–The U.S. government has awarded the City of New York $21 million to finally fix Delancey Street near the Williamsburg Bridge, where vehicles, bikes and pedestrians converge in one of the most hazardous thoroughfares in NYC. [Gothamist]
–According to a project description, it “includes a Complete Streets redesign of a segment of Delancey Street— a high-injury corridor—by implementing a road diet, creating a separated bikeway, making accessibility improvements, and reconstructing the roadway.” [transportation.gov]
–The entity that owns the hotel formerly known as Sister City filed for bankruptcy protection, stalling the foreclosure of the property [The Real Deal]
–In a new report, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has identified 171 lots in Manhattan that he estimates could produce more than 70,000 new housing units. [The New York Times]
–In Community District 3, which includes the Lower East Side, Levine highlighted, “eight opportunities for housing construction.” Three of the sites are so far undeveloped parcels in the Essex Crossing mega-project, including 44 Suffolk St., which at one time was designated as the future home of a new public school. On this lot, the borough president estimates, 144 affordable apartments could be created. [Manhattan BP]
–Cops say arrests have been made following the attack on one of the neighborhood’s most beloved small business owners, 90-year-old Ray Alvarez of Ray’s Candy Store. [NY Post]
–Here are the agendas for Community Board 3’s February meetings. On February 13, there will be a discussion about placing those huge 5G LinkNYC towers at 7 locations in the neighborhood. On February 15, city officials will come before the land use committee to explain proposed changes to the leases for 88 East Broadway, the East Broadway Mall in Chinatown. [CB3]
–Economy Candy is opening up a second store in the Chelsea Market. Not to worry. The Rivington Street original isn’t going anywhere. [Eater]
–Cafe Mish Mosh, a Lebanese spot, has opened inside the gaming venue OS NYC at Hotel 50 Bowery. [The New York Times]
–Bobby Gonzales, who owned La Flaca on Grand Street, has opened “Bobby’s Night Out” on Avenue C. [EV Grieve]
–Another take on neighborhood gentrification from artist Alexander Si, who has transformed the Ki Smith Gallery into a showroom for “170 Forsyth,” a fake luxury building on the Lower East Side. [Brooklyn]
