Thursday, November 16, 2023
Q&A with Colin Simpson, aka reggae artist Ras Redemption
Demoliton of the fire-damaged Middle Church façade starts on Monday
While this is a moment of communal grief, it will also clear the way for Middle to build a new sanctuary as the community continues to rise. The gathering will embody an ethos that has always defined New York: Resiliency that rebuilds from tragedy by reshaping the neighborhood in ways that honor the past but chart a bold new future.
Revisiting 305 E. 11th St. and 310 E. 12th St.
Just five days before Finch jumped out of his window, he'd learned the building had been sold to a private-equity firm for $58 million. Finch, a rent-stabilized tenant of the same apartment for 45 years, was despondent and feared that he would soon be out of a home.
Nine months later, some of Finch's biggest fears have come to pass. Dozens of market-rate tenants received notices from the new landlord ... stating that they must leave their apartments... Others have been offered lease renewals with rent increases in the thousands.
The buildings were also the site of a rally for tenant rights back in May.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
ICYMI: Flaco is backo on the Upper East Side
After nearly eight-plus days of a downtown sojourn, Flaco — the only Eurasian eagle owl in the wild in North America — has returned to his usual confines around Central Park.Flaco continued to enjoy his sunny life on Fifth Avenue earlier today, just across the street from Central Park, where perhaps he will go hunting later. Thanks to Sarah Bramwell for sharing this photo. 🦉 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/r4DT2DqbGC
— Manhattan Bird Alert (@BirdCentralPark) November 15, 2023
At long last the new location of El Rinconcito is ready to open this Friday
We will be FINALLY opening our doors for business after so many setbacks, but nothing will take us away from serving our community we love in the Lower East Side. It’s official: your favorites will be here on Friday, November 17 ... Huge thank you for all your patience and ongoing support; it gave us the push we needed when times were tough.
Openings: Red Onion on 10th Street
Everything's gone Green
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
This East Village lot is now home to this 60-foot-long photograph of a car cemetery in Ukraine
"Irpin Ukraine: Please Don't Forget Us" is a 60-foot-long photograph of the cemetery of civilian cars destroyed by Russian forces at the beginning of the war. Some were those of civilians shelled as they tried to flee the city in an attack the Human Rights Watch labeled a likely war crime.
This installation is up-close and visceral. It serves as a witness to just some of the horror and destruction Ukraine has experienced, a memorial in life-sized detail. It was stitched together from over 30 high-resolution images
CB3 committee to hear presentation on the proposed 'City of Yes for Economic Opportunity' text amendment
"The City of Yes for Economic Opportunity" amendment aims to support small business growth through four pillars: revitalizing commercial corridors, filling vacant storefronts, modernizing use regulations, and investments in key growth industries. The changes to the zoning text aim to remove obstacles that slow down or prevent the growth and development of small businesses.
"City of Yes" will also scrap the last piece of the city's cabaret law, which prohibits dancing in some bars and restaurants, depending on the underlying commercial zoning. It would also eliminate a two-year clock on vacancy for nonconforming retail in residential areas, which currently prohibits a storefront from being reoccupied as retail if it's been empty for more than two years. Businesses would also be allowed on the same floor as apartments and even allowed above them in some commercial areas, as long as there are separate entrances for apartment residents and retail tenants.
Cooper Square Committee hasn't yet taken a position yet about the proposed changes, but we will be talking to [East Village Independent Merchants Association] members and other commercial tenants, as well as analyzing local retail data and trends to determine what position to take over the next month or two.
We encourage residents and small business owners to read up on the proposed changes to learn more about them ...
The Land Use Committee meeting (Nov. 15) starts at 6:30 p.m. You can watch via Zoom here. In Person: Community Board 3 office, 59 E. Fourth St. between Second Ave. and the Bowery. Limited seating is available to the first 15 people.
Cookie Walk is now side-of-church-signage official
You have 24 days to enjoy the holiday season before SantaCon
Five Guys coming to 12th and 2nd
Monday, November 13, 2023
Report of an assault on 14th Street and Avenue B
On the CB3-SLA docket: Applicants for the former Mermaid Inn and Cheese Grille spaces
Community members speak out against a tactical gear pop-up shop on 9th Street
On 11/11, join us in the heart of NYC's East Village, 618 e 9 st for a special event that's all about giving back. 🌆🦃 We're spreading gratitude just in time for Thanksgiving, with an incredible giveaway! 🍂🎁50 goodie bags and refreshing drinks are on us to show our appreciation for this amazing city. 🗽🎉 Our gifts are limited, so come early to make sure you don't miss out! 🕊️💨 Stay updated and be a part of this heartwarming event by registering with your email... Let's celebrate gratitude and give back to the incredible community we call home!
Posing as a harmless community sports equipment store for the paintball and outdoor set, their website tells a different story — with hundreds of product photos and videos of men and women holding assault-style weapons.