It first arrived on June 9 near Temperance Fountain. We don't know why someone moved it.
This year's piano, designed by Kate Fauvell, will be here through June 29.
Friday, June 20, 2025
In case you are looking for the Sing for Hope piano in Tompkins Square Park
As summer begins, guidance on caring for neglected tree plots
Text by Donald Davis
Photos by Kelley Ryan
As spring draws to a close and summer begins, the sidewalk tree garden in front of 97 Saint Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue is doing well.
The plot is dominated by tall ryegrass. Interspersed are a number of sunflowers approaching three feet tall, as well as the smaller cosmos plants and bachelor buttons.
This plot is an experiment of sorts, as earlier EV Grieve posts explained (here and here).
The constant burrowing of rats has created a situation across the East Village and beyond, where many volunteer farmers have given up and installed small-hole mesh, or in many cases, gravel or cement over the soil. Sometimes, large rodent bait stations are placed in the tree bed. Yet, the burrowing and holes persist, the flying dirt destroying seedlings.
In working toward a solution, the 97 Saint Mark's gardeners laid chicken wire directly atop the soil and planted seeds in the hexagons of the chicken wire, as previously described. (A series of window boxes at 248 E. Seventh St. also demonstrates successful use of this technique.)
When recent photos of this project were presented to the NYC Rat Portal, a city government site for rat control, the response was: "Chicken wire is not recommended as rats can widen the openings and squeeze through."
Our response was: "Not only have they not done so in the case of 97, it would be impossible for a rat to get into position to squeeze through chicken wire placed directly on a soil bed."
In fact, rats will dig down and throw dirt (mostly just for fun, it seems — though we have pulled decayed rat fetuses out of dead-end tunnels using our bare hands) only when it is easy to do. We have not heard back from the portal, although we continue to listen to gardeners seeking solutions.
Our hope is that in time — possibly with the use of our method — we will see some of the abandoned plot projects restored and the streets greener. Next spring is not soon enough.
The first step, if you wish to claim a spot (encouraged by the city and landlords), is to clear out the rocks (if this is one of those failed attempts at rat control). Build a fence if one does not already exist. The best start for fencing is the short iron (usually three-sided) variety that the city and tree organizations have installed around many plots. These can be extended higher (and the fourth side completed) with softer fencing from hardware stores.
As for the chicken wire: because the plots are four feet wide, two rows of standard 24-inch wire side by side fit perfectly. The best means for tacking down the mesh are standard wood shims, available in large packs at low cost, also at hardware stores. Once the mesh is installed (takes only a couple of hours, the tree snug in the middle), you can plant seeds in the hexagons.
While individual laying of seeds may seem tedious, it is a good tedious. The process actually takes only a short afternoon and is also an excellent way to space the plants. In one situation, we have two sunflowers that are growing next to each other from adjacent hexagons, and they seem to be doing very well. (Though the plants are large, sunflower roots tend straight down with less side branching, which helps.)
It is not too late this year to begin planting. Many plants thrive during the summer and fall. In November, for example, you can plant a winter crop such as winter ryegrass, which will survive close to the ground. What is important from the standpoint of nature is to keep a cover on the soil. The nurturing of underground fungi among plant roots will do the hard work for you, restoring health to your soil.
We adhere to the regenerative agriculture principle of minimal soil disruption. We have never turned the soil (plowed). A question may be what to do with a surface that is barren and hard and suffering from foot traffic/dogs and appears lifeless. This is a first-year decision you will have to make before laying down the chicken wire.
Our recommendation: if there is any significant plant activity (weeds, etc.) or there has been growth within the last year or so, you can leave the soil undisturbed. Otherwise, a light turning of the soil can be done — and with your planting work, nature will, in time, take over the underground for you.
Tompkins Square mini pool makes a big summer return
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
For the first time in several years, the Tompkins Square Park mini pool (yes, Tompkins has a mini pool) will be open to the public.
City pools open next Friday, June 27, including Dry Dock on 10th Street and Hamilton Fish on Pitt Street.
This week, Parks employees filled the mini pool, reserved for kids and their guardians. (In other words, no adults without a child!)
New this year (aside from renovated restrooms), hooks along the fence to hang your TUMI Voyageur Patricia backpack, Anya Hindmarch I Am A Plastic Bag water bottle holder and Prada terrycloth scrunchie. (Working on our brand-dropping influence!)
Also new this year is the warning about breath-holding contests...
...to go along with the existing staples...
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with a closure between 3-4 p.m. for cleaning.
The pool initially closed during the pandemic and remained out of service due to a lack of bathroom access while the park's field house was under renovation for the past two summers.
It's unknown if this might be the last summer for the TSP mini pool.
Last August, Gov. Hochul announced nearly $150 million in capital grants through the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative.
As part of that, Tompkins Square Park was awarded $6.1 million for a new in-ground pool, which will double the capacity of the current above-ground trailer park model.
A start date for construction on the new pool has not been announced yet.
About the new farm share taking place on the roof of the Swiss Institute on 2nd Avenue
1 P.M. to 3 P.M.Wyrm Farm's CSA offers 15 weeks of locally grown, organic produce, distributed from the rooftop of the Swiss Institute in New York, New York. Each week's share includes a selection of leafy greens, fruiting vegetables, alliums, and root vegetables, enough produce to feed two or more people.
Our produce is harvested within a day or two of delivery, ensuring peak freshness and flavor. Members receive better vegetables at wholesale prices and develop relationships with their neighbors and farmers.Wyrm CSA membership includes:-15 weeks of our produce for 2+ people-A subscription to Wyrm Magazine-Recipe cards and other printed materialsEach Wyrm CSA share is $650, or $43/week, and feeds 2+ people.
Find info here.
Thursday, June 19, 2025
[Updated] Wrong-way chase ends in crash, arrest on 3rd Street
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
A high-speed police pursuit ended in a dramatic crash and arrest on Third Street late yesterday afternoon, after a vehicle turned the wrong way off of Avenue C and was rammed by pursuing officers.
Multiple witnesses described seeing law enforcement, including state police serving as backup, quickly apprehend at least one suspect. Two men were believed to be in the vehicle.
According to law enforcement officials, the NYPD's Narcotics Unit made the arrest. The suspect, a 39-year-old male, was said to be well-known to the Narco Unit and had several prior arrests for possession of drugs. Police sources said the suspect had a loaded firearm and unspecified drugs at the time of the arrest. (Updated: Police identified the suspect as Solne Martinez, an East Village resident.)
The suspect's vehicle collided with another car belonging to a physician from the RYAN/NENA health center between Avenue C and Avenue D.
The doctor was not inside at the time.
"I spoke to the police, I was not in the car when it happened," he said.
The incident occurred outside Loisaida Drugs and Surgical at 273 E. Third St., just east of Avenue C.
A pharmacist, who declined to give his name, said he came outside after hearing the crash.
"I saw the police and the driver putting his hands up. They cuffed him," he said. "The passenger had a gun — I could see the gun. I did not see them arrest the passenger, only the driver." 
Another local worker witnessed the scene as well.
"It was a brownish-tan gun. Law enforcement arrested the driver and put the gun on the hood of the car. I took a picture of the guy, and he flipped me off."
One bystander described seeing officers "T-bone the guy" after a chase down Third Street, noting that police removed a duffle bag from the vehicle's trunk after the arrest.
At least one other vehicle at the scene sustained a broken window, though it's unclear how it happened. Photos show law enforcement conducting a fingerprinting procedure using Cyanoacrylate (superglue) solution.
A pedestrian sustained minor injuries during the chase and was taken to the hospital. She is expected to recover.
It was not immediately clear where the chase started.
This is a developing story, and authorities are expected to release more details soon. Some elements of the account may be updated as new information becomes available.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Wednesday's parting shot
Photo by Stacie Joy
Today in Tompkins Square Park, these artists were raising funds
via art and zines for families affected by ICE raids.
About that 'White Plains' shoot in the East Village
This is code for Ryan Murphy's 2026 series "American Love Story," which will chronicle the lives of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. (H/T Gracie!)
For the second time in less than a week, Panna II on First Avenue is serving as a location ("Daredevil" was here this past Friday)...
She reportedly lived in the East Village when she first moved to NYC in 1989.
As for the fake production name, Bessette Kennedy was born in White Plains.
Meanwhile, early promotional photos have reportedly left fans unimpressed with the dull styling and wardrobe of the leads.
A look at the all-new 356 E. 8th St.
Work permits show a horizontal enlargement featuring seven residential units (plus a penthouse) and one retail space here between Avenue C and Avenue D.
The building arrived on the market two years earlier with a $3 million ask, with a listing: "Property is a teardown. Existing structure is unsafe."
DOB records indicate a partial demolition, and permits were issued to address existing on-site safety concerns.
No. 356 previously sat vacant for nearly nine years. On Dec. 24, 2015, a worker — 33-year-old Luis Alberto Pomboza — fell three floors to his death inside the building undergoing renovations for a previous owner.
The death of Pomboza, a father of five, prompted then-Mayor de Blasio and Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler to announce in February 2016 that they were going to quadruple the penalties for serious construction safety lapses, conduct a wave of more than 1,500 enforcement sweeps, and require new supervision at construction sites citywide to protect workers and the public amid the building boom.
No. 356 had been on and off the market for years (here and here). The listings pitched the space for "high-end apartments or a luxury home."
After Pomboza's death, the DOB issued a stop work order and a full vacate order on the site. Ten different violations were reportedly uncovered at the worksite, including "failure to safeguard all persons and property affected by construction operations." A construction superintendent was to be present at 356 E. Eighth St. at the time of Pomboza's fall, but there wasn't one on site.
We have not spotted any listings for the new units here just yet.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Construction watch: Pumping out the concrete at 88 E. 2nd St.
Photos by Stacie Joy
The concrete pump truck (bendy thing!) continues, um, pumping concrete into the foundation on the NW corner of First Avenue and Second Street... where the structure is nearly to the sidewalk level...
The incoming residential building — officially 88 E. Second St. — will include ground-floor retail and 22 rentals.
Refresh your memory of the new place via this rendering reveal. The completion date is scheduled for the fall of 2026.
Read our previous posts for more about the project and prior businesses at 33-37 First Ave.
Carnitas RamÃrez celebrating 1 year in the East Village on Sunday
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Carnitas RamÃrez is celebrating its 1st EV anniversary on Sunday.
The sibling to Taqueria RamÃrez, the celebrated Greenpoint establishment, has built an enthusiastic fan base here at 210 E. Third St., just east of Avenue B.
The restaurant received "Critic's Pick" status with a two-star review last fall in The New York Times ... and the paper later named it one of the city's best 100 restaurants.
I recently checked in with co-owners (from left) Yvon de Tassigny, Giovanni Cervantes and Tania Apolinar...
This past year has been a joyful experience; we have created a new family from the people we work with and a new home in the East Village, which has welcomed us with open arms since the beginning. ... With gratitude, we can say that we have done some of the work to bring the best Mexican food to NYC, but there's still a lot to do! And we feel excited about that. It's been a wonderful year, and we are looking forward to many more!
The anniversary afternoon begins at 2 p.m. with a special menu and music...
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Meeting brings East Village and LES bar owners together to talk noise, nightlife issues
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
A recent (June 11) meeting billed as a forum for addressing noise complaints drew a full house of bar, restaurant, and club owners from the East Village, Lower East Side and Chinatown.
Held at the rooftop lounge at Mr. Purple in the Hotel Indigo on Orchard Street, the session offered local business operators the chance to hear directly from city agencies about best practices, regulations and resources related to nightlife noise management.
Representatives from the 7th and 9th Precincts, Community Board 3, the Department of Environmental Protection's Economic Development and Environmental Compliance team, the State Liquor Authority, and the NYC Office of Nightlife participated in the event. (The 5th Precinct was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.)
The bulk of the discussion focused on noise concerns — from loud music and bass vibrations to lines and street noise outside establishments. A slideshow presented during the session cited 2,500 bar and restaurant-related noise complaints filed in the area last year after duplicate and anonymous 311 complaints were filtered out.
Topics covered included enforcement protocols, current fine structures for noise violations ($2,000 for a first offense, $4,000 for a second, and $6,000 for a third), and available mitigation programs such as MEND NYC, which offers free mediation between businesses and residents, and CURE, which supports coordinated conflict resolution among establishments.
Officials shared several updates and reminders, including a ban on speakers in outdoor dining spaces and insurance coverage requirements for roadside dining. The State Liquor Authority also discussed its enforcement and disciplinary approach, which it described as aimed at fostering "temperance."
A brief Q&A followed, with business owners from spots including Pianos, JoyFace, the Wiggle Room and Donnybrook weighing in on line management, use of stanchions and barricades, OATH hearings, and police support in handling disorderly patrons.
Some attendees expressed frustration with bureaucratic hurdles and conflicting guidance from various city agencies. One recurring question — whether bar owners could find out who was reporting them to 311 — was quickly answered: No.
Pedestrian bottlenecks caused by ID checks and patron screening outside busy venues were also raised, though no clear solutions emerged.
Extra time was given to questions about mitigating noise and managing lines. "We don't say 'no lines' to be mean," said CB3 District Manager Susan Stetzer. "This is a residential community — you have to respect your neighbors."
Attendees were encouraged to contact 911 when necessary and to make a visible effort to resolve issues. "Try to be a good neighbor," said one rep. "Residents will be more forgiving if you make an attempt."
After the session, reactions were mixed. Some business owners said they found the meeting useful, while others said it offered little in the way of new information or practical solutions.
Previously on EV Grieve:
RIP John Garbarini
Photo via @internationalbarnyc
The crew at the International Bar on First Avenue have paid tribute to a longtime regular and friend to many people there (and elsewhere in the neighborhood) in a recent Instagram post...
RIP John Garbarini,A regular heroA master engineerA talented photographer,Jack of all trades and mastered them all.Our beloved friend, family, and regular. An irreplaceable hole in our hearts.
The longtime resident of the East Village and Little Italy "appreciated New York City's quirks and color."
Monday, June 16, 2025
Monday's parting 10-day weather forecast
Live from Tompkins Square Park with Um, Jennifer? and Vial
Photos by Stacie Joy
We caught two of the bands on Saturday afternoon during the Show Brain-sponsored free concert in Tompkins Square Park.
Despite the intermittent showers, Show Brain founder Ozzie and his volunteers had tents and tarps for the bands, and the show went on to an appreciative crowd.
We saw another playful set from endearing locals Um, Jennifer? ... (below) Eli, Fig, Carmen and Grayson...
And afterward (with Show Brain's Ozzie on the left)...
Then there was the headliner Vial, an indie punk trio from Minneapolis making a Tompkins tour stop...
You can sign up for a Show Brain mailing list here for news on upcoming shows in Tompkins and elsewhere.
Previously on EV Grieve:
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