivera's City Council seat in District 2, Assembly Member Harvey Epstein appears to be headed for victory with nearly 40% of the vote, per The New York Times. He is followed by Sarah Batchu (21.2%), Andrea Gordillo (21.1%), Anthony Weiner (10.3%), and Allie Ryan (7.3%).

RIP Marcia Resnick

Marcia Resnick with Andy Warhol and William Burroughs in 1980 

Photo by Victor Bockris via @marcia.resnick 

Marcia Resnick, a photographer known for her striking portraits of cultural figures from the Downtown New York art scene of the 1970s and 1980s — including Jean-Michel Basquiat, John Belushi, Johnny Thunders and Mick Jagger — died on June 17. She was 74. 

The cause was lung cancer, her sister Janice Hahn told The Washington Post. 

A Brooklyn native, Resnick graduated from Cooper Union in 1972 and earned a master of fine arts from the California Institute of the Arts in 1973, where she studied with artist John Baldessari. 

In a bio recounting her early years, Resnick described teaching photography at Queens College and NYU by day, and spending her nights immersed in the city's punk and art scenes — photographing musicians and artists at venues like CBGB, Max's Kansas City and the Mudd Club. 

"Guilty at spending so much time in clubs, I convinced myself that my photographic forays into the night were my art," she wrote. 

Her work for publications like the SoHo Weekly News and New York Magazine gave her access to many of the era's key cultural figures, whom she often photographed both candidly and in stylized studio sessions. 

Many of these portraits were featured in her 2015 book, "Punks, Poets and Provocateurs: New York City Bad Boys 1977–1982," one of several she published during her career. 

"She was the person who connected most with that scene and reproduced it in the photographs and all its people," her friend and collaborator Victor Bockris told The Washington Post. 

Her work is held in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, among others. The George Eastman Museum called her "one of the most ambitious and innovative American photographers of the 1970s."

1st look at the parking-garage-replacing condoplex on 9th Street

Last week, we noted that workers have completed the demolition of the former Little Man Parking garage (aka LaSalle Parking) at 220 E. Ninth St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. 

Now, more details are available about what's to come — an 18-unit luxury condoplex "blending classic Downtown loft architecture and industrial-chic details with modern luxury."  

Representatives for Arcus, the designer-developer whose past projects include 150 Wooster and The Wythe Lane Townhouses, shared photos and details of 220e9th.

The homes range from one to four bedrooms, and seven of the residences will have terraces. There will also be three penthouses.

Amenities included a 24-hour attended lobby, sauna, fitness center with Pilates studio, pet grooming station, and Japanese-style garden.

Here's a website for more info... sales start this fall. 

The garage closed in April 2023 after the Department of Buildings issued a vacate order on the property following the deadly collapse at the Little Man garage on Ann Street in the Financial District. 

Per the DOB vacate order: "The occupied parking structure with concrete framing observed to be in a state of disrepair at several locations in cellar level... crushed column base observed at several locations in cellar level ... vertical cracks observed inside elevator shaft and on masonry walls." 

The address was offered as a "redevelopment project" in August 2023. 

Budget Car Rental and Tori-Bien, a restaurant that specialized in Japanese fried chicken, were also forced to leave their retail spaces at this address.

Gametime for the former Superiority Burger space on 9th Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Gametime is set to open in early August at 430 E. Ninth St. between Avenue A and First Avenue, in the former home of Superiority Burger (which relocated to 119 Avenue A several years ago). 

Owner Michael Douglas Soza, who once lived on St. Mark's Place and now resides in Brooklyn, says the menu will focus on casual favorites — pizza, wings, fries, and soft drinks — with the possibility of beer being added later on. 

The small space will feature a television for sports or classic movies. Soza also plans to dedicate a corner to dog rescue, a cause he's passionate about.

Tuesday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy

Per AccuWeather: 

In New York City, the temperature fell just shy of hitting triple digits, but the high of 99 degrees was still enough to best the previous daily record for the date, surpassing the high of 96 degrees set on June 24, 1888. 

Leave a comment if you recall that day's heatwave!

A cold front is expected to move through the area on Thursday and Friday, with afternoon high temperatures in the 70s. (Please do not complain that it's too cold for June.)

Elizabeth Street Garden lives on

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ICYMI: NYC officials yesterday abandoned a hotly contested, decade-long plan to build 123 units of affordable senior housing on the Elizabeth Street Garden site. 

Per published reports, District 1 City Councilmember Christopher Marte has agreed to support the rezoning of three other parcels that could create more than 600 affordable units across Lower Manhattan while preserving the Elizabeth Street Garden as a publicly accessible space. 

East Village-based artist Marcellus Hall shared the above illustrations on Instagram...

Reminders: It's Primary Election Day

FYI: Primary Election Day is today (June 24). Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

There are three citywide positions on the ballot — mayor, comptroller and public advocate. 

In the East Village, a key race to watch is for the City Council District 2 seat, as Carlina Rivera is term-limited. 

The names of the Democratic candidates below are linked to their campaign websites: 

• Sarah Batchu

• Harvey Epstein 

• Andrea Gordillo 

• Allie Ryan 

• Anthony Weiner 

You can find your poll site here. Vote.NYC has more background here. Find info on all the candidates here.

The Associated Press has an explainer on how ranked-choice voting works at this link. 

And leading up to today, there was a solid turnout in early voting...

 

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New shop from Scarr’s and L’Industrie alum to bring old-school NYC slices to the East Village

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

The former home of Il Gusto Pizza and Proto’s Pizza at 50 Second Ave. is getting a new tenant — and a fresh take on classic New York slices. 

Andrea's Pizza, set to open in the weeks ahead here between Second Street and Third Street, is the first solo venture from chef and owner Andrea Kenuti, a veteran of Scarr's Pizza on Orchard Street, where he worked for seven years, and L'Industrie in the West Village. 

"I'm going for a classic vibe," he said, describing the shop's interior plans — retro booths, Tiffany-style lamps, and a menu centered on traditional NY-style pizza made with organic, carefully sourced ingredients.

Daily hours will be noon to midnight, Friday and Saturday, until 2 a.m. 

Soft drinks only, no beer and wine, although Kenuti doesn't rule it out for the future. 

"I just want to get the place open as soon as possible, and I'm going to be here every day," he said. 

New signage is on the way, and Kenuti shared a preview of the logo...

A website is in the works.

Signage alert: Time Out Market on 14th Street

Coming soon signage is up for the Time Out Market at 124 E. 14th St. between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue. (Thanks to the EVG reader for the photo!) 

As we reported in late March, the food hall is slated for the ground floor of Zero Irving (formerly the Union Square Tech Training Center, 14 @ Irving, and tech hub). 

Here are details from Time Out on what to expect: 

The 10,000-square-foot market hall will soon house seven kitchens, a fully-stocked bar and a stage set to host talent and performances from local artists. The 300-seat space will also feature an outdoor terrace. The new destination will build upon the legacy of Time Out Markets across the world — all with the mission of featuring the city’s best and up-and-coming culinary and cultural talents. 

Time Out currently has 10 similar markets worldwide, including a 24,000-foot converted warehouse that opened in 2019 in Dumbo. 

The new market is expected to open in the fall.

Urbanspace Union Square had its food hall here from December 2022 to March. 

Monday's parting reminder to vote

Photo by Stacie Joy 

From Saturday evening on Avenue A, King Geronimo and his Queen Loca are urging us all to vote. Tomorrow is Primary Election Day in NYC.

The heat dome is upon us

NYC is currently under an Extreme Heat Warning through Wednesday. (Much of the country will be experiencing a "heat dome.")

Per the NYC Emergency Management Department:

This is the highest level of heat alert. It means dangerously high temperatures and humidity will create life-threatening conditions, especially for older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and anyone without access to air conditioning. 

Con Ed is also asking consumers to conserve energy, especially between 2 and 10 p.m. 

As of yesterday, cooling centers are open. Find a list of centers and other resources at NYC's Beat the Heat page. 

The map and listings below for Lower Manhattan are from Sen. Brian Kavanaugh's office...

Activity returns to vacant lot on 3rd Avenue after 6 months

After nearly six months of dormancy, we've seen our first activity in the empty lot where six buildings once stood, along the west side of Third Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street. 

Workers were taking soil samples this past week… a first sign that something may finally be in the works. (Photo below by Steven.)

The lot has sat quiet since January, when crews finished demolishing six buildings at 50-64 Third Ave. 

Here's a plot view from earlier this year ... via the AMC Village 7 on the NW corner of Third Avenue and 11th Street...

Kinsmen Property Group — a joint venture between State Building Group and another Toronto company, Madison Group — bought the walk-up buildings over several years, paying more than $60 million for the parcel.

Residences are planned for the space — the site allows for 160,000 square feet of new construction. However, there aren't any new building work permits on file with the Department of Buildings just yet. 

We spotted a rendering for the new building in September 2023, though it's unclear if this is the final design.

Tompkins Square Park mini pool springs a leak — but still set to open Friday

Photo and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After a brief delay, the long-dormant mini pool in Tompkins Square Park is expected to reopen this Friday, following minor repairs and final inspections. 

Park staff filled the pool with water last week, as we first noted here, but parkgoers soon noticed it had been drained again. 

According to the Parks Department, two leaks — one along a seam and another in the circulation line — were discovered and repaired late Friday into Saturday morning. The epoxy used in the fix needed time to fully cure before the pool could be refilled and cleared for use.

Between the pandemic and field house renovations, the pool has been out of commission for years, and there was some sinking in the back that had to be leveled, according to a Parks Department employee. 

The city will inspect the site tomorrow. Barring any issues, the pool is still on track to open to the public on Friday at 11 a.m. 

The pool, restricted to use by children and their guardians, will operate in two daily sessions: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., with a one-hour afternoon break for cleaning.

"A lot of families are pleased with the community revitalization area, and we hope families will be happy with the pool," a Parks Department employee told us. "We've made great strides and improvements getting the area ready. It will be used by kids and families; Tompkins is a family-oriented location." 

A tent and a table will be installed at the pool entrance this week to prepare for the opening.

Openings: Maza on 7th Street

Photos by Stacie Joy 

After a few days in soft-open mode, Maza officially debuts today at 102 E. Seventh St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. 

The quick-serve Mexican spot is delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub) and take-out only...

Menu highlights: 

• Handmade corn tortillas 

• Celiac-friendly, vegan and vegetarian options

• Late-night crispy burritos 

• A half chicken served with Mexican-style sauces, rice and beans

Maza is open daily, with a 2 a.m. close on Fridays and Saturdays. They have an Instagram account here.

The business is owned by the folks behind Hearty & Healthy on First Avenue.

Bad vibrations: Former Babeland space for lease on the Lower East Side

Photos by Stacie Joy 

A for-lease sign hangs now on the vacant storefront at 94 Rivington St. between Ludlow and Orchard ...

This is the former home of Babeland, a nearly 30-year tenant here. The sex toy shop closed on May 25. Per ownership: "We have not been able to update the terms of our lease and will be leaving this longtime store location." 

You can visit the outpost in Park Slope... or Pike Street in Seattle. The founders sold the business to Good Vibrations, another sex toy franchise, in 2017. 

As for the original LES outpost: 

From Babeland's founding years, we have loved bringing our sex-positive and feisty vibe to the neighborhood and all its babes, customers, friends, and neighbors. Thank you — and all the staff members who have helped us serve you and answer your sex and product questions — for an unforgettable 27 years. 

It earned a reputation as a safe, inclusive place with a knowledgeable sales team to browse for toys — free of the sleaze of a tacky XXX shop or the shame of a 1970s Catholic school.

Said one Babeland customer in an email to EVG: "So many people explored their sexuality and needs here, so many teaching events and parties, plus a supportive staff (at least in the early years). Where do people go now in the neighborhood?"

Sunday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy

Celebrating the first year of Carnitas Ramírez today on Third Street at Avenue B...

A Spike Polite birthday show in Tompkins Square Park tomorrow

There's a special punk rock matinee tomorrow (Monday!) afternoon in Tompkins Square Park.

It's a Spike Polite birthday show featuring, starting at 2, Thirsty Pirates ... followed by RBNX, Outernational and Spike Polite & SewAge. 

DJ Pitter Pat is spinning some punk during the changeover. 

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with an Avenue A sunrise shot)... 

You can also get this recap emailed to you every week. Find out how.

• Wrong-way chase ends in crash, arrest on 3rd Street (Thursday, June 19) 

• Meeting brings East Village and LES bar owners together to talk noise, nightlife issues (Tuesday, June 17) 

• RIP John Garbarini (Tuesday, June 17) 

• As summer begins, guidance on caring for neglected tree plots (Friday, June 20)

• People of the block: Small business snapshots from the East Village (Saturday, June 21) 

• Live from Tompkins Square Park with Um, Jennifer? and Vial (Monday, June 18) 

• Former 9th Street garage demolished to make way for luxury residences (Monday, June 16) 

• Tompkins Square mini pool makes a big summer return (Monday, June 20) 

• Art meets aisles at Village Gourmet Grocery (Sunday, June 15) 

• A look at the all-new 356 E. 8th St. (Wednesday, June 18) 

• In case you are looking for the Sing for Hope piano in Tompkins Square Park (Friday, June 20) 

• Signage alert: Ops on 2nd Avenue (Monday, June 16) 

• Curbside comeback: Tree beds revived along this section of 2nd Avenue (Monday, June 16)

• About the new farm share taking place on the roof of the Swiss Institute on 2nd Avenue (Friday, June 20) 

• Construction watch: Pumping out the concrete at 88 E. 2nd St. (Wednesday, June 18) 

• Carnitas Ramírez celebrating 1 year in the East Village on Sunday (Wednesday, June 18) 

• About that 'White Plains' shoot in the East Village (Wednesday, June 18) 

• Pedestrian ramp upgrades slated for 7th Street this week (Monday, June 16) •

Watching the new David Byrne video (Friday, June 20)

• High hopes: Licensed dispensary planned for this 9th Street storefront (Monday, June 16)

Report of a fire at 249 E. 13th St.

The FDNY is responding this morning to a report of a fire at 249 E. 13th St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. (Thanks to Hubs for the photo.) 

A reader report from the scene: "More than five ladder trucks started around 9 a.m., two hoses deployed ... lots of black smoke ... medical team standing by with gurneys at about 9:55." 

The Citizen app reports that the fire started in the basement of the three-story building with six residential units. 

Will update when more information becomes available.

Updated 11:45: According to a report via the Citizen app, two firefighters were treated for minor injuries. The fire is now under control. 

A witness says the FDNY had it wrapped up just after noon...

There wasn't any word of injuries to residents. And no word on a possible cause. 

Con Ed arrived on the scene early in the afternoon ... (thanks again to Hubs for the pics)...

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