Meanwhile, at your all-new St. Patrick's Day HQ

Key Food going all out this year on Avenue A with this inspiring display, which includes, randomly or not, bags of Lay's potato chips.

Thanks to Stacie Joy for the photo.

153 Avenue B returns to the market

153 Avenue B between Ninth Street and 10th Street (and adjacent to the Charlie Parker Residence) returns to the market with a new broker and a slightly lower price.

Here's the deal via the listing at Leslie J. Garfield:

Featuring 23 feet of frontage on Tompkins Square Park, 153 Avenue B is a rarely available grand and stately townhouse in the heart of the East Village.

Owned by the same family for nearly 60 years, this oversized brownstone stands five stories tall, is built 54’-deep, and is approximately 6,200 square feet. Features of this exceptional townhome include excellent width, period details, gracious ceiling heights, and sweeping views of Tompkins Square Park. Currently configured as five floor-through units, 153 Avenue B can be delivered vacant for single-family conversion, or operated as an investment property with a strong existing rent roll. Additional potential uses include condominium conversion in a surging East Village market or the potential to live with income.

Surrounded by charming cafes, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops, 153 Avenue B presents an incredible opportunity in a prime location. In a neighborhood that has seen rapid development and record prices, 153 Avenue B offers a charming glimpse into Manhattan real estate history.

Asking price: $6.85 million.

The building hit the market with a different broker in May 2016 with a $6.95 million ask.

The current owners shared some history of the building with the Post:

Over the decades, past residents, according to the current owners, have included actress Marisa Tomei, music producer Hal Willner, and musician and composer Charles Mingus.

“On the night that Robert Kennedy was shot, for instance, Mingus rang our bell. I remember seeing this heavy-set man in tears, crying to my mother about how they shot Bobby, too. His longtime lover lived on the fifth floor of our building with her children — she must not have been home at the moment he stopped over."

Recycle-A-Bicycle leaving the East Village

Recycle-A-Bicycle is closing its shop at 75 Avenue C between Sixth Street and Fifth Street at the end of the month... the sign on the front door says that the community-based bike shop and nonprofit organization (they provide programming and workshops for kids) will reopen somewhere on the Lower East Side this summer...



No word at the moment why they are leaving Avenue C. Recycle-A-Bicycle launched in 1994.

Thursday's parting shot

Photo this evening via Bobby Williams...

A moment with Christo in Tompkins Square Park

One of the resident red-tailed hawks perched on a low branch today in Tompkins Square Park... photo by Steven...

Breaking the ice on 7th and A

EVG reader Peter d. shared this photo from this evening... there were reports of falling ice at 109 Avenue A at Seventh Street... a crew from Paul Signs were called in with a bucket truck to remove ice from the building before any more fell...

Developers reduce zoning variance request by two-thirds at 432-438 E. 14th St.

[Photo from 13th Street taken March 8]

As previously reported, reps for the new development at 432-438 E. 14th St. have been lobbying to receive a zoning variance for a 12-story building — four more floors than the area's zoning allows.

Per previous reports, the site of the former Peter Stuyvesant Post Office between Avenue A and First Avenue "is burdened by a combination of unique conditions that result in practical difficulties in complying with the applicable zoning regulations."

There has been opposition to this variance. Last summer, Community Board 3's Land Use, Zoning, Public & Private Housing Committee issued a denial to the developers (Benenson Capital Partners in association with the Mack Real Estate Group).

Now, however, the developers have cut back their zoning variance request by two-thirds, according to the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP), one of the groups opposed to the new building's height.

Here's more from a statement that the GVSHP released yesterday:

The developers were seeking a more than 50 percent increase in the allowable height and a more than 25 percent increase in the allowable size of the planned development as compared to what the zoning allows for the site. But after GVSHP and dozens of neighbors turned out to oppose the zoning variance request at a Jan. 24 Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) hearing, this week the developer submitted a revised application slashing the requested height and bulk variances by two-thirds, in anticipation of the next BSA hearing on March 28.

The developer is now requesting a 14.5 ft. increase in the allowable height of the building (restricted by zoning to a maximum height of 80 ft.), to allow the building to rise up to 94.5 feet. This is down from the 44 ft. increase requested in January, which would have allowed the building to rise up to 124 feet.

The developer is also now requesting a 10,000 sq. ft. increase in the allowable size of the development (restricted by zoning to a maximum of size of 103,800 sq. ft.), to allow the building to contain 113,929 sq. ft. This is down from a 27,550 sq. ft. increase in allowable size of the development requested in January, which would have allowed the building to contain 131,350 sq. ft.

Despite the decrease, GVSHP officials said that "the application still fails to demonstrate that the existing zoning imposes a 'hardship' upon the developer, and still fails to show that the proposed enlarged development would not negatively impact neighborhood character."

Here's a look at the building from its previous 12-story proposal...



You can find the revised and reduced variance application submitted this week here ahead of the March 28 BSA meeting.

The current approved plans show an 8-story building with 114 residences (reportedly 23 affordable, 91 market rate) and ground-floor retail. The residential entrance to the building will be on East 13th Street... while access to the storefronts will be on East 14th Street.

The Peter Stuyvesant Post Office, which had operated since 1953, shut down in February 2014. Berenson has been the longtime landlord at the address.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Former Peter Stuyvesant Post Office slated to be demolished

The former Peter Stuyvesant Post Office will yield to an 8-story residential building

New residential building at former 14th Street PO will feature a quiet lounge, private dining room

A look at the new building coming to the former Peter Stuyvesant Post Office property

Black Market is not reopening

We noted yesterday that Black Market closed on Sunday... the sign on the door here at 110 Avenue A near Seventh Street notes that they are closed for renovations.

A now-former employee shared a text (said to have been sent March 7) from management about what was happening... per the text, Black Market won't be reopening ...



... a tipster said that the owners (Johnny T and Jesse Malin) are updating the space for another venture.

Black Market, which served burgers, oysters and cocktails, opened in 2010.

Report: Arrest made in Orchard Street beating

WANTED: 2 males for assaulting a 24-yr-old man in front of 156 Orchard St., Manhattan. Call #800577TIPS with info. @NYPD7Pct pic.twitter.com/Ycw8oO3Msu

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 11, 2017

Police have arrested one of the suspects wanted in a 2-on-1 beatdown on Orchard Street early last Friday morning.

Per PIX 11:

Nawang Choying, 23, of Queens, is charged with gang assault.

Sources say the beating was over the victim stepping on the attacker's shoe at Piano Bar.

The attack happened around 2:45 a.m.

Police say two men chased a 24-year-old man north on Orchard Street towards Stanton Street. The men caught up to the victim in front of 156 Orchard Street and began to punch and kick him multiple times in his head, face and body, police say.

The victim, 24-year-old William Franco, was taken to Bellevue for his injuries. His mother, who lives a block from the incident, said that her son is OK.

CBS 2 said that the police are continuing to search for the second suspect.

Updated 7:40 p.m.

Police have arrested the second suspect, Shachin Gauchan, 32, of Woodside, Queens, the Daily News reported.

Former firehouse on 11th Street returns to the market for office use

There's 5,000-square-feet of office/showroom space in the former firehouse at 604 E. 11th St. between Avenue B and Avenue C that's currently for rent.

Here are details per the listing (where you can find interior shots too):

Architecturally stunning beautifully designed creative office space featuring high exposed ceilings, original wide plank pine wood floors, exposed brick, skylights, and private roof-deck. This office is two full 2500 square foot floors totaling 5000 square feet.

This classic loft / office / townhouse has a chic stylish modern installation including floor to ceiling glass conference rooms, pre-built offices, large windowed wet pantry, and lots of dramatic open space perfect for your company's bull-pen, show-room, or studio needs. Excellent space for any office, showroom, or studio.

This space is truly one of kind and spaces like this rarely hit the market so this space will not last long. Amazing office / showroom / studio opportunity for any Tech, Fashion, Advertising, Film / TV, Media or any business seeking a unique inspiring dynamic dramatic space for it's business.

The two floors here can be leased together or separately. The monthly rental for both floors is $$20,850.

The space is available starting next month. The current tenant is an integrated marketing communications and entertainment company.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Old firehouse on East 11th Street no longer really looks like an old firehouse

Fired up at La Plaza Cultural

Here's a scene from last night's fire jumping (the Persian/Zoroastrian fire-jumping holiday) at La Plaza Cultural on Ninth Street at Avenue C... thanks to Ryan John Lee for the photo (see more of his work here ... and here).

The snow car of 4th Avenue

Photo today by Derek Berg

Citi Bike research: 'Bikes are being used for errands and commuting'

[Citi Bike photo today by Daniel]

NYU’s Rudin Center for Transportation examined how people are using Citi Bikes. The Daily News got the first look at the research, which hasn't been publicly released just yet.

Per the News:

The vast majority of Citi Bike trips, 98 percent, are shorter than 45 minutes, and nearly half clock in at less than 10 minutes.

“People are using Citi Bike in short distances that are perhaps too short to jump on a subway, but may be too long to walk,” said Rudin Assistant Director Sarah Kaufman. “Citi Bike introduces a new option that ... really cuts down on travel times.”

The stats show the bikes are being used for errands and commuting, rather than leisurely cruising.

“It’s not being used by tourists, it’s being used by commuters and regular New Yorkers,” Kaufman said.

See a production of Tennessee Williams' 'In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel' on 3rd Street

Longtime East Village residents Charles Schick and Regina Bartkoff are involved again in a production of Tennessee Williams' "In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel" at 292 Theatre/Gallery on Third Street.

Here's more about what to expect starting tonight:

A happy hedonist wife has come to the end of her patience with her husband, a forever-experimenting artist. The late 1960s resounds throughout Tokyo Hotel in masterful staccato rhythms, which serve as breaks in the lilt of Williams' earlier dialogue.
This intense and personal late-60s Williams one act features the original cast of the 2012 New York production.

Charles Schick and Regina Bartkoff are both well-acquainted with the more experimental plays that Williams wrote late in his life, which have been enjoying a renewed interest in recent years. Charles Schick played in "The Strangest Kind of Romance" as part of a touring Tennessee Williams festival in early 2011, and both he and Regina Bartkoff had roles in "Now the Cats With Jewelled Claws" that same year along with Everett Quinton and Mink Stole. Their original performance of "In The Bar of A Tokyo Hotel" in 2012 received rave reviews. In 2014, they gained even more recognition in their hilarious and beautiful rendition of "The Two Character Play," starring as deranged brother/sister duo Felice and Claire.

Most recently they resumed the roles of Miriam and Mark for "In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel" at the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Festival.

Located in the East Village at 292 E. 3rd St. between Avenues C and D, 292 is a small house of 20 seats with big theatrical gifts in the tradition of Caffe Cino and other exceptional, influential tiny stages of the 1950s and 1960s. Charles Schick and Regina Bartkoff have been mounting plays here since the early 1990s, when the building was a squat surrounded by other squats. The first play they performed here was their own version of Medea.

The play starts tonight ... through March 25. (The performances are Wednesday through Sunday at 8:30 p.m.) Tickets are $20 and available here. Find out more a the Facebook Event page.

Amoun Kitchen and Lounge takes over the Zerza space on 6th Street

Amoun Kitchen and Lounge has relocated from the Upper East Side to 320 E. Sixth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

The Mediterranean restaurant with a hookah bar appears to have already opened, per their Facebook page.

Until very recently, the address was home to Zerza, which served Moroccan and Mediterranean fare.

In an email, Zerza owner Radouane Eljaouhari confirmed that Amoun is the new tenant. "I am helping out and cooperating with the new owner in all reasonable requests concerning helping the place takes its shape and form," said Eljaouhari, who is not involved with Amoun's ownership.

As for Zerza, Eljaouhari said he would be reopening in a new East Village location later this spring.

There has been a lot of changes at No. 320 since September, when Zerza announced it was closing for renovations. Then came 'Merica, co-founded by Eljaouhari and Zach Neil, an owner of the Tim Burton-themed Beetle House a few doors away on Sixth Street as well as the now-closed Stay Classy, the bar for Will Ferrell fans on Rivington Street.

'Merica, an alleged attempt at satirizing the "real America," closed after three weeks in business... with Zerza returning to service.

H/T Vinny & O

[Updated] Black Market is currently closed for renovations on Avenue A

[Reader photo from Monday]

Multiple EVG readers have noted that Black Market, the burgers and oyster bar at 110 Avenue A near Seventh Street, closed after service this weekend... brown paper is now up on the windows and front door.

There is a closed for renovations sign on the door...



There isn't any mention of a temporary closure just yet on their website or social media properties.

Black Market, one of the neighborhood spots owned by Johnny T and Jesse Malin, opened in 2010... taking over the space from the Pizza Shop, which closed in November 2009.

Updated 3/16

Black Market will not be reopening. More details here.

Little Tong Noodle Shop looks ready to open

[Photo from Saturday]

Signage for Little Tong Noodle Shop arrived back on Thursday ... as the restaurant from chef Simone Tong, who worked for Wylie Dufresne’s now-closed wd~50 on Clinton Street, prepares to open soon. March 23 is the expected opening date. Updated: A rep said that they are targeting March 25 or 26.

Meanwhile, you can find some of the restaurant's dishes at their Instagram account...

A post shared by Little Tong Noodle Shop (@littletongnyc) on Mar 7, 2017 at 2:31pm PST

Previously on EVG:
Little Tong Noodle Shop taking the former Schnitz space on 1st Avenue

Business buzz: East Village Barber Shop coming to 7th Street

The awning went up Monday for East Village Barber Shop at 34 E. Seventh St. between Second Avenue and Cooper Square...



Looks like the same logo as the East Village Barber Shop at 223 E. 10th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. Not sure at the moment if they are expanding with a second location or moving.

The space previously housed the NYC Copycenter.

Photos via Vinny & O

The great non-blizzard of March 14, 2017

Above photos by Derek Berg.

... and here's another look at that St. Mark's Place snowman/person...


[Photo by EVG]

... and a mini snowman on Ninth Street...


[Photo by Steven]

... and a whole row of them in Tompkins Square Park...


[Photo by Kate Puls]

Noted

Probably too late to suggest putting plastic up on the walls and roof to conserve energy.

Discarded birdcage photo on Seventh Street by Derek Berg.

1 way to keep warm and get some exercise tonight

Fire jumping!

Some details...

8th Annual Chaharshanbe Sori (AKA the Persian/Zoroastrian fire-jumping holiday)
Tuesday, March 14, 6:30-8:30 PM
La Plaza Cultural, southwest corner Ninth Street and Avenue C

What we will do: We will light small fires at sunset, then jump through the fire. It is customary to sing the phrase, "zardi-ye man az toh, sorkhi-ye toh az man" as you jump. Literal translation: my yellow is yours, your red is mine. This is a purification rite. Loosely translated, it means you want the fire to take your pallor, sickness, problems and winter blues and in turn give you health, warmth, and energy.

Organizers say that the event is still happening despite the sleet/whatever that is falling from the sky. The Rude Mechanical Orchestra will also be playing. Find more details at the Facebook Event page here. (And maybe check there closer to the time where you'd venture to La Plaza.)

Snow so far

EVG correspondent Steven ventured out this morning to see what was what with the storm... as of 7:30, the gates to the Avenue A entrances to Tompkins Square Park remained closed...








... and on Second Avenue at Ninth Street...



[Updating] So far, we've heard about a handful of places being open — the Bean locations, Veselka, Mud Coffee, Ray's Candy Store and Zucker Bakery (Ninth Street between First and Avenue A), Russ & Daughters on East Houston, B Cup Cafe on Avenue B and 13th Street, Fourth Street Food Co-op, Caffe Bene on Avenue A and 13th Street, Barnyard Cheese Shop on Avenue B, Cafe C&B on Seventh Street near Avenue B, Ciao for Now on 12th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B ... I'm sure there are other places open — you can let me know in the comments...

NY1 is forecasting that the city will be hit with between 8 and 15 inches of snow.

Updated 9:50 a.m.

.@NWSNewYorkNY Winter Weather Advisory for NYC until 8PM on 3/14. Blizzard Warning canceled. 4-8" of snow expected. https://t.co/t918yhlx8z.

— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) March 14, 2017

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for NYC. pic.twitter.com/MMuLFHt6wF

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) March 14, 2017

Monday's parting shot

Pre-storm shopping fatigue at Kmart on Astor Place... photo by Lola Sáenz

Reader report: Water main break on 7th Street

An EVG reader shared this from late this afternoon... when workers from Express Plumbing Sewer & Water Main Corp. were working outside 111 E. Seventh St. between Avenue A and First Avenue "going crazy. Cowboy style."

Per reader Andrew Bushong:

They dug two giant holes in the sidewalk and street. Around 5 p.m. they broke a main. City was called and now they're "supervising" the same plumbers while eating cupcakes. I'm a bit pissed as they've turned off water for the block on the eve of a blizzard.

And this has caused seceral businessed to close early, including Desnuda and...

Our EAST VILLAGE (125 E7) shop has closed for the night. Apparently a water main burst, somebody's water broke, or something. cc @evgrieve

— Big Gay Ice Cream (@biggayicecream) March 14, 2017

Storm tweets

Because of tonight's expected snowstorm, @NYCSchools will be CLOSED tomorrow, March 14th. pic.twitter.com/FwWgV3bFaw

— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 13, 2017

UPDATE: #NYCASP rules will be suspended Tue, March 14 & Wed, March 15 for snow operations. Meters will remain in effect.

— NYC Alt Side Parking (@NYCASP) March 12, 2017

.@NYCTBus, @NYCTSubway, @LIRR & @MetroNorth may be suspended Tuesday; commuters encouraged to stay home. Updates @ https://t.co/j5XgIsrWYO

— MTA (@MTA) March 13, 2017

Due to heavy snow forecasted, we will temporarily close the Citi Bike system starting at 11 PM tonight (3/13). Stay tuned for updates.

— Citi Bike (@CitiBikeNYC) March 13, 2017

...and looking ahead to Wednesday at the Barnes & Noble on Union Square...

@evgrieve OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG! pic.twitter.com/ofCpWphz9t

— EdenBrower (@edenbrower) March 13, 2017

Noted

Spotted on the corner of 4th Street and Avenue B... one way to keep busy during the impending snowstorm...

Thanks to Stacie Joy for the photo!

A rental for 'the most discerning guest' on 2nd Street

A duplex apartment is available for rental at 229 E. Second St., the 7-year-old condoplex between Avenue B and Avenue C.

Here are details via Streeteasy (Core is the broker):

This quintessential East Village duplex has been thoughtfully and impeccably furnished for the most discerning guest. Designed to perfection with a bohemian twist, this home boasts nearly 1,800 square feet of interior space that flows seamlessly into the well-appointed, south facing private garden oasis.

On the main level, the kitchen – built for a chef – offers an abundance of storage space, under cabinet lighting and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. The living and dining area feature 19-foot ceilings that flow into a solarium with floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors allowing for a fluid transition from indoor to outdoor living.

The upper level, accessible by the custom staircase or private elevator access is home to the three bedrooms and two bathrooms all with ample closet space and brand new linens. Additional features include a Bosch washer/dryer, an integrated Sonos speaker system, and an energy efficient HVAC system operated by Nest.

A quick look...





The asking rent is $14,000. (Monthly.) It is available furnished only, with a six-month minimum.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Million dollar condos hit the market on East Second Street

229 E. Second St. sprouts a roof deck

[No. 229 in 2007]

Vivi Bubble Tea debuts this week on 3rd Avenue

And in bubble tea news, the Vivi Bubble Tea shop opens Wednesday on the northwest corner of Third Avenue and Ninth Street...



This is one of 30 Vivi locations nationwide, including on 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.

The space here previously had Organic Avenue has a tenant.

Mono + Mono's 4th Street return

A quick item to note on tonight's CB3-SLA committee meeting... it appears that Mono + Mono (or just Mono Mono now) is making a return to its former home at 116 E. Fourth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

A fire swept through the single-level structure in April 2013. (The restaurant's extensive collection of jazz LPs were reportedly spared.)

At various times through the years, Mono reps said that they would be returning. A flower shop is in the space now. This sign appeared in the shop's window last summer...


[Photo from August]

In any event, the CB3-SLA signage has been up on the storefront this past week...



It's unclear from the materials posted at the CB3 website if the same owners are involved. The paperwork shows that the applicant also operates a restaurant on 32nd Street.

The sample menu on file with the questionnaire shows a variety of tapas, such as the mung bean pancake as well as a variety of rice and noodle dishes. (The sample menu does not list the double-dipped Korean fried chicken, a speciality of the previous incarnation of Mono + Mono.)

The proposed hours are 4 p.m. to midnight daily.

Mono + Mono first opened in August 2010. I never ate here. I know people who liked the ambiance. (This review at Serious Eats said "that the food wasn't taken as seriously as the space.")

CB3's SLA committee meeting is tonight at 6:30 in the Thelma Burdick Community Room, 10 Stanton St. (corner of the Bowery).

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

Mexican restaurant eyeing the former Babel space on Avenue C

We've taken a look at a few items on tonight's CB3-SLA committee meeting agenda (Ciala ... and the "upscale modern Indian cuisine" at the current L'Apicio space.)

One item of interest is no longer on the agenda. There was an applicant for the combo space at 129-131 Avenue C between Eighth Street and Ninth Street...



This was home to Babel Lounge until recently... the Marshal seized the space last month...



The notice form (PDF) on the CB3 website for this applicant shows a "Mexican restaurant with a cocktail bar" vying for the address. The applicant's name is William Aporih, who has been involved with the high-end bars at places such as Abajo and the Jimmy (and Yerba Buena on Avenue A).

In any event, perhaps this item will return on a future CB3 docket. As previously noted, a cancellation is a fairly frequent occurrence ... generally because information or paperwork is not finalized or negotiations with the landlord are not finalized to point where the applicant is ready to appear before the committee.

Babel, not always popular with neighbors, expanded into the former Duke's space in 2012.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Babel expanding on Avenue C

Avenue C 'residents with children' not happy with Babel Lounge