New mural in progress at Best Housekeeping on Avenue A

Ori Carino is working on a new installation on the roll-down gate at Best Housekeeping on Avenue A at East Second Street…



We last saw him create a mural here in July 2014.

Summer Sunday in the New York Marble Cemetery on East 2nd Street

[Image via]

Today at the New York City Marble Cemetery on East Second Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue ... via the EVG inbox...

A reminder….. that we invite you to join us under the summer sun at our Neighborhood Open Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

And for your calendars...

Upcoming Neighborhood Open Days at the New York City Marble Cemetery:
Saturday, Sept. 12
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

And!

Fall Open Weekend, with historic displays, photos and artifacts
Saturday and Sunday
Oct. 17-18
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Read more about the cemetery here.

At the Tompkins Square Riot Anniversary concert, Day 1

All photos by John Penley via Facebook…























… and the NYPD patrol tower made a return visit…



And, oh dear...











Day 2 of the riot reunion shows return tomorrow at 2… Find more info and photos from today here.

Updated: Here are more photos via our friend editrrix at Flickr

My Little Village Postal Store returns to a refurbished home

After a month of relocation to East Seventh Street…



… My Little Village Postal Store returned this past week to its renovated home at 151 First Ave. between East 9th Street and East 10th Street.



As EVG regular Peter Brownscombe reports, the shop has new mailboxes and floor and apparently a new name — East Village Postal, as seen in the mosaic doorstep… (The store's older sign will remain, however.)









As Peter notes, despite different owners, this is the shop's first renovation since 1988.

All photos by Peter Brownscombe

At Campout New York Post last night

Night 1 of this weekend's Campout New York Post got underway on Avenue A at East Seventh Street… John Penley, one of the event's organizers, shared these photos from last night…











The idea for the campout came about after the NYPD installed a patrol tower in Tompkins Square Park on July 21 … following the Post and the Observer's recent reports citing anecdotal evidence that there's an influx of homeless people and drug users in the park. (Police officials removed the tower on July 28.)

Per the Campout New York Post Facebook invite:

[T]he reason for doing this is not just the tower it is because we believe the NY Post used the sad plight of homeless people to create a return to Giuliani style policing in relation to the poor and those suffering from poverty, mental illness and gentrification and we do not want that to continue.

[Photo by Bobby Williams]

As part of the campout tomorrow night at 7:30, The Living Theatre will perform "No Place to Hide" in the Park … followed by an open mic to memorialize Judith Malina, the group's founder who died in April at age 88. (Details here)

Find more photos from last night at Campout New York Post Facebook invite.

Dallas BBQ is back in BBQ action

As we first reported back on June 16, Con Ed shut off gas service to the building at 37 1/2 St. Mark's Place … including retail tenant Dallas BBQ at the corner of Second Avenue. Con Ed reportedly found multiple gas leaks in the building.

Apparently all is well again. The slab slingers are BBQ joint is back in action today… Who's buying the first round of 151 Beach Bombs?

Lost and found

Indie rock stalwarts Eleventh Dream Day are back with a new record (their 13th) titled "Works for Tomorrow" on Thrill Jockey... And the Chicago-based band will be at the Mercury Lounge on Aug. 21.

The video here is for "I Could Be Lost" from 1991.

EV Grieve Etc.: The mayor's NYC Safe initiative; Theatre 80's financial challenge

['Dog Dag Afternoon' last night in Tompkins Square Park via Peter Brownscombe]

Mayor de Blasio introduces NYC Safe initiative (The New York Times)

Trying to overcome the financial challenges at Theatre 80 (The Villager)

The rundown on The New York International Fringe Festival that starts next week (DNAinfo)

Broken pipe floods part of the Meltzer Towers on East First Street (NY1)

Rape investigation at Happy Ending on Broome Street (Gothamist)

Last weekend for the 3rd annual MoRUS Film Festival (MoRUS)

Moving Streit's matzo factory from the LES to upstate after 90 years (The Village Voice)

Another cat cafe for the LES (BoweryBoogie)

The Ramones last live show was on Aug. 6, 1996 (Diffuser)

Young hawk catches rat in Tompkins Square Park (Gog in NYC)

Starting to make the Manhattan Bridge safer (The Lo-Down)

Check out the documentary "Flyin’ Cut Sleeves" about NYC gangs in the 1960s-70s (Dangerous Minds)

Revisiting "Downtown 81" (Cashiers du Cinemart)

From brothels to luxury, mapping 400 years on one NYC block (Wired)

If you want to jump into a pit of balls (Curbed)

... and check out Gudrun George's photo essay on New York Central Art Supply on Third Avenue ...



... and a new group exhibition opens tonight at VolaVida Gallery on East Fourth Street just west of Avenue B...

Report: Ben Shaoul takes condo neighbor to court to build his new development on East Houston

[EVG photo from July]

Demolition continues along East Houston and Orchard, future home of Ben Shaoul's 10-story retail-residential complex with an Equinox gym.

Apparently there's a snag of sorts in moving forward.

To the Commercial Observer:

Mr. Shaoul wants the Supreme Court of the State of New York to grant him a limited license to get into the six-story condo at 179 Ludlow Street, which abuts the southeast corner of his project on Orchard Street between Houston and Stanton Streets and to be known as 194 Orchard Street.

“The access consists of a non-invasive pre-construction survey, installation of monitoring devices and access to maintain and then remove those devices, and any other code-required protections that serve to protect [179 Ludlow Street] occupants and property,” legal papers indicate.

Apparently the board at 179 Ludlow hasn't responded to any calls or emails made by Shaoul's reps in recent weeks, per the the Commercial Observer.

This weekend in — and around — Tompkins Square Park

[Photo from July 27 by EVG reader Steven]

The campout — called Campout New York Post — continues as scheduled starting tonight at Tompkins Square Park … and lasting through the weekend.

The idea for the campout came about after the NYPD installed a patrol tower in Tompkins Square Park on July 21 … following the Post and the Observer's recent reports citing anecdotal evidence that there's an influx of homeless people and drug users in the park. (Police officials removed the tower on July 28.)

Things begin tonight at midnight with a buy-in at Ray's Candy Store, 113 Avenue. (Details here.)

Participants will then be camping out/sleeping on the sidewalk along East Seventh Street outside the Park.

Per the Facebook invite:

The point we want to make is that the reason for doing this is not just the tower it is because we believe the NY Post used the sad plight of homeless people to create a return to Giuliani style policing in relation to the poor and those suffering from poverty, mental illness and gentrification and we do not want that to continue.

Then on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the 27th Tompkins Square Park Riot Reunion takes place… which is NOT related to the campout… (Details here)



Sunday night at 7:30, The Living Theatre will perform "No Place to Hide" in the Park … followed by an open mic to memorialize Judith Malina, the group's founder who died in April at age 88. (Details here)

The organizers promise more events as well throughout the weekend…

Previously on EV Grieve:
NYPD installs patrol tower in the middle of Tompkins Square Park (147 comments)

The Post reports Tompkins Square Park 'has become a homeless haven' (113 comments)

Observer editors write, 'it's time to take back Tompkins Square Park' (49 comments)

Updated: Tompkins Square Park sleepover planned to protest NYPD patrol tower

First condo units at 189 Avenue C are now for sale

[EVG file photo]

Back in June, a resident at 189 Avenue C told us that the 10-story rental at East 12th Street was converting to condos.

The resident said that this is a non-eviction condominium offering plan — no non-purchasing tenant will be evicted by reason of conversion to condominium ownership.

In any event, the first of these condo units have arrived on the market. Here's the pitch via Douglas Elliman:

Located in one of Manhattan's most exciting and dynamic nabes, 189 Avenue C boasts generous and organic layouts, stunning light and views from every exposure and price points that will make you feel great about your new home. Featuring virtual doorman, 421a tax abatement, super low monthly charges, fitness center and new Bosch and Fisher & Paykel appliances, the new condo development is perfect for those seeking value and panache in equal measure. Showing by appointment only. Units available for immediate occupancy.

We spotted a handful of listings, priced from $795,000 (785 square feet) to $1.4 million (1,124 square feet).

The listings include several photos of a model unit... such as this one...



The building also just changed hands… the asking price had been $32.5 million. We didn't spot the sale yet in public records.

Previously on EV Grieve:
189 Avenue C is converting to condos

Put all your eggs together and buy The Robyn

Residents started moving into The Robyn, the 33-unit luxury rental at 316-318 E. Third St., late last summer.

Now the whole building between Avenue C and Avenue D has arrived on the market.

Here's the listing via Cushman & Wakefield:

The building, known as “The Robyn,” was completed in 2014 using high quality, energy-efficient materials and features a virtual doorman, video security, and a common patio. Each apartment features stainless steel appliances and granite kitchens, baths, and in-unit washer/dryers. In addition, multiple residences feature private outdoor space. The building is 100% leased at a below market average in-place rent of $59/NSF.

The property benefits from a 421a tax abatement with eight years remaining. The building is centrally located in the East Village and within steps of the Lower East side providing a tremendous variety of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife. It is also steps from the 14D bus stop and four blocks from the F train stop at 2nd Avenue. This is an excellent opportunity for an investor to purchase a high cash flowing, low maintenance asset in the heart of the East Village.

No word on the price in the listing.

And is East Third Street between Avenue C and Avenue D really "in the heart of the East Village" like the listing says? (You actually don't have to answer that.)

The lot was formerly home to a single-family residence. Preservation groups to try to protect the circa-1835 house from demolition, but the Landmarks Preservation Commission rejected a hearing.

Image via Cushman & Wakefield

Previously on EV Grieve:
Another parcel of East Village land ready for development

33-unit, Karl Fischer-designed building rising at former home of Community Board 3 member

Landmarks Preservation Commission rejects hearing for 316 E. Third St., paving way for 7-floor condo

Lovely townhouse with bucolic gardens on East Third Street ready for "creative expansion"

316 E. Third St. has been demolished

This Robyn laid some luxury apartments on East 3rd Street; pet spa included

New Clinton Street Baking Company emerges from behind the plywood

An EVG reader let us know that workers have removed part of the plywood at the all-new Clinton Street Baking Company on East Houston and Clinton Street …



As previously noted, the pancake-line-waiting hotspot is expanding into the space last held by Min's Market on the corner.

Here's co-owner DeDe Lahman talking with Gothamist this past December:

The new space will boast 55 seats — up from 32 in the old space — which should help ease some of the brunch time congestion. Lahman says the old space will also stay open, eventually transitioning into more of a take out spot for coffee, baked goods and pickup orders. "The rest of the plans for that spot will take shape as we open the new space and suss out what will work for us and our guests," she explains.

BoweryBoogie reported this morning that the owners hope to have the expanded dining room open Sept. 15.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Clinton Street Baking Company expansion underway

Today in $370 million loans

[EVG photo from last fall]

Here's news concerning 51 Astor Place/the IBM Watson Building/Death Star via the Commercial Observer:

Two major lenders took to Astor Place for another mega-deal in the hip college neighborhood.

Bank of America and Barclays provided New York-based Edward J. Minskoff Equities with a $370 million loan on the firm’s 51 Astor Place office tower ...

The real estate acquisition and development firm is using the loan to refinance and pay off construction financing on the office building...

According to estimates, development of the building cost some $300 million. The office part of the building is fully occupied ... with the first retail tenant — CVS, woot — on its way.

What would you do with a $370 million loan?

[Updated] The former P.S. 64 appears to be for sale

[EVG file photo]

Updated: Several people have noted that this listing is a fake, so enjoy the humor then

Perhaps developer Gregg Singer is giving up his plans to convert the former P.S 64 and CHARAS/El Bohio community center into student housing.

An ad for the long-empty space arrived yesterday on Craigslist.



Per the listing:

East Village Development Site

Area: East Village (between Avenue B & Avenue C)

Plans: Approved with Community Facility

Zoning District code: C1-5/R7-2
Other district code: C2-5

No Due Diligence as Development Site comes with approved plans.

Seller wants to close this out very quickly!

Asking price: $33 million.

While the Craigslist ad doesn't mention the specific address for the landmarked, block-thru building between East 9th Street and 10th Street, there aren't any other properties that fit this bill on the block.

The number on the ad is for Cornerstone Properties, which provides commercial and residential sales in New York City and surrounding area. (This listing doesn't appear yet on the Cornerstone website. We reached out to them for details.)

The building last hit the market in March 2012. That listing didn't come with an asking price.

As reported on Monday, the DOB approved permits for conversion of the existing building to a dorm on June 19, a move that caught local activists and politicians by surprise. However, the approved permits may be short-lived. Last Friday, the DOB added a "notice to revoke" message atop the permit.

Singer bought the formerly city-owned building in 1998 for $3.15 million … and has to date unsuccessfully been able to convert the long-emtpy space into student housing. Meanwhile, there continues to be a movement to return the building between to use as a cultural and community center.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Rebranded P.S. 64 up for grabs: Please welcome University House at Tompkins Square Park to the neighborhood

Deed for 'community facility use only' at the former P.S. 64 now on the market

Efforts continue to fight the dorm planned for the former PS 64 on East 9th Street

Testimony Of Councilmember Rosie Mendez regarding the former PS 64

[Updated] At the 'Save Our Community Center MARCH AND RALLY'

Landmarks Preservation Commission asks to see modified plans for former PS 64

The Landmarks Preservation Commission approves application for modifications at PS 64

'Misinformation' cited as DOB issues Stop Work Order at the former PS 64; community meeting set for Sunday afternoon

Development drama continues at the former P.S. 64, where the city approved dorm-conversion permits (again)

Bikes, By George! — now as a sidewalk shop

[Photo by Greg Masters]

As we reported earlier this summer, a rent hike forced George Philbert to close his bike shop at 193 E. Fourth St. just east of Avenue A. (The landlord doubled the rent, according to George's partner Dash).

However, after a short break, George is back with a pop-up shop of sorts. According to EVG regular Greg Masters, George sets up each day on the sidewalk on the north side of East 11th Street between Avenue A and First Avenue (by the school playground).

Before East Fourth Street, George had a shop on East 12th Street between First Avenue and Avenue A from 1979 to 2008. George has been repairing bikes in the city since 1970.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Rent hike will force Bikes, By George! to close on East 4th Street