We just returned from a news conference on Hester Street, in which tenant activists and elected officials announced a victory in a year-long legal struggle against a hotel developer. Last August, the residents of 128 Hester were forced from...
Once upon a time, the city envisioned creating an "urban beach and boat launch," something like the rendering posted above, on Pier 42. Last week, however, NYC's Economic Development Corp., detailed plans that are considerably less ambitious. David Quart,...
Flowers on Essex is making a move to Grand Street, taking over the space previously occupied by Isabella's Oven. The shop has been located at 51 Essex Street for about 7 years. A short time ago the owner, Bill...
Today we continue our series of interviews with community activists engaged in the ongoing debate about the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area (SPURA). The development site near the Williamsburg Bridge has languished for 43 years, as neighbors feuded about...
Back in March, we reported that M. Schames & Sons, the legendary Essex Street paint store, was being forced to relocate. The demolition of their neighbor, 5 Essex, had apparently destabilized a shared exterior wall. A Lo-Down reader noted...
This week Lower East Side residents vented their frustration at city housing officials, who struggled to explain why apartments in three NYCHA developments have been without gas for up to four months. The tenants came to a meeting Wednesday...
Bill Morris, a novelist, freelance journalist and LES resident, noticed something peculiar near his apartment on East 5th Street. So he decided to do some sleuthing. Here's what he found:
Taxpayers, rejoice! Now that you've paid your state and federal...
It felt a little bit like group therapy. Everyone had the opportunity to speak their mind. A professorial facilitator offered encouragement. They even passed around a bowl of grapes and some cookies. But last night's gathering in a stuffy...
Walking down Essex Street yesterday afternoon, I encountered workers putting up scaffolding along the front of 75 Essex (otherwise known as The Eisner Brothers Building). A quick perusal of the D.O.B. website revealed a complaint on March 31st, stating:...
We've been saying for several months the end of 225 East Broadway was near. The demolition has been taking place since the beginning of January. But, as this photo taken a few minutes ago shows, there's rubble and not...
