Chinatown Fire | The Lo-Down : News from the Lower East Side

Grand Street Tenants Ask Fire Officials Tough Questions

Photo by Leung Photography via Flickr.

Last night, city officials faced pointed questions from tenants about the Fire Department’s response to last Sunday night’s devastating blaze on Grand Street. The residents had came to an informational meeting in Chinatown, which included briefings from several city agencies.

Officials addressed many of their concerns about short-term housing arrangements, retrieving their belongings from the destroyed buildings and applying for government assistance. But there was frustration that no one was able to answer questions about the events that took place the night of the blaze broke out in 283 Grand, and spread to three other buildings.

Firehouse Closures, Chinatown Transportation Issues on CB3 Agenda Tonight

Seven Alarm Blaze at 285 Grand Street, Manhattan

Firefighters battling Chinatown blaze Sunday night. Photo by Leung Photography via Flickr.

There will be some especially timely issues on the agenda when Community Board 3’s transportation committee meets tonight. Among them: a discussion about the impact on the neighborhood if Mayor Bloomberg goes ahead with his plan to close up to 20 fire houses (citywide).

Photos From the Aftermath of the Grand Street Fire

The buildings were still smoldering this morning in the aftermath of the 7-alarm fire that broke out at 283 Grand Street. Here are some photos from the scene:

photo by Ed Litvak

More photos after the jump.

Update: Fire on Grand Street

We understand up to 90 residents have been displaced. They are being cared for at Intermediate School 131, just up the street. Four buildings were impacted by the fire. Smoke is still streaming out of the top of the buildings from time to time.

Friday News Links

NYFD investigators are back on the scene of that four alarm fire that broke out in a Chinatown grocery store last night. They're trying to figure out what caused the fire that took five hours to control. Seven firefighters suffered minor injuries. See the video via ArtRavels.

The New York Post says a 14 year old was arrested earlier this week for the April 22 beating and robbery of a man near Essex and Delancey. It happened about 5pm. The suspect, and two accomplices, pummeled the victim and stole his phone. The victim's jaw had to be wired shut. All three suspects were arrested.

About 185,000 New Yorkers pedaled to work in 2008, up 18,000 from 2007. In the past three years NYC has added 620 miles of bike lanes.

Friday News Links

About 185,000 New Yorkers pedaled to work in 2008, up 18,000 from 2007. In the past three years NYC has added 620 miles of bike lanes.