Video of Cooper Union Hotel Protest on 5th Street

Meg Williams has posted this video on YouTube, showing the community protest against the new Cooper Union Hotel and the bars it brings with it.

The Sidewalk Carvings at 25 Bond Street

If you've wondered about the "clink, clink, clink" sound coming from Bond Street each day from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, here's the answer. It's an interesting article about artist Kenichi Hiratsuka and developer Tony Goldman and the art sidewalk in front of 25 Bond.

The Rush to "Funky Bowery"

For anyone who hasn't taken a trip down the Bowery lately, this article in the New York Times will be enough to send you exploring. This isn't the same area some of us remember as a good place to find pallets for our woodstoves! Follow the link:

REAL ESTATE / COMMERCIAL November 28, 2007 Some Big Bets That the Funky Bowery Can Be Luxe By J. ALEX TARQUINIO Developers are scrambling to turn the once-downtrodden Bowery into the latest trendy corridor for luxury goods and entertainment.

Teardown Begins on 30 Great Jones Street

For those watching the teardown that's begun on 30 Great Jones Street, we have confirmed the rumor that the plan is for an as-of-right hotel. Meanwhile, the neighbors are already suffering. We hear that there are plans on file at the DOB. If anyone has details on those plans, please send them to QuietBondStreet@aol.com.

John Varvatos Announces CBGB Takeover

A retail space that "preserves" the spirit of CBGB's? Hmmm. -- BB

Though chain establishments have been replacing our city's most revered institutions for a while now (see also: Chase/2nd Ave Deli, Michael Kors/Jerry's), the news that designer John Varvatos would be opening a boutique in the space that had housed rock club CBGB's hit rather hard, especially since it broke not long after founder Hilly Kristal passed away. When we first spoke with Varvatos' PR team, they were tight lipped about the Bowery rumor, but today, they've issued an official statement about the soon-to-open store (hat tip to Jeremiah of Vanishing New York for passing it along). The release doesn't contain anything too revelatory—Varvatos wanted to "keep the spirit of CBGB’s alive", he's been a music fan for many years—but it's worth a read, especially since Alice Cooper weighs in at the end. We've included the thing in full after the jump.

John Varvatos Enterprises is excited to announce the opening of its latest boutique at 315 Bowery in New York City, the space that formerly housed the seminal underground music club CBGB’s. Varvatos, known for infusing his personal passion for rock & roll into his acclaimed menswear collections, is aiming for a spring 2008 opening.

The opportunity to take over the defunct club arose when Varvatos was viewing the adjacent space at 313 Bowery for an entirely separate purpose. Overwhelmed by a desire to see the shuttered venue where he had attended countless shows over the years, Varvatos asked the lease-holder if he could take a look. Once inside, the designer was inspired to do what he could to help keep the spirit of CBGB’s alive in its original East Village location. “The space had been empty for the better part of a year as we searched for the right tenant. John Varvatos is ideal because he has a real reverence for the history of the space and every intention of honoring its legacy,” said Elliott Azrak of Azrak Capital Group. Azrak’s Rebel Rebel Realty took over the lease in 2006 after the exit of long-time tenant Hilly Kristal.

John Varvatos - the man and the brand- has ties to the world of music that run deep. An avid fan of such bands as Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Replacements, and The New York Dolls since his teen years growing up in Detroit, Varvatos now features legendary rockers in his advertising campaigns. The ads, photographed by Grammy-nominated music documentarian Danny Clinch, have showcased Slash, Ryan Adams, Alice Cooper, and CBGB-alum Iggy Pop, wearing Varvatos’ signature designs. With a nod to The Ramones, Varvatos also collaborates with Converse on a line of sneakers and clothing. In addition, Varvatos has played host to an array of legendary rockers including The New York Dolls who performed at the launch of the Converse by John Varvatos clothing collection, Jesse Malin at The Highline to benefit Free Arts NYC, and most recently, Perry Farrell at a benefit for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a charity of which John is also a board member. Frequent CBGB performer and East Village local, Jesse Malin, commented, “After getting to know John over the years and seeing him host wonderful live music performances, I can't think of anyone better to keep the spirit and soul of rock music alive on the Bowery in the old CBGB's location.”

Varvatos is thrilled about the new location that comprises 3,300 square feet in the original club space. “This store is going to be totally unique, different from our other boutiques,” said the designer. “We’re going to make it a great way to look back at this remarkable history but also forward to what’s happening in music today.” Among the many ideas being considered for the new store are a special merchandise mix geared to a rock & roll customer, a stage permanently integrated into the store design, an in-store performance series featuring up and coming musical artists, and a new John Varvatos collection designed specifically for 315 Bowery, from which a portion of the proceeds would benefit an artist development fund. “I think it’s great … now all the old CBGB punks will become the best dressed CBGB punks in the world,” declared Alice Cooper.

CBGB OMFUG (Country, Blue Grass and Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers) was founded in 1973 and quickly forsook its namesake musical styles to become a forum for rock and punk bands including Blondie, Talking Heads, Television, Patti Smith Group, Richard Hell & the Voidoids, The Ramones, and Green Day. The club closed in October 2006. The final show on its stage was performed by Patti Smith.

Launched in 2000, John Varvatos’ lifestyle collection is comprised of John Varvatos Collection, John Varvatos USA, Converse by John Varvatos - clothes for guys and girls, John Varvatos Eyewear, and John Varvatos SKIN and Fragrance. Varvatos has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005). The collection is distributed internationally and in five freestanding John Varvatos boutiques in the U.S.

NoHo Hotel Crunch.....

What's bigger, more transient, more traffic and noise producing than an NYU classroom building? A 24-7 "Entertainment Hotel."

Sorry folks, we missed the part about the Landmark application for 408 Lafayette St. including a hotel. But, not to worry, according to Curbed the plan has been withdrawn at Landmarks. Or, maybe just hold the worrying until January. According to our count that's three potential/probable as-of-right hotels within the 12 blocks of NoHo and two more across the street on the Bowery. At a conservative three liquor licenses each, that's nine more bar/lounge/club venues.

Noho HotelWatch: Bond Off for Now, Crunch Crunched?

Coming to a Bedroom Window Near You.....

To update our Entertainment Hotels conversations (8-12 Bond St., for one), you should not miss Dan Levin's latest entry at New York Magazines Intelligencer......Dubai on the Bowery, Belly up to the bars. Published Oct 28, 2007

NoHo Then and Now...

Michael Gross of the New York Observer wrote a truly terrific piece last week:

On Bond Street in the 70’s
No Ian Schrager condos then, but a lot of coke—and Basquiat’s wall poetry, Talking Heads in your $200 loft and Picassos for sublease

Perhaps you have some stories to share as well. Do share them

Evolving NoHo

Bradley Hope did a terrific job researching the new Entertainment Hotel phenomenon last week in the NY Sun. If you are concerned about the proposed hotel at 8-12 Bond St. you really should read it.

State Liquor Authority's 500 ft Rule Explained

Community Board #2 Manhattan recently hosted a thorough and very helpful Public Meeting with regarding the rules and regulations involved with liquor licensing. Guest speakers were Daniel Boyle, Chair of the State Liquor Authority and Chief Operating Officer, Joshua Toas.

You can hear the entire dialogue in a podcast onYouTube.

AND if you have any special questions - PLEASE post them here. We'll get you as many answers as we can.

Bond Street Theatre

We are fortunate to be the home of many theaters...among them an international touring theater.

Bond Street Theatre was founded in 1976 by a group of physically skilled and socially concerned actors and musicians. The ensemble’s method was shaped by their diversity of techniques and their mission motivated by their passion to be useful in this world.

The company creates innovative works that address social and environmental issues, and uses the performing arts as humanitarian outreach and a tool for education and healing.

The picture above is from Cozmic Jazz—A Short History of the Universe is a satiric and humorous story about humanity—and a comic commentary on “the meaning of life.” A blend of music, dance, acrobatics, and comedy, the play abounds with curious characters and captivating imagery—all accompanied by compelling rhythms and great jazz. Cozmic Jazz has been presented in major Festivals in France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia, Venezuela, Singapore, Hungary and the US.

Annie Shaver Crandell - Show

From Above - In conjuction with the High Line Project

October 18-28, 2007
Paula Barr Chelsea
West Chelsea Arts Building
508-526 West 26 Street, Suite 9G
New York, NY 10001
Gallery hours: 12-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday

When the Real Estate Section of the NY Times Calls Out the Negatives of Nightlife, We Guess It Must Be Real

The rally cry of NoHo's recent opposition to the addition of another night-hip restaurant wasn't an anomoly, nor was it yet another cranky protest. When residents and property owners, some of them pretty big ones, pointed out that the unrestricted dominance of bars and night-hip restaurants was contrary to the economic and social interests in their community, it seemed a shocking reversal of the "Public Interest," as interpreted by the State Liquor Authority and to some extent New York City Government, which had all too often declared that anything that made money couldn't be refused.

Well, here it is, folks, from the most pro real estate newspaper in the City! If the nightlife industry - a potentially valuable contributor to the City's economy can't learn to manage itself, can't take an active and responsible role in the vitality of a neighborhood, bigger players in the economy may regulate them even more than laws do.

Click on the title above.

312 Bowery Sold for $22.1 Million

Massey Knakal sells mixed-use in Manhattan for $22.1M
by Rob Biedermann


Mr. CirauloMassey Knakal Realty Services arranged the sale of a newly renovated five-story mixed-use building at 312 Bowery in the NoHo neighborhood in Manhattan for $22.1 million to Bremen House, Inc.The seller, 314 Realty LLC, was exclusively represented by Massey Knakal Vice Chairman John Ciraulo, along with Managing Director James Nelson and broker James Kinsey. The five-story building sits on the west side of Bowery between Houston and Bleecker. It is a mix of residential and retail with 21 one-bedroom apartments, a three-bedroom penthouse and 5,000 square feet of retail space. The building spans nearly 23,000 square feet.

This Month's CB#2 Manhattan Hearings of Note

PUBLIC FORUM: STATE LIQUOR AUTHORITY (SLA) WORKSHOP
The SLA is presenting a workshop to CB 2 to discuss the “500 foot rule” and other issues of community interest. Board members are strongly encouraged to attend. The public is welcome.
Tues., 10/2 @ 6:45 PM-NYU Silver Building, 32 Waverly Pl. Room 809 (I.D. Required)

STREET ACTIVITY AND FILM PERMITS Philip Mouquinho, Chair
Thurs., 10/4 6:30 PM-CB#2-Man., Board Conference Room, 3 Washington Square Village, ground floor: 10/25 – University Plaza Nursery School, Bleecker St. bet. Mercer St. & La Guardia Pl.

ZONING & HOUSING Hon. David Reck, Chair
Thurs., 10/11 @ 6:30 PM – NYU Silver Building, 32 Waverly Place, Room 206 (I.D. Required)
8-12 Bond St. Board of Standards and Appeals variance application pursuant to Section 72-21 to permit hotel and retail (Use Group 6 including restaurant use) below the level of the second story in an M1-5B zoning district. The proposed new building will contain as of right hotel uses on floors two through seven and will comply with the bulk standards for the district.

INSTITUTIONS David Gruber, Chair
Mon., 10/15 @ 6:30 PM- Caring Community, 20 Washington Square North, Conference Room, First Floor: 1. NYU Update on Phase One of the Planning Process.

PUBLIC FORUM: FILM SCREENING ON NYC TRAFFIC & CONGESTION PRICING
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION Shirley Secunda, Chair
Tues., 10/23 @ 6:00 PM – NYU Casa Italiana, 24 W. 12th St.
“Contested Streets: Breaking New York City Gridlock,” screening of new documentary film on livable streets co-sponsored by CB2 Manhattan, Transportation Alternatives & NYU Office of Gov’t and Community Relations. Remarks by: NYC Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, State Senator Thomas K. Duane, Assembly Member Deborah J. Glick & Deputy Manhattan Borough President Rose Pierre-Louis. Panel discussion to follow.

4:00 AM Hit and Run Kills Pedestrian on Bowery & 4th St.

According to 7online: This deadly hit and run happened just after 4 a.m. Sunday morning at Bowery and east 4th Street. The 24-year-old victim suffered massive head injuries and later died at St. Vincents Hospital. Several people witnessed the horrific accident.

NY Sun Covers Bond Street

Bond Street Begins Transition
By BRADLEY HOPE
Staff Reporter of the Sun, September 27, 2007 posted 9/26/07 11:25 pm EDT

Just in case you missed it. Click on the title above.

Hotel Bulletin

We have just heard from the Chair of CB2 Manhattan's Zoning Committee Chair that the plans have changed for 8-10 Bond St. The planned as-of-right hotel is a last minute addition to the October hearing calendar. They are also seeking a special permit for a change of use on the area below the second floor.

We smell lots-o-bars and a probable endorsement from the NoHo BID.

UPDATE: ZONING & HOUSING Hon. David Reck, Chair
Thurs., 10/11 @ 6:30 PM – NYU Silver Building, 32 Waverly Place, Room 206 (I.D. Required). 8-12 Bond St. Board of Standards and Appeals variance application pursuant to Section 72-21 to permit hotel and retail (Use Group 6 including restaurant use) below the level of the second story in an M1-5B zoning district. The proposed new building will contain as of right hotel uses on floors two through seven and will comply with the bulk standards for the district.

Save Post-AL...address correction

It seems that 341 Lafayette is another address to be watching. The owners have entered into an agreement with a real estate firm to convert the ground floor spaces to high class retail (we are not sure about the second floor).

BUT, in the process Gary Patik, owner of Post-AL, our much-beloved and much-needed packing, shipping (specializes in art and antiques), printing and mailbox store is being forced to leave.

Help him find another address in our neighborhood, PLEASE. Faster, more efficient and way-more neighborhood friendly than some of his national chain competitors, Post-AL provides a needed service to our community...AND, need I add, this is a quiet, clean, 8:00 am to 6:00pm business, not attracting of vermin, eco-frieindly and the perfect compliment to our growing stable of live-work neighbors.

So, here are his specs: 750-1000 sq. ft of space. Ampirage enough to run two computers and two copy machines, and storage space for packing materials. His reputation is terrific; he has a steady and rapidly growing customer base...AND he loves the neighborhood.

If you've got an idea...or a space, you can reach him directly at CORRECTED ADDRESS: gapati8@aol.com

Schrager Bonds With His New Neighbors

Dan Levin reports in this weeks New York Magazine about our sweet victory in keeping Quiet Bond Street, actually quiet. We can't say it better...so click on the title above and enjoy...

More San Genaro....

If living with it isn't quite enough, check out the dialogue on Curbed.com , "How to Clean Up San Genaro" (click on title above)

New York Times Maps Building Permits

The New York Times Real Estate Section now includes a feature that maps building permits by date and location. Ours is Village Soho (maybe someday they'll recognize NoHo). So, now we know there are major rennovation permits at 32 Bond, 42 Bond and 53 Great Jones issued since June of this year. No surprises here...but now you know for the future.

Click on the title above, and then put the address in your favorites.

Now, if someone can figure out how to map DOB violations ...

NoHo Ranks High as Recession Proof

Straight from Downtown Express....In its annual real estate edition, New York Magazine ranked the city’s neighborhoods by their vulnerability to economic downturns, specifically the recent sub-prime mortgage crisis. Neighborhoods were ranked from 1.0 to 10, with 1.0 being recession-proof and 10 being the top of the bursting bubble.

Downtown faired pretty well in New York’s assessment, with the West Village and Tribeca leading the pack at a 2.0. .....Soho, Noho and the central Village came in at a 2.5 thanks to true loft spaces and the stability provided by N.Y.U. The East Village and Lower East Side, however, were rated a less-stable 5.0 because of young buyers who may have bitten off more debt than they can chew.

Click on title above for full Downtown Express coverage.

New Museum Stimulates Gallery Relocations

We have caught buzz in several places that the New Museum's (235 Bowery) opening on Dec. 1st is stimulating the migration of galleries from Chelsea to our area. The latest is in the Sept 19 edition of the NY Sun (click on title above), though a full run-down is found in ArtInfo:

Dozens have popped up or relocated within the neighborhood in the past year or so—including James Fuentes LLC, Reena Spaulings, Rivington Arms, Salon 94 Freemans, Smith-Stewart, Sunday, and Thierry Goldberg Projects—and at least a couple new ones will be in business in the area by the time the New Museum opens its doors Dec. 1, such as Eleven Rivington and Rental. The irrepressible Stefan Stoyanov has moved his Luxe Gallery from 57th Street (a location he told me more than once he found frustrating) to 53 Stanton Street, just a couple of blocks east of the museum, where he opens his first show Sept. 6, and Lehmann Maupin is expanding into a newly restored building a block from the New Museum at 201 Chrystie Street, but will maintain its 26th Street headquarters.

Perhaps NoHo's many ample ground floor spaces are also fertile ground?

AOL Moving from Virginia to NoHo, Sort of..

Adding to the dotcoms and audio/video post production business resident in NoHo will be the new home of AOL at the Wannamaker Building.

See a great picture of this landmark and some witty comments about just which neighborhood should claim AOL residency at http://www.news.com/8301-13577_3-9779608-36.html

NoHo Revealed

It's not easy to find balance between lifestyles in New York City. But the residents and property owners and business owners on Bond St and in NoHo are trying.

In the struggle to contain liquor-influenced entertainment and commerce and allow room for other possibilities, QUIET BOND ST has produced a video and placed it on YouTube.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYO2b2-CIdE

NoHo Photographer, Stan Ries Opens Show Sept 20th

The New York School of Interior Design presents NoHo architectural photographer, Stan Ries, in a show on Great Public Spaces from September 20 through December 21st.

Last year (Seot. 2006) he released a book, The World Trade Center Remembered, Aerial and Panoramic Photographs, published by Linlithgo Publishers, Germantown, NY

Seeking Balance

Once upon a time we were all young enough to enjoy the weekend carouse; some of us are still young enough to enjoy it. And, where would we be without New York's culinary cutting edge? Probably somewhere in Idaho wishing for saffron risotto.

But, when the liquor flows more steadily than the food; when the carousing takes to the street; when your fun becomes someone else's problem, then we've crossed the line.

From anywhere in NoHo there are between 10 and 30 liquor licensed establishments within 500 feet. This density of garbage-, vermin-, traffic- and patron-producing activity has surpassed our ability to contain it. It is also beginning to affect our property values and our cache in attracting other businesses that would contribute to the economic and social viability of our neighborhood - including the licensed establishments that have to dream up ever more aggressive means to attract customers. (Invitations on MySpace are only the tip of the iceberg.)

It is not that we want to scourge the neighborhood of what we have, it is that we would prefer not to have more...and that an upgrade in the operators of some might be a good idea.

So, if you have similar feelings, you are encouraged to take on a little civic activism and let Community Board #2 and the State Liquor Authority know your feelings on this matter.

You can download a petition or copy text to send in a letter to Community Board #2, at http://www.nohomanhattan.org/ on the NoHo News page.

UPDATE

NoHo succeeded in gaining a denial for the license application on Bond St. at September 20th Full Board hearing. CB#2 Manhattan ruled in favor of NoHo in the "Public Interest."

A Community of Artists

Since its beginning NoHo has been the home of innovators, artists and creative endeavors. We know of more than 50 entities and know there are more within our neighborhood. Chuck Close, whose self portrait is at the left is one of them. A new Gallery called 33 Bond is another.

This section is provided for announcements of performances, releases, gallery openings, shows, music releases and concerts.

And, should you be interested in editing regular posts on overall NoHo art activities, please contact us.

NoHoManhattan.Org Is Moving Toward Digital Democracy

This is where you can comment about anything, raise an issue, register a complaint...or sign up to lead an issue you feel is important to your neighborhood.

It is also where, if you are one of our many new neighbors, you can tell us what you like and don't like.

You might want to check the current calendar at Community Board #2 at http://www.cb/#2manhattan.org where you will find the hearing schedule on Zoning, Liquor Licensing, Traffic and Transportation, Landmarks, Sidewalk Cafes that affect your property or quality of life.

We're looking for direction, so here's your chance to affect change. Add your comments to this post. We'll check them often.

Spread the word.

NYU Campus Planning

Second New York University Open House on Campus Planning - Monday, Sept 17, Hemmerdinger Hall, 100 Washington Square East, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Meet the planning team. Let them hear your thoughts about your neighborhood and how NYU can have a more positive impact on its future.

You can download a list and map of current NYU properties and uses at http://www.nohomanhattan.org/NoHo%20News.htm

San Genaro, Houston Construction, Movie Crews

UPDATE: Sept 22, 2007
We're still reaching out....so it comes as no surprise that Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's appointment of Nazli Parvizi, as Commissioner of the Community Assistance Unit, (formerly Executive Director of the Mayor's Volunteer Center) wasn't quite the right answer. In March, by Executive Order, the Mayor added another layer in the Street Permitting and Oversight arena -- the Office of Citywide Events Coordination and Management, appointing as Executive Director, Evan M. Korn.

After more than an hour's testimony at last weeks Goverment Operations Committee Hearing, Chaired by Councilman Simcha Felder where both Councilman Felder and Councilman Gerson tried their very best to find out how, exactly, Mr. Korn is to improve things, we are all still in the dark. So, today, we tried to find out how to actually contact the new CECM office. Guess what, there is no listing anywhere on the nyc.gov site and their own search engine doesn't recognize the name. Oh, well!

Sept 17, 2007
So, here we are, three days into the San Genaro Feast, two years into Houston St. reconstruction and regularly bombarded by film production and nobody outside of NoHo seems to grasp how much disruption this creates.

Repeated outreach to the Ninth Precinct for additional enforcement on the Bowery/Houston corridors has met deaf ears. Horn honking began at 4:00 pm on Saturday (though NoHo is plastered with No Honking signs), and kept a steady pace till 2:30 a.m. Sunday. By 6:00 a.m. the jack hammers began on Houston St.

Two weeks ago two different film crews demolished trees, left oil slicks and continuously ran diesel engines -- not the low sulfer type with filters, as the new law requires -- for two days.

Tell the City what needs to be done. On Tuesday, September 18th at 1PM in council chambers at City Hall, there will be an oversight of CAU (Community Assistance Unit) regarding their very liberal issuance of permits for street fairs. Street fairs can create traffic snarls, noise late into the evening, crime, trash, public drunkenness, and other things that detract from a community’s quality of life. Please come and lend your support – let CAU know that these permits should not be issued without the approval of local community boards. Show CAU that there needs to be oversight of their permitting procedures so that the local community can establishment parameters for location, dates, and duration of street fairs, as well making sure that there are adequate measures taken to abate noise and provide sanitary facilities.

Environment

The CB#2 Institutions Committee heard a second presentation regarding the Genonics building construction on Waverly Place and is continuing to monitor both this and the Co-Gen project on Mercer. Both are as-of-right projects, however various discussions and concessions are in the works regarding quality of life, hazardous material removal and noise during the 2-3 year construction phase.

The Co-Generation plant on Mercer St has been approved though talks are ongoing with the Co-Op Board and residents at 250 Mercer St.

Talking about noise...the NoHo Neighborhood Association is looking for videographers who are willing to take turns evenings and weekends to document horn honking and traffic congestion in preparation for a presentation to NYPD and Dept of Transportation regarding the sadly lacking enforcement presence. Please contact us or write a post about your problem location.

If you'd like a copy of the new Noise Code, you will find it at NoHoManhattan.org. Just use the Search Feature above and click on the NoHoManhattan button.

Connecting Neighbors

This section of our blog is a bit free-form, but its intent is for NoHo neighbors to exchange miscellaneous information with each other.

We will set the mood with some photographs from Hubert Steed who regularly posts terrific images of our neighborhood on his web-site.

www.pbase.com/hjsteed/manhattan_neighborhoods

Do You Have Some Space for a Neighborhood Playgroup?

A 30 year old parent run cooperative play group (for 2-4 1/2 year olds) located in Nolita seeks a new home. The cooperative consists of families from the neighborhood, that are very committed to the community, most are artists. If any one knows of a space available or an opportunity that would help our cooperative it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Please contact: Nana Olivas 917 583 6139