No injuries reported as large tree branch comes crashing down on St. Mark's Place

This tree branch fell this morning outside 26 St. Mark's Place between Second Avenue and Third Avenue... EVG reader Maegan Hayward shared these photos...



Thankfully, despite being a busy corridor for pedestrians and vehicles (especially deliveries), the damage was minimal. Per Maegan: "Luckily it seems like no one was injured and nothing was damaged other than the tree."

The sidewalk bridge outside 19-25 St. Mark's Place across the street prevented the tree from possibly damaging the storefronts or hitting the pedestrians who were there at the time.





And 7 seconds of video, which shows just how large this branch is...



"It just seemed to fall out of nowhere," Maegan said.

Updated:

Steven shared these photos... after the branch was (mostly) removed from the street...







...and a photo of the branch attachment...

Mono + Mono reopens on 4th Street after 5-year absence

More than five years after a fire destroyed its space, Mono + Mono officially reopens tonight in its former home at 116 E. Fourth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.


[Photo by Elissa Jiji]

A fire swept through the single-level structure in April 2013. The restaurant's extensive collection of jazz LPs were reportedly spared, and, based on some recent Instagram posts, the records will be put to use in Mono + Mono 2.0.

At various times through the years, Mono reps said that they would be returning. CB3 OK'd the new liquor license in March 2017. The menu submitted with the CB3 questionnaire at that time featured a variety of Asian-fusion tapas. (The sample menu did not list the double-dipped Korean fried chicken, a speciality of the previous incarnation of Mono + Mono.) Recent Instagram posts show small-plates-type menu items.

A flower shop has been in the space in the past year-plus, with the recent arrival of a cafe serving juice and coffee. The flower shop will remain in operation during the day, with the space turning over to dinner and drinks in the evenings. No word on official hours just yet. The new Mono doesn't appear to have any web or social-media presence at the moment.

Mono + Mono first opened in August 2010.

Thanks to Elissa Jiji for the tip!

Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] Early-morning fire at 116 E. Fourth St., home of Mono + Mono

(Kind of) An update on Mono + Mono

What is happening with the Mono + Mono space?

Report: Mono + Mono plans fall reopening

LPC to review condoplex proposal for 2nd Avenue gas explosion site

[Rendering via Morris Adjimi Architects]

During its weekly meeting today, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will review the proposal to erect a 7-story condoplex on the Second Avenue gas explosion site at Seventh Street.

As Curbed reported yesterday:

Presentation materials that will go before the LPC offer a glimpse at what [the developer] has planned for the structure: The building itself will rise 78 feet, though the bulkhead will take that up to just under 100 feet. The facade would be made from custom L-shaped bricks, cast stone, and corrugated zinc, all in muted shades of gray and beige. Some apartments would have corner exposures, and there would be one penthouse with roof access.

The Historic Districts Council has weighed in on the proposal, saying the building “could fit in quite well in the East Village/Lower East Side Historic District”; however, HDC takes issue with the corner windows, which they call “extremely out of place,” and the color of the cladding.

Last month, CB3 endorsed a resolution by its Landmarks Committee, as The Villager reported.

The committee’s recommendations also called on [architect] Morris Adjmi ... to create a "permanent, prominent bronze marker honoring those who died at the location" — Moises Ismael Locon, 27, and Nicholas Figueroa, 23 — and telling the story of the event, with review from Locon’s and Figueroa’s parents.

Shaky Cohen's Nexus Building Development Group filed plans in February for the development.

According to the Nexus website, 119-121 Second Ave. "is a high-end condominium building ... with seven floors including 21 apartments and a retail space. Residential units are one, two and three bedrooms."

Cohen paid $9.15 million for the empty lots at No. 119 and 121 between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

The defendants in the gas-explosion case, including Maria Hrynenko, the former owner of No. 119 and 121, are still waiting to go to trial.

According to The Villager last week:

A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, Jr., said the case had been "administratively adjourned" to July 27. There is currently no trial date set for Hrynenko and her three co-defendants.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Exclusive: 2nd Avenue explosion sites have a new owner

Dedicating Moises Locón Way and Nicholas Figueroa Way on 2nd Avenue at 7th Street

Soil testing underway at the 2nd Avenue explosion site

Here's the 1st look at the new building proposed for the 2nd Avenue explosion site

The Silky Kitchen signage arrives on 13th Street

[Photo by Laura K.]

The Silky signage — touting "Authentic Hunan Delicacies" — is up at 137 E. 13th St. between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue.

Still don't know much about the place, other than it will be an all-day restaurant with hours of 9 a.m. to midnight daily, per their beer-wine application on the CB3 website. Silky doesn't appear to have any social-media presence (or website) just yet.

The space was previously home to Mandolino Pizzeria, which closed in March after a 14-month run.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Silky Kitchen set for 13th Street

Rue St. Denis bids au revoir to Avenue B

Back in April, news surfaced that Rue St. Denis, the vintage clothing and accessories shop, was closing after 25 years on Avenue B between 10th Street and 11th Street.

The boutique, which sold unworn vintage collections, shut down at the end of June.

EVG regular Daniel shared these photos... showing the empty storefront...



Founder Jean-Paul Buthier and his partner Riccardo Bonechi bid au revoir with this sign on the door, including the message: "Keep buying vintage. Save the planet!"



Buthier and Bonechi closed the store for a change of pace, not because of rising rents or declining sales, as The New York Times first reported.

Monday's parting [novelty T-shirt] shot

"Sons of Arthritis" spotted on Seventh Street via Derek Berg...

Noted

Thanks to Alex G for sharing this photo... showing that 13th Street and Second Avenue is now 48th Street and Ninth Avenue... Welcome to Hell's Village.

NYU student discusses random weekend attack: 'He got me right to the ground and kept punching'

EXCLUSIVE: NYPD Says Crime Is Down Despite Recent Spate Of Random Assaults https://t.co/Im44jd3Ixh

— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) July 9, 2018

CBS New York files a report on several of the random attacks that have occurred around the city in recent days.

Marcia Kramer spoke with one of the women who was attacked in the East Village this past weekend.

Per Kramer's report:

NYU junior Cat Heinen says being violently ambushed and beaten by a homeless man in the East Village late Saturday has left her scared and shaken.

“I don’t think I can walk alone for a long time,” she told CBS2. “I’ve been walking with my keys in hand.”

Heinen also says she’s bought pepper spray after the terrifying ordeal. While the NYPD was quick to catch the man who attacked Cat and two other women, she says the experience has changed her life.

“This has been really traumatic and awful,” she said. “He got me right to the ground and kept punching, I’m pretty sure he was going to rape me.”

Carlos Munoz, 23, was arrested and reportedly charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

Police officials tell Kramer that there isn't any crime wave, that statistics for the first six months of the year show overall crime is down another 1.8 percent.

City Council's lone public hearing on the 14th Street tech hub is tomorrow

Tomorrow morning at 9:30, City Council is holding its only public hearing on the rezoning for Mayor de Blasio's proposed 14th Street Tech Hub.

The upzoning is necessary to allow for a 21-floor building — called the Union Square Tech Training Center — to rise on the current site of the former PC Richard complex on 14th Street at Irving Place.

The approval process tour — the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) — has already received endorsements from the City Planning Commission, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Community Board 3, who included an amendment in their resolution calling for zoning protection. (Note: Brewer’s recommendation also comes with a set of conditions. Read her report here.)

As previously reported, that zoning protection is the key for some concerned area residents and preservationists, who fear overdevelopment south of Union Square along Broadway, University Place and Fourth Avenue.

District 2 City Council member Carlina Rivera said during her election campaign last year that she'd sign off on the project only if the city agrees to downzone the surrounding area. As Crain's noted: "Because the council traditionally defers to the wishes of local members, her vote is crucial."

And more from Crain's, in an article published Friday:

"[Rivera] has been negotiating with the mayor's office throughout the process," a spokesman said. "She's going to be working on securing zoning protections that preserve affordable housing and the character of the neighborhood."

And...

"Our conversation with council member Rivera has been productive," an EDC spokesman said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to gather feedback from her, community stakeholders, and the City Council subcommittee as we present on this important project that seeks to diversify the city's tech sector."

Plans for the 240,000-square-foot Tech Training Center include educational facilities, market-rate office space and a food hall. Read more about the project via the city's Economic Development Corporation here.

Meanwhile, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation makes their case for zoning protections here.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Behold Civic Hall, the high-tech future of Union Square — and NYC

Speaking out against a 'Silicon Alley' in this neighborhood

P.C. Richard puts up the moving signs on 14th Street; more Tech Hub debate to come

Preservationists: City schedules next public hearing on tech hub without any public notice

Julie's Vintage is closing on 2nd Street

[Photo by Goggla]

The closing signs are up at Julie's Vintage, the eclectic vintage/thrift shop at 84 E. Second St. at First Avenue.

The store is expected to close at the end of the month, with a possible relocation to the Bushwick Market. A store source said high rents are behind the closure. (Thanks to Goggla for the photo and info!)

Julie Erinc, a former designer, opened up shop here during the winter of 2016.

Here's more about the place from a Sideways NYC post:

After one steps into Julie’s Vintage, it does not take long to realize that Julie, the owner, is more of an artist than a retail vendor. Headpieces adorned with recycled flowers and deer antlers, dashing 1920’s style dresses with encrusted jewelry, and incredibly creative Halloween costumes overflow the small space ...

And...

Even more impressively, she uses mostly recycled materials that she has collected in her years spent traveling the world (since the early 1980’s), a time period which includes fourteen years working as a lingerie designer.

Demolition permits filed for 99-101 E. 2nd St.; first look at the condoplex to come

As previously reported, developer Sergey Rybak has submitted plans for a 7-story, 22-unit residential building on the property of the current 24 First Ave. and 99-101 E. Second St.



The demolition permits were filed with the city back on June 1 to bring down 24 First Ave.

And last Thursday, the permits arrived to demolish No. 99-101 — just a formality at this point.

Meanwhile, here's the first look at the rendering for the space via the Rybak website...



According to the site, the residences will be condos (building name for now — 101E2).

No. 99-101 has been vacant for the past six years (there was that whole Pride & Joy BBQ debacle). It housed a variety of short-lived restaurants in recent years, including Bento Burger ... Marfa... and Waikiki Wally's.

The work permits for the new building show that there'll be 600 square feet for commercial purposes.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Onetime home of Lucky Cheng's and adjacent property on the development market for $26 million

Building that housed Lucky Cheng's on 1st Avenue now on the auction block

Onetime home of Lucky Cheng's and adjacent property sell for $12 million

7-story residential building pending at the former Lucky Cheng's space

Demolition permits filed to bring down former Lucky Cheng's building on 1st Avenue

There are new plans to expand the mysterious 84 2nd Ave.

Tonight, CB3's Landmarks Committee will hear a proposal on a Certificate of Appropriateness for 84 Second Ave., the circa-1841 Greek Revival-type rowhouse (aka that rather mysterious building with a dark past) just south of Fifth Street.





The new owners of the currently-empty building, reportedly Highpoint Property Group, a real-estate development company, are — in DOB speak — looking to modify and replace the storefront infill; replace windows; construct rear yard and rooftop additions; and install railings.

According to the alteration permits, filed with the city on June 28, the additions would take the building from its current 5,829 square feet to 8,439 total square feet. The modified No. 84 would feature new retail space as well as four residences.

If you're interested, then this 51-page PDF has all the details, including some historic photos.

This property changed hands for the second time in as many years back in May, selling for $7.8 million.

The previous owners were looking to make similar alterations to the building. In January, CB3's Landmark's Committee issued a partial Certificate of Appropriateness for the address.

According to the official minutes from the January meeting, CB3 approved the front façade plan and opposed the rear yard addition. Among other points, CB3 officials said that "great care should be taken to monitor this fragile building and its neighboring buildings." (There was also a petition in circulation in opposition to the planned alterations to the rear of the building.)

However, the previous owner didn't follow through with the plans with the Landmarks Preservation Committee, instead selling the building. (Landlords of buildings located within a designated New York City historic district must receive a permit from the Landmarks Preservation Commission for major work.)

As we've noted several times through the years, the address has a dark past, which includes the still-unsolved murder of Helen Sopolsky, proprietor of the family's tailor shop who was found bludgeoned to death in 1974, per an article at the time.

The storefront has remained empty since her death in 1974.

The Landmarks Committee meeting is at 6:30 tonight, taking place at the Lee, 133 Pitt St. at Houston.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Plywood and a petition at 84 2nd Ave.

Workers clearing out the mysterious 84 2nd Ave. storefront

Renovations proposed for mysterious 84 2nd Ave.

Mysterious 84 2nd Ave. sells again, this time for $7.8 million

East Village Tavern officially (re)opens today

The next iteration of the East Village Tavern, now a Mexican restaurant and sports bar, officially opens today on Avenue C and 10th Street ...

OFFICIAL DATES!: We are happy to announce, we will be officially opening our doors on Monday, July 9th! We will be hosting a party on Wednesday, July 11th from 5pm-10pm for friends & family (if you don’t fall into either of those categories yet, we’d love to have you anyway!) We’re ready to make some new friends & good memories! We can’t wait to see you! 💀🌹🥂 • • • #eastvillagetavern #eastvillage #fiesta #wereopen #bar #restaurant #hungry #thirsty #happyhour #diadelosmuertos #party #grandopening #specialtycocktails #cerveza

A post shared by East Village Tavern (@eastvillagetavernnyc) on Jul 3, 2018 at 6:09pm PDT

Per the Yelp description: "Conceived in 2018 by 5 friends from the restaurant industry, we are excited to reintroduce the East Village Tavern to the neighborhood as an authentic Mexican restaurant and American sports bar."

The listed hours of operation are 11 a.m. to midnight daily; until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The previous East Village Tavern closed in November 2016 after eight years in business. Bar management blamed a disagreement with landlord Steve Croman for the closure. (A Croman rep reportedly said that the owners were behind on rent.)

Since then, several applicants unsuccessfully tried to open new concepts in this space, including the operators of a Miami-based restaurant called the Irish Times Pub and Eatery as well as a jazz club called the Snow Leopard.

Shawn Chittle shared these photos from a soft opening the other evening at the new EVT ...





Shawn notes that this will be the first bar on Avenue C with a pool table since Duke's closed at the end of 2011.

Eggloo closes 1 year in on Avenue A

Eggloo has closed at 147 Avenue A between Ninth Street and 10th Street.

The shop, which specializes in Hong Kong egg waffles and ice cream sandwiches, opened on July 1, 2017.

Eggloo management confirmed the closure, and directed fans of their desserts to their original location down on Mulberry Street.



This is a crowded corridor for dessert choices ... nearby options on Avenue A and side streets include Mikey Likes It Ice Cream, Gelarto, Mahalo New York Bakery, Confectionery!, Superiority Burger (they have a variety of sorbet and gelato), Ray's Candy Store, Big Gay Ice Cream, Butter Lane Cupcakes, Becky's Bites ... and on First Avenue between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street — Stuffed Ice Cream and Davey's Ice Cream.

Closer to the top

This week's progress report: Just up to the 12th floor of 13 for the Moxy East Village hotel, set to open late 2019...

Report: Homeless man attacks 3 women in 'drunken rampage' last night

Police say a homeless man attacked three women, including two with a bike lock, in a "drunken rampage" last night in the East Village.

According to the Post:

The man went off the rails at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday, when he cut off a 20-year-old woman on his bicycle on E. 11th Street near Second Avenue — then allegedly shoved her to the ground and pummeled her in the face with his fist, cops said.

He allegedly struck again at Third Avenue and E. 15th Street around midnight, smacking an 18-year-old girl in the face with a bike lock so hard that she lost a tooth, officials said.

Moments later, near 14th Street and Second Avenue, he clocked a 20-year-old woman in the back of the head with the bike lock, police said.

Police identified the man as Carlos Munoz, 23. Following his arrest, he was charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

July 8

A still-healthy-looking Christmas tree has been discarded on Seventh Street at Avenue B... Boxysean shared the top photo... while Robert Miner passed along these photos...



...including authentification with today's Times...



As you surely know, this is the second Christmas tree to be tossed in the month of July on this block.

One more and it will be a trend, enough for Gruber MacDougal, spokesperson for the International Coalition of Tree Tossing in the Spring and Summer (ICTTSS), to possibly return from Russian where he is "overseeing" the Video Assistant Referee for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Week in Grieview

[Rooftop view of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

The Continental gets a 3-month reprieve (Monday)

Free things to do at the Tompkins Square Library branch this month (Tuesday)

Look at the hawklets (Wednesday)

East Village location of Emmy Squared debuts on 1st Avenue (Saturday)

The McDonald's on 14th Street at 1st Avenue is now closed, and gutted, for the time being (Thursday)

Report: Gregg Singer thinks the city should buy the Boys' Club of New York building on 10th and A (Tuesday)

This week's NY See panel (Thursday)

The Dumpling Shop moving into the former San Loco space on 2nd Avenue (Thursday)


[A moment on Astor Place captured by Derek Berg]

Sneak Ez officially debuts on 9th Street (Friday)

Yuan Noodle has closed on 2nd Avenue (Thursday)

Openings on 7th Street: Suki (Monday) and O.O.T.D. (Thursday)

Kambi Ramen House bids farewell after 10 years on 14th Street (Monday)

Construtction watch: 363 Lafayette St. (Friday)

The former Cheers Cut space is for rent on St. Mark's Place (Monday)

... and a new tailor shop recently opened in Gino's former space on 11th Street between Avenue A and First Avenue...



Gino DiGirolamo, who ran a tailoring business in the neighborhood for 50-plus years, died this past spring. He was 82.

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Time stands still at St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery

A few seasonal photos from this weekend of St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery on Second Avenue and 10th Street...



As you may have noticed, the steeple is currently without its clock ... workers removed it for repairs back on June 29...

A closing party at Zucker Bakery

Zucker Bakery closed last Sunday after seven years in business on Ninth Street between Avenue A and First Avenue. This afternoon, owner Zohar Zohar opened the doors for a farewell party for friends and neighbors.

Thanks to Lola Sáenz for the photo.

Target opens 2 weeks from today on 14th and A

[Photo from last night]

This small-format Target opens on July 21 in the corner space of Extell Development's EVGB — the "East Village's Greatest Building."

Previously on EV Grieve:
The for-real Target signage has arrived at EVGB

East Village location of Emmy Squared debuts today on 1st Avenue

Emmy Squared is opening today (not sure what time just yet — and only for dinner) at 83 First Ave. at Fifth Street, per the door signage. (Thanks to EVG reader Puddy for the photo below...)



The popular Williamsburg-based pizzeria specializes in Detroit-style square pies and burgers. (You can find the menu here.)

The corner space was previously home, for 26 years, to Three of Cups.

Emmy Squared was originally thought to be taking over the GG's storefront on Fifth Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. That space, however, has remained dormant since GG's closed on Dec. 23.

A rep for Emmy Squared owners Matthew and Emily Hyland told Eater in March that they are considering the GG's location for a new restaurant concept. The Hylands also operate Emily over on Downing Street.

Previously on Ev Grieve:
Emmy Squared makes it very official on 1st Avenue

After nearly 26 years, Three of Cups is closing on 1st Avenue; Emmy Squared arriving next?

'Breathe' freely

French singer-songwriter Melody Prochet — working as Melody's Echo Chamber — saw the release of her long-awaited second record last month ... the above video is for one of the tracks from Bon Voyage, titled "Breathe In, Breathe Out."

EVG Etc.: B&H Dairy at 80; 'Smithereens' at the Quad

[At First Street Green Art Park]

A feature on B&H Dairy as it turns 80 this year (The Times of Israel)

Tenants claim NYCHA ignored complaints about tenant with 33 malnourished dogs in his Campos Plaza apartment (The Post)

Praise for Mama Fina’s House of Filipino Sisig on Avenue A (The New York Times ... previously)

Catch a screening of "Smithereens," starring Richard Hell, tomorrow at 5:15 p.m. at the Quad Cinema (Official site) From the EVG archives: My interview with "Smithereens" director Susan Seidelman here.

The history of Seventh Street and Second Avenue (Off the Grid)

A talk with the manager at Union Square's Flat Fix, where Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who recently won the Democratic primary in New York's 14th congressional district, worked as a bartender (Town & Village)

ICYMI: The fall of New York and the urban crisis of affluence (Harper's Magazine)

Diversions: Steve Albini's Grub Street Diet (Grub Street)

... and a few of the acts playing the back room at Pangea, 178 Second Ave. between 11th Street and 12th Street ... via the EVG inbox...

In July regulars Little Annie & Paul Wallfisch (Sun July 15 and Thurs July 19) give another dose of their exquisitely raw post-punk cabaret, and the 2018 Bistro Award-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and storyteller Rachelle Garniez (Tues July 17) to make the month pulse with new ideas. One of the most exciting performers we present — the jazz vocalist Tammy McCann — comes in from Chicago for another night (Thurs July 26), doing Gershwin like you’ve never heard before.

...and of possible interest coming up on July 15 ... Os Mutantes, Lee Ranaldo, Yonatan Gat, A Place To Bury Strangers and Martin Rev, among many others, play the En Orbita Festival at Le Poisson Rouge on Bleecker Street. This link has full details.

Reiminders tonight: Films on the Green in Tompkins Square Park

Films on the Green, a free French film festival in NYC parks, is screening the first of two culinary-themed movies in Tompkins Square tonight at 8:30 (or so).

Tonight's screening is "Le Boucher." IMBD describes the 1970 thriller this way: "An unlikely friendship between a dour, working class butcher and a repressed schoolteacher coincides with a grisly series of Ripper-type murders in a provincial French town." (FWIW, this is on Roger Ebert's Great Movies list.)

Before the film, they'll be music via WNYC and (free) cookies from La Mère Poulard.

And playing next Friday, July 13 — "Romantics Anonymous" (or if you want, "Les émotifs anonymes"). Per IMDB: "Romantics Anonymous is a 2010 French-Belgian romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Améris and starring Benoît Poelvoorde and Isabelle Carré."

Sneak Ez officially debuts on 9th Street

[Photo by Steven]

Sneak Ez, the streetwear and accessories boutique, recently opened in its new location at 440 E. Ninth St. between Avenue A and First Avenue ... the shop via LES native Kyle L was previously at 23 Avenue B.

The grand opening happened on June 15 ... the Sneak Ez signage arrived on Tuesday.

This is the first full-time tenant for the storefront since Pork Pie Hatters moved on in February 2016.

Movie Under the Stars tomorrow night: 'Hotel Transylvania'

[Photo by Steven]

The city's Movies Under the Stars program is underway... and tomorrow (Saturday!) night, you can watch a free screening of the 2012 family-friendly comedy "Hotel Transylvania" (yes, Transylvania is misspelled on the flyers) in Tompkins Square Park.

The city will screen some more family fare nearby this summer... first with "Moana" on July 18 on the Hamilton Fish ball courts on Pitt Street near East Houston...



...and "The Jungle Book" on July 20 at the Dry Dock basketball courts on 10th Street and Avenue D...



Per the Parks Department:

You should arrive before 7:30 p.m. to get your spot. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on; there will be a limited supply of chairs available. Bottled waters are OK, but no glass. Reservations are not taken, so space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome!