downtownTEMDER MUSCLES, P. 24

® express VOLUME 24, NUMBER 26 THE NEWSPAPER OF LOWER MANHATTAN NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2011 Peck Slip School expansion insuffi cient, says residents BY ALINE REYNOLDS its Monday, Nov. 7 meeting. Though Lower Manhattan “You can go and over- parents rejoiced about last crowd the schools in the week’s announcement of the Village, Chinatown and Peck Slip elementary school Chelsea, and it’s not going expansion, it is hardly prov- to get you anywhere close to ing to be a solution to school 1,200 seats,” said Greenleaf, overcrowding Downtown. in light of a recent itera- When Peck Slip opens tion of the city’s proposal to in 2015, the neighborhood’s rezone School District Two. overall school capacity “What we’re seeing is will be four years behind the fastest growing part of its demand, according to Manhattan,” said Greenleaf. Eric Greenleaf, a professor “What’s needed is more Downtown Express photo by Milo Hess of New York University’s schools.” Stern School of Business Greenleaf factored the and an active member of district’s overall birth rate Veteran folk rockers visit Zuccotti NYS Assembly Speaker numbers into his enrollment On Tuesday, Nov. 8, David Crosby (above) and Graham Nash brought their voices and musical talents to Zuccotti Sheldon Silver’s School projections, which accord- Park to support and promote the Occupy Wall Street encampment, now entering its eighth week. Overcrowding Task Force. ing to his reports, rose by Not counting Peck Slip, 27.6 percent between 2006 Community District Two and 2009, and are likely to needs a total of approxi- go up by 35 percent from O.W.S. adopts new decision-making model mately 1,200 new elemen- 2006 to 2010. (The city- tary school seats — the issued report on birth rates BY ALINE REYNOLDS General Assembly meetings. O.W.S. meetings, the model was ini- equivalent of twice the for last year, he noted, is As Occupy Wall Street enters its The Spokes Council, intended to tially proposed in mid-October, after planned elementary capacity due for release in the com- eighth week, members of the movement be “non-hierarchical” and “directly the nightly G.A. became too large and of P.S. 276 plus the Spruce ing weeks). who continue to camp out in Zuccotti democratic,” is supposed to facili- diffuse to meet day-to-day operational Street School, according Greenleaf’s presentation Park are testing out a new way to tate discussions solely among “opera- demands of the park. to Greenleaf’s latest over- seemed to test the nerves come together and make decisions. The tional” working groups, or groups On Friday, Oct. 28, the Spokes crowding analysis. of Lorraine Grillo, the O.W.S.’s new, consensus-based model, directly involved with the encamp- Council was voted into implementation Greenleaf presented his Department of Education’s dubbed “Operational Spokes Council,” ment at Zuccotti Park, according to a by the G.A. startling calculations to School Construction is meant to address the logistical needs written proposal of the model posted Gregory Schwedock, a member of Community Board 1’s Youth Authority President, who of the park’s inhabitants that members on O.W.S.’s website. and Education Committee at attended the committee say are being neglected by the nightly A talking point of several recent Continued on page 14 Continued on page 15 2 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express Mixed forecast for One W.T.C., says leasing exec

BY ALINE REYNOLDS DE: Talk about the tenants you’ve secured international presence as we get closer to Tara Stacom, vice chairperson of the thus far. renting. We’re also looking for diversity [in global commercial real estate fi rm Cushman size] and are ready to lease smaller spaces & Wakefi eld, and a member of the fi rm’s The fi rst tenant which signed is Vantone, than your million-square-foot tenants — like global advisory board, has taken on one of for about 190,000 square feet on fl oors 64 one-to-two fl oors — so that we have a truly Lower Manhattan’s most eminent offi ce leas- to 69. The second is Conde Nast, which took diverse, global building in every respect. We ing projects: 1 World Trade Center, formerly just over one million feet on fl oors 20 to 41. do have serious prospects currently from dubbed the “Freedom Tower.” In a Nov. 2 the Downtown community, and we want to interview, Stacom remarked on the build- DE: What kind of company is Vantone? attract other Midtown tenants, of course. ing’s current and prospective tenants in light of the economic downturn, the building’s It’s actually a division of Vantone called DE: Are there any other offi ce tenants distinguishing characteristics and day-to-day China Center New York, a Chinese entity you’ve lined up that we don’t know about yet? activity at the site. that houses companies from China coming to the U.S. to do business. It’s going to be a Conde was unusually out of the box early! DE: What is so appealing about 1 W.T.C., terrifi c asset for the bluilding. It’s owned by There are more than a dozen that we’re track- from the perspective of an offi ce tenant? a renowned individual in China who hired a ing, including a creative fi rm and a law fi rm. renowned architect to construct an extraor- Their brokers would prefer that I not men- It’s truly a chance for a company to get dinary premises that the other tenants will tion their names. There are millions of feet on a global stage. The tower is a global benefi t from, including a conference space of potential there — we have been touring icon — it’s going to be the largest, tall- and a club facility. actively and are having active dialogue with est building in the Western Hemisphere. very large users as well as two-fl oor users. It’s only up to 86 stories in steel, yet it DE: How do you think Conde Nast’s makes an extraordinary impression. For lease-signing is continuing to infl uence the DE: Describe these tours to prospective Photo courtesy of Cushman & Wakefi eld many companies I’ve represented, from offi ce market in 1 W.T.C. and Downtown tenants. How long do they typically take? Tara Stacom, chief leasing agent for 1 the smallest to the largest, the letter- in general? W.T.C. head address is very signifi cant in assist- We can tour anywhere from four to six ing to transform their identity around Conde Nast is a global brand with cache. DE: In sealing new leases, are you target- prospects in a week. What’s interesting in the world. When Rockefeller Center was For many tenants in New York City, it shined ing specifi c types of business or industries? touring 1 W.T.C. is that, unlike a normal build- built, and tenants put on their letterhead, a light on a Downtown that was thought to ing, where a tour will last 35-to-45 minutes, a “Rockafeller Plaza,” they got instant recog- be solely for fi nancial services and investment Yes, in that we’re looking at getting a very tour can last easily three hours; because it’s a nition. The W.T.C. site will do that in a far banking, which it has been for quite some time. diverse roster within the building — not just sixteen acre site with so much to understand, greater way, because it’s more iconic, it’s Everyone jokes and smiles when saying how the from a size perspective but from an industry whether it’s the Calatrava train station, the more discussed and talked about, and it’s young Goldman Sachs guys will wonderfully category perspective, and from a geographic architecturally renowned. mix with the Conde Nast employees. perspective. We are [searching] for further Continued on page 19 O.W.S. fi nds space for bathroom facilities In an attempt to address quality-of-life issues in and around Zuccotti Park, which for the last two weeks have been the focal point of the debate over Occupy Wall Street, the protesters on Friday, Nov. 4 announced they found space for off-site, 24-hour bathroom use. In a statement released by Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, State Senator Daniel Squadron, and Councilwoman Margaret Chin, the elected officials announced that O.W.S. secured space on a loading dock connected to 52 Broadway to install three portable bathrooms. The statement also said there would be a trained security guard at the location 24-hours-a-day. “We reiterate our call on the City to take a ‘zero- tolerance’ approach to public urination and other such behavior, and to enforce laws prohibiting excessive noise,” said the statement. “The fact that both the city and O.W.S. are making progress in addressing serious quality-of-life issues signals that there is a path for solving these and other emerging concerns. We strongly encourage the parties to continue to communicate and we ask that the park remain open and accessible for emergency personnel.” The building at 52 Broadway is the headquarters for the United Federation of Teachers. The U.F.T. has been providing the demonstrators with storage space in their building for the last month. The Occupy Wall Street website states that the three port-a-potties will be “maintained by a professional service” and that O.W.S. volunteers are “blanketing” Zuccotti Park, distributing fliers that direct people to the facilities. Downtown Express photo by Cynthia Magnus The three portable toilets placed on a loading dock connected to the United Federation of Teachers’ headquarters — John Bayles at 52 Broadway are being monitored by a trained security guard on a 24-hour basis. downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 3

NEWS ...... 1-9, 12-21 OWNTOWN EDITORIAL PAGES ...... 10-11 D DIGEST YOUTH ...... 22 ARTS ...... 23 - 27

OVERCROWDING TASK FORCE REQUESTS Even if the conference room was converted into a class- CLASSIFIEDS ...... 26 TWEED TOUR room, she noted, Tweed would run out of space for incoming students by the year 2014, and a grade of the school would Members of NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s have to be located elsewhere. C.B. 1 School Overcrowding Task Force have requested a tour of “It wouldn’t even add enough space for truly expanding the Tweed Courthouse’s six ground-fl oor classrooms. the sections per grade in the course of the incubation,” said MEETINGS Specifi cally, task force member Paul Hovitz asked the Rose. “We know sending children to two different schools NYC Department of Education’s Portfolio Planning director, [has the] real potential to have complexity for families.” A schedule of this week’s upcoming Community Elizabeth Rose, to facilitate a tour of Innovate Manhattan, Board 1 committee meetings is below. Unless other- a charter school that is temporarily sited at Tweed this year ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE HONORS 11 COMMU- wise noted, all committee meetings are held at the until the school fi nds a permanent home elsewhere; as well NITY ACTIVISTS board offi ce, located at 49-51 Chambers St., room as a tour of the rest of the four-story building that houses 709 at 6 p.m. D.O.E.’s headquarters. A new public interest law fi rm representing 9/11 victims “I’d be happy to arrange for the executive director to commemorated 11 community leaders on Friday, Nov. 4 at ON WED., NOV. 9: The State Liquor Authority meet with folks,” said Rose in response. “I’m sure the execu- Albert Shanker Hall, at 52 Broadway. process review task force will convene at 5 p.m. tive director of Innovate would be delighted to have guests The fall awards reception marked the fi rm’s fi rst fund- After, at 6 p.m., the Tribeca Committee meeting will come.” raising event, whose guests included NYC Comptroller meet. At the task force meeting, Rose also relayed details about John Liu, NYS Assemblymembers William Colton and Joan the Peck Slip School expansion. The elementary school will Millman and Councilmember Robert Jackson. ON THURS., NOV. 10: The Landmarks incubate at Tweed next year, at two classes per grade, and Awards for courageous advocacy on behalf of local com- Committee meeting will meet. have four classes per grade when it moves into One Peck munities were granted to John Feal, founder and president of Slip in 2015. the FealGood Foundation; Community Board 1 Chairperson ON MON., NOV. 14: The World Trade Center When asked whether there is additional classroom space Julie Menin; Occupy Wall Street members; union presidents Redevelopment Committee will meet. for the Peck Slip students at Tweed, Rose said, ‘No.’ Anthony Wells and Santos Crespo, Jr., and local commu- “The seventh room on the ground fl oor is now used as nity residents, among others. Recognition was also given to ON TUES., NOV. 15: The Seaport-Civic Center the Chancellor’s conference room, and receives pretty heavy the Lin Sing Association and WE ACT for Environmental Committee will meet. rotation,” said Rose. Justice. 4 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express

Mugging couple Credit card fakes A man and a woman robbed a victim Police arrested two suspects on Thompson POLICE BLOTTER who was talking on her cell phone around 6 and W. Houston Sts. around 7:30 p.m. Sat., p.m. Fri., Nov. 4 on the southwest corner of Nov. 5 and charged them with using fake Howard St. and Broadway. The male suspect credit cards to pay $2,344 for a car. Johnson White St. between Church St. and Broadway pushed the victim; the woman grabbed her cell Mosquito, 22, and Michael Johnson, 21, Good Samaritan victimized at 1:20a.m. Sat. Nov., 5 and returned a half phone and the two thieves fl ed into the subway were charged with larceny. A woman having lunch at Au Bon Pain hour later to fi nd the front passenger side station on Canal St. at Broadway. at 80 Pine St. left her bag at her table for window broken and his jacket, a knee brace a few minutes when she went to help an valued at $2,000 and his GPS charger had Untended handbags elderly man who collapsed near her at 1 p.m. been stolen. Shoppers ripped off A Brooklyn woman, 21,left her bag on Tues., Nov. 1. After she returned to work, A woman visiting from Sweden was the back of her chair with her jacket over it she received a phone call from her bank shopping in a department store on Spring in Greenhouse, the club at 150 Varick St., that $834 had been charged on one of her Occupier arrests St, and Broadway around 5 p.m. Fri., Nov. around 3 a.m. Sun., Oct. 30 and went to credit cards. She discovered that her wallet Of the 20 people arrested in connection 4 when she felt someone jostle her. She the powder room. She returned fi ve minutes and been stolen from her bag and $3,096 in with Occupy Wall St. demonstrations last discovered that her wallet had been picked later to fi nd that a thief had made off with more unauthorized charges had been made week, two were New York City school teach- from her bag. the bag but left her jacket. on her credit cards at various locations. ers, police said. David Suker, 43, of Sayville, A woman, 55, visiting from Hawaii, was A Queens woman, 19, left her handbag L.I. was arrested in Soho at Thompson and trying on shoes at the David Z boutique, unattended at her table at Diva, the club at Prince Sts at 4:40 p.m. Wed., Nov. 2 and 561 Broadway near Prince St. around 4 331 W. Broadway at Grand St., around 1 Assault and battery charged with blocking traffi c with a shop- p.m. Sat., Oct. 29 when she discovered a.m., Sat., Nov. 5 and returned a few min- Police stopped a man identifi ed as John ping cart and knocking a police offi cer to that her bag, which she had placed on the utes later to fi nd it had been stolen. Doe at 12:20 a.m. Tues., Nov.1 who was the ground by pushing the cart against the fl oor beside her, was gone along with the A woman patron of Tolani, the club at butting his head against a door of a build- offi cer’s motor scooter. $500 in cash, jewelry valued at $600 and 144 Franklin St., left her bag unattended for ing at the northeast corner of Cedar St. At Centre and Pearl Sts. in Foley Sq., her iPhone. fi ve minutes while she went to the ladies’ and Trinity Pl. He was charged with disor- Joshua Wiles, 27, was arrested for disorderly room at 1 a.m. Sat., Nov. 5. She returned to derly conduct after he spit at and shoved the conduct around 3:30p.m. Sat. Nov. 5, after a fi nd it had been stolen. arresting offi cer. march up from Zuccotti Park, police said. Shoplifters A man and a woman who walked into the TSE boutique at 120 Wooster St. Forgot his wallet Auto violations Gunpoint robber around 3 p.m. Sun., Oct. 30 managed A Brooklyn man left his wallet on the A Washington D.C. visitor who parked A man holding what the victim believed was to take a cashmere cape from a display counter of the Dunkin Donuts at 100 his 2005 Hundai on John and South Sts. a handgun inside a white plastic bag walked manikin and walk out without paying for Chambers St. after he paid for his order at at 11 p.m. Fri., Nov. 4 discovered when he into Lex and Jades boutique at 193 Prince St. it. The shop manager noticed three days noon on Sun., Nov. 6 and returned a short returned to it at 6:30 p.m. the next day that around 4:10p.m. Tues., Nov. 1, demanded later that the item was missing and called time later but it was gone. it had been stolen. money and told the employee to hurry up. He police after viewing the surveillance tape A man parked his car in front of 50 fl ed east on Prince St. on foot with $120. that recorded the theft. — Albert Amateau Lilly O’BRIENS PUB & RESTAURANT 67 Murray Street, NYC T: 212-732-1592 F: 212-732-9446 www.lillyobriensbar.com [email protected]

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BY JOHN BAYLES such as Squadron was “encouraging” the enforced. like sanitation. New York State Senator Daniel demonstrators to “push the boundaries” in “Neither issue is a small issue,” said As of press time, the city did not return Squadron came into the community room at terms of the park’s “rules.” As for the First Squadron. calls for comment on enforcement of such Southbridge Towers on Monday night, took Amendment right to protest, Gerstman said Another audience member piped in and rules. off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. accused Squadron of not directly answer- “I certainly knew [O.W.S. would come up] “It’s like getting ready for a fi ght,” joked ing the question about the rules of the and I wanted everyone to have the opportu- Squadron. “But I’m sure that’s not what park, specifi cally pertaining to tents. Before nity to raise that issue,” said Squadron after we’re doing tonight.” “When you have a $2 Squadron could offer an explanation, he was the meeting. It was Squadron’s annual community again interrupted as other members of the Other issues were addressed at the meet- meeting, at which he invites his constituents billion defi cit, it’s not a audience brought up his involvement with ing, such as the “Millionaire’s Tax.” to ask questions about practically anything stopping the planned “cleaning” of the park Squadron said the NY State Senate concerning life in the 25th Senate District. great time for tax cuts, by its owners, Brookfi eld Properties, some Democrats, on Monday, released an analysis Approximately 100 people were in atten- four weeks ago. of the state’s projected expenses and rev- dance and Squadron fi elded questions on especially for those who The intervention occurred, said Squadron, enues. Squadron said the analysis showed “a everything from rat control in local parks “Because that event in that moment would $200 million defi cit for the rest of this fi scal to school rezoning to helicopter noise. But can most afford it,” have turned and gotten very ugly, very year and a $2 billion defi cit for the follow- it was Occupy Wall Street that garnered the quickly.” ing year.” most questions and took up much of the — Daniel Squadron As for the question about the park rules, The Senator plans to support legisla- meeting. Squadron said, “If those rules came out after tion, along with Speaker Silver, which come Catherine McVay Hughes, vice chair of the protests started, then the burden is very January when sessions in Albany resume, Community Board 1, brought up the quality- high.” would extend the tax cuts to people making of-life issues that have been at the center of it does give the demonstrators the right to On Tuesday, Squadron said, “There are between $250,000 and $1 million per year. the O.W.S. debate over the last few weeks. be there, but “it does not allow for breaking different standards applied to rules that Anyone making over $1 million would not Squadron, in turn, asked the audience if the rules.” are promulgated in direct response to First benefi t from a tax cut come 2012. they thought the noise and sanitation issues “You have to start advocating for us and Amendment speech. That’s one of the “When you have a $2 billion defi cit, concerning the encampment at Zuccoti Park not for out-of-towners,” said Gerstman. [issues].” it’s not a great time for tax cuts, especially had improved, noting the removal of some of Squadron then began to explain how Squadron said the other issue is the city’s for those who can most afford it,” said the barricades along Wall Street and the fact he and other elected offi cials had been role in enforcement. Squadron. that the demonstrators had found space for both advocating for the demonstrators as “The city’s role is to enforce the issues that At the end of the meeting, which lasted three portable bathrooms. well as the community, citing a letter he, we’re pushing them on,” said the Senator. almost two hours, Squadron said, “This The audience responded with a resound- with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Squadron noted that he has asked the city was a classic town hall. A lot of community ing “no.” NYC Councilmember Margaret Chin sent to publicly acknowledge whether or not they frustrations came out. Please keep coming Linda Gerstman said she believed public to Mayor Bloomberg last week specifi cally are indeed enforcing rules concerning noise back, keep complaining. It really does make support and support from elected offi cials asking for such issues to be addressed and resulting from drumming and other issues a difference.”

Downtown Express photo by Cynthia Magnus An Occupy Wall Street activist shows off some the items that have been pouring in via donations to make sure the demonstrators stay warm during the winter. Occupiers prepare for the cold

BY CYNTHIA MAGNUS had begun to fl ow into Camp Zuccotti from With winter approaching Occupy Wall all over the country. Within 48 hours they Street camp organizers are working to ensure acquired their space at 52 Broadway through an adequate supply of needed materials as a connection with the United Federation of well as viable means to keep the movement Teachers. going as weather becomes an issue. The space now holds a surplus of some The Occupy Wall Street “shipping, inven- items that the group would like to send to tory, and storage” group started out of the other “occupy” groups to share the wealth back of a U-Haul on Oct. 4 when volunteer and promote “inter-occupation” communi- Saum Eskandani with two others saw a need to unpack and organize the donations that Continued on page 20 6 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express It’s full steam ahead for Seaport Museum’s new director

BY TERESE LOEB KREUZER to reorganize the library, which they will do The banner outside the museum at 12 with the assistance of Norman Brower [for- Fulton St. still says “Seaport Museum New mer curator and historian at the museum], York,” but it is no longer accurate. On Nov. and we’ve hired a waterfront director. He is 2, the name of the museum reverted to the the fi rst step to getting the public back on “South Street Seaport Museum” — the name the boats and getting them repaired.” by which it had been known for most of the Jonathan Boulware, the newly hired 40 years since it was founded. The museum’s director of ships, comes to the South Street old logo depicting a sailing ship and the early Seaport Museum from Sound Waters, a 19th-century buildings of Schermerhorn maritime non-profi t organization based in Row was also resurrected. Stamford, Conn., that specializes in envi- “The name was legally changed by my ronmental education and marine studies. predecessors but it was a very short-lived He will be responsible, in part, for getting passage and everybody that we run into the South Street Seaport Museum’s working feels that the earlier name — South Street vessels — the Pioneer, the W.O. Decker and Seaport Museum — has the greater meaning the Lettie G. Howard — in condition so that and connection with the buildings and the they can once again carry passengers begin- ships and the mission that they know from ning in April, 2012. They were sidelined this before,” said Susan Henshaw Jones, Ronay past season because of the museum’s man- Menschel Director of the Museum of the agement and fi nancial diffi culties. City of New York and for the last month, Boulware joins a staff at the Seaport that also the director of the South Street Seaport now numbers 15 people, some of them, also Museum. employed at the Museum of the City of New In an agreement signed in two parts York. — the fi rst on Sept. 29 and the second on “We’ve committed in the fi rst year over Oct. 6 with the New York City Economic Downtown Express photo by Terese Loeb Kreuzer a million dollars in donated staff services Development Corp., the Museum of the City Susan Henshaw Jones, Ronay Menschel Director of the Museum of the City of New including me and lots of other people,” said of New York agreed to take on the man- York, is now also director of the South Street Seaport Museum, which has reverted Jones, who splits her time between the two agement of the foundering museum at the to its original name after having briefl y been called Seaport Museum New York. museums. Seaport for up to 18 months. Franny Kent is also among those with The Lower Manhattan Development said that additional funding for the next six “We’ve done a lot in a month,” Jones responsibilities at both museums. At the Corporation has allocated $2 million to the months of the provisional period was “yet to said. “We’ve reopened Bowne & Co. [at museum to help fund the fi rst year. Jones be discussed.” 211 Water St.], we’ve hired two archivists Continued on page 17

Fighting to make Lower Manhattan the greatest place to live, work, and raise a family.

Assemblyman Shelly Silver

If you need assistance, please contact my office at (212) 312-1420 or email [email protected]. downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 7 Tower 7 reaches capacity; artists to vacate by 2012

BY ALINE REYNOLDS since “we risk having this interruption in For years, real estate developer Larry the way the projects are being documented,” Silverstein has allowed artists to paint, draw he said. and photograph on the 48th fl oor of 7 World Silverstein said of the forthcoming trans- Trade Center free of charge — a tradition formation of the 48th fl oor, “Art played a dating back the Lower Manhattan Cultural hugely important role in the city’s catharsis Council’s artists-in-residence program in the after 9/11…I was thrilled to be able to former Twin Towers. provide space at the top of 7 W.T.C. to The time has come, however, for the art- [all of the artists]. They have each done an ists to vacate their beloved studio space due incredible job documenting not only the to the recent acquisition by global investment skyline of New York, but the new skyline of fi rm M.S.C.I., which signed a 20-year lease a rebuilt World Trade Center.” in September for fl oors 47 to 49 of 7 W.T.C. Representational artist Todd Stone, for With the the M.S.C.I. lease, Silverstein’s one, is racing against the clock to complete state-of-the-art tower has reached full occu- three of his large oil paintings — two that pancy. The six artists that have set up shop in illustrate 1 W.T.C.’s glass curtain wall and the makeshift studio can remain there until its kaleidoscopic refl ections; and one that the new year when M.S.C.I. will begin laying depicts ant-sized visitors strolling around out its offi ces starting in January. The fi rm the National Sept. 11 Memorial plaza from expects to move into the space by mid-2012, the vantage point of the the 7 W.T.C. studio, according to Dara McQuillan, senior vice which rises 650 feet into the air. president of marketing and communications “It’s been an unbelievable opportunity to at Silverstein Properties. be there as the 9/11 Memorial took shape in “We did have a lot of success with the the rush to the 10th anniversary of 9/11,” program — not just with artists but with said Stone. photographers documenting the [W.T.C.] Downtown Express photo by Aline Reynolds While at the studio, Stone also completed site for many, many years,” said McQuillan Marcus Robinson and fi ve other working artists must vacate the studio space at 7 his series, “Witness / Downtown Rising,” a at last month’s Community Board 1 World W.T.C. by January. collection of 20 watercolor paintings that Trade Center Redevelopment Committee chronicle Lower Manhattan’s shifting skyline meeting. fi lm shoots — some of which will continue with them to make whatever event they want since 9/11. Since the building opened in 2006, the to take place on the 10th fl oor, Silverstein’s to do there a success.” Stone, who painted the events of Sept. 48th fl oor has been used for C.B. 1 meetings, marketing center. Meanwhile, McQuillan is hoping to help 11 from his fi fth fl oor walk-up apartment on P.S. 89’s “Raffl emania” and other communi- “If we’re approached by the right organi- the artists fi nd another temporary studio at ty fundaisers, as well as photo, television and zation,” said McQuillan, “we’ll happily work the site or elsewhere in the neighborhood, Continued on page 15

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Women’s Healthcare Services Returns to Tribeca

Following the closure of St. Vincent’s Hospital, many physicians came to New York Downtown Hospital so they could continue to serve their patients on the West Side. With the opening of a new Center on 40 Worth Street, we are pleased to welcome two exceptional physicians back to the community. They will be working in collaboration with physicians from Weill Cornell Medical Associates.

Photo by Albert Amateau Chocolatier Jacques Torres enthusiastically supports the Trinity Real Estate rezoning plan.

Hearing it on Hudson Sq.;

It’s all in the heights

Dr. Zhanna Fridel and Dr. Vanessa Pena are board BY ALBERT AMATEAU organized business improvement district, certified obstetricians and gynecologists utilizing The Department of City Planning heard supported the rezoning, stating, “The lack from the public last week on Trinity Real of existing residential density has inhibited leading diagnostic and treatment methodologies across Estate’s proposal for a Special Hudson Square the market for the retail needed for a vibrant a broad spectrum of women's health issues. District intended to encourage mixed-use, business district.” residential and commercial development. Jacques Torres, owner of a chain of

The proposal would cover an 18-block chocolate shops who has a manufacturing • Normal and High Risk Obstetrical Care manufacturing district, roughly between and retail location at 350 Hudson St. in the • Canal and W. Houston Sts. and between district, agreed. Complete Well Woman Care Greenwich St. and Sixth Ave., in an area “On weekends nobody comes here • Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynecologic Conditions where changes are running far ahead of because almost nobody lives here, while a • land-use rules. few blocks north, the Village is packed,” he Laparoscopic Surgery Current regulations prohibit new resi- said. “We have a fi ve-day business week until • Osteoporosis Detection and Treatment dential, school and most cultural uses, and fi ve or six o’clock and then there’s nobody impose no height restrictions in the area, on the street. The change is going to come • Urogynecology (female urology) which includes the square-block entrance to sooner or later, like it did in Tribeca. We • Cord Blood Banking the Holland Tunnel. have a chance to get together here to see that In addition to complications related to it happens the right way,” Torres said. • Cervical Cancer Vaccination the tunnel entrance, the sizes of blocks in the Intended to encourage affordable hous- • district vary greatly. ing through the city’s voluntary Inclusionary Menopausal Management The rezoning would set height limits Housing Program, the district would also • Contraception on new buildings, allow new residential require ground-fl oor retail uses to enliven construction and some conversion of com- the streetscape. For an appointment with Dr. Fridel and Dr. Pena, mercial buildings. At the now-vacant lot that Trinity owns At the same time, the proposal attempts in the southeast corner of the district with call (212) 238-0180 to protect current commercial uses and light frontages on three wide thoroughfares, manufacturing. Varick and Canal Sts. and Sixth Ave., the Business and residential neighbors at the zoning would permit a 430-foot-tall, residen- Oct. 27 scoping session on the environmen- tial building, the district’s tallest, with space tal impact statement (E.I.S.) for the new for a 420-seat public elementary school on zoning welcomed the proposal and said that the lower fl oors. new rules were vital for the fast-changing The zoning would allow as-of-right, resi- area. dential conversion of buildings up to 50,000 But the devil is in the details and some square feet, but several groups and residents owners, along with Community Board 2, wanted residential conversions allowed for called for the E.I.S. to consider revisions larger buildings in the district — of 70,000 or alternatives regarding height limits, resi- square feet or more. 40 Worth Street, Suite 402, New York, NY 10013 dential conversions, open space and other The performing arts space HERE has www.downtownhospital.org concerns. been at 145 Sixth Ave. at Dominick St. since On the positive side, Ellen Baer, director of Hudson Square Connection, the recently Continued on page 18 downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 Transit Sam9 The Answer man

A busy weekend of traffi c tribulations begins Friday with of the platform, and I almost slipped onto the tracks. I hope Veterans Day and a visit from Vice President Joe Biden. Mr. the MTA fi xes this as soon as possible. What’s going on? Biden is hitting the World Financial Center’s Winter Garden mid to late afternoon Friday to attend the unveiling of the Trent, East Village “Horse Soldier” Statue that was created to honor our special forces. As the V.P. is likely to be escorted down FDR Drive Dear Trent, from LaGuardia Airport and around to West St., Downtown My spanking new suit got soaked coming back from a drivers can expect security delays and heavy turbulence into meeting because of the partially fl ooded platform. It’s slip- the afternoon rush hour. pery and dangerous. The MTA is currently reconstructing Major construction begins at the Battery Tunnel this the station to provide a direct connection between the north- weekend with one tube fully closed from 10 p.m. Friday bound 6 train and the B, D, F and M trains. As part of their night to 5 a.m. Monday morning. Two-way traffi c will be construction, they’re replacing the sidewalk above, which is maintained in the other tube, leaving only one lane open in the source of the fl ooding. When they demolished the side- each direction. Several full weekend closures of one of the walk, they also removed the waterproofi ng materials under- Battery Tunnel tubes will occur through the end of 2012, neath it. This allowed rain to seep onto the platform along including the weekends of November 18th and December with the water that was used to wet the concrete when the 2nd of this year. sidewalk was being removed. Since you wrote me, the MTA From the mailbag: fi nished removing the sidewalk (no more water from wetting the concrete). In addition after hearing from Transit Sam, Dear Transit Sam, the MTA told me they have since put back the waterproofi ng I frequently use the Bleecker Street 6 Train Station near that was in place before the sidewalk construction (in case SoHo, NoHo and the West Village. For the past several of inclement weather). I checked the platform the other day Photo courtesy of Joshua A. Knoller weeks, I’ve noticed that a portion of the northbound uptown and noticed it was much better. I’ve asked the MTA to fi nish The northbound platform at the Bleecker Street 6 Train platform near the entrance is constantly dripping and cov- the clean up tout-de-suite. Station near SoHo, NoHo and the West Village fl oods ered with water. If you need to head to the front of the train on a regular basis. once you enter the station or make your way from the front Transit Sam of the train if you get off at Bleecker, there’s a good chance Manhattan? If so, e-mail TransitSam@downtownexpress. you’ll get wet since the water is in a very narrow location Confused about ever changing traffi c regulations and com or write to Transit Sam, 611 Broadway, Suite 415, New along the platform. I tried avoiding it by walking on the edge transit operations? Need help navigating around lower York, NY 10012.

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RSVP ∞‚ Cooper Square gcschool.org/rsvp 10 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express EDITORIAL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PUBLISHER & EDITOR O.W.S. pros outweigh cons John W. Sutter Soho BID needs work may be past time to end our silent consent to the travesties going on around us. ASSOCIATE EDITOR In general, we support business improvement dis- To the Editor: John Bayles tricts. But, at this point, we can’t support the effort to Last Thursday night I went down to an K Webster create a BID along Soho’s Broadway corridor. off-site sustainability meeting for Occupy ARTS EDITOR In short, the steering committee of major property own- Wall Street. Our community garden needs Scott Stiffl er ers that has pushed for the creation of a Broadway Soho compost and they have it. It’s a win-win. Chin and the one percent BID hasn’t won suffi cient community support. Unlike the As I walked to the bus I passed young REPORTERS Chinatown and Hudson Square BIDs, which had strong adults in my neighborhood partying in a To the Editor: Aline Reynolds support from Community Board 2, this BID was over- bar and at a well-heeled gallery opening. Re. “‘Occupy’ Movement signal to D.C.” Albert Amateau whelmingly rejected by C.B. 2. And it has generated fi erce When I got to the meeting area there was (guest editorial, by Margaret Chin, Oct. Lincoln Anderson and widespread opposition in the Soho community. an atrium full of young adults — and peo- 12):

SR. V.P. OF SALES There are also issues with the property owners’ ple of other ages — gathered in clusters For The Downtown Express to designate vote that raise questions about whether it accurately strategizing about media, sustainability, Margaret Chin as a speaker for Occupy Wall AND MARKETING Francesco Regini represented community sentiment. For example, all 40 sanitation, facilitation, education, etc. on Street is like awarding Donald Rumsfeld the condo owners at the luxury building at 40 Mercer St. behalf of O.W.S. Nobel Peace Prize. The councilmember’s ADVERTISING SALES were counted as “yes” votes based on the signature of Did you know that after their genera- land-use policies in Soho, on the Bowery and Allison Greaker a single sponsor of the condo. These 40 votes were an tors were taken they hooked up bikes to in Chinatown completely favor the 1 percent. Karen Kossman important percentage of the total votes in support of the batteries to power their electricity? Did Yes, the “anger is palpable” — everyone in Ellyn Rothstein BID. The city’s Department of Small Business Services you know they are looking into solar Soho detests Chin’s support for the business Michael Slagle tells us that’s considered kosher — but it doesn’t pass power and building a model wind genera- improvement district that is being forced Julio Tumbaco our smell test. Many of these condo owners are report- tor? They are creating power-generation down our throats by the 1 percent. edly absentee. models that we might all need to know Chin continues that O.W.S., “however RETAIL AD MANAGER Meanwhile, longtime, full-time residents who have how to build someday. They are figuring hazily defi ned, demands more transparency.” Colin Gregory seen Soho “malled” over the years — turned from a out recycling. (City parks are not required She must be talking about the Chinatown world-renowned artists’ enclave into a shopping mall — to recycle.) They are composting, they BID vote that claims 97 percent of the prop- BUSINESS MANAGER / CONTROLLER have recoiled from the BID plan. have a gray water reclamation model. erty owners voted for this private govern- Vera Musa Assemblymember Deborah Glick recently withdrew They are building possibilities for sustain- ment, even though 600 small property own- her support for the BID. Citing the 40 Mercer St. resi- ability that as community gardeners we’ve ers registered their offi cial opposition with ART / PRODUCTION DIRECTOR dents who aren’t here full time, she called their contribu- been working toward for more than 30 the City Clerk. Even Gaddafi or the ayatol- Troy Masters tion to the community “questionable,” especially when years now. lahs of Iran never dared to claim 97 percent ART DIRECTOR compared to the far higher number of permanent Soho On the Lower East Side, we still have of the vote in their dummy elections. Mark Hasselberger residents who oppose the BID. a vibrant neighborhood: diverse, interest- Ultimately, Chin calls for “responsible If there is a formal vote to authorize or deny the BID, ing and rich in culture and uniqueness. I banking.” She must be talking about the GRAPHIC DESIGNER however, it will be in the City Council. Margaret Chin, wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else. 1 percent at First American International Jamie Paakkonen who represents Soho in the Council, wrote a talking But in my neighborhood another teen- Bank, the foreign-owned bank she gener- point that appeared in this paper in February, in which ager was murdered a few weeks ago, ously helped by overturning the landmark CONTRIBUTORS she stated: “I have said from the beginning that I will not despite the courageous attempts by his designation of 135 Bowery. Terese Loeb Kreuzer • David support a Broadway Soho BID unless I see substantial parents to organize against youth vio- Yes, the anger of the 99 percent is pal- Stanke • Jerry Tallmer support from residents in the proposed BID catchment lence. One of the few remaining low- pable and Madame Chin will taste it in the area, including from Community Board 2.” income senior homes was sold for luxury 2013 election. You betcha! PHOTOGRAPHERS Clearly, that “substantial support” just isn’t there. condos. Those longtime residents were Milo Hess • Jefferson Siegel Admittedly, the Broadway Soho BID Steering scattered away from friends and families. Carl Rosensteins • Terese Loeb Kreuzer Committee, with Chin’s help, worked to scale back the More unemployed workers and fewer BID’s scope and budget to try to meet the community’s housing options for this community’s Published by wishes. A complicated reimbursement formula was elderly resulted. I wish we had thought to COMMUNITY MEDIA, LLC scrapped in favor of a fl at $1 annual fee for residential “Occupy Bialystoker.” The Doors — think about it 515 Canal St., Unit 1C, NY, NY 10013 condo and co-op owners. Yet, in the end, most Soho As a parent, I know it’s hard to live Phone: (212) 229-1890 residents remain unconvinced this BID is in the neigh- next to noise and crowds. We’ve been To the Editor, Fax: (212) 229-2790 borhood’s best interests. subjected to an unending barrage of lux- Re. “Uncivil and dangerous” (letter, by On-line: www.downtownexpress.com Nevertheless, what the BID is offering are basically ury construction on the Lower East Side Bill Weinberg, Nov. 2): E-mail: [email protected] benign things, like snow and trash removal and improve- and a high-end bar scene that has gener- Mr. Weinberg provides an extreme ments in pedestrian safety. ACE, which had been providing ated noise, murders and not a few wasted example of hostile selfi shness. Actually, two

TM Gay CityNEWS supplemental sanitation services, was having trouble raising evenings spent trying to rein this scene in. examples. funds from local property owners and merchants to con- We have seen a burgeoning of mindless I could match that with the callous tinue its operations, which resulted in the BID proposal. wealth accumulation and the required indifference manifested by an exiting Downtown Express is published every week by If the BID isn’t approved, then the ball would be mind-numbing activity that accompanies motorist who fl ung his car door open and Community Media LLC, 515 Canal St., Unit 1C, New York, N.Y. 10013 (212) 229-1890. back in the court of the BID’s opponents. Without a it. We have seen the despair in our caused me to crash into his door violently. The entire contents of the newspaper, including advertising, are copyrighted and no part may be BID, where will the money come from to fund ACE’s low- and middle-income youth over the I suffered multiple fractures in my wrist reproduced without the express permission of the efforts to clean Broadway? The reality is that Broadway realization that they will never be a part and forearm. publisher - © 2011 Community Media LLC. is hammered by droves of shoppers and tourists every of the American Dream while witnessing But I wonder if what really hurts America PUBLISHER’S LIABILITY FOR ERROR The Publisher shall not be liable for slight day. It could use the help that ACE provided or a BID the relentless economic decline of their the most is the absence of small gestures of changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The would provide. parents. Over-the-top wealth inequity is courtesy and goodwill in ordinary, daily publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly But the proposed BID’s time has not yet come. The not news here. life. limited to publication of the advertisement in any best solution is for the BID backers and community If I had a choice between living with Some 45 years ago I recall a man hold- subsequent issue. groups to take a step back and, together, go back to the the (loud) sounds and inconveniences of ing open a door for a woman in a bustling Member of the New York Press drawing board and try to fi nd a solution with broader youth organizing for a better world, try- Grand Central Station. That kind of a small Association support. The Hudson Square BID failed in its fi rst itera- ing to take charge of their futures, as well act of courtesy, alas, seems largely gone in

Member of the tion years ago, and came back with a model that now as the future of all of us, or living with today’s “every man for himself, dog-eat-dog” National enjoys strong community support. the status quo — I know what my choice society. Newspaper One thing is for certain, though — a BID without the would be. P.S.: I don’t believe dogs eat other dogs. Association community’s backing simply won’t fl y. They are welcome next door to me. © 2011 Community Media, LLC Bring it all. Drums too. Because I think it Michael Gottlieb downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 11 TALKING POINT ‘Just say no’ to BID isn’t a workable alternative BY BRIAN STEINWURTZEL the workable alternative that provides the cern expressed by the many constituent in support of the BID. That board vote is The residents and business owners who democratic decision-making structure and groups served by the BID. The BID plan accepted common practice of condo boards serve on the BID Steering Committee (www. the necessary funding to bring focused, per- speaks of the same issues that: 1) the everywhere and of the BID formation pro- sohobid.org) and the other supporters of sistent attention to the challenges faced by “Broadway Residents Coalition” has brought cess. That vote happened more than a year a business improvement district for Soho’s Soho’s Broadway. to the attention of city offi cials; 2) the BID ago and so far no condo owner in 40 Mercer Broadway are very disturbed and disap- The BID Steering Committee has appre- area’s 800 businesses and 12,000 employees St. has objected; and, in fact, the board will pointed with The Villager’s editorial “Soho ciated the reporting by The Villager and talk about; and 3) are experienced by resi- reaffi rm its support along with other property BID needs work” in your last week’s issue. its sister paper Downtown Express on this dents and commercial property owners each owners who voted for the BID. Moreover, the The editorial calls on BID supporters to important neighborhood planning issue since and every day. The BID plan does not “need total number of residential condo units at 40 gather more support. In the specifi c BID its public presentation in April 2010. work.” It is at the best it can be, and will be Mercer St. is not signifi cant enough to change service area — Broadway between Canal The initiative taken by Mr. Henry Buhl, better if given a chance to prove itself. results, since there remains an overwhelming and Houston Sts. — the majority of property resident of Soho and founder of ACE, was At every turn, the BID Steering majority of respondents in support of the owners (residential and commercial) support the start of the formation process of the pro- Committee has made a genuine effort to BID. That being said, even if you removed the BID. Under New York’s BID law, created posed BID and it is still underway as the leg- address community concerns, and to recon- 40 Mercer St. from the tally, 72 percent of by our elected representatives, that’s what it islation awaits approval by the City Council. cile Community Board 2’s resolution with property-owner respondents support the BID takes to form a BID. Denying the people who The BID Steering Committee, Community the merits of the BID district plan. As (versus 80 percent with 40 Mercer St.). live and work on Broadway the BID they Board 2, the Department of City Planning demonstrated by the BID plan’s mission We regret that this doesn’t pass The want because of opposition outside the BID and City Council all have followed the BID statement and by the commitment of BID Villager’s “smell test,” but those are the area fl ies in the face of the law and democrat- Law, and we look forward to the completion area residents participating in BID commit- rules. We respectfully suggest you check the ic principles. It cannot simply be a case where of this democratic, legislative process. tee meetings and by the encouragement of facts and take another sniff. those who yell the loudest are right. Yes, the clumsy, outdated legal name, Councilmember Margaret Chin, it is clear The BID structure provides certainty If BID advocates must win support of “business improvement district” is mislead- that working together to improve the quality of annual funding, fl exibility to respond to their neighbors outside the BID area, where ing and does not defi ne the intentions of this of life of a neighborhood “under siege” while neighborhood issues, and a private-public do you draw the line? specifi c BID for Soho’s Broadway. This may seeking to strike a balance between resident partnership that succeeds because it refl ects The editorial recognizes the urgent need be why so many wrongly assume that the and commercial interest is indeed possible. active, informed participants. The response to implement solutions along Broadway, BID plan intends to “promote only business, The BID Steering Committee remains com- of “just say no” is not a workable alternative solutions that seek to manage the “success” attracting more crowds, tourism, etc.” mitted to working with everyone, supporters to the special needs of Soho’s Broadway. of this major retailing destination; mitigate The role of the BID Steering Committee and opponents alike. its negative impacts and bring to the fore- as an initial planning group has succeeded You cite the case of 40 Mercer St. where Steinwurtzel is chairperson, Broadway front what makes historic Soho special. in crafting a BID plan with services and fi ve members of the condo board voted Soho Business Improvement District Steering The editorial acknowledges that a BID is improvements that refl ect the areas of con- unanimously to commit all 40 condo units Committee LETTERS TO THE EDITOR How to suppress a movement: Dictators write to Bloomberg BY MICHAEL LUONGO promise not to lock you up for several years. But I digress that won’t make you think it’s Frank Sinatra writing to you, as I often do. This isn’t the United Nations or Columbia ‘cause he’s dead, and I don’t think he is doing too much sing- Dear Mayor Bloomberg: University I am addressing, it’s the mayor of New York! As ing anymore. Still, I always agreed with him New York, New Hello from my current location. I’ve seen what happened you know Mike, few rulers in the Middle East know more York, is one hell of a town, so you have a grave responsibility to some of my colleagues so I am not going to tell you too about suppressing movements and getting away with it than I to the world to make sure it stays exactly as it is. If there’s many details. I will have to tell you who I am because no one do, so I hope you’ll listen to me. I think the number one thing anything I’ve learned from my father, it’s how to crush reb- seems to remember me, even if I’m the dictator who started it is making sure people really know you mean business by els and the places where they live. Drive tanks over them, all, thank you very much! It’s Ben Ali of Tunisia. Remember, taking a very beautiful girl who is more or less a bystander, destroy where they are protesting. It’s working in Damascus, it was my cruelty that started this whole Arab Spring fl ing. have one of your security people shoot her in the head, and it’s worked in Homs and Google Hama and you’ll really Tunisia in case you’re wondering is like Saudi Arabia but make sure there are plenty of camera phones around to video know how successful my Dad was with that. Teach these with a French touch, though some of us are a little more her. Make it go viral, so that she becomes the symbol of your Occupy Wall Street people a lesson they will never forget touched than others. Hey I even allowed a Club Med, bring- oppression. Look, your Republican Guards are already great and their children’s children will never forget! Drive tanks ing topless French women to our beaches, so I don’t know at pepper spraying beautiful women protestors who show through Zuccotti Park and bulldoze everything. It’s so close why my people think they had anything to complain about. too much skin anyway and don’t have veils to protect their to Ground Zero which is still a disaster area anyway that I But all I can say is, if you do suppress your people, and I am faces, so shooting them in the head is only the logical next think no one will notice if a few more blocks of buildings not saying I actually did, don’t go too hard on your sidewalk step. Then these Wall Street Occupiers will know you are go up in smoke. Trust me on that. Remember without 9-11, vendors. They have more power than you think. I don’t care serious. you wouldn’t be Mayor, so use the Ground Zero location to if they sell pretzels, hot dogs, or coffee, whatever. And what your advantage. is this I keep reading on Concierge.com about luxury food Sincerely, trucks? Only in New York, right? Maybe people whine for Sincerely, no reason where you are. Just keep them away from gasoline Your partner in oppression, and matches and public squares. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President for LIFE, and I mean it!!! (think, “I’m a Dinner Jacket,” to pronounce it, just trying to Bashar al-Assad Sincerely, be helpful again!) Damascus, Syria

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, formerly of Tunisia. Dear Mayor Bloomingdales: Dear Michael Bloomberg: Hey Mikey, that’s my beautiful wife’s nickname for you, People will never be happy, no matter how benevolent you Dear Mayor Bloomberg: because she just loves shopping so much when we’re there! are to them, no matter how fatherly you have been to them! Hello from Tehran! It’s beautiful here, you should come And we both know, you’re like no other Mayor in the world. visit. There’s great hiking in the mountains nearby and I Especially now. Anyway, it’s me, Old Blue Eyes, but I hope Continued on page 12 12 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express How to suppress a movement: Dictators write to Bloomberg

Zuccotti Park, Tahrir Square, nonsense. ably don’t want to listen to me because I am anyway, it’s the perfect place to build a Continued from page 11 However, if you ever do charge on them and dead, and so my advice might not seem so settlement. Move some bankers into there. the Hudson River opens up an escape route, useful. But praise Allah and my Ukrainian You want an occupation? We’ll show you It’s true, give them something, and they will don’t fall for the trap. nurse for making it possible for me to write what an occupation really is! You can build always want something else. Next thing you to you from the grave. You should have a the banker settlement on the hilly part of know, these Occupy Wall Street people will Sincerely, Ukrainian nurse, Michael. In the words of Zuccotti Park, close to Broadway so every- want subway tokens brought back again, another dictator, Mussolini, who once ruled one can see it and marvel from afar, and just to feel the jingle of something in their (Formerly,) President Hosni Mu-Barack Libya from a distance the way you like to know you’re the one dominating, the one pocket since they don’t have any money. Obama rule New York, Va Va Va Voom, what a in control. And walls, that’s another thing But you can never look back! New York is Cairo, Egypt woman! Anyway, just as an aside, I love your I know something about. Make Wall Street the Cairo of the Century 21 and you must Brooks Brothers outfi ts. It’s always great to live up to its name again and build a wall always look ahead! Keep reminding them be smartly dressed as a ruler, but you need and then another. With lots of checkpoints. who’s Pharaoh, it’s your third term and they Dear Mr. Bloomberg News: to do more, like own the media! Oh you do Extend it into the Bowling Green Line. All should understand that by now, and always Hi it’s me Gaddafi , Qaddafi , Kaddafi . already. Well then fi ght all the protestors your problems will be solved. Until they have your white shirt generals at the ready. We’re all the same person. I know you prob- like a mad dog! Ok maybe that didn’t work aren’t. Sometimes the things you think are so well for me. Don’t listen to advice from a in your best interest aren’t, but you just dead man. have to keep believing. You don’t want to end up on the wrong side of history, do You Saw It... Sincerely, you, Michael?

The Late President Muammar Gaddafi , Sincerely, You Read It... Qaddafi , Kaddafi Meatlocker in Tripoli, Libya Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Jerusalem, Israel

And so did thousands Dear Michael, Michael Luongo is a freelance travel Hey, it’s Bibi here. Let me make this writer and photographer based in New York. simple. I’m not a dictator but I sure like He recently won the Grand Prize in Travel of our Readers. to look like one on TV. Look if anybody Journalism from the North American Travel knows about occupation it’s me, so listen Journalist Association largely for his travel To advertise call 646.452.2496 up. After all, you Americans are used to me work in the Middle East, including within dictating policy for you. Nu, this Zuccotti countries currently undergoing the Arab Park. Since it looks like a refugee camp Spring. www.michaelluongo.com

Trinity Wall Street Let’s do something together trinitywallstreet.org

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1pm SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 10am worship Concerts at One Practicing the Presence of God: SUNDAY, 8am and 10am Aaron Diehl, piano Through the Book of Common Prayer St. Paul’s Chapel Dominick Farinacci, trumpet A 12-part series that explores how to Communion in the round Trinity Church feel God’s love in the thick of a complex 8pm Compline, music, and prayers world. This week: The Psalter, led by SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, Dr. Julian Wachner, Director of Music SUNDAY, 9am and 11:15am 9:30am-1:30pm and the Arts. Trinity Church Spa for the Soul: Deepening Your 74 Trinity Place, 2nd Fl, Parish Hall Preaching, music, and Eucharist Personal Spiritual Life Sunday school and child care available Through meditation, prayer, journaling, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1pm and periods of silence, deepen your Bach at One MONDAY – FRIDAY, 12:05pm personal spiritual life. Led by Westina The Trinity Choir and Trinity Baroque Trinity Church Matthews, author, spiritual director, Orchestra present a weekly service Holy Eucharist retreat leader, and inspirational speaker. of J.S. Bach’s music, accompanied MONDAY – FRIDAY, 5:15pm Free and open to all. Information at: by poetry readings. All Saints’ Chapel, in Trinity Church [email protected] St. Paul’s Chapel Evening Prayer, Evensong (Thurs.) or 1.800.457.0224 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 6pm Charlotte’s Place Watch online webcast World/Global + Poetry + Reading/Slam TRINITY CHURCH

Mark Bozzuti-Jones reads poetry from Reddy Leah Broadway at Wall Street around the world and invites audience Compline, a service of music and meditation, takes place every Sunday members to read their favorite poems/ 74 Trinity Place is located in the office at 8pm at St. Paul’s. building behind Trinity Church. rap. Open to all ages so respectful language is required. ST. PAUL’S CHAPEL Charlotte’s Place Broadway and Fulton Street CHARLOTTE’S PLACE All Are Welcome 109 Greenwich St, btwn Rector & Carlisle All events are free, unless noted. The Rev. Dr. James H. Cooper, Rector an Episcopal parish The Rev. Canon Anne Mallonee, Vicar 212.602.0800 in the city of New York downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 13

The George Gee Orchestra provided the musical entertainment for Manhattan Youth’s 25th Anniversary Gala. Downtown Express Photos by Terese Loeb Kreuzer In attendance were local school principals (from left to right) Terry Ruyter of P.S. 276, Maggie Siena of P.S. 150, Lisa Ripperger of P.S. 234 and Anna Swtizer, for- mer principal of P.S. 234

The night honored not only Manhattan Youth founder Bob Townley, but also the founding board, administrators and staff.

Nicole Bartelme with Chef David Bouley who catered the event. In salute and support of Manhattan Youth

Bob Townley founded Manhattan Youth In attendance were numerous elected in 1986. On Thursday, Nov. 3 the nonprofi t offi cials, such as NY State Senator Daniel held a gala at the Bogardus Mansion on Squadron, NYC Councilmember Margaret Murray Street to celebrate its silver anni- Chin and Community Board 1 Chair Julie versary and to encourage the community to Menin. continue supporting the organization, which Former youth that benefi ted from the orga- has played a pivotal role in the growth and nization’s after school programs, parents, edu- Paul Goldstein (left), district offi ce director for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, transformation of Lower Manhattan over cators and supporters all enjoyed the food, presented Bob Townley with a proclamation in honor of Manhattan Youth’s dedication the years. atmosphere and entertainment. and service to the Lower Manhattan community. 14 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express Tiny gallery at Poets House features huge exhibit

BY TERESE LOEB KREUZER view for the fi rst time. They will be there to words or phrases grouped at the end that The exhibition gallery at Poets House in through Jan. 28, 2012. could be substituted within the poem to Battery Park City isn’t large, but the letters “It’s very meaningful to me that people create different meanings. Bervin compared and poems of Emily Dickinson currently on get to see these manuscripts in person,” said Dickinson’s methods to hypertext. display there are monumental. Bervin. “That’s really rare. I can’t overstate “She chose not to publish,” Bervin said. Jen Bervin, a poet, artist and teacher, who how rare that is. If you go to the archives “Her readers were very carefully chosen. curated the exhibit said of Dickinson, “She where they have the bulk of the manuscripts, She sent her poems in letters to specifi c was a force, an absolute force. There’s a vast- you rarely see more than this number of recipients and she would send out differ- ness to her work that is comparable to how manuscripts. They’re not on display. You ent choices for different recipients and you might feel in an extraordinary landscape. have to go as a researcher and have a very then in her own private draft, she might It makes you feel very small and very humble good reason to see them in any quantity and have even more choices. So it’s a very in relation to it.” to see this many together in a public setting complex system. Our idea of a poem is that Dickinson, who was born in Amherst, is really unusual.” it’s one thing but her idea of a poem was Mass. on Dec. 10, 1830 and who died there Dickinson’s poetry was also unusual, that it seemed to be many things. She used on May 15, 1886 never strayed far from so much so that it would have been a rare words according to who was listening. I home, never married and became increasingly reader among her contemporaries who could think it’s utterly fascinating that one of our reclusive in the last years of her life but her have grasped her syntaxes and the ways in major American poets chose to compose in correspondence was voluminous and she left which she placed letters, words and lines on this particular way.” behind almost 1,800 poems that were discov- a page. After her death, her fi rst editors “cor- Bervin was inspired to make quilts ered by her younger sister, Lavinia, after the rected” her punctuation and her rhymes. It depicting Dickinson’s unusual compositional poet’s death. Fewer than 12 of Dickinson’s wasn’t until 1955, that versions of her poems method. Three of them are on exhibit at Downtown Express photos by Terese Loeb Kreuzer poems were published in her lifetime. were published that were close to what she Poets House. A letter from Emily Dickinson written in “With Dickinson, it’s quite a blurred line intended, but even there, said Bervin, “In the The late fragments, which are among her distinctive handwriting are among between a letter and a poem,” said Bervin. [Thomas H.] Johnson and [Ralph] Franklin the most radical of Dickinson’s writings, the rare documents by and about Emily “A lot of her letters – and you’ll see this in editions of her poems, all of her line breaks have been published in a book called “Open Dickinson on display at Poets House the show – read just like poems. I think she are changed.” Folios” by Marta Werner, who will be giv- through Jan. 28, 2012. never stopped thinking in poetry.” Bervin said that Dickinson’s visual sense ing a talk at Poets House called “Like the The primary collections of Dickinson’s would have made setting her poems in print I don’t know of anything like them. The texts Wheels of Birds: Emily Dickinson’s Itinerary work are at Harvard and at Amherst College diffi cult before the advent of modern technol- on those envelopes are pretty mind-blowing. of Escape” on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. It will be (which was founded by one of Dickinson’s ogy. She worked throughout her life “with a Sometimes you see them in letters. Sometimes about Dickinson’s fragments, including can- grandfathers.) Donald and Patricia Oresman very strong sense of visual composition,” Bervin you see them in poems. Sometimes they exist celed writings, pinned texts and envelope have one of the larger holdings of privately said, “but in the late fragments [from 1870 to only in that fragmentary form, but they’re just poems. Poets House is at 10 River Terrace owned Dickinson manuscripts. They have 1886], it’s absolutely stunning. The text is multi- extraordinarily beautiful.” in Battery Park City. It is open Tuesdays lent their entire collection to Poets House, directional. She’s composing on envelopes that Bervin explained that Dickinson would through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and where many of the manuscripts are on public are then sometimes shaped in particular ways. place “crosses” in her poems that correlated Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Occupy Wall Street institutes new rules

groups including the aAnti-nNuclear move- working group members led the meeting. block proposals. Continued from page 1 ment of the 1970s and ‘80s, and the gGlobal Demonstrators spouted out ideas that “It’s called ‘modifi ed consensus’ — we jJustice movement of the ‘90s and 2000s, they believe warrant ongoing dialogue, such aim for consensus fi rst, which is 100 per- O.W.S.’s alternate banking working group, according to the proposal. as the use of park space, Internet access, cent,” said Carty. compared the Zuccotti Park encampment to “The reason why we did this, is so we’re safety, supplies and food. While all decisions made by the Spokes “a town that seems to be overfl owing.” not micromanaging operational groups,” Next came the “mock proposals” ses- Council will be discussed during the G.A. “The General Assembly is a great body, said Ryan Hoffman, who wrote O.W.S.’s sion, when participants jokingly proposed to meetings, they don’t require G.A. ratifi ca- but it’s not conducive to getting logistics initial declaration that spread to dozens of abandon Zuccotti Park for an indoor space, tion, noted Carty. handled at the speed that they need to,” said countries worldwide. and spoke sardonically about Mayor Michael Occupy Wall Street held its fi rst offi cial Schwedock. The food working group, for example, Bloomberg supplying sleeping bags tagged Spokes Council meeting Monday, Nov. 7 The Spokes Council is poised to solve shouldn’t have to report to the G.A. every with the message, “Corporations are People” in the school cafeteria of Murry Bergtraum that problem by becoming “an extremely time members seek to raise their budget; to the occupiers. High School at (411 Pearl St.), where an effective body to get work done,” according while the medical working group shouldn’t Spokes Councils are organizationally estimated 60 working groups requested to to Nicole Carty, a member of the structure require G.A. approval to solicit additional structured like the spokes of a wheel, in that become a part of the council. and facilitation working groups. funds, according to Hoffman.. each operational working group is supposed Of the 60, about a dozen working groups Carty stressed that the council is not “This ‘100 percent consensus, everybody to select a “spoke,” or an individual that were chosen. However, Carty and other rep- a forum of discussion for the movement’s in a giant room’ approach, especially when represents the groups’ wishes, according resentatives were only able to get through overall vision or ideals, which are handled you can’t use any microphones or P.A. sys- to the proposal. While the “spokes” are the less than one-third of the proposals. by O.W.S.’s “movement” groups. tems or bullhorns, is becoming just patently only individuals that are supposed to speak “We literally had pieces of paper for “It only has to do with , ‘wWho’s going to absurd,” echoed Lucius Ringwald, a member during the cCouncil meetings, they rotate, each group to register, and we spent most clean the park,? wWho’s going to make the of O.W.S.’s mental health and safety work- can be recalled by their group at any time, of the time putting these groups in different tents…? tThings like that,” she said Carty. ing groups. and do not make decisions or voice opinions stacks,” said Carty. According to the proposal, the Spokes “We need to actually have some level of without a consensus ofi n their respective “The ‘no discussion’ stack were groups Council.C. will also address issues brought delegation, some level of people being iden- groups. that were pretty clearly operational groups up by caucus groups, or groups of O.W.S. tifi ed as a point person, with the consent of Typically, “spokes” will bring forth pro- [that would automatically accepted into members that feel mutually marginalized those they’re representing.” posals to the council only if 90 percent the council],” explained Carty. “Movement with respect to race, gender, sexuality, age Approximately 150 O.W.S. members of members within the respective working groups warranted more discussion if they or ability. convened for an Spokes Council orientation groupcaucus support it. Working groups and had operational needs.” Democratic movements dating back to meeting last Friday, Nov. 4 in the public caucuses may block or table proposals intro- Carty reported a handful of disruptive the1936 Spanish Revolution have benefi ted atrium of 60 Wall St. to brainstorm ideas duced at the council meetings if the groupsa moments during the meeting, such as when from the S.C. model to streamline the pro- for discussion topics for future councilS.C. consensus is not reached among the groups cess insurgencies, as have more modern meetings. Carty and a couple other lead — unlike in the G.A., where individuals can Continued on page 20 downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 15 More work needed to fi ght school overcrowding

said Mihok. “You’re working on a model where developers all the time — you need a 200-by- from the fact that their planning… is fl awed and Continued from page 1 our kids would go further [away] to elementary 200 [square] ft. lot. I don’t think you see too doesn’t accurately project [enrollment] for years school.” many of those around.” down the road.” meeting but had to step out early because of Committee co-chair Anne DeFalco empha- School sites are indeed becoming “very The D.O.E. has hired two “respected” con- another appointment. sized the D.O.E.’s need to reallocate funds diffi cult” to fi nd, according to Greenleaf, who sulting fi rms, Grier Partnership and Statistical Just before leaving, Grillo interrupted toward the creation of new neighborhood added, “It took almost a year to fi nd the Peck Forecasting, to make enrollment forecasts, Greenleaf halfway during his presentation to schools. Slip site.” explained Greenleaf. Both fi rms utilize the point out a fundamental difference between his “We can’t put the priorities of youth at risk Joyce vouched for a modifi cation of the “cohort survival” method, a widely-used strate- analysis and the S.C.A.’s. She said the D.O.E. by putting them in other neighborhoods,” said city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure gy to calculate enrollments based on anticipated doesn’t measure school seat projections based DeFalco. (U.L.U.R.P.), so that residential real estate population growth and birth rates. on Community Districts, but rather by the city’s “I hear you,” replied Grillo. “And, if I had developers would be forced to take into account The problem, Greenleaf pointed out, is that established school districts. all money in the world, I’d love to do that for the need for suffi cient school seats. the D.O.E.’s forecasting is done on a borough- Manhattan’s District Two, which includes you.” Braus seemed to agree. wide level — which assumes that all Manhattan Downtown, for example, also encompasses The D.O.E. is exploring alternate meth- “I think we should ask [City Planning neighborhoods are growing at the same average portions of Midtown-West and the Upper East ods besides new school capacity to address Commission Chair Amanda] Burden to come to rate and that the survival rates themselves are Side. elementary school overcrowding — particularly our next meeting, if [the City Council members] the same. “I don’t want these folks to walk away from district-wide rezoning, according to Grillo. are willing to originate something,” said Braus. Neither assumption, however, is true, this thinking that our methodology is wrong,” “It’s not just new seats all the time,” said The committee subsequently voted in favor Greenleaf said. Whereas Manhattan’s popula- said Grillo. Grillo. “There are other opportunities to deal of drafting of a resolution urging the city to tion increased by 8.2 percent between 2000 Addressing Greenleaf directly, Grillo said, with the need.” require an adequate amount of public amenities and 2010, Downtown’s overall population rose “I’ve always had a lot of respect for your num- But this explanation only added fuel to the such as schools and other basic infrastructure by 100 percent over the decade; and there is bers, if we were judging apples to apples — committee’s fi re. before a residential real estate development a difference of more than 20 percent between [but] we’re not, and you know that.” P.S. 234 parent Tricia Joyce, for one, con- receives the green light. District Two’s overall cohort survival rate, on “Please understand the situation right now,” tended that neither rezoning nor throwing The resolution will also purportedly suggest the one hand, and Downtown’s cohort survival Grillo said to the committee. “Just like the money the D.O.E.’s way is going to solve the a revision of the tactics the D.O.E. currently rate, on the other. rest of the country, we have a certain, limited area’s more basic dilemma of the shortage of uses to project student enrollment, according The D.O.E.’s method also assumes that amount of space. Come to [School] District 24 school seats. to committee co-chair Paul Hovitz, who along fertility rates are the same for all of Manhattan, [in Queens], and you’ll understand their serious “We understand the budget issues, but… no with Greenleaf objects to the department’s cur- Greenleaf said. overcrowding today.” matter how you re-slice the pie, we have hit the rent enrollment methods. “We hope these differences can be resolved Grillo’s words were hardly reassuring to wall,” said Joyce. “I am not blaming Lorraine. She is follow- — and very soon,” he said. Jeffrey Mihok and other committee members. “We could have a pile of money up to the ing orders from the Mayor, the Chancellor and Questioned about his reaction to Grillo’s “I’m kind of livid right now… We’re in a ceiling, and it wouldn’t get us the site,” said the higher-ups at Tweed to follow procedures comments after the meeting, Greenleaf said, school crisis because of the [D.O.E.] numbers,” committee member Peter Braus. “I work with in this fashion.” said Hovitz. “All of this stems “I remain optimistic but realistic.” Tower 7 full; artists to vacate by January the amazing spirit overcoming adversity, and Continued from page 7 setting it against the backdrop of something like the Great Depression.” Thomas Street in Tribeca, feels privileged to The 9/11 Memorial and Museum com- have had what he calls a “God’s-eye” view missioned Robinson to do a fi lm installation, of the site while working in Tower 7 since “Tribute in Light,” for its permanent collec- 2009. tion — which will be on view at the museum As a longtime Downtown resident hav- following its opening next fall. ing endured 9/11, painting in the “jewel” Robinson hopes to fi nd homes for of studio space, Stone said, proved to be an “Benediction” and his other large-scale especially cathartic experience. paintings in lobbies of Lower Manhattan “I never thought I’d feel anything but sad buildings, but hasn’t yet reached out to inter- walking Downtown,” said Stone. “When I ested parties to realize his wish. walk up to the 48th fl oor, it makes me feel “Part of the excitement is not totally good. I’ve reconnected here with the great thinking of the end result, but just enjoying strength and resilience of the city.” the process of drawing and painting,” said And, even though he hasn’t yet secured a Robinson. new work studio for the new year, Stone is Robinson, who lives in an apartment resigned to vacate the place he has worked that overlooks the W.T.C. site, has his eyes so intensively in for the last six months. on a ground-fl oor, live-work apartment on “The day was always coming,” he said of Washington Street. Asked what he felt of leaving Tower 7. “I’m being blown out of parting ways with space in 7 W.T.C., Robinson there, and there’s nothing I can do about it, Downtown Express photo by Aline Reynolds replied, “I’m quite a nostalgic person, but I but I’ll land on my feet.” Views like the one above have made the 48th fl oor at 7 W.T.C. an ideal studio space think it’s good to be in the fl ow of life.” Former Downtown fi nanciers Robert and for artists over the years. However no conventional artist studio, Victoria Zoellner purchased Stone’s pieces Robinson admitted, could create the same, from “Witness / Downtown Rising” with the dio beginning in 2006, Marcus Robinson, brings the Ground Zero construction zone visceral effect as does the raw, unadulterated intention of putting the art series on public an urban-focused painter, videographer and to life with a slideshow of animated draw- concrete walls of his current studio space. display, according to Stone. photographer, documented on canvas and ings and time-lapse footage of workers in “Marks like this inspire me for the paint- “My goal is for it to be a traveling exhibit camera the construction of Tower 7. action. ing,” said Robinson as he glided his fi ngers hosted by the [National Sept. 11] Memorial, Little did Robinson know that his subject “The fi lm essentially wants to champion along a surveyor’s mark etched into the con- so the story could be told around the coun- would become the artist’s full-time work- the spirit of the working people — some- crete wall of the 48th fl oor. “This space is, try,” said Stone. place a few short years later. thing quintessential in all of us,” mused beyond any shadow of doubt, I think, one of Prior to working in the 48th fl oor stu- Robinson’s W.TC. fi lm, “Rebuilding,” Robinson. “It’s like an ancient tale about the most amazing spaces in the world.” 16 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express

BY TERESE LOEB KREUZER organization has built Liberty Luxe and Liberty Green, had a 421A tax abatement B.P.C.A. REPORTS ‘GOOD NEWS that had not been considered when drawing BUDGET:’ “Every once in a while you get up the 2011 budget and had to be factored to report a good news budget,” Battery Park in, But, said Serpico, “non-recurring and Downtown Express photos by Terese Loeb Kreuzer City Authority president Gayle Horwitz contingent revenues on the sublease side The Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel is getting a $43.5 million elec- said at the B.P.C.A.’s last Board of Directors were up $2.4 million. Again, net net, the trical upgrade to replace 1950’s era equipment. For 21 weekends beginning Friday, meeting on Oct. 25. “Essentially, our rev- sublease revenues went up $1.2 million.” Nov. 11 through Monday, Nov. 14, one lane of the tunnel will be closed all weekend enues are up, our expenses are down. Our Operating expenses had been budgeted long in order to do the work. The MTA says that motorists should expect delays and excess revenue for 2011 is going to be over at $28.4 million for fi scal year 2011. “We’re try to use alternate routes during the weekend closures. budget as well. We’re sending the City more coming in just a smidge over $27 million – a money than we anticipated.” favorable variance of $1.4 million,” Serpico Authority’s plans for the next fi ve months An estimated 60,000 cars a day go The Authority’s Chief Financial Offi cer, said. He added that the B.P.C.A. would be or so. The tunnel, which opened on May through the tunnel, however, some people Robert Serpico, fi lled in the details. The sending the City $12.5 million more than 25, 1950, is getting an overhaul. The will undoubtedly be more impressed with fi scal year for the B.P.C.A. ends on Oct. 31, expected. M.T.A. is spending $43.5 million to replace a different factoid. The tunnel’s Manhattan so his numbers were based on 11 months Looking toward the 2012 budget, electrical switches and feeder cables that ventilation station on Battery Place fi g- of activity. “Overall revenues are up $1.6 Serpico said that there would be increased are now more than 60 years old. The work ured in the 1997 fi lm, “Men in Black” as million over budgeted revenues based on revenues of $10 million coming from will require one of the two tubes of the the location of a secret alien immigration a budget of $217 million,” he said. “The Goldman Sachs, which had a tax credit tunnel to be closed for 21 weekends begin- terminal. reason for the overages is that the sublease that just ended. On the expense side, he ning on the weekend of Nov. 11-Nov. 14. revenues had a net increase of $2.4 million.” anticipated $603,000 less in expenses than The M.T.A. says to “expect delays” and to RECTOR PLACE BRIDGE SECURITY: He said that commercial revenues, which in fi scal year 2011. use alternate routes if possible. In late spring, Community Board 1 mem- represent about 49 percent of the overall The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel has been ber Jeff Mihok started talking to C.B. 1’s revenues for the Authority, were $811,000 BROOKLYN BATTERY TUNNEL GET- a fi xture of Lower Manhattan for so long Battery Park City Committee about his more than budgeted. TING AN OVERHAUL: Motorists who use that most people probably don’t give it a concern that the Rector Place bridge span- Serpico said that on the residential side, the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on the eastern second thought, but maybe they should. ning West Street was not safe. “That bridge “we had some ups and downs, as we usually border of Battery Park City should take For one thing, at 9,117 feet long, it is the allows anyone on foot to come and go to do.” Sites 23 and 24, where the Milstein note of the Metropolitan Transportation longest continuous underwater vehicular and from the neighborhood very rapidly,” tunnel in North America. For another he said. “A year ago, a Battery Park City thing, it almost didn’t get built. Robert teen got beaten with a pipe on Rector Place Moses, the chairman of the Triborough by some other teenagers. I don’t know how Bridge Authority, who remade New York those people got away but I can’t imagine City’s landscape, wanted to build a bridge any better escape route than over that between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. bridge.” It would have destroyed Battery Park Mihok would like to see monitored secu- and altered the majestic vistas of Lower rity cameras installed on the bridge, and the Manhattan as seen by those who approach Battery Park City Committee concurred. it from the ocean. The bridge would have However, the committee has not been able been built had President Franklin Delano to fi gure out how to make that happen. Julie Roosevelt not intervened. He had the Nadel, a representative of the New York War Department declare that a bridge in State Department of Transportation told the that location, seaward of the Brooklyn committee at its most recent meeting that Navy Yard, would have been vulnerable the D.O.T. is not able to install and moni- to attack, so Moses had to settle for a tor cameras. The next step, the committee tunnel. It was designed by a Norwegian- decided, would be to appeal to the New York born engineer, Ole Singstad, who also Police Department’s First Precinct. worked on the Holland Tunnel and who “I fi nd it a little creepy to walk across designed the Lincoln Tunnel and the that bridge,” Mihok said, “even when it’s Queens-Midtown Tunnel. Roosevelt was not dark out. I have a 12-year-old kid. My present at the groundbreaking in October 12 year old moves around the city on her 1940. The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel was own, as any 12 year old would do. I tell her supposed to be fi nished by 1943, but work never to take that bridge, but if there were on it stopped because of World War II and a camera, I might reconsider.” was not resumed until late in 1945. It took A bridge spans West Street at Rector Place in Battery Park City. Community Board more than one million pounds of dynamite To comment on Battery Park City Beat or 1’s Battery Park City Committee would like to have monitored security cameras on to bore through the rock and earth under to suggest article ideas, email TereseLoeb@ the bridge but thus far the committee has not found a way to have them installed. New York harbor. mac.com. downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 17 Changes ahead for South Street Seaport Museum

Continued from page 6

Museum of the City of New York, she heads the Schwartz Children’s Center. At the South Street Seaport Museum, she is organizing programs for school groups and for the pub- lic. The fi rst of the school groups will arrive on Nov. 21. “We have 40 booked for the next few months,” Kent said. A program called “Mini-Mates” for children aged 18 months to three years will start on Nov. 17 and meet on Thursday mornings. Kent said that the school programs will utilize the Seaport museum’s collections including “objects that students can touch to teach them about New Amsterdam history in addition to the kinds of jobs and respon- sibilities that a sailor would have had on one of the large ships just outside the windows. Right now our plan is to show them the ships and then use objects to teach them about what would have been happening on the ships.” Mini-Mates for young children and their caregivers will teach about boats, water and animals utilizing arts and crafts, movement and free play. Pre-registration is required. (Email [email protected] or call 212- 748-8786 for more information or to par- ticipate.) Jones said that the galleries at the South Street Seaport Museum will reopen at the end of January, 2012 with “an open house of activities.” She said that details will be forthcoming in about a month. The museum’s collections, she said, “are in good shape” as are the Schermerhorn Row Downtown Express photo by Terese Loeb Kreuzer buildings that the museum occupies. The The Schermerhorn Row buildings that the South Street Seaport Museum occupies are in good shape, according to Susan Jones, museum’s ships are a “challenge,” however. the museum’s new director. “There are too many vessels out there for Pier 16, which is the only pier that we have one hundred years old this year, is another lobby for management changes and public “We’ve made great strides uptown,” said jurisdiction over,” she said. “The Wavertree matter. “The Peking doesn’t have any history fi nancing. Jones, refl ecting on conditions at the Museum is in the worst shape and that’s an impor- with this port.,” she said “The Peking is a “We recognize that it may be necessary of the City of New York and what she has tant boat that we need to preserve. It has a real issue. There’s no question about that. [for Peking to leave the Seaport],” said Capt. taken on at the South Street Seaport Museum, history with New York. That is defi nitely a That’s the largest challenge and it has to be Mike Cohen, a member of the group and a “and that gives us some small window to think priority. The City had appropriated $3.3 mil- addressed in the next seven months or so.” part-time captain for the working ships at about other responsibilities, but we never lion for the Wavertree. It won’t be anywhere On Nov. 2, Jones and several members of the museum. would have sought this opportunity. It came to near suffi cient. I think we need about $20 her South Street Seaport Museum manage- In general, Cohen said, the Save Our us. It’s another history museum. Our missions million total to get it back into shape and ment team met with the grassroots group, Seaport group responded enthusiastically are fairly concentric and we wanted to see maintain the historic character of the ship Save Our Seaport, which has been working to Jones’ presentation. “It really was a very the Seaport Museum be part of New York’s throughout.” since May to bring public awareness to con- good meeting,” he said. “We feel that we’re cultural scene. We want it to thrive. We don’t Jones said that the Peking, which was ditions at the museum and its ships and to on the right track.” want it to disappear.”

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 XXXCQDEBZOVSTFSZDPN 18 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express Hearing it on Hudson Square; It’s all in the heights

“The E.I.S, should study this change rooms space in the district. Continued from page 8 because it will further the mixed-use However, the large-hotel special permit The Greenwich Village Society for nature of the district without undermin- provision would expire when the district Historic Preservation said the 320-foot 1993 when the neighborhood to the west of ing its central character as a creative busi- achieves its goal of 75 percent residential. height limit on wide streets in the district Sixth Ave. was a no-man’s land after 5 p.m. ness center,” she said. The community board wants the hotel is too high, even though it’s lower than Amanda Cooper, HERE’s general manager, Community Board 2 and the BID both special permit to be a permanent feature the no-limit present zoning. G.V.S.H.P. is a strong supporter of the project. called for the E.I.S. to include the pos- of the new district with no expiration. The wants the E.I.S. to consider a 185-foot “For an organization like ours, it’s sibility of development bulk waivers in board also wants the E.I.S. to consider height limit for wide streets and strongly really important to have an attendance blocks that do not conform to the city eliminating dormitories and fraternity and advised that the 430-foot cap for the base and supporters right in the neigh- grid. sorority houses from the district. southeast corner of the district should be borhood, particularly in tough economic The proposal calls for downzoning Except for the 430-foot limit at the cut back. times,” she said. short residential blocks on Watts, Broome southeast corner of the district, the zon- The society also said it was against the Cooper joined others at the hearing, and Dominick Sts. near the entrance to ing calls for a height limit of 320 feet on higher height limits that owners want on including Community Board 2, in urging that the Holland Tunnel, but David Reck, the wide streets of Canal, Greenwich, Watts, Dominick and Broome Sts. the E.I.S. consider a limit of up to 70,000 who presented the Community Board 2 Hudson and Varick Sts. and Sixth Ave. G.V.S.H.P. was very concerned that the square feet for residential conversions. submission last week, said residential On the narrow streets, the height cap zoning intended to expand development Russell Roberts, a condo owner in a property owners on those blocks say the would be 185 feet. potential in Hudson Square would have a nearby 70,000-square-foot building with downzoning is unwarranted. Edison Properties owns two Manhattan big impact on the low-rise South Village photo, filmmaker, artist and designer stu- “The neighborhood character already Mini Storage loft buildings in the district, area east of Sixth Ave. dios, also said he wanted a larger limit on is dominated by traffic conditions related one at 157 Varick St. and the other at 260 The society has been vainly seeking residential conversions. to the tunnel,” the board resolution says. Spring St., with a total of 485,000 square historic district designation from the “We’ve already created the kind of C.B. 2 suggested that Watts, Broome feet, plus a 16,250-square-foot parking Landmarks Preservation Commission to community that the zoning has as its and Dominick Sts. be eliminated from lot between Spring and Dominick Sts. preserve the South Village’s southern goal,” Roberts said. “Because of the a proposed subdistrict for buildings of Anthony Borelli, Edison vice president end. nature of our work — artisans and design- reduced bulk and be treated the same as for real estate, said the 185-foot height The society’s resolution states, “We ers who work long hours — the dividing the rest of the special district. The board limit on narrow streets would inhibit therefore believe that the E.I.S. must line between work and living space has added that preservation of individual residential growth on several sites and study the impact of increased develop- become blurred, and we’ve become a live- buildings with architectural or historic would leave little incentive for affordable ment pressure on the South Village to work community.” significance on the three streets should be housing under the Inclusionary Zoning the widest scope possible — at least a Indeed, the Hudson Square Connections left to possible landmark designation. Program. radius of 1,000 feet from the boundaries BID suggested an as-of-right residential The proposed district does not ban Borelli said the E.I.S. should consider of the proposed rezoning — and recom- conversion limit of 80,000 square feet, hotels but includes a requirement for a an alternative of buildings with open mend mitigation to protect the historic Baer said. special permit for hotels with 100 or more space in the midblock to increase open resources of this neighborhood.”

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OPENING THIS WINTER FITNESS | SWIMMING | SPORTS | CULINARY ARTS CULTURAL ARTS | BPC PARKS CONSERVANCY downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 19 Mixed forecast for 1 W.T.C. Quality Sushi and Japanese Food Manhattan. The last time we dipped out of Continued from page 2 a recession, we came back very quickly and very strong. I expect the same will happen — s'REAT4ASTING &RESH&ISH 9/11 Memorial Museum, the Vehicle Security because again, the lack of supply, really, will Center, the other buildings being constructed create the speed with which this market will ATAN%XCELLENT0RICE on the site, and retail and connectivity down recover when we come out. below. People really want to understand how s#ASUAL#OMFORTABLE it all relates to one another. They’re not just DE: When do you expect to set a price for %NVIRONMENT leasing in one building, they’re leasing into a the top half of the building? new environment that’s all connected. s7E3ERVE"EER7INE3AKÏ That’s a good question. I was on the phone s$INEINOUR$INING2OOM ATTHE DE: So, what asking rent have you set this morning with [tenant] prospects inter- for 1 W.T.C.? ested in space above the Sky Lobby. When 3USHI"ARORORDERTAKE OUT queried, we said, ‘we don’t have an asking It’s now at $75 per [square] foot — up rent, but we’re going to line up the tours.’ If Party Trays for any Occasion to the 64th fl oor Sky Lobby, a double-height someone insists on us considering their rent- fl oor with a large atrium, where you’ll be able ing above those fl oors, we’ll negotiate, obvi- s3USHIs3ASHIMI Ask About our Gift to transfer to two elevator banks that service ously. But right now, unless calls come into s3PECIAL2OLLS Certificates! fl oors 65 to 90, the highest fl oor. We’ve only us, we’re focusing on the fl oors down below. priced an asking rent below the Sky Lobby. M-F: Serving Lunch and Dinner We close When you deliver a building, you’ll deliver it DE: What is your projected time frame of from the bottom up — therefore the leasing the leasing of Tower 1? Sat & Sun: Serving Dinner Only between 3-5 p.m. prospects will follow in that way. We’re hopeful we’ll be announcing, DE: How is Tower 1 faring at the moment, maybe by the fi rst quarter next year — a Online ordering available in terms of leasing activity? good three years before we open — that at seemlessweb.com we’ll be 50 percent rented. Nobody would The 9/11 Memorial opening created a have believed me if I had said that three or TOKYO BAY or at grubhub.com very interesting dynamic of [newly interested four years ago. It would obviously be quite a companies] considering 1 W.T.C. The tower feat and quite an accomplishment, since it is 183 Duane St. Fast, Free is new, and obviously green and attractive, a very large building. "ET'REENWICH3T(UDSON3T fi nancially, which is driving their interest — because companies today want to change DE: How much of One W.T.C., if any, (212) 431-8666 Delivery! their culture. With a new environment at 1 will be used for community and cultural W.T.C., companies who are challenged today purposes, do you think? with their balance sheet and trying to fi nd New York Times ★ ★ Michelin ★ ways to increase revenue and reduce expens- It’s a little too early in the leasing stage, I es, [can] occupy space much more effi ciently think, for that dialogue to occur. Those enti- than in any of the older [building] stock. ties would take smaller amounts of space, and that leasing would take place in 2015. DE: But, how ready and willing are the The Durst Organization, the tower’s devel- companies to shake hands and sign a lease? oper and co-leasing and marketing agent, is very involved in arts organizations and Now, with the economic uncertainties and cultural aspects of New York City — having with what’s happening in Europe, people are been a very big, early supporter of The High not as quick to make decisions. In times like Line. I could easily see Durst considering this, obviously, the dialogue can potentially utilizing vacant fl oors that aren’t rented [for be longer than we would have had in the that purpose]. earlier part of this year, since times were “Marc Forgione is more certain earlier this year. DE: From a personal standpoint, what’s it rustic and urban at like to work on such a nationally and inter- once, a loft that might DE: Does that make your job tougher? nationally recognized project? be in a Hudson River Yes, I suppose. But we don’t feel it the When I took this project on in 2007, I mill town. Service is same way the older [building] stock does. believed in it. I was very, very bullish. I’m warm and practiced, Selling this building is easier than selling charged and energized and renewed anytime some of the city’s older buildings I represent, I go down there. the food about three because [prospective tenants] realize there’s times better then it very little of this product and this supply in DE: Describe a recent day at the site. the time frame many of these companies are needs to be” currently seeking space in. Presently, there is It’s humbling to talk with the construc- - Sam Sifton, 400 million square feet worth of offi ce space tion workers. Two days ago, I was in an ele- The New York Times in Manhattan and, in 2014-15, only three vator with a steel worker who is leading the new offi ce buildings [are scheduled to come Irish group, and talked to him about his job. on line], including 1 W.T.C. and 4 W.T.C. In some way, I’m standing next to him and Monday – Saturday DINNER 5:30pm – 11:00pm [it occurred to me that] I’m leasing it, but DE: Do you fret a potential double-dip he’s building it — which is so much more Sunday BRUNCH @ 11:30am, followed by SUPPER @ 5pm recession will make prospective tenants hesi- meaningful, in many respects. The workers tate even more? ares all so proud, as am, I to be associated with this building. There’s nothing more Restaurant Marc Forgione Yes, it concerns me. But because of magnifi cent than I’ve ever been involved in, 134 Reade Street, btw Hudson & Greenwich its unique attributes, 1 W.T.C. will fare or probably ever will be, as this asset is to 212.941.9401 www.marcforgione.com far better than much of the older stock in this city and this country. 20 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express Donations to O.W.S. pile up

The space also has phone service, which ADVERTISING Continued from page 5 O.W.S. is responsible for paying, and they are using desks and tables left by a former tenant, cations. The S.I.S. group recently received said the spokesman. The lease is held by a non- a $5,000 export budget from the O.W.S. profi t that handles the rent payment on behalf General Assembly for this purpose. of the anonymous donor. Eskandani estimates that the group Some members of O.W.S. are concerned CAREER receives over 100 boxes daily, with a steep about other “occupy” groups coming to rely increase accompanying the cold weather. He too heavily on Occupy Wall Street, which said the camp’s “comfort” station was over- is seen as the fl agship group. Several recent whelmed during the Oct. 29 nor’easter when general assemblies have featured requests for Work for donors brought hundreds of cold-weather funds from other occupations, such as Occupy items to the park. He also proposed to the Oakland, which recently received a $20,000 O.W.S. general assembly that the group allocation from O.W.S. and various groups in share surplus items with the wider New York the city who identify with the movement but City community, “in solidarity with the15 are not offi cially part of it. million unemployed workers” in America. Pete Dutro with the O.W.S. fi nance working The distribution will be handled by the out- group said, “Winter will become expensive.” reach working group, and would alleviate Instead of having funding requests from

PROTEST GROUPS . 24 some of the storage space shortage, as well outside groups coming through the G.A., OCCUPY STEAMPUNK QUEEN OF HEARTS, PG WALL ST., JAPANESE PG. 2 TWIST ON GREEK CLASSIC, as make room for needed items. Dutro said the fi nance group would welcome downtown PG. 25 downtown ntown ® express w ® express do Among the items in short supply, accord- representatives coming down to Zuccotti Park VOLUME 24, NUMBER 20 THE NEWSPAPER OF LOWER MANHATTAN SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 4, 2011 VOLUME 24, NUMBER 19 THE NEWSPAPER OF LOWER M OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2011 ANHATTAN express SEPTEMBER 21 - 27, 2011 Chinatown B.I.D. ® ing to S.I.S. co-coordinator Justin Strekal, are to discuss their needs so that O.W.S. could VOLUME 24, NUMBER 23 THE NEWSPAPER OF LOWER MANHATTAN After a soldier’s death; City Council wants opponents vow community wants full cancer added to keep fighting BY ALINE REYNOLDS to up to $5,000 for large investigation ing a boots, non-cotton thermals, tarps, cold weather make referrals to fi nancing tools. After a highly conten- property owners, the major- “We’re conduct to Zadroga law REYNOLDS in-depth tious debate among com- ity of whom will pay $700 BY ALINE iga- very thorough and vate iminal invest ion into Pri BY ALINE RE munity members, the City annually. Approximately A cr investigat YNOLDS his team to review ” Grey said. Cancer is still a 9/11 Council unanimously voted three-quarters of the dis- tion is underway to trace Chen’s death, not cov- cancer study pub ious ered under the lished in in favor of the Chinatown trict’s 2,300 property lots the cause of the myster . “It would be premature to James the Sept. 3 edition of The .S ing that hap- Zadroga 9/11 Heal Business Improvement will owe $1,000 or less per death of 19-year-old U discuss anyth th and Lancet medi Compensation Ac cal journal as District at its meeting on year. Army Private Danny Chen, pened, [in order] to protect sleeping bags, and non-perishable food. Among other winter-related concerns is the t, per a soon as possible rather than decision by the la Wednesday, Sept. 21. Mayor With respect to trash, the whose body was found on the case.” w’s health wait a year as planned. cials program administrator, D The Michael Bloomberg’s signed Council advised the future Oct. 3 in a guard tower Local elected offi r. resolution, which follows a istan ity organiza- John Howard. In J the legislation on Tuesday B.I.D. to increase garbage in Kandahar, Afghan and commun uly Dr. Congressional peti ing a Howard determined tion also night. collection prior to 8 a.m. with a gunshot wound to tions are now demand ive there requesting Dr. . was insufficient evidence Howard’s More than three-quarters based on concerns raised by the head timely and comprehensich immediate review of the ity was not ’s death, wh linking the disease of the B.I.D.’s first-year local business and property The fatal study of Chen to expo- data in the Lancet study, ieve might correlate “We appreciate everything they’re sending, layout of the camp, and the clutter of small sure to Ground Zero toxins. is budget, which totals $1.3 owners. “The B.I.D. will combat related, accord-iminal they bel scheduled to go befo .S. Army Cr ial harassment the re the ing to U with rac i- City politicians are now million, will be allocated enhance and retain business ion Command full City Council on Wed., Investigat private purportedly exper urging Dr. Howard to recon to supplemental sanitation in Chinatown by supplying istopher . - Sept. 21. Spokesperson Chr enced while overseas sider his decision based on a services, while the remain- very significant sanitation ions are there- “New persuasive Grey. Speculat “We want to know the recent scientific study that evidence ing funds will finance holi- services within the B.I.D.’s has been compile fore swirling that Chen, who truth of what happened to suggests such a link indeed d [indi- day lighting, maintenance of boundary,” said Council sed on the ies, no cating that] first respond i . No l exists. - street lampposts and furni- Speaker Christine Quinn at was born and ra ither Danny Chen ” but some items being received are more appro- tents and personal items that inhibit movement ide, was e just the truth, ers who were at ground Lower East S cer or cover-ups, On Mon., Sept. 19, Running in a hero’s footsteps ture and other area services. a Sept. 21 press conference izabeth OuYang, the zero are getting cancer at shot by a fellow offi said El City Council’s Commi a Assessment fees range from announcing the City Council itted suicide. ttee much higher rate than o that he comm president of the New York on Civil Service and Labo nesOn Sunday, Sept. 25, over 30,000 runners took part in the annual Tunnel to Towers Race in honor of Stephen $1 for condominium owners vote. ization r who weren’t,” said C Grey refused to comment on branch of the Organ Rob D voted unanimous ouncilSi ller, the fallen firefighter who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in full-gear on 9/11 to get to the World ion. iaz, who has been serv ly in Member and Co either speculat ing up cannoli at the Feast of San Gennaro for 32 years, serves anothe favor of a resolution call mmitteeTrade Center site. Turn to page 16. Continued on page 15 Continued on page 6 puts another smile on a customer - Chair James Sanders, Jr. ’s face. ing on Dr. Howard a r pastry and nd call to action initiated by Occupy priate for other climates,” said Strekal. within the park. Last week camp planners Scientific data reveals Occupying the Saturdaycenter as part of a worldwide of the world invaded Times Square on Continued on month. Two booths at San Gennaro page 19Photo exhibit at future site of Park51 Over 6,000 people vement is now in its second Wall Street. The mo serve food, with a side of history showcases children of the world S.I.S. volunteer Nick Thommen added, “We began to install large army tents, which can BY JOHN BAYLES A month in, O.W.S. protestors BY ALINE REYNOLDS at a dozen other locations domesti- Goldfield to take on the daunting proj- If there’s one bo there is at least one constant. oth at the Feast of as a result of J Pristine white walls splashed with cally and in Denmark, according to the ect, the photographer said in a speech San Gennaro that needs no name, no “This is the original oe’s older brother’s ident cannoli,” said striking resembla photographs of playful children now photographer, Danny Goldfield, who he made at the exhibit’s opening at sign on the front, no marketing material Diaz on Monday eve nce to Scott Baio, with Manhattan Borough Pres. Daniel ning. “It’s still who played Chachi in make up the 4,500-square-foot remod- has 24 children left to photograph to 45-51 Park Place on Wednesday, Sept. and community trying ily tofor coexistinger, NYS Sen the feast’s best seller. They’ll invent a Scott Str whatsoever, it’s the booth on the south the old sitcom dents for up to twelve hours da in, as well as other - new one, but they can’ “Happy Days.” eled space at the future site of the complete his project. When finished, 26. Goldfield described Balbir as a gen- AGNUS . Moore told the assem- Squadron and Ch east corner of Spring and Mulberry t reinvent the BY CYNTHIA M its almost a month ir movement, original.” Joe’s father lived above proposed Islamic community center there will be one child from every erous individual who gave away candy representatives and stakeholders,” w itoth have a lot of stuff. People are sending us stuff accommodate more people and promote safer Streets. What it sells and what graces Rocky’s on bly that she supports the icy the corner of Spring and Mulberry and known as Park51. country in the world. The inspira- to customers and their families and, As Occupy Wall Street enters ighbors. “good neighbor pol its display counter is enough to make Across the street from the Rimesso’s as do many of her ne develop a his mother lived one block north at 278 The art exhibit, entitled tion behind Goldfield’s project was hours before he was murdered, emp- second month, and demonstratorsi Park, elected con- “But please . any passerby stop on a dime: fresh booth is Chachi’s Hot Sausages. Like ide in Zuccott Moore, however, added, O.W.S ing Mulberry. The way Joe’s m “NYChildren,” features a series of Rana Sodhi, brother of Balbir Sodhi, tied his pockets at a local fundraising tinue to res ief.” baked cannoli. the Rimesso ope other, Louise, ity stakeholders and give us some rel in One of the challenges, accordinitially ration, the Chachi 169 photographs of first-generation or a Sikh in Arizona who was shot and drive for 9/11 victims’ families. offi cials, commun ing to fi nd in, was that the person booth has remai tells it, the Monsignor from the old St. City Councilmember Margaret Ch to Men The booth has been at the same loca- ned, since 1975, at the protestors are attempt ggest issue is the drum- ing the concerns of the same loca Patrick’s Cathedral on immigrant youths ages 12 and under killed in front of his family-owned gas Goldfield admired Balbir’s brother, ist. “The single bi responsible for relay .W.S. tion for 32 years. It tion and is still “all in Mulberry Street ways to coex said, ity board back to O ’s one of the oldest came to her fathe that now live in New York City. The station four days after 9/11. Sodhi’s Rana, who despite his loss, had a desire ighborhood of work- .W.S. has been unable to the commun booths that still the family.” Before it became known as r and uncle one day, “This is a ne ming. So far, O when they should be supporting their local spaces. A challenge to establishing the large takes part in the feast back when the church stil youngest child is a 34-day-old toddler death was one of the first post-9/11 to open his heart to others. ing. I know the drum- ing so — a problem that she and was started Chachi’s, it was simply known as the l allowed gam limit the drumm was not do . by the Rimesso family. - from Ethiopia, who is shown sleeping hate-crime murders in the country, “He had this simple prescription OH, THE HORROR! ing class people, the same peoplei ryou of best sausage the f bling and when beer and wine were sold ” said Pat Moore, cha mers are a source of stress for the.S com-.” said has now been resolveding proactively Why they occupy It continues to remain “in the family” east had to offer. represent, ity of Life ithin O.W come from varied back- at almost every booth. peacefully on her parents’ bed in their Goldfield noted. of making the world better by meet- Frightening prospects for Downtown Halloween ’s Qual ty and for people w “We are address ” “occupiers” to this day, run by Nan Joe Lacorazza is currently running At that time, the Community Board 1 muni Wall Street cy Rimesso and block in front of old New York home. It was Sodhi brothers’ innovative happenings. See page 23. id O.W.S. has agreed to concerns as they are brought to us, ories. Page 12 Rob Diaz. While muc the booth. But, like his neighbor across St. Patrick’s had ittee, at the Occupy Wall Street Chin sa h has changed Continued on Comm i Park on ing, and they have d Menin. grounds and with many st the street, he never no streetlights, and they needed some The exhibit has been showcased and good-hearted spirit that inspired page 12 in Zuccott limits on the drumm sai since the feast started 85 years ago, really had a choice; General Assembly it was a family dut Folk singer Tom Ch . to follow through and enforce those Continued on page 14 y. The name came apin headlines “Harmony o Oct. 15 Continued on Hudson n the ic of discussion was a reduc- . occupation.” tent set-up is that some occupiers are resistant .” Turn to page The top rules ie Menin worked page 2 16 se caused by the drum . 1 Chair Jul on in the noi i- C.B ti isturbed area res circle, which has d Eskandani said, “We have been given a to giving up their personal tents. great deal of wealth. Let’s show Wall Street These tents have been a problem because how we handle our stock.” they can block egress from the park in In addition to the 6800 sq. ft. storage space emergencies. Several power generators have We have 2 great positions to fill at 52 Broadway that O.W.S. rents for $1 per been brought back into the park following month, an anonymous donor recently came last month’s confi scation by the FDNY of forward with an offer to pay for offi ce space six generators and several containers of fuel. The Sales Support and Marketing Assistant performs a variety of at the U.F.T. building at 50 Broadway. The Incentives to get people to give up their “real clerical and administrative activities to support the sales and market- 2500 sq. ft. space that O.W.S. began using this estate” and allow the installation of large month will be used by offi cial O.W.S. working group tents is the promise of a space, which ing director....(Community Media’s award winning publications....The groups and comes with heat, electricity, and would be better insulated, include cots and Villager, Downtown Express, Chelsea Now, East Villager News and Gay internet access, and costs “about $5,000 a provide better security for people and their City News). The Sales Assistant is responsible for ensuring the smooth month,” according to a U.F.T. spokesman. possessions. flow of paper work between the sales team and information needed by our in-house accounting and production team. You should be able to communicate effectively with advertisers, able to provide follow up support to our sales director for existing and prospective clients. Com- O.W.S.’s new rules puter skills are essential, including the ability to use Google Docs and Council.” manage basic spreadsheets. This is an hourly wage position with not Continued from page 14 Hoffman, however, cautioned that multiple S.C.scouncils could create the less that 15 hour per week. the Direct Democracy working group sought same inefficiency problems the G.A. has to disband the Spokes Council altogether. been grappling with. Members of this working group weren’t “It would create sectarianism and over- Advertising Sales Representative Positions also available. You should immediately available to comment. lap — and that’s exactly what the Spokes Hoffman attributed the conten- [Council] was created to prevent,” said be a go-getter with outstanding follow-up skills, the ability to write an tion that arose at Monday’s meeting to Hoffman. effective sales letter, make a terrific pitch, be charming and hard work- “growing pains.” “Everyone is nervous Meanwhile, Carty and fellow structure ing. We seek a person who has some experience in both print and of [the Spokes Council.C. being] some- and facilitation working group represen- thing resembling a power structure,” said tatives are already planning the S.C.’s online advertising sales. Your compensation is based on your sales. Hoffman. Wed., Nov. 9next Spokes Council meeting “It’s just a sorting-out of the egos. in hopes that it will run smoothly. Next time, it’ll be a lot easier.” “We’re going to give five minutes for Please contact Francesco Regini by sending your resume Depending on the model’s success, each group,” said Carty. “If we can’t the Spokes CCouncil might multiply into come to a consensus at the end of five by email to [email protected]. Please do not call. several cCouncils. minutes, we’ll drop them down to the “It’s a tool for developing conversa- next round.” Community Media offers a generous package of benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer tion,” said Carty. “Any group that feels At some point, Carty said, “We have to and a great place to work. We publish great papers....that’s our mission. like they’ve grown too big to have an eas- draw a line as to when we’re going to just ily-facilitated meeting can have a Spokes start doing work.” downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 21

Each session ($22 per family of three) ends with music and story time. Museum hours: Mon. and Wed., 12-5pm; Thurs. and Fri., COMPILED BY NIKKI TUCKER YOUTH 12-6pm; Sat.-Sun., 10am-6pm. Admission: $10; Pay as you wish on Thurs., 4-6pm. At 103 Charlston St. (btw. Hudson and Green- wich Sts.). Call 212-274-0986 or visit cmany.org. For group tours, ACTIVITIES call 212-274-0986, ext. 31. NEW YORK CITY FIRE MUSEUM Kids will learn about fire prevention and safety through group tours, led by former NYC firefighters. The program — which lasts approximately 75 min- utes — includes classroom training and a simulated event in a mock apartment, where a firefighter shows how fires can start in different rooms in the home. Finally, students are guided on a tour of the museum’s first floor. Tours (for groups of 20 or more) are offered Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:30am, 11:30am and 12:30pm. Tickets are $3 for children and $5 per adult — but for every 10 kids, admission is free for one adult. The museum offers a $700 Junior Firefighter Birthday Party package, for children 3-6 years old. The birthday child and 15 of their guests will be treated to story time, show and tell, a coloring activity, a scav- enger hunt and the opportunity to speak to a real firefighter (the museum provides a fire-themed birthday cake, juice boxes and other favors and decorations). The NYC Fire Museum is located at 278 Spring St. (btw. Varick and Hudson). For info and reserva- tions, call 212-691-1303.

THE NEW YORK CITY POLICE MUSEUM At “Junior Detec- tive Day,” kids will use Crime Scene Investigation techniques, observation experiments and fingerprinting to solve a mystery. This event is great for families with children ages 5-14. Sat., Nov. 19, 11am-2pm. Admission is free. Ongoing, the Junior Officers Discovery Zone is an exhibit designed for ages 3-10. It’s divided Photo courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History into four areas (Police Academy, Park and Precinct, Emergency Services Unit and a Multi-Purpose Area), each with interac- HOW DID DINOSAURS GET SO HUGE? tive and imaginary play experiences for children to understand Walk inside the giant body of a 60-foot-long, 11-foot-tall Mamenchisaurus at this exhibit about some of the biggest creatures to the role of police officers in our community — by, among other ever roam the planet. Long-necked and long-tailed sauropods could grow to be 150 feet — but what made them so huge? “The Largest things, driving and taking care of a police car. For older children, Dinosaurs” explores this question with up-close views of how the extinct giants moved, ate and breathed — and offers insight into why there’s a crime scene observation activity that will challenge these functions are linked to the creatures’ size. At the end of the exhibit, learn how dinosaur fossils are discovered in an interactive them to remember relevant parts of city street scenes, a physi- replication of a dig site. Through Jan. 2, 2012. At the American Museum of Natural History (79th St. and Central Park West). Museum cal challenge similar to those at the Police Academy and a model hours: 10am-5:45pm, daily. For museum and dino-exhibit admission: $25 for adults, $19 for seniors and students, $14.50 for children Emergency Services Unit vehicle where children can climb in, use ages 2-12. Call 212-769-5100 or visit amnh.org. the steering wheel and lights, hear radio calls with police codes and see some of the actual equipment carried by The Emergency JIM HENSON’S FANTASTIC WORLD Meet Miss Piggy, Ker- four productions (including “The Yellow Brick Road” on Sun., visit poetshouse.org. Services Unit. At 100 Old Slip (btw. Front and South Sts.). For info, mit the Frog and Bert and Ernie at an exhibit dedicated to creative Nov. 20, at 3pm). Single tickets are $25 (10Club members enjoy call 212-480-3100 or visit nycpm.org. Hours: Mon. through Sat., genius Jim Henson — creator of The Muppet Show, Fraggle $14 tickets). A 10Club Membership enables you to purchase 10 CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS Explore painting, col- 10am-5pm and Sun., 12-5pm. Admission: $8 ($5 for students, Rock and Sesame Street. Puppets, drawings, storyboards, props admissions for $140 (parents save more than 40 percent off the lage and sculpture through self-guided arts projects at this muse- seniors and children; free for children under 2). and many other Henson artifacts are on display. Even more fan- cost of each ticket). To purchase a 10Club membership, call 212- um dedicated to inspiring the artist within. Open art stations are tastic is the program of events. At the Museum of the Moving 220-1460 or visit Ticketing Services (Tues.-Sat., 12-6pm; located ongoing throughout the afternoon — giving children the opportu- WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR EVENT LISTED IN THE Image (36-01 35th Ave., Astoria). Until Jan. 16, 2012. Museum in the lobby of the Borough of Manhattan Community College, nity to experiment with materials such as paint, clay, fabric, paper DOWNTOWN EXPRESS? Send information to scott@chel- hours: Tues.-Thurs., 10:30am-5pm. Fri., 10:30am-8pm. Sat./Sun., 199 Chambers St.). Visit tribecapac.org for single tickets. and found objects. Drop in with wee-ones (ages 10 months to 3½ seanow.com. Please provide the date, time, location, price and 10:30am-7pm. Admission: $10 adults, $7.50 college students years) for the museum’s “Wee-Arts” program every Mon. and Fri., a description of the event. Information may also be mailed to 515 and seniors, $5 children under 18 (free for members and children SATURDAY AFTERNOONS AT THE SCHOLASTIC 9:15-10:30am; Wed., 4-5:15pm; Wed.-Thurs., 10-11am, through Canal Street, Unit 1C, New York City, NY 10013. Requests must under three). Free admission for all on Fri., 4-8pm. For info and STORE Every Saturday at 3pm, Scholastic’s in-store activities Dec.23. Start the morning with Playdough, paints, glue and draw- be received at least three weeks before the event. Questions? a full schedule of events, visit movingimage.us or call 718-777- are designed to get kids reading, thinking, talking, creating and ing — in an intimate and stimulating environment where experi- Call 646-452-2497. 6888. moving. At 557 Broadway (btw. Prince and Spring Sts.). Store mentation, exploration and creative thinking are encouraged. hours are Mon.-Sat., 10am-7pm and Sun., 11am-6pm. For info, BATTERY PARK CITY PARK CONSERVANCY’S STORIES call 212-343-6166 or visit scholastic.com/sohostore. & SONGS This multi-week program of participatory music and stories is for young children accompanied by an adult. By intro- POETS HOUSE The Poets House Children’s Room gives chil- ducing musical performance and creative storytelling to children, dren and their parents a gateway to enter the world of rhyme “Stories & Songs” develops active listening, socializing and cul- — through readings, group activities and interactive perfor- tural literacy in a joyous, warm environment. Space is limited and mances. For children ages 1-3, the Children’s Room offers “Tiny advanced registration is required. To pre-register, call 212-267- Poets Time” readings on Thursdays at 10am; for those ages 4-10, Moving Visions’ Murray Street Studio 9700 ext. 366 or visit BPCPC’s office at 75 Battery Place. Payment “Weekly Poetry Readings” on Saturdays at 11am. Filled with A Wise Choice for your child’s dance education! can be made by check to BPCPC, or by Visa or Master Card. Bat- poetry books, old-fashioned typewriters and a card catalogue tery Park City Parks Conservancy offers 20 percent discounts to packed with poetic objects to trigger inspiration, the Children’s Dance for Children and Teens siblings enrolled in “Stories & Songs.” Mondays, through Dec. 12 Room is open Thurs.-Sat., 11am-5pm. On Sat., Nov. 12, 11am, or Wednesdays, through Dec. 7. Located at 6 River Terrace (South Richard Lewis and the Touchstone Center Ensemble presents a • Modern Ballet (ages 5-18) • Choreography (ages 8 & up) end of River Terrace by the Irish Hunger Memorial). program based on Lewis’ new book, displaying various aspects of • Creative Movement/Pre-Ballet (ages 3-5) a river, bringing it to life through dance and song. After the perfor- BMCC TRIBECA PERFORMANING ARTS CENTER High- mance, children make their own “river books.” Free admissions. ADULT CLASSES Yoga - Tai Chi • Chi/Dance/Exercise for Women lights of the 2011-2012 family season includes family favorites On Sat., Dec. 3, 11am, join Homer-in-residence Mike Romanos such as “Clifford, The Big Red Dog” (celebrating its 50th Anniver- for a retelling of this epic tale, complete with all the angry gods, (day) sary), “The Magic Schoolbus” (celebrating its 25th Anniversary) flailing monsters and cunning heroes of the original. Free admis- 19 Murray St., 3rd Fl. 212-608-7681 (Bet. Broadway and Church) www.murraystreetdance.com and will continue its partnership with Theatreworks USA with sions. (at 10 River Terrace and Murray St.). Call 212-431-7920 or 22 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express DOWNTOWN EXPRESSARTS&ENTERTAINMENT The desire to win, at the expense of others Terrence Rattigan revival gets to the heart of our DNA

BY CHRISTOPHER BYRNE Could there be a better time to revive THEATER “Man and Boy,” Terence Rattigan’s obscure amorality tale from 1963 about an inter- national businessman in the fi nal spasms MAN AND BOY of brinksmanship as his empire collapses? Probably not. Could there be a better actor Written by Terence Rattigan than Frank Langella to embody the ruthless- Directed by Maria Aitken ness, desperation and strategizing all with an impeccable sang-froid? Decidedly not. Presented by Roundabout Theatre Company Under the precise and thoughtful direc- Through Nov. 27 tion of Maria Aitken, Rattigan’s play — a combination of thriller, family drama and At American Airlines Theatre (227 W. 42nd St.) social commentary — is vibrantly alive Tues.-Sat. at 8pm; Wed., Sat., Sun. at 2pm and wonderfully understated. It is a well- made play in a well-mounted production, For tickets ($67-$117), visit roundaboutthe- but beyond that, it’s also entertaining and atre.org or call 212-719-1300 thought-provoking. The play is set in 1934, and Langella plays Gregor Antonescu, a wildly successful Gregor seeks refuge from the media and businessman credited with saving Europe arranges a meeting with the man he must after World War I. If his means are shady, come to terms with, Mark Herries, at the the ends have justifi ed them –– at least until down-at-the-heels Greenwich Village base- the opening of the play, when it seems the ment apartment of one Basil Anthony. This Photo by Joan Marcus health of the global markets rides on his abil- seemingly incongruous meeting place makes Frank Langella, as Gregor Antonescu; Adam Driver, as Basil Anthony…or is he? ity to forge an unlikely merger. sense when we learn that Basil is actually depravity is here considered a quirk. Gregor cares about nothing but winning, HOMEMADE MACARONI It’s tempting to see this and the people in his life fi nd him at once !3+&/2 irresistible and repellant. They are unable 2AVIOLI  play through the lens to disentangle themselves from him, but he $!),9 "AKED:ITI  ,ASAGNA  engages with them only when they are use- 30%#)!,3 of our own time, and it ful to him. Rattigan’s investigation of the HOT HERO SANDWICHES bargains people make and the games they ^&REE$ELIVERY #HICKEN0ARMIGIANA  certainly resonates. Still, play is fascinating. #HICKEN#UTLET  Langella is at the height of his game in -INIMUM ~ 3AUSAGE0EPPERS  0OTATO%GG  it’s more chilling to realize this role. He is perfectly in control, and %GGPLANT0ARMIGIANA  every moment is rich in detail –– from the PIZZA PIES -EATBALL0ARMIGIANA  that while the trappings way he holds his hand in his jacket pocket 6EAL#UTLET0ARMIGIANA  to his gesture fl icking a folder to the fl oor .EAPOLITAN  'RILLED-ARINATED#HICKEN  3ICILIANSLICES  #HICKEN -OZZARELLA,EMON  may change, the desire to the subtlety of Gregor’s unfolding plan. #HICAGO  )TALIAN0HILLY#HEESE3TEAK  He’s so charming and persuasive it’s easy to 3MALL.EAPOLITAN  to win — at the expense see how an entire continent could fall under -INI0IE  HOT PLATES Gregor’s spell, blind to his pathological ,!2'%3%,%#4)/./&4/00).'3%ACH of others — is as old as narcissism. CHICKEN DAILY SPECIALTY PIES The supporting cast is very good as well. %GGPLANT0ARMIGIANA  civilization. Zach Grenier is fascinating as Herries, a CALLFORPRICE #HICKEN0ARMIGIANA  man who has the upper hand until Gergor #HICKEN-ARSALA  CALZONESTOPPING #HICKEN&RANCAISE  fi nds his fatal fl aw. Adam Driver is compel- #HICKEN3ORRENTINO  ling as Basil, maintaining a strong sense SALADS VEAL Vasily Antonescu, Gregor’s estranged son. of morality despite his seeming weakness. (OUSE3ALAD  6EAL-ILANESEOR0ARMIGIANA  There is no happy reunion in this story, Michael Siberry, as usual, turns in an accom- #AESAR3ALAD  6EAL-ARSALA  however. plished performance as Sven, Gregor’s right ROLATINI 'RILLED#HICKEN  Basil abhors the actions that allowed his hand man, and Brian Hutchinson is appeal- #HICKEN2OLATINI  3PINACH3ALAD  SEAFOOD father to grow rich while others suffered, ing as Herrie’s accountant, David Beeston, 'REEK3ALAD  &RIED#ALAMARIAPPETIZER  and yet he allows him to meet there. Gregor Gergor’s fi rst victim as the game unfolds. 0ASTA3ALAD  3HRIMP3CAMPI  repays the fi lial favor by attempting — It’s tempting to see this play through the #AESARWITH#HICKEN #ALAMARI,INGUINIREDSAUCE  there’s no delicate way to put this — to pimp lens of our own time, and it certainly reso- SELECTION OF APPETIZERS, 'RILLED3ALMON  Basil out to Herries, a closeted homosexual, nates. Still, it’s more chilling to realize that SOUPS & SIDES SEEFULLMENU * Prices may vary as the strategy for closing the deal. while the trappings may change, the desire Conventional thinking would fi nd this to win — at the expense of others — is as old 7E3PECIALIZEIN#ATERING shocking, but Gregor is anything but conven- as civilization. It is in our DNA, this drive ,ETUSCATERYOURNEXTPARTYˆ9OURPLACEOROURS tional. In fact, he’s a sociopath (one who has to survive. We may be shocked at Gregor’s made people a great deal of money). No one actions, but we can’t really be surprised. 'REENWICH3Ts     wants to look too closely at his actions, and And against all odds, part of us wants him -ON 7EDAM PMs4HUR 3UNPM AM what might in other circumstances be seen as to win. downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 23 Drama of an Orchard St. cantor’s son returns Metropolitan’s ‘Jazz Singer’ fi rst NYC production since 1925 tentative than that. “The story, the play and the movie are REVIVAL three different things,” says director Livingston, whose “day job,” as she puts it, is improvisa- THE JAZZ SINGER tional theater. Written by Samson Raphaelson A native of Oak Park, Illinois, she was waiting tables at Second City, Chicago, when her admis- Directed by Laura Livingston sion to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School came Nov. 12-Dec. 11 through and whisked her off to England, leaving the unknown awestruck Second City improvisers Wed.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm through Saturdays (Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, John Candy, et al.) at 8pm; Sundays at 3pm gaping in astonishment. Pay-What-You-Will performance on Mon., Nov. “Went to England, studied at the Bristol Old Vic, came back, turned on the television — and 14, at 7:30pm there they all were.” Additional 3pm matinees: Sat., Nov. 26, Dec. Nowadays, she lives on the Upper West 3 & 10 Side of Manhattan with her husband, Michael Durkin, the actor who plays Jack Robin’s no-non- No performance on Wed./Thurs., Nov. 23/24 sense Broadway producer in the Metropolitan’s At the Metropolitan Playhouse (220 E. 4th St., “The Jazz Singer.” Jakie Rabinowitz’s mama btw. Aves. A & B) Photo by Alex Roe and cantor papa are played by Nona Pipes and Justin Flagg as Jack Robin, Nona Pipes as Sara Rabinowitz and Michael Durkin as Charles Gerber, Tickets: $22; $18 for students, seniors; $10 for Harry Lee. Al Jolson left us in 1950, but his excitement those under 18 carries on. One incidental: Jakie torn between his make-or-break opening Co. doing those numbers, Hollywood would When young Judy Garland wanted to break For reservations: 212-995-5302 or metropoli- night on Broadway and his father’s simultane- still be in the silent era.) away from Louis B. Mayer and strike out on her tanplayhouse.org ous deathbed. What’s in the short story but not in the own as a singer, she went to her beloved Oscar It is this all but forgotten 1925 play that play is, in Ms. Livingston’s words, that “Jakie’s Levant and asked him what should she sing. became the 1927 Warner Bros. talking (and father has thrown him out of the house when The acerbic Oscar uttered two words: “Sing BY JERRY TALLMER singing) motion picture that — making a world- Jakie reveals his engagement to a shiksa.” Jack Jolson.” And that’s just what she did. On April 25, 1917, a college student wide star of Al Jolson — put to rest the Robin’s relationship with his costar, Mary Dale Oh Judy. Oh Swanee. Oh Mammy. Oy, oy. named Samson Raphaelson went to see a silent-fi lm era. It is this same stage play that (Christine Claiborne Bullen) is a good bit more oy…. show called “Robinson Crusoe” at a theater is now back in being at the Lower East Side’s in Champaign, Illinois. Metropolitan Playhouse. Nineteen days earlier, the United States It is also this city’s fi rst professional produc- had entered World War I — but what more tion since the 1920s of Raphaelson’s original p [V 3,(95 immediately stunned young Raphaelson (a Jew script. /a< from the Lower East Side of New York) was, The prime mover at Metropolitan Playhouse as he would later recall, the astonishingly pas- is founder, lead producer, artistic director, “and sionate “velocity” and “fl uidity” of an unknown everything else” Alex Roe — a Harvard gradu- performer also from the Lower East Side of ate who from time to time had seen fragments [OPZMHSS New York. It was as if a cantor in a synagogue of the Warner Bros. movie but had never heard had put on blackface to dig into the soul of a of Raphaelson’s play until a friend told him congregation during the High Holy Days. about it last summer. 6\YZ[\KLU[Z^OL[OLY 7YVNYHTZMVYZ[\KLU[Z The unknown actor/singer was Asa Yoselson, Laura Livingston, who had done some acting TVU[OZ[VHK\S[ born in Russia on or about (by his own later as well as directing at Metropolitan Playhouse, [VKKSLYZZLUPVYZVY guesstimate), May 25, 1886 — brought at age had never heard of this play either, much less Q;VKKSLY(K\S[ 6, along with mama and the three other surviv- the short story that had preceded it. PUIL[^LLUSLHYU ing kids, to that same Lower East Side (where It is not every script that has a Jew putting Q7YLZJOVVS(Y[Z,_WYLZZ papa served as a cantor and occasional rabbi). on blackface to sing “Mammy” songs that I`KVPUN·^P[O[OLPY Q(M[LYZJOVVS(Y[Z(JHKLT` Asa Yoselson grew up to be Al Jolson. And deeply stir an audience’s mixed emotions. TPUKZHUKIVKPLZ since the show that Raphaelson saw in One imperiled minority doubling as Q.YV\WHUK7YP]H[L0UZ[Y\TLU[HS Champaign, Illinois, had been “Robinson another. 3LZZVUZ Crusoe” — and Jolson had appeared in it And not easy to cast. ^P[O[OLPYZLUZLZ in blackface — one hazards that the role was Ms. Livingston: “I had some people say to Q9VJR[OL/V\ZL that of “Friday,” the dark-skinned native who me: ‘I can’t audition for that. It’s too distaste- HUKOLHY[Z;OPZ becomes castaway Crusoe’s savior, protector ful.’ ” Q;LLU0SS\Z[YH[PVU and manservant. Mr. Roe: “I had people saying the same thing WYVJLZZ VMKPZJV]LY` Q(K\S[7YVNYHTZ This is not irrelevant. when I did ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ last year. So I In 1922, fi ve years after seeing “Robinson had a little trepidation this year.” PZHJH\ZLMVY^VUKLY Q)PY[OKH`7HY[PLZ Crusoe,” Sam Raphaelson wrote a short story It might be noticed, says this noticer, that about an up-and-coming young Lower Eastsider some white actors have been putting on black- HUKJLSLIYH[PVU Q(UKTVYL named Jakie Rabinowitz who as “Jack Robins” face for upwards of fi ve hundred years. To play is on his way toward stardom on the musical- Othello. comedy stage — much to the fury of his father, Neither Roe nor Laura Livingston are, if that an aging and ailing Orchard Street cantor who matters, Jewish.   would have his son abandon such low class junk There are three moments in the play when, and follow in papa’s footsteps. After the story with the actors’ backs to the audience, we hear >HYYLU:[YLL[ appeared in a national magazine, Raphaelson the offstage voice of Jack Robin (Justin Flagg) ^^^JO\YJOZ[YLL[ZJOVVSVYN was encouraged to turn it into a play called raised in wrenching song — the movie’s big pro- “The Jazz Singer,” in which the climax has Jack/ duction numbers. (If we hadn’t seen Jolson and 24 November 9 - 15, 2011 downtown express Just Do Art! COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER

THE SUGAR HOUSE AT THE EDGE OF THE WILDERNESS When dad dies, mom goes on a “grief pilgrimage” and leaves Chinese adoptees Greta and Han in the quasi-capable hands of their ex-rock star uncle and his considerably young- er girlfriend…and that’s just the beginning of Carla Ching’s new play. Shipped off to the wilds of New York, Greta and Han do mom one better in the grief-stricken soul-searching department — when Greta runs afoul of the law and Han runs away to become a street musician. Live music, and a live Twitter feed, put a very contemporary spin on the familiar rites of passage that come from growing up fast and fi nding yourself. Presented by the always ambitious, Ma-Yi Theater Company — a Drama Desk and Obie Award-winning collec- tive that consistently delivers challenging, entertaining new works by Asian American playwrights. Through Sun, Dec. 4; Tues.-Fri. at 7:30pm; Sat. at 2pm/7:30pm; Sun. at 3pm. At The Connelly Theater (220 E. 4th St., btw. Aves. A & B). For tickets ($25), call 212-352- 3101 or visit ma-yitheatre.org.

Photo by Web Begole Ali Ahn (left) and Christopher Larkin. See “Sugar House.”

Photo by Margaret Fox The Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society. Left to right: Anthony Bellov, Jane Rady, Rosalind Gnatt and Dayle Vander Sande. CHANT MACABRE: SONGS OF DEATH AND ENCHANTMENT Photo courtesy of Charles Fairbanks Halloween has come and gone. But before you succumb Irma Gonzalez displays strength, charm and muscles. See “Tender Muscles.” to visions of sugarplums and holiday merriment, spend a little more time contemplating mortality — 19th century Fri., Nov. 18, 7pm. At the Merchant’s House Museum (29 “The Men,” from 2010, is a three-minute video offering the style. “Chant Macabre: Songs of Death and Enchantment” E. 4th St., btw. Lafayette and Bowery). Admission: $25 gen- fi ghter’s perspective in submission wrestling (“an immersive is the latest from the Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society eral, $15 for museum members. Proceeds benefi t Merchant’s experience between intimacy and violence,” according to (BSESS), a talented ensemble with a (vocal) fl air for the dra- House (a non-profi t). For info, call 212-777-1089 or visit its creator). “Wrestling with my Father,” also from 2010, matic. As the arts group-in-residence of the possibly/prob- merchantshouse.org. needs no further explanation — and the 2010 video “Irma” ably haunted Merchant’s House Museum, BSESS concerts reveals the strength, humor, feminine charms and masculine have been known to attract the attention of the museum’s strength of Irma Gonzalez — the former women’s profes- deceased Tredwell family members, servants and caretak- TENDER MUSCLES: FIVE FILMS BYCHARLES sional wrestling world champion. Finally, 2010’s 23-minute ers. Why? The 19th century, BSESS tells us, “is replete with FAIRBANKS “Flexing Muscles” delivers some of Fairbanks’ cats-eye-view gothic stories and melancholic poetry. This heritage, rich Filmmaker and wrestler Charles Fairbanks will be there footage from his own Luca Libre wrestling matches. with beautiful lamentations, gothic ghouls and otherworldly in person — when Anthology Film Archives screens a few Thurs., Nov. 17, 7:30pm. At Anthology Film Archives (32 tales touches the heart to its core with either compassion or of his popular short fi lms. From his home base in Mexico, Second Ave., at Second St.). Tickets: $9 general; $8 Essential dread.” So come mourn your cares away, as the BSESS pour Fairbanks wrestles (with a camera built into his mask) as Cinema (free for members); $7 for students, seniors, & their voices into harrowing musical tales and expressions “El Gato Tuerto” (“The One-Eyed Cat”). Fairbanks promises children (12 & under); $6 AFA members. For info, call of sympathy for the dearly departed. Then, and only then, to show up with 2009’s “Pioneers,” a self-portrait that fi nds 212-505-5181 or visit anthologyfi lmarchives.org. Also visit should you begin penning that letter to Santa. the director returning to his roots in Lexington, Nebraska. charlesfairbanks.info. downtown express November 9 - 15, 2011 25 ‘Line’ occupies same philosophical space as O.W.S. John Doe concerns are timeless, contemporary good storyteller, his colleague, Jacob Knoll, does a phenomenal job playing Dev. Though THEATER his emotions often get the best of him, the character’s rebellious tendencies are channeled into stalwart activism during the ON THE LINE strike. Written by Joe Roland A combination of history, life experience Directed by Michael Tisdale and family inspired Roland’s play — which references Reagan’s supplanting of air traf- Through Nov. 19 fi c controllers in the early 1980s following a union strike that was deemed illegal. A Wed.-Sat., 7:30pm decade later, Roland found himself amid an At Canal Park Playhouse employee’s strike while working for upscale east side hotel (part of a citywide strike that 508 Canal St., btw. Greenwich & West Sts. threatened the tourist industry). For tickets ($18), call 866-811-4111 or visit Both the playwright’s grandfathers were blue-collar men — one a teamster, and the canalparkplayhouse.com Photo by Jim Baldassare other, a security guard at the Brooklyn Navy Striking workers ponder their future over drinks, in “On the Line.” Yard. BY ALINE REYONLDS O.W.S. are now about the pressure on Dev and Mickey, after Mickey accepts a job Tisdale, raised in Lorain, Ohio, is also Exploitation. Dissatisfaction. Revolution. working people,” said Roland (referenc- in the company’s corporate division (which from a blue-collar family, and recently spent These underlying themes of the Occupy ing President Bush’s slashing of veterans’ Dev and others in the town consider to be three years interviewing working-class peo- Wall Street (O.W.S.) movement are also the benefi ts around that time). Diverging from an unforgivable betrayal of trust). ple whose loved ones perished during com- central concerns of “On the Line” — play- O.W.S., the play underscores the fragility Tisdale interweaves the disparate work bat in Iraq. wright Joe Roland’s intriguing tale of three of communities that are wholly dependent and bar scenes in seamless fashion. He and “There must be something in my brain lifelong buddies who become embroiled in on the success of their signature indus- Roland also succeed at compensating for the that keeps putting me in contact with blue- a months-long strike against a company that tries. theater’s diminutive stage space. Their use collar stories,” said Tisdale wryly. all but destroys their hometown. “[The company in the play] really is of lockers, stools, video projection and a bar Little did Tisdale know that he would We never fi nd out the name the town (or the beating heart of the town, fi nancial- table allows the audience to clearly visualize embark this summer on a show that touches even the region) the story takes place in — ly and in many other ways,” said direc- the diverse settings. on such a seminal, class-related movement in nor are we told the time period or which tor Michael Tisdale. In recent decades, he While actor Matt Citron (“Jimmy”) is a our nation’s history. industry the characters work in. noted, Americans have witnessed these types That “John Doe” gesture, says the play- of meltdowns in cities like Cleveland and wright, is meant to cement the notion that Detroit. the discontent we’re seeing at Zuccotti When the company’s owner, Dolan, Park, and on the stage of the Canal Park breaks the good faith negotiations with the Playhouse, “can take place anywhere,” union that represents his workers, the work- explained Roland. ers go on strike — presenting a fork in the Despite this lack of critical information, road for Jimmy, Mikey and Dev that ulti- “On the Line” successfully exposes the grim mately tests their longstanding friendship. realities of men and women victimized by “These guys are trying to hold down large industries — and, specifi cally, by the jobs and make a living wage to provide a merciless corporate heads who hoard the living for their families, and they’re being wealth. threatened on some level by management,” That phenomenon, of course, predates said Tisdale. “Once they can’t escape into the current protests at Zuccotti Park and that ‘remember the good old days’ mode elsewhere. Roland, who wrote the play in anymore, because things are so different in 2003, deems the play’s correlations with the present reality, it pulls their relationship O.W.S. a “happy accident.” apart at the seams.” “When I wrote the play, I was prob- The demands of adult and family life
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