Gothamist on La Villita’s closing. 17 years doesn’t sound right – maybe 17 under this owner? But I’m pretty sure I was getting my egg sandwiches and cafes con leche there before 1996.
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New new Domino Plans Revealed
Taller… and cheaper?
In case you missed it, the new new Domino plans went public late this evening. There is a lot to digest here, including taller buildings, a lot more architecture, more open space, a whole new street, a lot more commercial space, a little less residential space, the same amount of affordable housing. And, according to the Post headline writers, Two Trees has really figured out how to economize on construction costs.
Like I said, a lot to digest here. But in the end, it comes down to a question of: is it better?
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Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg Move to East River State Park
Here is the press release from NY State Parks on the relocation of the Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg to the slabs at East River State Park. Seems like a good fit, but what are people going to think about taking a quarter of the (only) waterfront park out of commission every weekend?
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MTA To Launch Full-Line Review of G Train
After two state senators and various other elected officials lobbied on its behalf, the G train will receive some special attention now through June 2013 as it undergoes a thorough inspection of ongoing service issues.
Squadron, Dilan and the Riders Alliance get some traction on improving the crosstown local. It is only a study, but getting the MTA to admit that they have a G train is the first step.
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The Party is Over at La Villita
Photo: arimoore via Flickr
Yes, the party is over at La Villita – closed as of yesterday. (The building has had a for-rent sign for a few months now; we’ll see what Corcoran can bring in.)
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Upper East Siders Boo Quinn Over Trash Plan
“Don’t expect us to vote for you!”
“That’s fine,” Quinn snapped.
Meanwhile, City Council Comptroller John Liu, who has previously supported the plan, flipped his position at the forum because of Hurricane Sandy-related issues.
“It doesn’t make sense to proceed while turning a blind eye to that simple fact,” he said.
Former City Comptroller Bill Thompson and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, who voted in favor of the 2006 plan, said concerns over flooding left them both on the fence, and said they both planned to visit the site.
At a forum on the Upper East Side, Christine Quinn reiterated her support for an equitable solid waste plan – one that will greatly lessen the burden on neighborhoods like Greenpoint and East Williamsburg by distributing residential waste handling throughout the city. Upper East Siders don’t like it because it means a marine transfer station on their waterfront near Asphalt Green.
Quinn stood her ground (the plan also puts a marine transfer recycling plant in her district), while John Liu has dropped his support. Thompson and de Blasio used to support the plan, but now want to visit the proposed marine transfer site. Because they have that much expertise.
Meanwhile, Greenpoint’s new Congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney, sponsored the forum. It would be interesting to hear what she thinks about the issue, affecting as it does both ends of her district.
UPDATE: Azi Paybarah a Capital NY has a much more in-depth article (which implies that de Blasio is not on the fence, but has already flipped – though at least he recognizes that the facility needs to be sited in Manhattan).
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Brooklyn Flea Moving to East River State Park
This has been in the offing for a while. Presumably the nitrous will be locally sourced now.
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Churches United Benefit
Churches United for Fair Housing is having its 10th Anniversary benefit tomorrow evening at Giando. You should go and support them.
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Change name of Long Island City to LIC, Say Officials, Business Leaders
According to the New York Post, in order to separate from the confusion of being mistaken with Long Island, officials and business leaders are looking to change the name of Long Island City to the “trendier “abbreviation “LIC.”
Maybe part of the reason it is confused with Long Island is because it is part of Long Island. It has been since “L.I.C.” was founded as an independent city in 1870.