The Lo-Down

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Followup: Grand Street Traffic Accident

There's word from the Fire Department's press office that no one was transported to the hospital after an accident on Grand Street last night at around 945pm. It looked like it could have been a bad one: the white truck pictured above overturned, ending up on its side. Moments after impact, Police and Fire crews were on the scene. It only took them a few minutes to get the truck upright and to clear the intersection.

Breaking: Serious Traffic Accident

An accident involving at least three cars at Grand and Montgomery. Right now firefighters are surrounding a car that was tipped on its side. No word yet on victims.

Dessert Truck Makes a Brick-and-Mortar Comeback

_{Photo from the Wandering Eater}

It was a dark day last summer when devotees of the Dessert Truck learned the city was pulling their mobile food vendor's permit. Now there's this bit of good news: we're told the company's brick-and-mortar location at 6 Clinton Street is ready to debut January 22nd.

Niles Ford's "Invisible People" Ends This Weekend

It's your last weekend to catch the world premier of the "danceumentary," In Search of the Invisible People, at Dixon Place.  Invisible People was created by Niles Ford and The Uban Dance Collective as a commissioned piece that traces the social revolution of the 80's to the censorship of today through the underground house music dance scene. Dixon Place notes that by "blending video, vogueing, and spoken word, this work confronts the marginalization of a generation, as well as the loss and subsequent relegation of an electrifying musical genre and the people who made that music." Saturday night includes a dance party!

Festival of New Trumpet Music at Abrons

The Festival of New Trumpet (FONT): Forward Flight - continues tonight and tomorrow at Abrons Arts Center. The festival offers a collection of performances designed to highlight the forward-looking trajectory of current brass music.  Performers include Dave Douglas, The Low-Anthem, Chicago Underground Duo, Meridian Arts Ensemble, Dave Ballou and the New York Trumpet Ensemble. Free workshops run throughout the weekend between performances.

East Side Transit Plan Revealed, Debating a Living Wage, Knish Kvetching

MTA, DOT unveil East Side transit plan.

The Daily News urges the Assembly not to "wreck charter schools." 

Should the city require developers to pay workers a living wage? Gotham Gazette looks at the issue and polls the City Council. Margaret Chin says "yes."

Waterfront Coalition Agrees to CB3 Oversight of Basketball City Agreement

_{Basketball City co-sponsored a Lebron James "community day" at Pier 36 in September}

A neighborhood coalition agreed last night to work within the framework of Community Board 3 to address concerns about community access at Basketball City, a private facility opening soon on Pier 36. The terms of a "community benefits agreement" will be evaluated by the board's waterfront subcommittee, which has met only infrequently in recent years but has a long history of dealing with the issue. CB3 Chairman Dominic Pisciotta said he would appoint new "public members" of the panel, including representatives from some of the organizations in the coalition.

"Yumi Janairo Roth: F.O.B." Opens at Cuchifritios

Cuchifritos, the art gallery/project space located inside The Essex Street Market will present the exhibition “Yumi Janairo Roth: F.O.B.”, tomorrow with an opening reception and panel discussion from 4-6pm. The exhibit features recent work by Colorado artist Yumi Roth (created during her recent residency with the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council), as she examines the double meaning of "F.O.B." - which can mean "Freight on Board" or "Fresh Off the Boat" (referring to newly-arrived immigrants, not yet assimilated).

Weekend Midnight Movie at The Sunshine

If you're looking for a blast from the past (when babysitting mis-adventures were much more fantastic) this weekend's midnight movie at the Sunshine is Jim Henson's cult classic fantasy/adventure/musical, Labyrinth, with a young Jennifer Connely and a wonderfully goth David Bowie as a singing Goblin King. Sponsored by The Village Voice & WNYU's The New Afternoon Show, Weekend Midnight movies are only $9.99. Thanks to MLK Day, you can catch the midnight movie this Sunday, as well.

Museum at Eldridge Street Launches New Blog

Earlier today we were pleased to see the Museum at Eldridge Street has launched a new blog. In one of the first posts, Education Coordinator Nina Cohen says:

Our hope for this blog is to give you a behind-the-scenes peek into the inner workings of our museum. What work goes into our exhibits, tours and programs? Check back here to view videos of the fantastic musicians who perform in our concerts, photographs and quirky historic articles we’ve discovered, and updates from our creative staff. Our historic neighborhood is always evolving, and I’ll be blogging about its unique history and contemporary life.

The Tweeting Chef

There's a new culinary star in the neighborhood, who's apparently just as adept with a camera phone as he is with a butcher's knife. Nate Appleman, recruited by Keith McNally to run Pulino's Bar & Pizzaria, has been a busy boy on Twitter.

Food Co-Op Experts Advise LES Residents

Two nights ago, at The Educational Alliance, representatives from the Park Slope Food Co-op (PSFC) and the East 4th Street Food Co-op (4SFC) offered advice and answered questions about how to begin the process of forming a food co-op.  After determining there is a desire for a co-op within the LES community at an initial meeting, Danny Rosenthal, an Educational Alliance vice president, hosted a second meeting in order to get some tips from a few food co-op veterans.

Doing Something that Counts

_{Vintage Census Takers from the Missouri Digital Heritage Initiative collection}

 

It might be a new decade already, but the city hasn't shaken off the 2009 recession just yet. In this tough economy, with relatively few employment opportunities, the United States Census Bureau is offering part-time, temporary jobs related to the 2010 Census.  The census is an invaluable source of information, not only for government, but also for historians, genealogists, and other researchers.  Hundreds of thousands of people will be hired across the country, including on the Lower East Side.  Workers are placed in their own neighborhoods and the jobs are short-term, lasting an average of one to three weeks.  The pay is $18.75 on the Lower East Side and includes a mandatory 4 days of paid training.  Some office or clerical positions may be available as well.

More on the Pyramid Club Stabbings

_{Neither More Nor Less}

In our News Links this morning, we included Bob Arihood's coverage of the double stabbing last night at the Pyramid Club on Avenue A. A few more details from Channel 7 on the incident, involving two men:

They were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police say no arrests were immediately made, but a knife was recovered on the sidewalk.

The club, which opened in 1979, helped define the East Village scene in its early years by hosting acts like Madonna and Blondie. Bands like Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are believed to have played their first city concerts there.

It is housed in a four-story tenement building that a local preservation organization is pushing to be landmarked.

Haiti Earthquake: A Message From Rep. Carolyn Maloney

Just in, a statement from Rep. Carolyn Maloney's office:

The toll of human suffering in Haiti is unimaginable and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the earthquake zone. President Obama has directed the full force of U.S. government agencies to make the Haitian relief effort their highest priority.  When disaster strikes around the world, Americans have a proud tradition of giving generously to help those in need.  New Yorkers who are interested in donating to the relief cause should contact the Red Cross or any of the organizations recommended by USAID at www.usaid.gov.

For the most up-to-date information throughout the coming days, please continue to monitor http://www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake .

The Hot Rats at the Bowery Ballroom Tonight

Fresh off their appearance on David Letterman, the Hot Rats take their act to the Bowery Ballroom tonight. The duo is a side project of Brit alt rock band Supergrass. Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey say the Hot Rats is just a way for them to have some fun and get away from the "day job."  Their new album, "Turn Ons," features covers of Pink Floyd, Roxy Music and the Beastie Boys, among others. The show's tonight at 8pm. Check out the Bowery Ballroom's web site for more info. From their Twitter feed:

Still have tix avail + have 2 pairs to giveaway -- email [email protected] for shot to win em....

Here's a preview, via You Tube:

Basketball City Back on Community Board Agenda Tonight

_{Pier 36, the future home of Basketball City}

Community organizations will be going before the parks committee of Community Board 3 tonight, continuing to press their case for changes to an agreement with Basketball City. The private company, preparing to open a new facility on Pier 36 (Montgomery Street), signed a long-term lease with the city several years ago. Last month, the neighborhood groups appeared before the CB3 panel, outlining a "Community Benefits Agreement" they have independently negotiated with Basketball City owner Bruce Radler. The committee tabled the issue, saying they wanted to hear from Radler, who was not in attendance, before taking a position.

Raising the Charter School Cap, Albany Ethics Fallout, the 100-Year-Old Knish

Given the large amount of federal money at stake, it appears inevitable Democrats in Albany will vote to raise the charter school cap. But they're also pushing for changes in the way charters are awarded that would give the state's Department of Education more authority. Also, NYC's new public advocate, Bill De Blasio, has now come out in support of raising the cap.

There's increasing concern that the city's upcoming Charter Revision will lead to the elimination of community boards.

Albany ethics bill: "not the best thing since sliced bread." Gotham Gazette analyzes what's in the legislation - and what's not. The governor says the proposal falls short. But the Voice opines: the governor's response yesterday amounted to a "head-swiveling act right out of 'The Exorcist.'"

Squadron on Ethics Reform

State Senator Daniel Squadron is out with his take on today's agreement on ethics reform.  He has made it a signature issue. Like most of his colleagues, Squadron says the agreed-upon bill is a step in the right direction, if not everything reform advocates wanted: 

Since taking office, I have pushed for increased disclosure, enforcement, and independence in our ethics and campaign finance oversight, and this morning, I joined with Senator Sampson, Speaker Silver, colleagues, and good government advocates in announcing a reform package that represents a significant step forward. Though the package is far from perfect, I am pleased that my hard work has led to a solution that will actually change Albany. To begin restoring New Yorkers’ faith in our government, a good law is more important than a perfect press release.  Throughout this process, organizations like the New York Public Interest Research Group, Citizens Union, and the League of Women Voters have been partners in the fight for transparency and accountability in government, and I am pleased that they are supporting the package we negotiated.

Eater: Koi Abandons Bowery Move

_{The Salvation Army's former home on the Bowery}

Back in July, Community Board 3 made a stand against the restaurant Koi, which hoped to move into the old Salvation Army building on the Bowery. Opposing a liquor license for the huge "sushi palace." board members said they could not support yet another destination restaurant on an overburdened street. Now Eater reports (via a "well-placed" tipster): "Koi has abandoned all hopes of making the Bowery deal work, and instead has decided to re-sign at the Bryant Park Hotel. A call to Koi's reps in LA confirms the move, meaning that the Bowery will continue to hold onto its past, at least until the community gets on board with its next potential owner."

Help For Haiti

All over New York, people are reacting to the devastating earthquake that struck last night. Tonight from 5-8pm, the Lolita Bar is doing its part to help. They'll be offering $4 drafts, well drinks and margaritas - a dollar from each drink purchase will benefit Doctors Without Borders and Konbit Pou Ayiti, a nonprofit focused on solutions to environmental, social and economic problems in Haiti. After 8pm, a DJ will be spinning. There's a suggested $5 donation - all of that money will go to the two organizations.

Legislators Announce Ethics Agreement

A short time ago, leaders in the State Assembly and Senate announced they've reached a deal on ethics reform. According to a press release, the proposed reforms would:

...create an autonomous, fixed-term investigative body to oversee legislative ethics, require greater disclosure from lobbyists, restore an independent lobbying commission and provide greater information regarding legislators’ outside sources of income. Additionally, the legislation would create a body within the New York State Board of Elections to enforce greater adherence to campaign finance laws. 

Bicycle Safety Advocates Demand More Information on Delancey Accident

Anytime a bicyclist is hurt or killed on the streets of Lower Manhattan, Bill di Paolo makes a point of getting to the scene as quickly as he possibly can. The founder and executive director of the environmental and bicycling advocacy organization, "Time's Up," di Paolo knows the value of first-hand observations in the moments after an accident. Last week, he arrived at the corner of Delancey and Ludlow streets not long after a fatal incident involving a bicyclist and a school bus.

Yesterday, DNA Info reported the victim was an East Village resident, Fuen Bai. Di Paolo wonders why it took the NYPD a week to release the woman's name and why they have declined to release details about exactly what happened in the moments before Bai was killed. Di Paolo says the facts known so far simply don't add up. He believes learning what occurred is critical to saving the lives of other bicyclists in New York City.

Rhizome 2010 Artists to Present Works in Progress at New Museum

Select artists from the most recent round of the Rhizome Commissions will present and discuss their works in progress tomorrow night at the New Museum. Rhizome, a non-profit affiliate of the New Museum, was founded in the 90's to promote the first artists working online. Grants are now given annually to eleven emerging artists for the creation of original works of new media art.

7pm // $6 members // $8 general public

Skits 'N' Tits Returns to Bowery Poetry Club Tonight

The monthly variety show, "Skits 'n Tits", highlighting "the best of downtown burlesque beauties, comedians, sketch, variety acts, and music" is back at The Bowery Poetry Club tonight at 10pm. This month’s line up will include Adrienne Lapalucci (Winner of The NY Comedy Festival’s People’s Choice Opening Act Competition), Jessica Kirson (Last Comic Standing), Mike Amato (2 time Andy Kaufman Award Finalist), Mike Lawrence (NY comic icon) and Ben Lerman (Fringe, Edinburgh).

Mendez Plans Puerto Rico Trip, Remembering a Yiddish Theater Legend, Unveiling the "Rear Yard"

City Councilmember Rosie Mendez is among a group that will travel to Puerto Rico to meet with the family of Jorge Steven López Mercado, a gay teenager who was murdered. A benefit was held last night at the Nuyorican Poets Café.

Charter school opponents fight for the right to picket in front of Bloomie's home.

The New York Nights blog weighs in on changes at the State Liquor Authority, which it believes have "stirred up anger" among local community boards.

Ethics Reform Deal to be Announced

This just in from Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's office:

Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb today will announce the introduction of sweeping ethics and campaign finance reform legislation. The legislation will include provisions agreed to by both the Senate and Assembly that would require greater disclosure from lobbyists and restore an independent lobbying commission, provide greater information regarding legislators’ outside sources of income and create a body within the New York State Board of Elections to enforce greater adherence to campaign finance laws.

A news conference is scheduled for 11:30am. More to come...

Neighbors Organize to Save Ray's Candy Store

_{Photo from: Neither More Nor Less}

Lilly O'Donnell grew up in the neighborhood. She fondly recalls going to Ray's Candy Store with her grandfather. Now, along with other supporters of a neighborhood institution, Lilly is trying to save Ray Alvarez from eviction.

For more than a week, the story has been front and center on Bob Arihood's blog, Neither More Nor Less, and on EV Grieve. Over the weekend, there was a big piece on Ray's dilemma in "The Shadow."  In the latest chapter of a saga that's been going on for several years, his landlord is vowing to padlock the Avenue A store unless Ray pays $8-thousand in back rent.

The Village Voice Investigates: LES Youth Violence

                               ^{Pat Kinsella}

In this week's edition of the Village Voice, reporter Graham Rayman has a lengthy piece focusing on youth violence on the Lower East Side. The story searches for answers to a troubling question: why is anxiety about crime increasing even as the crime rate reaches historic lows? 

Talking with kids, youth counselors and longtime neighborhood residents, the report underscores the reality that statistics often don't tell the whole story.