January 23, 2013 | The Lo-Down : News from the Lower East Side

50 Bowery Hotel Project Still Lacks City Approval

The L.E.S. Film Festival founders. Left to right: Damon Cardasis, Roxy Hunt, Shannon Walker and Tony Castle. Photo by Zack McTee.

The L.E.S. Film Festival Revs Up For Year Three

My LES: Melissa Errico

Sunshine Cinema Returns to CB3 in Quest For Liquor License Next Month

The Sunshine Cinema is applying for a new liquor permit. Photo via: Cinema Treasures.

Community Board 3 just published the agenda for next month’s liquor license hearing. There are several interesting items listed, including a return engagement by the management of the Sunshine Cinema, which is transforming the East Houston Street landmark into a “dinner/drinks/and a movie” venue. Back in December, CB3 turned the Sunshine team away, saying their application was incomplete.

Also on the agenda, a business dubbed the “Cow Theater” is seeking a wine and beer permit at 21 Clinton, Currently the home of the Living Theatre (the legendary theater company is moving out of the space after its current production ends). The new applicant appears to be Tyler Maganzini, who runs the Black Mountain Winehouse in Brooklyn.

Click through for the full agenda. Continue reading Sunshine Cinema Returns to CB3 in Quest For Liquor License Next Month

The “Heart Vandal” on Ludlow Street is Cleaned Up

Delancey and Ludlow streets. Photo by Jereme Taylor.

Over the weekend, Jereme Taylor sent us this photo after someone defaced street artist Nick Walker’s “Heart Vandal” at Ludlow and Delancey streets. But it didn’t take long for this wall alongside the DL Restaurant to be repaired. Continue reading The “Heart Vandal” on Ludlow Street is Cleaned Up

Mendez: Talk of Racism in 106 Rivington Controversy “Needs to Stop”

106 Rivington Street.

At last night’s Community Board 3 meeting, City Council member Rosie Mendez took a few moments to address the controversy surrounding a new restaurant coming to 106 Rivington Street. The State Liquor Authority will soon rule on an application from operators Jose Rodriguez and Robert Payne for a full bar. Members of the LES Dwellers neighborhood group oppose the permit, saying Rivington Street is already overburdened with nightlife establishments. In a close vote, CB3 chose not to support the application, although it did sign off on a beer/wine permit for the Latin-style restaurant.

Continue reading Mendez: Talk of Racism in 106 Rivington Controversy “Needs to Stop”

Archdiocese Announces Closure of St. James & Joseph School

The New York Archdiocese yesterday announced the closures of 24 schools, including the St. James & Joseph Elementary School at 1 Monroe Street. The decisions are part of a consolidation plan put in place three years ago. The Archdiocese says the schools just weren’t making it financially.

Earlier this month, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and State Senator Daniel Squadron sent a letter to Superintendent Timothy McNiff urging the Archdiocese to “explore all possible options to keep (the school) open or at least offer families a comparable choice for their children.”

The school will shut its doors this summer. In a statement released yesterday, the Archdiocese outlined the plan for displaced students:

Affected families will be welcomed in neighboring Catholic schools, and every effort will be made to assist those who are facing financial challenges making the transition. Student Placement Counselors will work with Regional Superintendents to help school families transition into another Catholic school for the 2013-2014 school year. Informational meetings for affected families will be announced in the coming weeks.