March 2nd, 2010
February Town Hall Meeting. Photo from CWG web site.
There appears to be a growing recognition that the Chinatown Working Group isn’t just about Chinatown. It’s something members of the coalition – comprised of more than 40 neighborhood organizations – have recognized for some time. But as they race towards a self-imposed June deadline to present the city with a community-based plan, outsiders are beginning to take notice, as well. That much was obvious during the CWG’s monthly meeting yesterday afternoon.
Continue reading Chinatown Working Group Moves Quickly Towards Final Plan
March 2nd, 2010
Thursday night, residents in Manhattan will have a chance to speak out about the MTA’s proposed service cuts. A public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Fashion Institute of Technology (7th Avenue & 27th Street), beginning at 6pm. There’s obviously been a lot of coverage detailing the MTA’s plan to close its $800 million budget gap. You’ve, no doubt, heard of the controversial proposal to start charging students for Metrocards. Subway service would become less frequent, especially in the evenings and on weekends. But it’s the cutbacks in bus service that will hit most people in this neighborhood the hardest. Their plan would:
Continue reading MTA Cuts: Activists Gear Up For Thursday’s Public Hearing
March 2nd, 2010
David Garza, Henry Street Settlement's new executive director
Yesterday we reported that David Garza has been named the new executive director of one of the Lower East Side’s most venerable institutions, the Henry Street Settlement. Now a bit more about his background (via a news release).
Since 2001, he’s worked at Henry Street’s employment service, the Workforce Development Center (WDC). Henry Street’s board chairman, Robert Harrison said, “David’s success in building the WDC into one of the city’s preeminent centers and his deep understanding of the Henry Street community will serve the agency well going forward.”
Continue reading More on Henry Street’s New Executive Director
March 2nd, 2010
A bill sponsored by State Senator Daniel Squadron closing a loophole in New York’s liquor licensing laws passed the Senate yesterday.The new legislation deals with the “500 foot rule,” which limits new liquor licenses when there are already three or more permits within 500 feet of one another. It also strengthens the “200 foot rule,” which prevents the State Liquor Authority from approving new licenses within 200 feet of schools and places of worship. A news release from Squadron’s office says:
Continue reading State Senate Passes Bill Closing Loophole in Liquor Law
March 2nd, 2010
Opening tonight at Salon 94 Freemans Gallery (1 Freeman Alley, 6-9), a double header of sorts: the eclectic jewelry of Karl Fritsch and the mysteriously haunting paintings of Richard Wathin. Fritsch’s rings, some of which represent the seven deadly sins, will be displayed atop the craftily-lit work of designer Takeshi Miyakawa.
Also tonight, a group show called “Into The Unknown” at Ludlow 38 Gallery (38 Ludlow) from 6-8PM. All of the artists make inventive use of materials from the past, including old archival film footage. In this show, as well as the next opening at Gallery Bar, past and present intersect in interesting ways. Continue reading LES Gallery Openings This Week
March 2nd, 2010
copyright Shout Out Louds
After playing a sold out show at Music Hall of Williamsburg last night, the Shout Out Louds are playing a FREE show at Pianos tonight at 7p. Suggestion – arrive very early.
Also in the hood tonight: the Living Room residents – Dave Chatel (FREE), Vitamin D, Chris Garneau and Joao Erbeta (not finished being a LR resident, after all).
At Mercury Lounge – Mahavatar and Tunnels to Holland.
March 2nd, 2010
State Senator Eric Adams on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver: “Unless he has become the modern-day Napoleon, where he crowns himself, he’s only the speaker. He is not the leader or the king of New York state.” (Post)
Silver clarifies comments he made in the Daily News, appearing to suggest that Richard Ravitch take charge of budget negotiations: “Ultimately it’s the governor who should be negotiating the budget. I think he could use assistance,” Silver explained. “He has a budget director, he has a lieutenant governor, and I think based on the history of Richard Ravitch, he has dealt with fiscal crises before” and could be helpful (Politics on the Hudson).
“Hand Ravitch the Knife.” (Daily News)
Continue reading Shelly Clarifies Paterson/Ravitch Comments, Thrift Store Makes a Big Move, Pulino’s Menu Revealed
March 2nd, 2010
Williamsburg Bridge. Photo by leonem via Flickr.
The sun came up just before 6:30 this morning – a sure sign spring can’t be all that far away. Lots of sun and blue sky this morning, but it will become overcast a little later, and the forecast is calling for rain/snow beginning at about 6pm (high 40 degrees).
Continue reading Good Morning!
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