Here are some of the stories that caught our eye this week:
–A look at the District 1 City Council race, where land use issues are Topic A. [NY1]
–Speaking of which, early voting has begun for the NYC Primary Election. [The Lo-Down]
–The mayor’s office announces $4.8 million in new funding for a roof structure as part of a new amphitheater in East River Park. The existing bandshell will be demolished to make way for the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project. [NY1]
–The LES Preservation Initiative recently hosted a virtual discussion with Kerri Culhane and Ron Castellano, two of the main influences behind the remarkable restoration of the Jarmulowsky Bank Building. [YouTube]
–Following a difficult year, the Tenement Museum reopens and introduces, “a neighborhood walking tour (recalling) sites connected with nearly 400 years of African-American presence on the Lower East Side.” [The New York Times]
–Video: “How radical gardeners took back New York City.” [Vox]
–Michaeli Bakery on Division Street files a lawsuit against online delivery firms, arguing that they have charged the business illegal fees during the pandemic. [Eater]
–A new documentary explores the questionable ethics and exploitation in the 1995 cult classic film, The Kids. [Deadline]
–From a tenement on the Lower East Side to the executive offices at Xerox: Ursula Burns pens a memoir tracing how she became the first Black CEO of a Fortune 500 company. [The New York Times]
–New York Magazine leads off its “Return of Nightlife” spread by suggesting you, “meet up on the LES for a drink.” Highlighting spots such as Clandestino, 169 Bar and Forgtmenot, NYM notes: “The eastern end of Canal Street, named Dimes Square after the restaurant that has for some time now fed stylish people who don’t eat all that much, has become a sprawling sidewalk cocktail resort.” [Grub Street]
–A shop dedicated to orange wines opens on Broome Street. [The New York Times]