Playground renovations underway in Tompkins Square Park

Workers arrived this morning to start renovations on the Tompkins Square Park Avenue B children’s playgrounds.

EVG correspondent Greg Masters shared these photos...





Per Greg: Contractors are installing fences cutting off access to the paths in the area, such as the entrance at Avenue B and Seventh Street, as well as the path around the Don Robert's Garden.

The contract is for one year, a worker on the scene told Greg, but the job could be completed earlier.

Previous District 2 City Council member Rosie Mendez had allocated capital funds to renovate the adjacent playgrounds along Seventh Street and Avenue B at the Park's southeast entrance.

According to the Parks Department website: "This project will reconstruct two playgrounds with new play equipment, safety surfacing, spray showers, seating and fencing.

And a schematic from the website...



The Parks Department was to supplement the funding with its Parks Without Borders initiative that would lower the fences from its present height of 7 feet to 4 feet, a move that stirred plenty of concern.

Parks Department Commissioner Mitchell Silver was reportedly going to make the final determination on the fence lowering. That was in March 2017. We'll try to find out what the final verdict was on the fence's height.

Updated 10/2

In an email, a Parks official said that the new fence height will be 4 feet.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Your chance to brainstorm ideas to renovate the Tompkins Square Park Playground (27 comments)

Reminders: Meeting on possible improvements to the Tompkins Square Park Playground

Join Rosie Mendez to discuss improvements to the Tompkins Square playgrounds tomorrow night

Community meeting set to discuss lowering the playground fences in Tompkins Square Park (28 comments)

Report: There's opposition to lowering the playground fences in Tompkins Square Park

Feltman’s moving away from Theatre 80 on St Mark's Place

Today is the last day to enjoy a hot dog at the Feltman’s of Coney Island outpost at Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place.

Feltman's owner Michael Quinn shared the news with me via email.

"Grateful we are for the last several years at 80 St. Mark's, unfortunately, we have outgrown the location — but stay tuned because we’ll be back bigger and better in a yet undisclosed space," Quinn said.

He started selling hot dogs from inside the William Barnacle Tavern at Theatre 80 in August 2016. Shortly after, Gothamist declared that Feltman's served NYC's best hog dog.

Feltman's is named after Charles Feltman, purportedly the inventor of the hot dog as well as the restaurant that was located in Coney Island from 1870-1954. (Read more about Feltman at the Coney Island History Project here.)

Quinn is particularly proud that, starting last year, McSorley's began serving Feltman's hot dogs. "The first time they added a food item in over 50 years," he said.

Upon opening on St. Mark's Place in 2016, Quinn said that he had found a good match with Theatre 80 operator Lorcan Otway.

"Lorcan and I are both native New Yorkers and historians who believe in the preservation of NY history and small businesses," Quinn said at the time. "Lorcan told me that he loves that fact that Feltman's is going from what was the largest restaurant in the world at Coney Island to the smallest kitchen on St. Mark's Place."

And moving forward: "We ask you to please support Theatre 80 and the William Barnacle Tavern."

Liquiteria closing 2nd Avenue outpost after 22 years in business

EVG reader Kiki shares this photo and tip — the Liquiteria on Second Avenue and 11th Street is closing after service on Friday.

No reason was cited for the closure — just a thanks to Liquiteria's customers and neighbors.

Doug Green started Liquiteria here in 1996, long before the juice/smoothie craze took hold. Green sold the business several years ago to a group of investors who then opened three more outposts. Those nearby locations at 13th Street and Fourth Avenue and Sixth Avenue at Eighth Street will remain in business.

Tropic Bowl brings the açaí bowls to 1st Avenue

EVG reader EJ brings news of a signage reveal as Tropic Bowl is getting ready to set up açaí shop on First Avenue between Second Street and Third Street.

Don't know too much about this operation just yet ... other than that they'll be serving the South American superfood that has received various levels of hype through the recent years.

This storefront was previously Taxi Parts Inc. (You never know what you might find in your açaí bowl!)

A few Moxy East Village details

The developers of the Moxy East Village issued a news release late last week to announce that the 13-story hotel in partnership with Marriott had topped out on 11th Street between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue. (Workers actually planted the flag atop the building in July.)

In any event, the media statement provides more info about the hotel, which is expected to be ready for vacancy action in late 2019:

Moxy East Village reflects its vibrant, ever-transforming neighborhood. Designed in collaboration between Stonehill & Taylor and Rockwell Group, the hotel's design concept is based on urban archeology and references the city's past, present and future. Conceived as a vertical timeline, each floor reveals a different layer in Lower Manhattan's history, creating a sense of discovery for guests.

Standing 13 stories tall, the stylish and affordable Moxy East Village will feature 286 cleverly-designed bedrooms, technology-savvy amenities, community based cultural and fitness programming, a well-equipped 24/7 gym, and co-working spaces. The hotel will include four new eating and drinking establishments for guests and locals, including a cellar level restaurant and lounge, a lobby bar and lounge area, an elevated twist on a traditional Grab & Go, and an outdoor rooftop amenity.

The foundation work got underway here in August 2017. Workers demolished the five residential buildings that stood here in the fall of 2016.

Previously on EV Grieve:
At the rally outside 112-120 E. 11th St.

6-building complex on East 10th Street and East 11th Street sells for $127 million

Preservationists say city ignored pitch to designate part of 11th Street as a historic district

Permits filed to demolish 5 buildings on 11th Street to make way for new hotel (58 comments)

New building permits filed for 13-story Moxy Hotel on East 11th Street across from Webster Hall

Full reveal at 363 Lafayette

Just noting the recent full reveal over at 363 Lafayette St., the 10-floor, mixed-used office building at Great Jones...



Ironstate Development is behind this project. (Their work in the neighborhood includes The Jefferson, the condoplex at the site of the former Mystery Lot.) The 363 website lists that seven of the 10 floors have been leased. The sidewalk-level retail that stretches back to Bond is available as well.

This was a long-vacant parcel that partially housed the Jones Diner until September 2002.


[EVG photo from 2015]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Former Jones Diner lot on Lafayette primed for new development

[Image: Spencer Platt/Getty Images]

6 posts from September

[My ship came in: Photo by Derek Berg]

A mini month in review...

A flyer about protected bike lanes on 12th Street and 13th Street ahead of the L-train shutdown (Sept. 20)

Nightmare scenario for residents who learn that 14th Street and Avenue A will be the main staging area for the L-train reconstruction (Sept. 17)

Stannard Farm pulls out of the Greenmarket; 20-plus year veterans of Tompkins Square Park (Sept. 14)

A visit to the Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on 7th Street (Sept. 11)

Last weekend for Matcha Cafe Wabi on 4th Street (Sept. 8)

Jimmy Carbone is on the mend (Sept. 7)

Week in Grieview

[UN Week from outside the former Grassroots Tavern]

Stories posted on EVG this past week included...

Help plan a park at the DEP shaft site on 4th Street (Thursday)

Get the lead out: Tenants call for protections from lead dust during renovations (Wednesday)

A final visit to the Tuck Shop, closing after 13 years on 1st Street (Tuesday)

More trash talk about those garbage trucks parked on 10th Street (Friday)

Same Old Gallery debuts tonight on Great Jones Street with Al Diaz and SAMO© (Wednesday)

During noon rally, local elected officials will seek postponement of Boys' Club building sale (Saturday)

Handsome Dan's has closed on 1st Avenue (Tuesday)

Fables of the East Houston Reconstruction (Tuesday)

A fall day to remove the Winter Flowers from La Plaza Cultural (Sunday)

This week's NY See (Thursday)

Goodbye to Cucina Di Pesce (Monday)

What is this on 11th Street? (Tuesday)

Posthuman league: Fall season getting underway at Performance Space New York (Wednesday)

Brick Lane Curry House is now open on 2nd Avenue (Monday)

East Village residents ask Madison Realty Capital to 'See the Light' (Friday)

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones headline Tompkins Square Park (Saturday)

Meet Noodles unveiled at new-look 50 3rd Ave. (Monday)

Marshalls, now with more Marshalls signage on Houston; and so long sidewalk bridge (Friday)

Protection for pedestrians arrives at 75 1st Ave. (Monday)

All's Fair on Avenue C: Fine Fare is now a Shop Fair (Thursday)

Homeware brand Burkelman opening flagship store on the Bowery (Monday)

Report: Ben Shaoul sells Liberty Toye/Bloom 62 on Avenue B for $85 million (Tuesday)

Concern for Dojo, which has now been closed for 2 weeks (Thursday)

Countdown to grilled pizza on 5th Street (Thursday)

Maybe you'll have a Whalebone of a good time at this pop-up bar on Avenue B (Thursday)

Cabin NYC unveiled on 4th Street (Monday)

... and on Second Avenue at St. Mark's Place, an Urban Bike Etiquette Sign...





Thanks to Lola Sáenz for these two photos.

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Doug E. Fresh highlights Day 2 of the F*ck Cancer! Benefit for Kid Lucky on Avenue C

Today is Day 2 of the F*ck Cancer! Benefit for Kid Lucky at the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space/C-Squat

Per the Facebook invite:

An originator of the art of beatrhyming, musician and activist Kid Lucky will be supported by a community of musicians and deejays in his fight against cancer in a full slate of musical performances September 29 and 30. Suggested donation $20 per person.

The photo above has a list of today's performances, including Human Beat Box Doug E. Fresh, expected on around 7:15 tonight.

The benefit is at MoRUS/C-Squat, 155 Avenue C between Ninth Street and 10th Street.

A fall day to remove the Winter Flowers from La Plaza Cultural

Garden volunteers today (around 10 a.m.) will start removing the Winter Flowers from along the Ninth Street side of La Plaza Cultural at Avenue C.

Rolando Politi started creating these handmade sculptures — best seen in the winter — from discarded materials here in 2000. The collection has grown to 244.





Here's what's happening, via the La Plaza e-newsletter: "Some will go to other gardens, some into storage. They have to come down in part because we're getting a new (and sturdier, more permanent) fence next year."

Volunteers likely won't get to all the work today, focusing on the sculptures that need restoration.

The flowers will remain along Avenue C...





In December, Politi is publishing a book of his work titled "Winter Flowers" ...



You may email Politi here to reserve a copy of the book.

Sunday afternoon poetry at Albert’s Garden

Via the EVG inbox...

Join us for an afternoon of poetry featuring Austin Alexis, Davidson Garrett, Jessica Nooney, Hilary Sideris, John. H. Trause and Jeff Wright.

Date: Sunday, Sept. 30

Time: 2-4:00 p.m.

Admission: Free, but donations are welcome

Albert’s Garden, begun in the 1971, is one of the oldest community gardens in Manhattan and offers a serene respite from the stress and noise of the city. It features a goldfish pond and a striking wall mural by the Belgian street artist Roa.

The garden is at 16 E. Second St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

Thanks to Francine Lange for the photo!

Saturday's parting shot

Finally back from Burning Man? Photo on 10th Street and Second Avenue today by Lola Sáenz....

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones headline Tompkins Square Park

There was a huge turnout this afternoon in Tompkins Square Park for the benefit concert for Jimmy G. of Murphy's Law... with headliners the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, who played a 21-song set.

Thanks to Steven for sharing these photos...







Jimmy G., who has had multiple surgeries in recent months, joined the Bosstones for the last song...

Stage set for Mighty Mighty Bosstones show today in Tompkins Square Park

As noted Thursday, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are playing a free show in Tompkins Square Park this afternoon as part of a benefit concert for Jimmy G., the frontman of NYHC veterans Murphy’s Law.

Jimmy G. — aka James Drescher — was hospitalized in July and subsequently needed several surgeries. (Read the GoFundMe page for more.)

EVG reader Peter D. shared these top two photos... showing how the stage is looking around 11 a.m. ...



And Steven took these shots...







There is a suggested $20 donation for today's benefit show, which includes Sheer Terror, Killing Time and Combust. Mark Yoshitomi of Generation Records is overseeing a raffle.



The show is scheduled from 2-6 p.m. I don't have exact set times at the moment. MMB expected to come on at 4:30 p.m.