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MIDTOWN, UPPER EAST & WEST SIDES
JANUARY 24 – FEB. 6, 2019
VOLUME 5, NUMBER 2
HORSE SENSE Where should carriage horses queue? Page 3
PHOTO BY TEQUILA MINSKY
A carriage horse on Central Park South.
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Neigh or yea? Should carriage horses queue in park? BY GABE HERMAN
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he city’s ongoing horse-carriage debate has reignited in recent months, as Mayor de Blasio has tried to implement new rules that would move carriage stations off 59th St. and into Central Park instead. The new rules would be imposed through the Department of Transportation and not require approval by the City Council, which shot down the mayor’s attempts to ban horse carriages in his first term. It was a pledge de Blasio had campaigned on. The new rules were proposed in August, and included several spots in the park for horse carriages to be stationed, included entrances along 59th St. and entrances on both sides of the park at 72 St. On Jan. 4, the proposed rules were amended to include only the park locations near 59th St., inside the Seventh Ave. entrance, inside the Sixth Ave. entrance, and just north of Grand Army Plaza, which is at the park’s southeast corner. After the initial rules were proposed months ago, a horse owner filed a complaint, arguing that the forced move into the park would hurt business because the location would be farther from tourists, and that the mayor could not impose such rules by himself but required City Council approval. Earlier this month, a Manhattan Supreme Court judge ordered the implementation of the mayor’s new rules to be put on hold until the complaint is heard in court. The hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8. After the judge’s decision, a spokesperson for the city’s Law Department issued a statement that read, in part, “The city is hopeful that, at that appearance, the court will allow the new regulations to go fully into effect.” Christina Hansen, the communications liaison for Historic Horse-Drawn Carriages of Central Park, LLC, said the new rules would actually make things worse for the 200 horses in the local carriage industry. She said the equines are accustomed to being stationed along 59th St. and are creatures of habit who are comfortable there. She added it is actually a safe area for the horses because drivers and bicycles are more careful and pay more attention when they see the animals nearby. “There’s no problem right now. The horses are very happy, content and relaxed where they’re at,” Hansen said. She added that D.O.T. doesn’t know anything about dealing with horses. “This isn’t done with any thought or consideration for the horses,” she scoffed. “This is about the mayor solving a political problem for him.” Hansen said her organization plans to bring its own suit against the mayor. Edita Birnkrant, executive director Schneps Media
PHOTOS BY TEQUILA MINSKY
A carriage horse trudges along Central Park South with tourists in tow.
A moment of kindness amid a carriage horse’s daily grind.
of the animal-rights group New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets (NYCLASS), supports the mayor’s new rules and described the conditions for the horses on 59th St. as “harrowing and dangerous and miserable.” She said they have to deal with constant traffic and there are difficult weather conditions, such as no shade in the summer and no protection from snow or rain. “It’s just a hellish place for them to be. It makes no sense,” she said, adding that moving the horses into the park would also help ease traffic congestion on the streets. Birnkrant added that the horses being stationed inside the park makes sense because the carriage rides are already going there, and since the park is car-free, it’s safer for the horses.
And she said it wouldn’t hurt business for the carriages because it would be close to where they already are, and there would be signs advertising their businesses. “They would literally be a few feet away from where they already are, so it’s absurd to think that this is something negative,” she said. She also said there are millions of visitors to Central Park who could see the carriages from inside the park if they wanted to take a ride. Birnkrant and NYCLASS also called on the recently closed Chateau Stables, one of the Midtown stables that provided horses for carriage rides, to ensure that all of its horses are given a safe retirement. According to NYCLASS, there currently are no retirement laws
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that protect carriage horses in the city. Birnkrant said there is concern that there is no official retirement policy, and there have been cases of horses ending up at auctions where they have had to be saved from being sold for slaughter. She said carriage horses should have the same retirement policy that New York Police Department Mounted Unit horses have, which includes retirement at age 20 — instead of 26 for carriage horses, which she said “is the equivalent of your grandmother pulling a carriage. That is way too old for horses to be forced to do that work. “The only way to guarantee protection is what we’re asking for,” she said, “in the laws to be changed, and that the carriage horses have the humane policy that the N.Y.P.D. Mounted police horses have.” When asked about Chateau Stables, Hansen said all of those horses have gone back into circulation with other carriage-horse companies. And she assured that all carriage horses get a good retirement, and that, even in instances where a retired horse ends up at auction, there is no danger of them being sold for slaughter because they still have value as trained horses. Her group’s Web site notes that retired carriage horses are valued as family horses, and “The carriage industry partners with Blue Star Equiculture, a draft horse sanctuary in Massachusetts, to provide a retirement program for adoption.” Januar y24 - Februar y 6, 2019
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Police Blotter 24th Precinct Fatal stabbing An assault in broad daylight on Thurs., Jan. 10, on the Upper West Side ultimately led to the murder of a young man, police said. Around 1:30 p.m., patrol officers saw two men attacking another man at W. 99th St. and Broadway. The officers followed the two alleged attackers, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, to W. 99th St. and Amsterdam Ave., one block from the attack, where they were apprehended without incident. The victim was found at 2640 Broadway, at W. 100th St., unconscious and unresponsive, and with stab wounds to his chin and chest. A knife was recovered near the scene. E.M.S. took the victim to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police have identified the deceased as Tony McClain, 20, an Upper West Side resident. The two arrested men were identified as Jashawn Gorham, 18, and Brighton Montgomery, 17, also both from the Upper West Side. Both have been charged with murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Police said the investigation is still ongoing.
20th Precinct Missing man Police are asking for the public’s help in fi nding a man who has gone missing. Juan Camacho, who is 56 and described as being in “poor mental health,” was last seen on Dec. 19 leaving the Goddard Riverside Community Center at 61 W. 87th St. between Columbus Ave. and Central Park West. Police provided a photo of Camacho, and anyone with information is asked to called 212-690-6315.
Key Food theft A man is wanted for stealing at the Key Food supermarkets at 530 Amsterdam Ave., between W. 85th and W. 86th Sts., police said. On Jan.
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IMAGE COURTESY N.Y.P.D.
Police said a man held this pricey gastroscope for ransom.
The victim left and fl agged down an officer at W. 55th St. and Sixth Ave. She complained of pain but refused medical treatment at the scene and had no visible injuries. The woman wanted for misdemeanor assault is described as white and last seen wearing blue jeans and a beige shirt. She drove a white Mercedes with New York license plate GKC3130.
16, the robber took cash from the register at the Upper West Side store. He is wanted for larceny. Police provided a surveillance photo of the man, who is looking right at the camera in the shot.
Intruder
Window smashed
There was a break-in at an apartment on E. 89th St. on Tues., Jan. 15, at 1:30 a.m., according to a police report. A woman, 31, said she was sleeping in her bedroom when she heard sounds in the living room. She opened her bedroom door and saw a tall, unknown man inside the apartment near the window by the fi re escape. The woman said she screamed and yelled, “I’m calling the cops!” then ran back into the bedroom and closed and locked the door. She said she went back to the living and the man was gone. There was no forcible entry and nothing was taken from the apartment. Police said there were no cameras in the vicinity. There is no available description of the man, who is wanted for felony burglary.
Police are looking for a person who reportedly kicked out the window of the front door at the DSW shoe store on the Upper West Side, at 2220 Broadway between W. 79th and W. 80th Sts. Police released photos of a woman who is wanted for the Jan. 7 crime, and anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-577-TIPS.
19th Precinct Park Ave. punch There was a road-rage incident at Park Ave. and E. 61st St. on Mon., Jan. 14, around 8 a.m., police said. A woman, 49, said she was driving when she got into an argument with another driver, a 45-year-old woman, who got out of her car and hit the victim on the bridge of her nose.
ation involving the Endoscopy Center of New York during December and early January, according to police. The incident started when a package containing a gastroscope intended for the Endoscopy Center was dropped off at a FedEx location at a Duane Reade on Nov. 30. On Dec. 5, FedEx came and reportedly picked up the package and left the location. Then, on Dec. 21, a man called the center and said he found a package leaning against a tree and took it, thinking there was money in it. He said he would not bring them the package and hung up. On Dec. 27, the same man came into the office and showed the front desk clerk a cell-phone photo of the gastroscope, valued at $53,000, which is used for looking inside a person’s stomach. The clerk said it was the clinic’s property, and the man said he wanted someone to come with him to his place to get the item. On Jan. 3, the man called multiple times and said he wanted $30 to $ 40 in exchange for the package. The center arranged for him to bring in the device in exchange for $25 and also notified the police, who were waiting when the man arrived at the center. The gastroscope was recovered in good condition. Javier Rodriguez, 49, was arrested Jan. 4 for felony grand larceny.
Stomach-turning There was an unusual ransom situMEX
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PHOTO BY Q. SAKAMAKI
Chinatown residents turned out to protest the development that has targeted their community with 80-stor y towers.
In spirit of MLK, marchers decry displacement BY R AINER TURIM
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n a bitter-cold Martin Luther King Day, hundreds of people marched on the Lower East Side, their indignation fired up by the December approval of three luxury towers in the Two Bridges area, plus the city’s deal with Amazon for it to open a new headquarters in Long Island City. Fliers handed out at the march demanded a stop to the skyscraper developments and the expected displacement of low-income residents that will come with it. The march was led by the Coalition to Protect Chinatown and the Lower East Side, as well as Youth Against Displacement — two organizations focused on fighting local residential displacement. Starting off at Cherry and Pine Sts., the marchers braved massive wind gusts and frigid weather to make it to City Hall, where individuals and representatives from a wide variety of organizations spoke. Among the speakers were activists Arnette Scott and Lena Meléndez. Scott, a Lower East Side local, called for a stop to resident harassment. Calling out Mayor de Blasio, she vowed she’s not going anywhere. The marchers included not only those in the Chinatown and Lower East
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PHOTO BY RAINER TURIM
Marchers braved the bitter cold on Monday to protest residential displacement in the Two Bridges area and elsewhere in the city.
Side community, but New Yorkers from around the boroughs who are being affected by development pressure and gentrification. Reverend Billy’s Stop Shopping Choir lent their support in the form of protest songs. Their tunes ranged from
de Blasio and displacement to racism and Trump’s wall. At the end, Zishun Ning, an organizer with Youth Against Displacement, said he was focusing about next steps for combatting de Blasio’s power, reminding the audience of the special election MEX
for public advocate in February. With more than 20 candidates vying for the position, Ning encouraged people to ask of every candidate, “Which side are you on? Are you on the side of the community or are you on the side of the mayor and his rich developer friends?” Schneps Media
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Pols demand answers from Cuomo on L plan BY RICO BURNEY
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ore than two weeks after Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that the L-train tunnel would no longer need to be shut down as initially planned, local politicians still have more questions than answers. They are calling for an independent review of the new proposal. Around a dozen local pols sent a joint letter to the governor signed Thurs., Jan. 10. In it, they raised concerns that the new L plan was being “advanced at the expense of three years of community engagement, multiple agency planning, communication and the long-term benefits of a fully repaired Canarsie Tunnel.” Among those signing the letter were Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer; City Council Speaker Corey Johnson; Congressmembers Carolyn Maloney and Nydia Velázquez; state Senators Brad Hoylman, Brian Kavanagh and Liz Krueger; Assemblymembers Harvey Epstein, Deborah Glick and Richard Gottfried; and City Councilmembers Keith Powers and Carlina Rivera. “I will not accept any plan that leaves New Yorkers worse off. We need answers,” said Hoylman, who represents nearly all of 14th St. and the surrounding areas, in a separate statement. “We need a detailed time line outlining the schedule for night and weekend work. We need to know whether all the plans that have been made to minimize the impact of L-train work on New Yorkers’ commutes will be maintained.” Hoylman added that “hearings in Albany could be warranted.” “There is still so much up in the air,” said Epstein, whose district takes in Stuyvesant Town and parts of the East Village and Lower East Side, including the main staging area for the L-tunnel repair work. “We have no idea if the silica dust is going to be removed in Manhattan or Brooklyn and are still waiting to hear about possible health consequences,” Epstein said. The project will include demolition of
PHOTO BY LINCOLN ANDERSON
The new 13th St. bike lane, just east of Second Ave., was installed to deal with displaced straphangers from the “L-pocalypse”; The wide buffer zone is actually a bigger issue than the bike lanes themselves, according to some critic s, since it’s frequently used by trucks and others vehicles for parking, which negates its role as a passing lane when the street is blocked with traffic.
lyn] would be scheduled 24/7.” How that news affects what aspects of the mitigation plan will stay and which will go remained unclear as of this article’s filing. When asked last week, however, most of the letter’s signers were reluctant to give specifics on which alternative service plans they would or would not like to see enacted around 14th St. until an independent review of the governor’s proposal is completed. “I support protected bike lane infrastructure and bus service improvements,” Speaker Johnson said in a statement. “But these specific bike lanes [on 12th and 13th Sts.] and bus service changes [on 14th St.] were a result of the original L-train shutdown plan. “We were promised that there would be a collaborative community process to determine which elements should be made permanent,” Johnson added. “So if the tunnel shutdown is really canceled, that should be the next step.” Brewer, on the other hand, said she
comprised concrete in the L train’s Canarsie Tunnel — under the East River — which will produce silica dust. Multiple local politicians also acknowledged that the aboveground Ltrain “mitigation plan” — a.k.a. the alternative service plan — appeared to be in limbo last week as the city’s Department of Transportation awaited more information from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In their letter to Cuomo, the pols also called for expansion of the CitiBike program, new bike infrastructure and “alternative bus service and other bus priority improvements.” This Thursday, however, the M.T.A. released a statement saying that the total shutdown of both of the Canarsie Tunnel tubes and of all L-train service that was slated to start April 27 won’t be happening. “We do anticipate a shutdown of one tube on nights and weekends,” the M.T.A. stated. “However, service both ways [between Manhattan and Brook-
still supports much of the original alternative service plans for Manhattan. But she held off on saying definitively whether she still wants a “busway” on 14th St. “There are a number of components of the L-train closure plan worth keeping,” she said in a statement. “The bike lanes on 12th and 13th, the Select Bus Service for 14th, along with some kind of bus-priority infrastructure — whether it’s a dedicated lane or a busway I’ll leave to the transit planners.” Meanwhile, the 14th St. Coalition, a group that did not support the original alternate service plan, is hoping future plans will allow for more community input than the those that were in place prior to the governor’s announcement. “It would be great if we could all get around a table and discuss how we could help everyone,” said Elissa Stein, a member of the 14th St. Coalition’s Steering Committee. “Everybody talks about affected commuters, but not everyone talks about affected communities.”
Will ‘SoHY’ fly as name for area below Hudson Yards? BY GABE HERMAN
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he new Manhattan neighborhood names just seem to keep piling up. The latest rebranding attempt is “SoHY,” as in South of Hudson Yards. The new moniker is pronounced “so high” and is being introduced by a new condo both for the surrounding neighborhood and the building itself, at 550 W. 29th St., between 10th and 11th Avenues, from New Development Group. Units officially went up for sale on
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roof deck and of course proximity to the High Line. Sorry, there is no swimming pool. So far, the “SoHY” acronym hasn’t sparked protests like those in southern Harlem in 2017, when real estate companies tried to rebrand it as “SoHa.” But some locals have taken to social media to voice complaints, including Elizabeth Keenan, a real estate agent, who tweeted, “just got a broker email introducing the ‘new development and new neighborhood’ of ‘SOHY.’ The email tells me it stands for South of
Jan. 9, with most listed in the $3 million to $4 million range. The penthouse goes for $7.5 million. New Development Group includes real estate broker Ryan Serhant, who has been featured on Bravo’s reality television show “Million Dollar Listing New York.” “Who is excited for a NEW building in a NEW neighborhood?” he tweeted on Jan. 2. The 2017 building has 12 floors and 19 total apartments, according to City Realty, with a fitness center, spa room, MEX
Hudson Yards. Which is already the neighborhood of CHELSEA.” Keenan then wrote, “Look, I LOVE helping people fi nd homes and guiding people through the stressful process of selling. But I need all my fellow real estate people to cut through at least 50% of the bulls—.” Responding to online confusion over how to pronounce “SoHY,” local Kristy Lamb tweeted, “Soy. We are going to mock it as Soy and continue to actually call it Chelsea. Which is what it is.” Schneps Media
GRISTEDES SUPERMARKET CEMENTS POSITION AS LOCAL SHOPPING DESTINATION OF CHOICE WITH GRAND RE-OPENING ON WEST SIDE Newly Remodeled Store Features New Coffee Bar & Sitting Area, Sushi; Expanded Organic & Natural Foods; and More Locally Grown Produce
{New York, NY} – Gristedes’ Supermarkets announced the Grand Re-Opening of their West Side store, located at 907 8th Avenue on West 54th Street. The exciting news continues the company’s goal to be the shopping destination of choice for New Yorkers.
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John Catsimatidis, Chairman and CEO of Gristedes stated, “We have survived as the largest grocery chain in Manhattan because of our focus on responding to customer demands. Residents of the West Side now have a renovated store with a brand new cafe and sushi section, expanded organic and natural foods, the best international cheeses, and more locally grown produce. We are proud of the vast improvements that have been made and I hope our customers will be also!” Physical improvements to the location include new floors, shelving, and an overall more spacious and comfortable shopping environment. The new sitting area will allow customers to enjoy the outstanding deli and cafe products right on the premises.
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Renee Flores, the Chief Operating Officer of Gristedes said, “The Catsimatidis family and I share a vision where our customers and the communities we serve are our number one priority. We want to be the shopping destination of choice for New Yorkers with a focus on quality groceries; fresh, natural, and organic perishable foods; and outstanding customer service.”
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Gristedes also recently enhanced their organic and specialty selections by adding the Best Yet and Greenway private labels to their stores.
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Competing Women’s Marches decry Trump’s policies BY PAUL SCHINDLER
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wo years after women and their allies in untold numbers turned out the day following Donald Trump’s inauguration to protest the new president, Women’s Marches were once again staged in numerous cities on Jan. 19. As is not unheard of in protest movements, this year’s events were marred by internal divisions. In New York, specifically, there were competing charges of anti-Semitism and non-inclusiveness. The Women’s March Alliance, which has produced the New York event since 2017 and is not formally aligned with the Women’s March held in Washington, held a brief rally on Central Park West before marching from W. 62nd St. to the W. 40s. Leaders from the D.C. event, including Linda Sarsour and Tamika Mallory, had approached the Women’s March Alliance last year to forge a relationship. But Alliance organizers voiced discomfort with Sarsour’s endorsement of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions aimed at Israel and, more important, with Mallory’s unwillingness to personally condemn Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, even though she has called out that organization’s anti-Semitic and ho-
PHOTOS BY Q. SAKAMAKI
Near the star t of the Uptown march, activists kicked it outside of the Trump International Hotel and Tower.
New Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cor tez spoke at both the Uptown and Downtown versions of this year’s New York Cit y Women’s March.
mophobic history. The Alliance, in turn, was criticized for what critics said was a lack of inclusivity of women of color. When talks between the two groups failed to make headway, a separate Women’s March NYC was planned for Foley Square in Lower Manhattan. Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, the leader of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, the city’s L.G.B.T.Q. synagogue, was among a group of nine prominent rabbis who engaged in a lengthy process of dialogue with Sarsour and Mallory. While the rabbis, in a written statement, said, “We have not resolved our differences,” they also argued that “divisions between Jews and People of Color only serve to further the aims of white supremacists and their enablers, and to erase the strong presence in our Jewish communities of Jews of Color.” The group went on to say, “We encourage members of the Jewish community to participate in the Women’s March on 1/19/19. In Washington, D.C., and New York City, there are contingents of Jews marching together, and those who wish to express Jewish pride and solidarity may wish to join them.”
Schneps Media
In a Facebook post, however, Kleinbaum elaborated, “CBST is not endorsing or formally participating in” either of the New York events and that for her the important goal is to “find a way to build toward the day after” the two gatherings. The Women’s March Alliance event on Central Park drew the larger crowd, with Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez the highest-profile speaker in a brief pre-march program. Ocasio-Cortez also spoke at the Women’s March NYC Downtown, and was joined there by other prominent women, including Gloria Steinem, Kleinbaum and her wife, teachers’ union leader Randi Weingarten. The direct-action group Rise and Resist, unhappy with the Women’s March Alliance’s commitment to disability access, hosted a third event on Saturday at Grand Central Terminal, timing it for the afternoon so that its members could also participate in the morning rally that Women’s March NYC held in Foley Square. Gays Against Guns, ever seeking to raise the visibility of the gun-regulation issue, fielded contingents in all three events.
A contingent of pink-hatted young protesters raised their voices against the Trump administration.
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Letters to the Editor A well-deserved salute
Schneps Media
To The Editor: Re “Village doyenne Doris Diether turns 90! Feted by friends at Judson bash” (news article, Jan. 17): What a magnificent and well-deserved salute to Doris Diether, a mainstay of Greenwich Village and and our resident expert on zoning. It was a pleasure working with her in the late ’70s on Community Board 2’s Zoning Committee and following her exploits thereafter with my good friend and her fan, the late Ed Gold. Diane Lebedeff
Garden is irreplaceable
Covering Manhattan in more ways than one
To The Editor: Re “What is Margaret Chin thinking? Save the garden!” (viewpoint, by Donna Schaper, Jan. 17): The voice of the community to preserve Elizabeth St. Garden remains loud and clear! Do not divide the community, pitting needs of open space and community gardens against low-income housing. The community deserves both for a thriving sustainable life. There are alternative sites for housing. The Elizabeth St. Garden is an irreplaceable asset free of cost to the city that should remain in perpetuity serving the local community and public. It is recognized around the world as a treasured landmark and promoted as one of the must-see sites in Soho/Nolita. The magnificent garden and open space once developed will never be reclaimed and the housing has other site options. The proposed low-income senior housing is capped at 40 years and then could go market rate, thus serving these needs and a small group of seniors for a generation. The garden’s preservation would serve community and public forever. Felicia Young Young is founder/executive director, Earth Celebrations
Just don’t hit me! To The Editor: Re “Advocacy group pedals ‘bike mayor’ for New York” (news article, Jan. 17): Just watch out when I’m crossing the street. I
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CIRCULATION SALES MNGR. MARVIN ROCK TVG
don’t want to get hit by a bicycle! Frankly, far too many bikes and far too many irresponsible riders seem to be on our Village streets. Sylvia Rackow
Marcus doesn’t speak for us To The Editor: Re “An open letter to City Council Speaker Corey Johnson” (Viewpoint, by David Marcus, Jan. 10): David Marcus is not a member of the 14th St. Coalition Steering Committee and has not been involved with the Coalition for some time. We want to be clear, his “Open Letter to Council Speaker Johnson” reflects his personal views, and not those of the Coalition. Elissa Stein and Judy Pesin Stein and Pesin are members, 14th St. Coalition Steering Committee
Streets aren’t for cars To The Editor: Re “An open letter to City Council Speaker Corey Johnson” (Viewpoint, by David Marcus, Jan. 10): Sorry to disappoint you, David Marcus. This neighborhood is full of people who live here, raise our children here, prosper and grow every day without private motor vehicles. Enough with this rhetoric about “other people” and “nonresident Transportation Alternatives.” Twenty-four percent of the people who live in Community Board 2 own vehicles. In other words, 76 percent of the people do not own motor vehicles. Streets are for people, not a way to move motor vehicles across town, not space to store private motor vehicles, but a place where people can use nonpolluting, quiet, efficient ways to go across town. Choresh Wald E-mail letters, maximum 250 words, to news@ thevillager.com or fax to 212-229-2790 or mail to The Villager, Letters to the Editor, 1 MetroTech North, 10th floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Please include phone number for confirmation. The Villager reserves the right to edit letters for space, grammar, clarity and libel. Anonymous letters will not be published.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES GAYLE GREENBURG JIM STEELE JULIO TUMBACO ELIZABETH POLLY PUBLISHER’S LIABILITY FOR ERROR The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for others errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue. Published by Schneps Media One Metrotech North, 10th floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (718) 260-2500 Fax: (212) 229-2790 On-line: www.thevillager.com E-mail: news@thevillager.com © 2019 Schneps Media
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In Pictures
PHOTOS BY MILO HESS
Marchers posed for a picture in front of one of Trump’s “houses,” rubbing it in that Nanc y Pelosi is back in charge of the House.
Women’s Marchers take it to Trump ‘bigly’ again On Saturday, the Women’s March once again took it to Trump. Again he was demonized by the protesters, as seen by one marcher’s button. But then again, who hasn’t he demonized? Immigrants cer tainly top his list, followed by what he called “s—hole” countries, kneeling pro football players, NATO, our allies…the list is “yuuge.” The Notorious R.B.G., Supreme Cour t Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was held out as a countervailing force of light to Trump’s darkness. A three-par t-placard-toting contingent posed, fittingly, in front of Trump’s “house” to rub it in that Speaker Nanc y Pelosi is back in control of her House. Protesters also skewered by association First Daughter Ivanka Trump and — speaking of notorious — hubby First Son-in-Law Jared Kushner, the notorious East Village landlord.
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump in the crosshairs of a protester’s sign. Schneps Media
Demonizing the demonizer. TVG
The Notorious R.B.G. Januar y 24, 2019
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Natural foods pioneer couldn’t stomach costs BY MICHELE HERMAN
T
he Integral Yoga Natural Foods Store on W. 13th St. closed on Dec. 9, but don’t blame the landlord. The store, around since 1973, was the ground-floor tenant of the Integral Yoga Institute. The two were separate entities with a shared commitment to the teachings of the Institute’s founder, Swami Satchidananda, and the Institute always kept the rent far below market rate. Even so, the store had been struggling to remain viable for at least the past two years. Chandra/Jo Sgammato, the Institute’s general manager, said that changing demographics were one factor. Some new residents,
she said, live in the area only part time and tend to eat out more. Not knowing the store’s importance to the neighborhood’s history and to the natural-food movement, they felt no particular allegiance to it. The other main factor has been increasingly fierce competition. The store offered free local delivery, but even that couldn’t compare to the ease of one-click shopping from Amazon and FreshDirect. Nor could the little store compete with the massive chains Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s on price. Mrs. Green’s on Hudson St. also had an outsize impact, considering how quickly it flared out, causing a noticeable drop in sales at the W. 13th St. natural-foods store. Sgammato, a neighborhood resident, is as disappointed as the rest of the store’s devoted shoppers,
WIKIMAPIA
Integral Yoga Natural Foods, on W. 13th St., closed last month after no longer being able to make ends meet.
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who especially appreciated the organic locally sourced produce. But as befits a longtime yogi, she accepts what exists. “It was pioneering,” she said. “No one knew what health food was in the Seventies, but now you can get organic and gluten-free food everywhere, which we’re glad of. In a sense, the store accomplished its mission.” She even wishes all the best to the competition, including the recently expanded Health and Harmony on Hudson St. The store tried mightily to make a go of it by shortening hours and reducing staff. “They did their best trying to keep up payments to their vendors,” Sgammato said, “so that items wouldn’t be out of stock for too long. But it probably should have closed two years ago. They just couldn’t make ends meet.” One other factor played into the store’s struggles: its commitment to the Integral Yoga Institute’s mission. Once, she recalled, a store employee came into the Institute with a case of salad dressing to give away — the ingredient list included eggs. “For decades this was New York’s only 100-hundred percent vegetarian health-food store,” she explained. “Other stores sold meat, but that’s not acceptable to I.Y.I.’s teachings, which hurt the store.” Now the Institute has a tough needle to thread: It needs a market-rate tenant that will provide a service consistent with the swami’s teachings. “We have dreams,” Sgammato said. “We would love a vegan all-day cafe and grocery store with items not found elsewhere. I would really love a gathering space for the community, but we also have to be realistic — it has to be a reliable tenant who can pay the rent every month.” Proposals are welcome. She also said she wanted to let everyone know that the Integral Yoga Institute is doing just fine.
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KIDS & EDUCATION
Jessica Orleans, of the new River School, second from left, received a Blackboard Award for Outstanding Principal from, from left, Schneps Media President and Publisher Victoria Yunis-Schneps; Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer; and Mia Weber, New York Family executive director.
Blackboard Awards honor tops in education BY SCHNEPS STAFF
V
ictoria Schneps-Yunis, president and publisher of Schneps Media, far left, and Mia Weber, executive editor of New York Family, far right, present a Blackboard Award for Outstanding School to Ellen Offen and Kevin Artale of the Park Preschool. Artale is the Tribeca school’s executive director and Offen is its educational director. Photos by Trey Pentecost On Mon., Jan. 14, the 2019 Blackboard Awards for Schools and Principals, presented by New York Family, honored 14 of the city’s finest schools and principals in a special ceremony at the New York Institute of Technology. The event was hosted by Vicki Schneps, the president and publisher of Schneps Media, and Mia Weber, the executive editor of New York Family. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. were both on hand each to present an award. The Blackboard Awards honor excellence in local education in all sectors (public, private, charter and parochial), and all grade
Schneps Media
PHOTOS BY TREY PENTECOST
Victoria Schneps-Yunis, president and publisher of Schneps Media, far left, and Mia Weber, executive editor of New York Family, far right, present a Blackboard Award for Outstanding School to Ellen Offen and Kevin Ar tale of the Park Preschool. Ar tale is the Tribeca school’s executive director and Offen is its educational director. TVG
levels (nursery through high school). The annual schools and principals’ ceremony is in the winter, and the annual teachers’ ceremony in the spring. Parents are welcome and encouraged to nominate their beloved schools and educators, and several thousand local families do so in the course of the year. A board of advisers, experts in local education, make recommendations as well. (With the 2019 Blackboard Awards for Teachers coming up next, New York Family would especially welcome nominations for wonderful teachers right now. Make your nominations at newyorkfamily.com.) Many of this year’s Blackboard Awards for Schools and Principals were from Manhattan. Among the honorees for Outstanding School were the Park Preschool, at 275 Greenwich St., between Warren and Murray Sts.; the Caedmon School, at 416 E. 80th St.; P.S. 452, at 210 W. 61st St.; and the Speyer Legacy School, at 925 Ninth Ave., at W. 59th St. Winning for Outstanding Principal in Manhattan were Jessica Orleans, of the River School, at 425 E. 35th St.; and Katharine DeBenedictis, of the Isidor and Ida Straus School, at 1700 Third Ave., at 96th St. Januar y 24, 2019
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Overthrow hits it off with new youth training; BY CL AY TON PATTERSON
O
n Sun., Jan. 20, Overthrow New York, at Nine Bleecker St., put on a free event for 50 youths from ages 10 to 23. The idea was that boxing can improve health, like eating the proper foods, and helps young people learn to channel and release aggression and anger. There were two levels of participation. The youngest started the process first, followed by the older youths. The event was structured around a 10-minute “shakeout” light jog down Bowery with the NYC Bridgerunners. That was followed by a 25-minute boxing session, led by male and female boxing world champions. Next came a 15-minute mindfulness/ meditation/yoga session using Mingy Zingy, a 10-minute Q&A with the champs, another 10 minutes with a mindfulness expert, and a primer on nutrition and food, plus a gift bag filled with a set of boxing gloves, socks, a T-shirt, wristband and other boxing-related goodies. John Joseph, of Cro-Mags hard-core punk band fame, who is also a triathlete and a vegan, cooked food for the affair. The youths came from all around the city, mainly through connections with the boxers who use the gym. Overthrow plans to make it a monthly event. No. 9 Bleecker was formerly the Yippies headquarters before they lost the building and Overthrow took it over.
PHOTOS BY CLAYTON PATTERSON
Working on punches with pro boxer Edgar Santana.
Boxing world champions — from left, Ronica Jeffrey, Alicia Napoleon and Edgar Santana — did a Q& A session with the youths.
Ever ybody put your hand in! Getting psyched up for the workout.
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Yoga, meditation, health — and kicking butt!
Young athletes strike a boxing stance.
Going for a “shakeout” light jog down the Bower y.
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17
Eats
Locavores dig it: Dig Inn opens in the Village BY GABE HERMAN
D
ig this! Dig Inn has opened its first location in the Village. The fast-casual restaurantt is known for using locally sourced farm arm foods and a menu that changes with the he seasons based on what foods are availlable. The new spot, at 691 Broadway,, between W. Third and W. Fourth Sts.,, offers more of the same custom-bowl quality. Dig Inn changes its menu six timess a year and bases it around what local al farmers have grown. The restaurant nt also has its own farm in Chester, N.Y., Y., and works with more than 50 other local ocal farms. It focuses on a green diet. “Seventy-five percent of the food we serve is vegetables, because we believe ve a plant-based diet is better for our health, lth, the environment and the communities i we support,” Dig Inn says. Its farm in Chester, which is northwest of the city in Orange County, grows more than 120 vegetable varieties, which Dig Inn says reaches its restaurants within 48 hours of harvest. I recently visited the new Broadway location in the Village and ordered from the
A bowl with herb-roasted chicken, broccoli, cauliflower and brown rice at Dig Inn. Photo by Gabe Herman
current Winter Menu. I chose brown rice with parsley for the base; sautéed broccoli with lemon, plus maple cauliflower with chickpea crumble for the two sides;
herb-roasted chicken breast for the main dish; and pesto for the sauce. Everything was very good and fresh, and I could definitely taste the quality ingredients.
Other Winter Menu options included spiced farro with butternut squash for sp the th base; cashew kale Caesar, Jasper Hill mac m and cheese, and acorn squash with pear pe and frisee for Market Sides; and wild w Alaskan salmon and grilled organic tofu for Main options. t My bowl cost $13 after tax, which is rather pricey even by fast-casual bowl standards, but it makes sense that real food from local farm sources would cost a bit more. The bowls are ready-made to take out. But there is also seating available and a pleasant environment, with a a minimalist feel, wood decor, plants and m a very friendly staff. Dig Inn started in 2011 in New York City, Ci which is where most of its locations are. ar This Village location is number 20 in Manhattan, with 21 soon to open at 709 M Lexington Ave. between E. 57 and E. Le 58 Sts. The chain has locations in Soho, Hudson Square, Tribeca and the Financial District. There is also one in Brooklyn, in Williamsburg, one in Rye Brook, in Westchester, and three in Boston. The new Village Broadway location is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. More information can be found at diginn.com.
THE DOWNTOWN CONNECTION IS YOUR FREE RIDE AROUND LOWER MANHATTAN!
DowntownNY.com/bus
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PHOTOS BY BOB KRASNER
Puss n Boots per forming at Coney Island Baby on Jan. 15, from left, Norah Jones, Sasha Dobson and Catherine Popper.
For Puss n Boots, the alt’s all in the mix BY BOB KR ASNER
T
he band Puss n Boots packed the house with a surprise show last week at Coney Island Baby, a new East Village bar that already feels like it’s always been there. The “alt country” trio includes Sasha Dobson, Catherine Popper and Norah Jones. All three traded lead vocals, inside jokes and musical styles, as well as instruments, in their two-hour mix of originals and covers at the bar, at 169 Avenue A at E. 11th St. Country music was the starting point, but they covered the bases with forays into garage rock and even a spacey jam-band instrumental, having as good a time performing as the audience did listening. Dobson, Popper and Jones all contributed their own tunes — mixing them in with covers of Tom Paxton, Neil Young, Tom Petty and others. They took time in between to check their notes on the new songs and joke around while rearranging themselves
Schneps Media
Puss n Boots’ Catherine Popper.
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on stage. Popper moved from bass to guitar, Jones would switch to drums, and Dobson went back and forth between drums and guitar. “It’s a game we play,” Popper explained. “It’s called ‘musical instruments!’” While the Grammy Award-winning Jones may be the most recognizable name in the group, she’s not the leader. You could call the band a democracy, but Dobson doesn’t like the sound of that. “Our music isn’t political,” she explained later. “The part that’s astounding about this band is the multiple roles we all play. It is never really a matter of juggling power — more so colors. And it’s a different canvas for every song.” Dobson mused on the “egoless” nature of the trio. “It’s 100 percent about the moment, the song,” she said, “and creating as many different ways or options to serve that tune.” You can catch Puss n Boots at City Winery on Feb. 18. For more information about the band, visit pussnbootsmusic.com. Januar y 24, 2019
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See great art at The Met while avoiding the crowds BY GABE HERMAN
T
he city recently announced a record 65 million visitors last year, the ninth straight year of increased visits. This was hardly surprising for locals, who see the streets and city’s great institutions get more clogged by the day. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one such crowded gem of the city. Its 7 million yearly visitors all seem to be in the way, blocking views, jostling and preventing you from enjoying a good, long look at the great collections. But there are ways to avoid most of the crowds and get the most out of a Met visit. Veteran museum workers recommend finding breathing room in some of the best but often overlooked areas like the Islamic galleries, modern art and a quiet Chinese garden court. Hopefully, locals already know to enter through the Met’s side entrance at E. 81st St. This entrance usually has much shorter lines for admission and coat check, according to Dr. Grazia Montesi of the Met’s information services. “If you’re meeting friends, meet down there,” she said. A short elevator ride will bring you to the second floor and right next to the Islamic art section. Tour guide Nancy Posternak said this wing is under-ap-
PHOTOS BY GABE HERMAN
“ Water Stone,” by Isamu Noguchi, is one of the lesser-known, meditative spaces at The Met.
preciated. Its works span 1,300 years and include large, colorful and finely detailed carpets, some spanning across
212 - 254 - 1109 | www.theaterforthenewcity.net | 155 First Ave. NY, NY 10003
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Intarsia, or wooden-inlay ar twork, is another under-the-radar offering at The Met.
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an entire wall. There is a mihrab, or prayer niche, from 14th-century Iran with intricate arabesque and calligraphy designs. And ceramic tableware features geometric patterns in vibrant blue colors that jump out at you. “The Islamic galleries I think are really under-seen,” said Posternak, who has been a guide for nearly 15 years. “They are really spectacular.” It is a short walk from Islamic art to the Met’s modern art collection. Montesi said this area includes many great works but is not often crowded because it is tucked behind the popular Impressionist wing. A highlight in the modern art section
February 16 - 24 TVG
for Posternak is Picasso’s “Reading at a Table” from 1934. It depicts Picasso’s lover and model Marie-Therese Walter, painted in pastels and with the signature Cubist elements of broken images and a flat depth of field. “We can see his tenderness for her in the color choices he’s made,” Posternak said. “It’s just great, very simplified.” Next, go down to the first floor for some of the Met’s smaller rooms. Such spaces are practically hidden, according to tour guide Charles Mayer. It isn’t a question of people not liking them, he said. Rather, he noted, the rooms can be tucked away from the large main hallways, “so you don’t know to go there.” Two such rooms are in the Italian Renaissance wing. The rooms feature intarsia, a method of inlaying wood of various natural colors to create images. One space contains work from a 16thcentury chapel and includes stainedglass windows and intarsia images on the walls that are detailed enough to be paintings. “It’s kind of off the track,” Mayer said. “You’re headed toward Arms and Armor, you’re not aware it’s here.” Just next to the chapel is an even smaller space, a 15th-century studiolo, or study room, that also features intarsia wooden inlay. Only a few people can fit at a time, so Mayer can only take tours to the chapel room. But the studiolo’s artwork is greatly detailed, and Mayer said it makes the chapel room “look amateurish.” The museum’s Impressionist and Ancient Egyptian wings tend to be the most crowded, according to Wilhelm. She wishes more people would visit the Asian art section on the museum’s third floor, and in particular the Astor Chinese Garden Court. The space is large and naturally lit through a high glass ceiling. Patches of the ground have been filled with soil and plants, and are surrounded by groups of large jagged stones. Running water can be heard from a koi pond in the corner, which Wilhelm especially likes. “It’s so peaceful there,” she said. Another work with running water is “Water Stone,” by Isamu Noguchi, from 1986. It features one large stone with many small rocks scattered about, all of which came from Japan. Nearby seats make it a good place for a rest from museum walking, which is somehow much more strenuous than ordinary walking. Fans of this work can also visit the Noguchi Museum, which features his work exclusively, in Long Island City. Wilhelm said that museum visitors should be willing to explore and find sections like the Asian art wing. “People tend to stick to the same areas, which is a shame,” she said. “But the Asian art is beautiful.” Schneps Media
From the Bench
PHOTOS BY TEQUILA MINSKY
They’re still talking about the Village Independent Democrats’ holiday par ty at Frieda Bradlow’s place on Charlton St. Judges and judicial candidates, that is, who are always in plentiful supply at the politician-packed confab. John J. (“J.J.”) Kelley, left, was elected as a New York City Civil Cour t judge in 2014 and is currently assigned to New York State Supreme Cour t. Elyssa Kates, right, is a candidate for Civil Cour t judge. SPOTLIGHT ON DOWNTOWN
10 Things That Fuel our Romance with Lower Manhattan satisfy it here.
Valentine’s Day is upon us! What began as a largely religious event morphed into a celebration of love in 18th-century England, when it first became an occasion for lovers to express their feelings for one another by giving flowers, candy and sending greeting cards.
s¬ The Architecture - We are home to both historic, iconic skyscrapers and cutting edge modern architecture. The entire history of New York’s built environment is on display here.
Here at the Downtown Alliance, we are unabashed romantics who are in love with our neighborhood. So, in the lead up to the holiday, we thought we’d offer the neighborhood a Valentine and share 10 reasons why we are smitten with Lower Manhattan:
s¬ The Roof at Pier 17 - Lower Manhattan’s newest outdoor venue offers year-round fun with skating and hot chocolate in the winter and concerts featuring world famous artists in the warm months -all with a spectacular view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
s¬ The Water - It’s the rare place in Manhattan where you feel connected to the harbor and like you’re living on an island.
s¬ Alexander Hamilton - On the streets where he lived and worked and in the hallowed ground of Trinity Church where he lies buried, the spirit of Alexander Hamilton literally and figuratively shapes Lower Manhattan to this day.
s¬ The Public Art - From the shadowy silhouettes in Louise Nevelson Plaza (the first in NY to be named after an artist) to Noguchi’s big red balancing cube (a perennial Schneps Media
selfie stop), inspiration is often lurking right around the corner. s¬ The Ease of Transportation - You can get here from anywhere. We are connected to the rest of the region by 13
subway lines, PATH trains, express buses and ferries. s¬ The Food Scene - From Bennie’s Thai to Manhatta, Pisillo to Delmonico’s, or Nobu to Sophie’s Cuban: if you have a craving, you can TVG
s¬ Green Space - Whether its hidden gems like the Ele-
vated Acre, the new Liberty Park overlooking the 9/11 Memorial or Lower Manhattan’s grand “backyard”, Governor’s Island, there are a myriad of places to escape the concrete and bask in green. s¬ Stone Street - Lower Manhattan’s own secret outdoor dining paradise, this street’s collection of restaurants serves hearty food, cold beers and bonhomie. s¬ No Grid - Down here, you are literally off the grid. And while some folks get turned around, we love our winding streets and alleys. They always seem to lead us to new discoveries and encourage us to walk and wander. We could go on and on. There is so much to love about our neighborhood. Hoping this Valentine’s Day everyone renews their vows with this special place and takes advantage of all it has to offer. Januar y 24, 2019
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Manhattan Happenings tration can be found at: https://www.nypl.org/events/ programs/2019/01/30/poison-squad-deborah-blum. Free.
BY RICO BURNEY
ARTS KIDS
“The Art Happens Here” Book Launch: Generation NYZ is back for a limited engagement at La Mama from Jan. 24 to Feb. 3 after a critically acclaimed run at the New Victory Theater last year. The production, conceived by Ping Chong and written and directed by Sara Zatz and Kirya Traber, has seven young New Yorkers share their experiences growing up in the city and in our fraught political climate. The show is being staged at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre, at 66 E. Fourth St. Tickets $20-$25, plus $1 fee. Ages 12 and up. More information can be found at: 212-352-3101 and http:// lamama.org/.
ArtSee: Papercutting: Kids will get to look at the Museum at Eldridge Street’s new Deborah Ugoretz exhibition, “Releasing Words,” and learn about the Jewish art of paper-cutting and how the form could be used to convey stories and ideas. Children will then have the opportunity to create their own paper-cut art. Recommended for ages 5 and up. The event will be held Sun., Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. at the Museum at Eldridge Street, at 12 Eldridge St. Tickets cost $8 for seniors and children 5 and up, and $14 for adults. Children under age 5 are free.
CLASSES Bouquets of Love: Attendees will learn tips for creating bouquets. Champagne and snacks will also be served. The class will cost $50 and be held at God’s Love We Deliver (166 Sixth Ave., fifth floor). RSVP is required due to space being limited to 20 people. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.glwd.org/ events/bouquets-of-love/. Zumba Classes: Ryan Health is offering Zumba Dance classes three days a week at its Chelsea-Clinton linton Clinic, at 645 10th Ave., every Monday and Wednesday nesday at 6 p.m. and every Friday at 5:30 p.m. Call 212-484-4845857 for more information.
MOVIES
Kids can see the new exhibition of papercutting by Deborah Ugoretz at the Museum on Eldridge Street and also learn how to do paper-cutting.
“BlacKkKlansman” will be showing at Epiphany Library (228 E. 23rd St.) on Fri., Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. The 2018 movie is based on a true story about Ron Stallworth, a black police officer in Colorado Springs who successfully infiltrated a local K.K.K. chapter in the early 1970s. Starring John David Washington and Adam Driver and directed by Spike Lee. Free.
TALKS The Space of Appearance: Appe Infrastructures of Whiteness: Visual activist Nicholas Mirzoeff presents a lecture at The Cooper U Union in which he will argue how museums, monuments monument and prisons help reinforce the institutions of whit white supremacy and segregation. The lecture will be delivered on Tues., Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. in The Cooper Union’s Frederick P. Rose Auditorium, Auditori at 41 Cooper Square. The event is i part of The Cooper Union’s free Intra-Disciplinary Intra Seminar Lecture Series, ries which runs through May 7. Free.
COMMUNITY Holiday Diaper Drive: The Food Bank of NYC, YC, in association with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York, is asking for donations of new, sealed diapers ers in either 3, 4, 5 or 6 sizes. Donations can be dropped ed off at either of Brewer’s offices, at 1 Centre St., 19th th Fl. South, or 431 W. 125th St. Donations can also be made via The Food Bank’s Amazon Wish List at http://a. p://a. co/2FDxgEH. Match in Style at Macy’s: Fashion-conscious singles ngles will have the opportunity to dress potential partners rs at an event hosted by The Love Maze at Macy’s Herald ald Square starting at 6:30 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 1. Tickkets are $28 - $42. RSVP is required and space iss limited. More information can be found at either https://www.thelovemaze.com/ or 646-5804554.
P PRECINCT COUNCIL MEETINGS First Precinct Community C Council meets at 16 Ericsson Place, on Thurs., Jan. 31, at 6:30 p.m. Fifth Precinct Com Community Council meets at 19 Elizabeth St., on Wed., Ja Jan. 30, at 7 p.m.
HISTORY The Poison Squad: It is estimated that prior to the passage of the 1906 Food and Drug Safety Act that more than 1,000 children were poisoned every year in New York City as a result of chemicals, such as formaldehyde, being present in foods. Author Deborah Blum will talk about her book “The Poison Squad” and the work of journalists and activists (and business interests that opposed them) at the turn of the 20th century to regulate the food industry at 6:30 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 30, in the Mid-Manhattan Library at 42nd St., Program Room. Blum will be interviewed by author and journalist Maria Konnikova. More information and preregis-
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Sixth Precinct Community Council meets at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 25 Carmine St., on Wed., Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. 10th Precinct Community Council meets at 230-232 W. 20th St., on Wed., Jan. 30, at 7 p.m.
Visual activist Nicholas Mir zoeff will speak at The Cooper Union about how an “infrastructure of whiteness” — including prisons — helps enable white supremac y.
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17th Precinct Community Council meets at the Sutton Place Synagogue, 225 E. 51st St., on Tues., Jan., 29, at 6:30 p.m. 20th Precinct Community Council meets at 120 W. 82nd St., on Mon., Jan. 28, at 7 p.m.
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Scene
PHOTOS BY CLAYTON PATTERSON
Smoke eaters from Engine 28 were on the scene on Orchard St.
Heating up the ’hood on the Lower East Side On Sunday afternoon, firefighters from Engine 28 at the E. Second St. stationhouse responded to a gas leak at the building at 188 Orchard St., which contains a smoke shop on the ground floor. Meanwhile, Gerr y Visco, a fabulous figure from the New York nightlife scene (and also Columbia’s classic s depar tment), stopped by the photographer’s famed “Front Door” on Allen St. for a picture.
A “classic” shot: Gerr y Visco in front of the “Front Door.”
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One of the owners of the smoke shop. He and his brothers own three shops on the Lower East Side. TVG
Januar y 24, 2019
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PHOTOS BY Q. SAKAMAKI
All rooting that they can ‘break this bad president’
GET READY FOR THE
BIG GAME!
Toward the end of the Women’s March — the Uptown version — as the procession passed through the Times Square area, actor Br yan Cranston, of “Breaking Bad” renown, currently starring on Broadway in “Network,” came out on a ledge to salute the anti-Trump faithful.
LOOK FOR OUR CIRCULAR IN TODAY’S PAPER!
A sign attacked the “Tweeter in Chief” — who loves to cr y, “Fake News!” — for his allegedly untruthful tweets.
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‘Clutter Whisperer’ helps ‘Tidy Up’ NOTICE OF FORMATION OF THBD 2064 LLC Arts. of Org. ďŹ led with NY Dept. of State on 12/7/18. OfďŹ ce location: NY County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Thorobird Companies LLC, 1350 Ave. of the Americas, Fl. 2, NY, NY 10019, principal business address. Purpose: all lawful purposes. Vil: 12/20 - 01/24/2019
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an on-premise license, #TBA has been applied for by Murray Street Restaurant Co LLC d/b/a Whiskey Tribeca to sell beer, wine and liquor at retail in an on premises establishment. For on premises consumption under the ABC law at 6 Murray Street New York NY 10007. Vil: 01/24 - 01/31/2019
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 2064 TIC, LLC Arts. of Org. ďŹ led with NY Dept. of State on 12/7/18. OfďŹ ce location: NY County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Thorobird Companies LLC, 1350 Ave. of the Americas, Fl. 2, NY, NY 10019, principal business address. Purpose: all lawful purposes. Vil: 12/20 - 01/24/2019
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an on-premise license, #TBA has been applied for by LouLou LLC d/b/a Babs to sell beer, wine and liquor at retail in an on premises establishment. For on premises consumption under the ABC law at 72 MacDougal Street New York NY 10012. Vil: 01/24 - 01/31/2019
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a restaurant wine license, #TBA has been applied for by Sgrill Plan A Group LLC d/b/a Sherman’s to sell beer and wine at retail in an on premises establishment. For on premises consumption under the ABC law at 121 Division Street New York NY 10002. Vil: 01/24 - 01/31/2019 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Liquor License, serial number 1313783, for beer, wine, cider and liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to permit the sale of beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverages Control Law at Regal Cinemas, Inc., located at 115 Delancey Street, New York, NY 10002 on premise consumption. Regal Cinemas Inc. Vil: 01/24 - 01/31/2019
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Liquor License, serial number 1315579, for beer, wine, liquor and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to permit the sale of beer, wine, liquor and cider at retail in a concert venu under the Alcoholic Beverages Control Law at DLS Events LLC, located at 127 E 23 rd St., New York, NY, 10010 on premise consumption. DLS Events LLC. Vil: 01/17 - 01/24/2019 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a license, number 1313809 for liquor, beer and wine license has been applied for Rishank LLC d/b/a NORTH FORK RESTAURANT to sell liquor, beer and wine in a restaurant under the Alcohol Beverage Control Law located at 122 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014 for onpremises consumption. Vil: 01/17 - 01/24/2019
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BY GABE HERMAN
M
ost New Yorkers are familiar with the neverending battle against clutter that is a feature of life in a small apartment. If it were easy to organize, the “de-cluttering� industry wouldn’t exist and be as big as it is. One such industry titan is “tidying expert� Marie Kondo, a Japanese woman with a new Netflix show called “Tidying Up.� The show builds off her empire of a No. 1 bestselling book and a brand called KonMari that offers advice and a network of counselors — who go to peoples’ homes — including 16 such experts in the local New York area. The company will even hold a conference in Midtown during March 29-31 to train new counselors for the brand. Registration cost is a cool $2,200. The Netflix show was released Jan. 1 with eight episodes. In short, the plot is Kondo goes to homes and teaches the KonMari method, which involves tidying by category rather than area. The order goes clothing first, then books, papers, miscellaneous items, and, in a smart move, sentimental items are saved for last. The test for whether to keep an item is deciding if it “sparks joy,� according to Kondo. If it doesn’t, she advises, thank the item for its service (seriously) and then send it on its way. The eight episodes are all set in Southern California. Apparently, tiny New York apartments were too much of a challenge — though maybe Kondo will build up to them in Season 2. Episode 3 is called “The Downsizers� and has Kondo helping a family of four, the Mersiers, who moved from a Michigan home into a cramped apartment. Clothes are strewn across rooms, along with instruments and papers and all the other apartment items that mysteriously build up in peoples’ homes. The clutter causes stress, especially for mom Katrina, who gets emotional in explaining that she is the only one who knows where things are, and feels she is failing to keep the family organized and running smoothly in the large role she has taken on. The situation is not hoarding but rather stressful clutter, which may be less dramatic but also more relatable for the average viewer. As Kondo takes the family through her process, she teaches empathy for the messes, and before beginning, kneels and bows in the home to connect with the space, as the family looks on.
Marie Kondo says her tips can help you tidy up your condo — or co-op or rental apar tment.
Later, the two kids, a 12-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl, talk to their clothes as they decide to keep or discard them, which all sounds a bit awkward but does seem to give more empathy and meaning to their process and allow for clarity over which items will actually be used going forward. Kondo notes the mom’s role in being responsible for everyone’s items in the house, and says through a translator, “I would like to teach the family how to be responsible with their belongings.� By the end of the 35-minute episode, the kids are putting away their own
clothes and the husband, Douglas, helps with kitchen and cleaning duties because he knows where things are and feels more responsibility to help. “I’m growing up here,� he says, and son Nolan adds about Kondo, “She lifted the weight off my mom’s shoulders.� The show isn’t about high-stakes drama but more subtle everyday struggles with clutter and responsibilities within families. Viewers can even learn some tips for decluttering, which of course is easier than implementing them, and is why “tidying experts� like Kondo are able to build such big empires in the first place.
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Real Estate
E. Village: Un-hyped history, pricey properties BY MARTHA WILKIE
I
f you love historic architecture and the East Village, you’ll be more than interested in the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation’s newly unveiled East Village Building Blocks (www.gvshp.org/buildingblocks). It’s an amazingly detailed new online resource about every single building in the East Village: History, architecture, people, businesses —you name it, it’s in there. Andrew Berman, executive director of G.V.S.H.P., explained the scope and purpose of the project. “East Village Building Blocks is the result of over 10 years of research by dozens of individuals here at the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation to document the history of every one of 2,200 buildings in the East Village,” he said. “This neighborhood is incredibly rich in history, dating back to the earliest Dutch settlers in the 17th century. But there is less documentation of and less attention paid to that history than that of other similar historic neighborhoods. We hope to correct that with this resource.” The glossary is a good, concise lesson in the terminology of New York historic buildings, such as what exactly defines an old-law versus new-law tenement building, plus explanations of research tools like the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps and tax-assessment records. (See gvshp.org/buildingblocks/ glossary-of-terms .) “The site is constantly being updated and added to, including with comments, anecdotes and information from the public,” Berman noted. “We’ve made it easily searchable so you can look for a specific building, examine an entire block or search by architect, year, building type, person or subject area. In addition to basic information about the history of each building, there are also current and historic images and original documents showing the construction of and alterations to each building, as well as links to further information and resources.” I commented (and posted a recent photo) about a building I’ve written about before: the Daniel LeRoy House, at 20 St. Mark’s Place. I fell in love with this beautiful Greek Revival house years ago when my husband and I looked at an apartment there; it wasn’t a co-op or a condo, but a rental — oddly, the remaining 80-some years of a 100-year lease. “East Village Building Blocks is a great tool to aid in our preservation efforts for the East Village and in enabling the public to better understand and appreciate this neighborhood’s rich
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Januar y24 - Februar y 6, 2019
NEST SEEKERS INTERNATIONAL
A triplex on E. 14th St. features retractable walls and James Bond-like touches on the interior.
and varied history,” the preservationist continued. “From punk to pierogis, jazz clubs to the Jewish Rialto, Loisaida to Kleindeutschland, Carnegie libraries to C-Squat, the East Village has it all.” You’re encouraged to visit East Village Building Blocks and share your comments, thoughts, photos and memories. Looking to move to the East Village? As with all of Manhattan, it’s changing. Naysayers will scoff it’s nothing like it used to be back in the day. But if the ’hood has lost something in scruffy character, it is safer and cleaner. You can still have a beer at McSorley’s Ale House, which has changed little in 100-plus years. (Well, women are now welcome and even have their own bathroom.) I walked by recently and was happy to see a line around the block. Here are a few of the older or more architecturally interesting places currently for sale or rent in the East Village. On one of the East Village’s prettiest blocks, you can rent a bit of Knickerbocker history: a glorious light-filled apartment in the 1839 (or 1836? unclear) house at 102 E. 10th St., originally built for Peter Gerard Stuyvesant, son of Peter Stuyvesant, who was
director general of the West Indian Company. The only drawback: a very teensy-tiny kitchen — perfect for those Manhattanites who don’t cook. Renting for $7,500 a month. ( ht t p s : //w w w.c omp a ss. com / listing /102- east-10 t h - st r e et- u n it-2- m a n h at t a n - ny10003/78906649862998209/) Or there’s a furnished one-bedroom rental at 111 Fourth Ave. for $4,975. Expensive, yes, but striking. It’s in an early 20th-century converted industrial building with wonderful geometric windows and another Stuyvesant connection. From Building Blocks: “This 12-story terra cotta and brick building was completed in 1919. It was designed by Starrett & Van Vleck Architects as manufacturing lofts for the International Tailoring Company... . The site was purchased that same year from Mathilda E. R. Stuyvesant.” ( h t t p s : / / w w w. c o r c o r a n . c o m / nyc-real-estate/for-rent/greenwichv i l lage /111-fou r t h - ave nue - apt- 8 f/5578081) At 649 E. Ninth St. is a sunny and light true two-bedroom with attractive French doors, a newly renovated kitchen and exposed brick walls. Not cheap at $3,250, but pretty good for MEX
a two-bedroom in the neighborhood. (https://streeteasy.com/building/145avenue-c-new_york/c3) For those looking to buy, at 257 E. Seventh St. is a sweet beautifully renovated one-bedroom co-op for sale at $699,000. It has nice built-ins, an attractive planted roof deck, and — best of all — overlooks a verdant tranquil garden. (https://www.bhsusa.com/ manhattan/downtown/257-east-7thstreet-6/coop/15826587) And now for something completely different: a triplex condo at 224 E. 14th St. where the parts of the facade and rear elevation completely retract at the touch of a button, like a suburban garage door opener for your home. It has a striking facade of perforated metal. Inside are plenty of futuristic gizmos and gadgets, perfect for James Bond. This place also features a private garden (with cabana, grill, refrigerator), exposed stone walls and a stunningly white kitchen. Covered by design media around the world. Watch the YouTube video, it’s bonkers! And it’ll cost you $3.6 million. ( h t t p s : / / w w w. n e s t s e e k e r s . com /765792/ brow nstone- east-v illage-triplex-east-village-manhattanny?src=4UfY7bG) Schneps Media
‘Smells like cheese fries spirit’: Ray rocks 86! BY LINCOLN ANDERSON
F
riends — some sporting sequined G-strings and twirling chest tassels — helped Avenue A egg-cream icon Ray Alvarez celebrate his 86th birthday on Mon., Jan 14. Dancing — combined with disrobing — on the counter at Ray’s Candy Store has become his birthday tradition for more than 10 years running now. Each year there’s a different theme, and his hole-in-the-wall hot dog-and-fried-bananas store near E. Seventh St. is decorated accordingly. Last year, for example, it was a funky “Retro ’80s” party. The year before that, Ray and friends were transported for an exotic “Night of Persian Delights.” That was in honor of the heritage of Ray — real name Asghar Ghahraman — who jumped ship, for good, from the Iranian navy to find his American dream. Pulling off these creative annual productions are Matt Rosen and a crew of likeminded Ray fanatics. This year’s theme was “Fallen Rock Stars.” The walls, the ATM machine, pretty much everywhere inside the beignetand-fried-Oreos mecca was festooned with photos of famous rockers, such as Kurt Cobain, Joe Strummer, Janis Joplin and Lou Reed, to name a few. Ray strutted out right on cue as, fittingly, Sammy Davis Jr.’s “The Candy Man” played. He was then followed by a parade of sizzling dancers who took turns heating up his worn-down formica countertop hotter than his hot-dog rollers. Pearls Daily started things off with a bang, shimmying r.” to The Archies’ “Sugar Sugar.” Lilin Lace then rocked it to Amy Winehouse’s “Valery.” She was foleeky Lane lowed in succession by Cheeky (“Pretty Woman,” by Roy Orbison), rbison) Gal Friday (“Foxy Lady,” by Jimi Hendrix), Tansy (“Touch Me,” by The Doors) and finally Nasty Canasta, who got down — down to a G-string, that is — to David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie.” As usual, Ray ate it up. Though the soft-serve ice cream guru has had some lean years — even ones where his legions of fans have had to kick in some cash to help him meet his rent — he later said things are looking up. That’s mainly because he’s now using app delivery services Uber and Grubhub, which is giving him a new revenue stream. “I have two, I’d like to have three,” he mused of the food-ordering apps. A jeans-clad Nasty Canasta feeling it as she danced to Bowie’s “The Jean Genie.” You’re definitely missing out, though, on an essential part of the Ray’s experience if you don’t go there in person to get your cheese fries, lime rickey or genuine “Obama burger” from the man himself. But, whatever — in the oxymoronic smartphone-based reality — this is letting him pay the bills. “It’s helping,” he said. “I now have a guy to cut the potatoes.”
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PHOTOS BY STACIE JOY
A jeans-clad je Nasty Canasta feeling it as she per formed to David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie.”
Dancer Lilin Lace at Ray’s bir thday bash was smoking…literally. TVG
A s usual, Ray loved his over-the-top counter top bir thday extravaganza. Januar y 24, 2019
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