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.

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

Local elected officials are speaking out today to urge officials at the the Boys' Club of New York (BCNY) to postpone their plans to sell the Harriman Clubhouse building on 10th Street and Avenue A.

Per the media advisory:

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Senator Brad Hoylman, Councilmember Carlina Rivera, Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, and representatives from Manhattan Community Board 3 will hold a press conference to demand that the Board of Trustees for the Boys Club of New York postpone the sale of the historic 117-year-old Harriman Clubhouse on East 10th Street.

Attendance at the Harriman Clubhouse, particularly from boys and young men from lower-income families, has increased in recent years despite claims of enrollment made by the board to justify the sale.

I first reported on the BCNY's plan to sell the Clubhouse. Under this plan, the 7-story clubhouse would remain in use by the BCNY through June 2019. (You can find more background here.)

According to a letter in June from BCNY Executive Director Stephen Tosh, they will look to rent space somewhere on the Lower East Side to continue with programming for Harriman members after the closure next summer. The letter also states that the sale of the East Village building will allow BCNY the opportunity to start new programs in other communities, including Brownsville, East New York and/or the South Bronx.

Last month, Hoylman and other local elected officials asked for a community meeting to hear more about the BCNY's plans.

As Patch reported yesterday, Tosh declined the meeting offer in a Sept. 14 letter. "Our role in the neighborhood defines us. It is also bigger than any one building. Wherever our East Village clubhouse is situated, we remain a vital part of an ever-changing area."

Hoylman told Patch: "We'd lose ... a crown jewel of youth and civic engagement precisely at a time in our city's and nation's history when we need these institutions for boys and young men. What we're concerned about is that its services might be non-centrally located and that the clubhouse would be converted into condominiums and hotels, which would be a double whammy for the community."

The rally starts at noon today outside 287 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Local elected officials urge Boys' Club officials to postpone sale of the Harriman Clubhouse

Boys' Club of New York selling East Village building; will remain open through June 2019

Friday's parting shot

Riding atop Engine Company 5 as always... photo on Second Avenue today by Steven...

Surfbort party

Surfbort's new Troma-esque video premiered yesterday ... "Trashworld" is a track from the Brooklyn-based band's debut record, Friendship Music, out on Oct. 26 via Cult Records/Fat Possum.

Read more about the video over at Brooklyn Vegan.

Reader mailbag: Looking for proposal pics from Tompkins Square Park

This past Saturday, EVG reader Haley got engaged in Tompkins Square Park.

She remains hopeful to find the person who took a few photos of the proposal in the southeast corner of the Park.

Haley said a woman with a smartphone "snapped a couple photos and walked away. I was in too much shock to notice. I would love to find these photos and hoping that person lives in the neighborhood and reads EV Grieve."

So on the chance that this person is reading this post... you can contact me via the EVG tipline.

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

[Photo from yesterday by Vinny & O]

As I first reported on Sept. 18, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is now using part of 10th Street west of First Avenue to park garbage trucks.

The DSNY no longer has use of their garage at 606 W. 30th St., and are relocating their fleet elsewhere, including 10th Street and at Pier 36.

This move has sparked numerous complaints from residents and merchants alike who have called out the problems with the smell, noise and negative impact on business.

The story has since received a good deal of press coverage. Here are a few updates.

• Mayor de Blasio is promising action.

Here's CBS 2 from Wednesday night:

Mayor Bill de Blasio promised to “relieve the immediate pressure” on a residential street in the heart of the East Village that has become a parking lot for Department of Sanitation vehicles.

“Do we want garbage trucks parking on residential streets? Of course not,” said de Blasio. “What we’re trying to do every day is figure out the kind of facilities that will help avoid that in the future.”

• District 2 City Council member Carlina Rivera is not pleased.

Per Patch on Wednesday:

"[The Department of Sanitation] must immediately move their vehicles to locations that do not place an undue burden on our vulnerable constituents and mom-and-pop stores and should engage in a meaningful dialogue with these communities," wrote Councilwoman Carlina Rivera in a recent letter to the Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia.

• This is what the DSNY has to say about the move to 10th Street and other East Side locations.

Per The Villager on Tuesday:

[T]he Sanitation Department says that this is the only option until another garage location is secured.

“In short, we’ve been working for years to find garage space, which is the only solution,” said Belinda Mager, the department’s spokesperson. “This is the option of last resort, and what’s needed to be able to provide essential services to the district.”

• This is getting ugly.

Per ABC 7 last night:

A feud over garbage trucks parking on a residential street in the East Village heated up Thursday after a New York City Sanitation Department employee was captured by a surveillance camera dumping trash out of his garbage truck into a planter on E 10th Street between First and Second Avenues outside Pinks...

• And that Post headline from Sunday:



Aside from 10th Street, garbage trucks are also being parked by P.S. 184 on Cherry Street on the Lower East Side. CB3 District Manager Susan Stetzer told me that she's also receiving complaints from many parents there.

Rivera and CB3 officials will be meeting with DSNY officials early next week.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Questions and concerns as the sanitation department begins using 10th Street to park garbage trucks

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

In the rain on Tuesday evening, members of Tenants Taking Control, a coalition of residents from buildings formerly owned by Raphael Toledano, along with the Middle Church Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir and the Cooper Square Committee, held a march and vigil to urge Madison Realty Capital (MRC) to end their pursuit of nearly $250,000 in legal fees from the SmithStone family.

The congregation of activists, clergy, and community members assembled on Union Square and later marched to 24th Street, where the group held a candlelight vigil outside the apartment of MRC’s co-founder and managing principal Josh Zegen, urging him to release the family from the responsibility of paying the corporation's legal fees.

Here's background on the situation via the Cooper Square Committee:

In October 2003, the SmithStone family moved into an apartment at 233 E. Fifth St. They opened the nonprofit Phoenix Theatre Ensemble a year later. Their theatre offers a full season of performances as well as lessons in theatre to aspiring actors, seniors and kids in local public schools.

Their building was purchased by Raphael Toledano in 2015, with a loan from Madison Realty Capital. The fledgling landlord asserted that the family’s apartment had lost its rent-stabilized status in 2003 and sued to retake possession of the unit, but the family opposed Toledano’s claim, arguing that the apartment was rent stabilized. The legal battle lasted 34 months. In the midst of it, Toledano defaulted on his loan. Madison Realty Capital reclaimed the properties as de-facto landlord and continued prosecuting the lawsuit.

In June 2018, the Appellate Division of NY State Supreme Court ruled against the family, and Madison Realty Capital immediately began eviction proceedings. Due to a clause in their lease, the SmithStones are now being held accountable by Madison's lawyers for Toledano/Madison Realty Capital's legal fees, amounting to about $250,000. As dedicated artists and educators with 3 college-age children, these fees would be disastrous to the family.

Here are a few scenes from Tuesday's march and vigil...

















This is the second SmithStone rally for the group. On Aug. 23, Tenants Taking Control, supporters of the family and Assemblymember Harvey Epstein also gathered outside Zegen’s home, calling on Madison to drop their pursuit of the legal fees.

The court date to decide whether the family is subject to these fines was adjourned until early November.

Photos via the Cooper Square Committee.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Petition asks Madison Realty Capital to waive legal fees for evicted East Village family

Report: Raphael Toledano files for Chapter 11; $145 million deal for EV portfolio is off the table

Raphael Toledano tenants take to Midtown streets to speak out against their landlord and his lenders

Santa delivers sacks of coal to Madison Realty Capital, Rafael Toledano's lenders

Amid claims of being a rent-stabilized tenant, Raphael Toledano faces eviction from his home

A demonstration tomorrow to keep the neighborhood from becoming Midtown South

The Greenwich Village Society For Historic Preservation is hosting a rally tomorrow (Saturday) at noon. Here are details via the EVG inbox...

Please join us on Saturday at 11th and Broadway, in front of the old St. Denis Hotel, for a demonstration to save our neighborhood. The historic former hotel, built in 1853, is to be demolished for a large glassy office tower.

This is part of a broader trend of demolitions and completely inappropriate new development in this area south of Union Square, fueled by a lack of zoning and landmark protections, the expanding tech industry in the area, and the commercial upzoning for the Tech Hub recently approved nearby on 14th Street. That deal, passed by the City Council and local Councilmember Rivera, failed to include any of the promised meaningful protections for the affected adjacent Greenwich Village and East Village neighborhoods.

Developers now increasingly see this area of our neighborhood as an extension of the ‘Midtown South’ office district and of the tech industry’s “Silicon Alley” ... we are continuing to push for landmark protections that will preserve this and other buildings in the area.

Find more info on the rally here.