The Voice of the West Village WestView News VOLUME 14, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2018 $1.00 Sounds of the Great Religions By George Capsis ate—"Papadopoulos" which means “son of the father, or more accurately, son of the The dramatic, almost theatrical interior priest, for as you know, Greek priests can space of St. Veronica invites imaginative and do marry). uses and we came up with The Sounds A very young looking Panteleimon came of the Great Religions, a survey of great down for lunch in the garden and shortly it musical moments from the world’s great was like talking to a relative. That is what religions. is great about being Greek—it is really one Having been exposed to the Greek Or- big family. thodox church (my father was Greek, my I casually mentioned how long I thought mother a Lutheran German), I knew how the presentation should be and he snapped dramatic it could be so I called Archdea- "no, no, that's too long. Yah gotta make it con Panteleimon Papadopoulos who is in shorter.” charge of music at the Archdiocese. We were hours away from sending to the Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos A HUNDRED VOICES ECHO A THOUSAND YEARS: The Musical Director of the Greek Orthodox printer when I asked if he could send some (yes I know Greek names are a bit much Church offered its choir to celebrate the great moments in Orthodox history for the Sounds of thoughts about the presentation and here but in this case the last name is appropri- the Great Religions program at St. Veronica. Photo credit: © GANP/Dimitrios Panagos. is what he sent. continued on page 4 New Models for Senior Share Larcenous Landlords Use Living in the Village the Law to Oust Tenants By The Compassionate Caregiver taught me that every elder needs an advo- By George Capsis rent regulated apartments into a vein of cate and supporter; doing this for a non- gold that can be easily mined with a few What if we all could have the opportunity relative has been a revelation. I have creat- Oh wow. On March 22nd the Times did a sheets of undecipherable legal papers and to live the last years of our lives in peace, ed a structure for care and companionship massive article (like 4 pages) on the emerg- an out-to-lunch bureaucracy. comfort and tranquility, and to die sur- for my roommate. He has given me a place ing breed of amoral landlords that use rent The Times cites youngish Meyer Or- rounded by loved ones in a safe and famil- to stay. regulations and an indifferent overworked bach, who bought 22 tenements on 109th iar place? George Capsis wrote about senior-share bureaucracy to oust rent regulated tenants. Street near Columbia, and in just seven Soon there will be more seniors on the apartments in a recent issue of WestView Most tenants get hooked by failing to years got rid of two thirds of the rent stabi- planet than there ever have ever been in his- News. The active caregiving community pay their rent but a new breed of heart- lized tenants. In their place, he put Colum- tory. Care for the elderly is unprecedented connected to the newspaper is evidence less, larcenous landlords, might simply not bia students with affluent parents. in scope and volume. Many of us will live that concerns about this topic are part of cash the tenant’s rent check. Then they get As I started to write this, word came that past the age of 85, more than half of whom the consciousness of those who live in the slammed with a notice of eviction without our own legally larcenous landlord Steve will have some form of dementia. Elders neighborhood. the ability to pay for a lawyer or, in some Croman is getting out of the Tombs prison with homes can offer accommodations to There are no nursing homes, assisted-living cases, the language ability to find and then two months early, for good behavior, and people from younger generations, thereby facilities or hospitals in the immediate vicin- protest to the appropriate city agency be- his wife is planning a mega blowout in creating situations that effectively expand ity. There are only two assisted living facilities fore the Marshal bangs on the door. Greece to celebrate! He was sentenced to eldercare. We can empower our communi- in New York County that accept Medicaid. The election promise of de Blasio was one year for offering the banks (as security ties by formalizing such arrangements. One has a months-long waitlist and the other (and probably still is) to make 200,000 af- for a loan) to buy yet another tenement. I live in the Village with a 98-year-old has only 80 beds. Longtime Village residents fordable apartments available, but the re- Now, you or I would have served our time man, a Medicaid recipient and local resi- have been driven away by new residents who cent increase in population and affluence in hell-hole Rikers, but somehow, Croman dent for decades. Taking care of my father continued on page 19 has accelerated the demand and has made continued on page 5

Superbird! Chelsea Hotel Washington Square Heed Keith Michael’s Bruce Poli and Brian Pape Music Festival warning: rare birds can lure examine the powerful forces you into the clutches of a shaping this historic landmark: Join us for the first new obsession. art, history and greed. performance of the season

Tuesday, June 5 — 8 pm SEE PAGE 16 SEE PAGE 25 Washington Square Park 2 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org WestView WestViews Published by WestView, Inc. by and for the residents of the West Village. Correspondence, Commentary, Corrections

Publisher A Thank You to George It made me think how all true artists­— she lived in the Village and cooked her own Executive Editor Dear Mr. Capsis, like all those who live to serve—though they meals! It was more appropriate to George Capsis People I wrote to you last in December/January are often unable to make a living, are never (magazine) than WestView News. Managing Editor regarding the gentrification of the West driven (or satisfied) by money. They take joy Please get in touch with Arthur and get a Katie Keith Village via new developments like the one in giving their art to those thrilled to receive copy of his real article. You know, the one that Associate Editor Andrew Buemi on Leroy Street. I wrote, sadly, about the it. However, money now monopolizes our deals with maybe some political issues and fact that the Village is fast becoming unaf- society and its institutions to their terrify- not this fakakta one (Arthur knows what this Production Manager Designer fordable for most old-time residents of the ing end, so “putting a price” on everything is word means). I look forward to reading it. Kim Plosia Village. expected; and only those who can or wish to —Alec Pruchnicki Advertising Manager I now write to you to “thank you” for pay such price can partake of any offering. Stephanie Phelan your efforts to “save” St. Veronica. Here’s Think of the chill—and draining of emo- Not a Pretty Picture Photo Editor my thank you… tion—that barrier automatically establishes. Darielle Smolian Glorious music by a trio of women solo- Every beauty is encased in cellophane that ists supported by a professional orchestra says: Don’t touch! Unless you pay. Traffic Manager Liza Whiting in the stained glass cathedral of St. Veron- Then think of the joy that occurs when ica—and all for free; what a wonderful cel- something you discover has transcendent Photographers ebration of Earth Day! Thank you George power and beauty to move whoever hears Maggie Berkvist Joel Gordon Capsis and WestView News. it is being offered freely into the air we —Siggy Raible, Greenwich Village breathe. Comptroller It inspires us—with the possibility that Jolanta Meckauskaite we may live in joy if only we lift our hearts Architecture Editor Music! Free As to give and to share. Brian Pape The Air We Breathe I did, however, donate online. Film, Media and Music Editor With thanks and love, Karen Unde Jim Fouratt Dear George: You may understand—by the comment I Food Editor Where’s the Real Story? David Porat made at St. Veronica—why I’d be ambiva- lent about how to fund concerts there and To the Editors: Distribution Manager what sort of music to offer. Because the There appears to have been a breach in A TOTAL EYESORE TO THE COMMUNITY: The Church of the Village, above, encased Timothy Jambeck purity of emotion generated by that cham- security, and a major article WestView News in scaffolding. Photo by Darielle Smolian. Regular Contributors ber, by what happened, under those precise was hijacked and replaced with another. I Barry Benepe, Caroline Benveniste, circumstances (in Dec. & May—we missed was looking forward to reading the article Dear Mr Capsis, Charles Caruso, Jim Fouratt, others), was so intense and uplifting that by Arthur Schwartz in support of Cynthia For decades, I have resided in the West Vil- John Gilman, Mark. M. Green, Robert Heide, Thomas Lamia, Keith Michael, I’d hesitate to alter them. I love many kinds Nixon, which would explain her political lage and was blessed to have called St. Vin- Michael D. Minichiello, Brian J. Pape, of music, but… history and proposals for her fight with cent’s my employer for three decades. During Joy Pape, Alec Pruchnicki, Christina “True transcendence.” That’s what the Governor Cuomo. But, instead, some troll this span of time, I have seen the Church of Raccuia, Catherine Revland, Joseph Salas, Martica Sawin, Donna Schaper, Arthur human excitement and joy felt like at St. seems to have eliminated that article and the Village grow and change hands. It is now Z. Schwartz, Gary Tomei, Joseph Turco, Veronica last Saturday night. Who knew replaced it with a fawning puff piece en- a total eyesore to the community. Esq., Stanley Wlodyka something so like heaven could explode un- titled “Cynthia Nixon is a Villager—In the Seeing your picture just added to the We endeavor to publish all letters received, der that dome on a rainy cold night in May? Truest Sense.” Instead of a political piece, depressing situation, for your picture did including those with which we disagree. And what created it? Superb music pre- almost the entire article was a description not show the true church. For many years, The opinions put forth by contributors sented by thrilling musicians to an ecstatic of her life story and acting history with this building has been encased in scaffold- to WestView do not necessarily reflect the audience. And the artistry being freely given only one paragraph vaguely describing ing. Despite multiple requests from the views of the publisher or editor. and joyously received is the pinnacle of what some of her advocacy history. It must have neighbors, they continue to leave this eye- WestView welcomes your correspondence, comments, and corrections: humans can do for and celebrate with one been written by a publicist, or maybe her sore up. They stated they do not have the www.westviewnews.org another. Art and humanity—realize this business agent, but it couldn’t possibly have money for repairs. However, they take in Contact Us and our frail planet may yet live. been written by a Democratic Party Dis- rent from the City and Country school— (212) 924-5718 Thank You George and Steve and Jack— trict Leader like Arthur. It actually implied which is more than enough to pay for re- [email protected] orchestra and ALL! that she would be a good governor because continued on page 3

MIA’S MYSTIQUE—IS IT LOVE ... ?

Mia’s monthly mug shots melt scores she sports a temptingly tweak-able nose plain-ole happy of WestView readers to their cores her wrinkle-free neck negates plastic never ill-tempered, yappy or snappy surgery woes as her aura bounces off the page she’s Jack Benny and Bob Hope rolled into one pure charm begs viewers to engage her looks are not our sole inspiration her dictum resounds: HAVE FUN! it’s told she cuddles/nuzzles without Mia resembles Doris Day Mia’s demeanor…one of humility and grace discrimination exhibiting the star’s attributes in myriad ways GOODNESS emblazons her cherubic face blessed with a fluffy, powder-puff physique sporting Doris’s perennially perky smile plus, she’s a BLUES-BUSTER she’s not fashion-fussy yet creates a rare Mia’s fetching lips curl up in style mystique —Roberta Curley Mia’s eyes are big love valentines MIA SAYS: You feel love when I choose I bet Mia is kissable, ebullient and your lap to cuddle in. Photo by Dusty her cheekbones high—by natural design Berke. www.westviewnews.org June 2018 WestView News 3

Does a Conspiracy Theory Hide a Conspiracy? By George Capsis tect of the World Trade Center and even Bush’s desk. and Hamilton wrote, “Fog of war could worked in the building for a year.” Barry Benepe heard the presentation explain why some people were confused Dusty won’t even look at the headlines I told them how Yamasaki had told us and did not succumb to the theory that on the day of 9/11, but it could not explain of the Times let alone read it. She scans that the steel outer walls held up a massive the two planes were anticipated by the why all of the after-action reports, acci- the alternate media on her iphone while concrete floor. So, when the planes hit, the planting of a network of thermite bombs. dent investigations, and public testimony occasionally glancing up at the CBS six flames from the burning fuel heated the Later, our designer, Kim, who was exposed by FAA and NORAD [North American o’clock news. So, it is not too surprising outer structural skin allowing the concrete to an affluent entrepreneur who also in- Aerospace Defense Command] officials that she is deeply submerged in a theory floors to drop in on themselves causing a sisted that there was a conspiracy, checked advanced an account of 9/11 that was un- that it was more than a handful of Mus- puff of debris to shoot out as if it were the facts with careful consideration and true.” In the end, the 9/11 Commission lims seeking martyrdom, in two hijacked an explosion—and ah, there you have the satisfied herself that it was not so. Report failed to address many of the pub- passenger planes, that brought down all gimmick of the conspiracy theory—those Here is the letter from the lawyers. You lic’s questions about that day. those buildings on 9/11. No, it was much puffs of concrete dust looked like explo- decide... Case in point: despite 567 pages, the bigger than that—it was a conspiracy. sions—so they are explosions. So, who report never mentions the destruction of Yes, well, some of us feel that if once put those thermite bombs there? They Grand Jury Should the Salomon Brothers Building—WTC you accept the conspiracy theory, there is were obviously triggered by an electronic Investigate World Trade 7—much less explains how a 47-story no stopping—it goes all over the place, signal, right? Center Explosions building, never hit by a plane, with only a even (in this case, according to some) the But Dusty persisted and made me look On 9/11 few reported fires, came down symmetri- White House. at Building 7 coming down like a very cally on its own footprint at near free-fall So, when Dusty told me she was going controlled demolition, and numerous fire- By Lawyers’ Committee for 9/11 Inquiry acceleration only hours after the attacks. down to City Hall to meet seventeen law- men heard blasts. According to its report, the 9/11 Com- According to 9/11 opinion polls, sub- yers, to demand that the Attorney Gener- So, I gave in and allowed Julio Gomez, mission had a “sweeping” mandate to in- stantial numbers of Americans question al open up the 9/11 file and answer ques- a member of the group, to make a pre- vestigate the terrorist attacks of Septem- the official story or believe the govern- tions that have emerged since that event sentation to architects Barry Benepe and ber 11, 2001. It was supposed to provide ment failed to investigate or tell the public I sighed, “that’s Dusty.” But then, I got a Brian Pape. the fullest possible account of the events the truth. call that the president of the group had My thoughts were that Building 7 sure surrounding 9/11, and to identify lessons Zogby International found that 43% of missed his plane and was coming directly looked like a controlled demolition but learned. But no matter how noble its pur- Americans are not aware of WTC 7’s col- to me at 69 Charles Street. He walked in, the planes could have and did destroy the pose, the Commission was “set up to fail,” lapse; 38% of those who are aware believe followed shortly by seventeen more, and towers, and yes, this should be opened up according to Commission Co-Chairs the 9/11 Commission should have inves- just like that, our 20’ by 20’ kitchen turned to see if explosives were planted in the Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton. The tigated its destruction; 45% believe the into a conference room. buildings. Commission was woefully under-funded, attacks should be reinvestigated; and 42% “God has sent you,” I began, “because in The lawyers repeated and repeated working under an unreasonable deadline, believe that the government and the 9/11 1964 I was a partner in a firm (Robinson, they don’t know who did it but it sure denied access to sensitive information, Commission concealed or refused to in- Capsis, Stern) that did seven buildings at looked like more than two planes, so why and faced continuous opposition and re- vestigate critical evidence that contradicts the New York World Fair—one of which not check it out? Mounds and mounds sistance from the very agencies whose co- the official story. was the Port Authority building—and I of conspiracy theory have accumulated, operation was needed most. On April 10th, 2018, the Lawyers’ visited the offices of Yamasaki, the archi- some of which traces it all to a button on In their book, Without Precedent, Kean continued on page 6

Letters continued from page 2 safety when a small piece of the facade fell Inspiring History Blackwell, the first American woman to off. As we have made clear in many com- receive a degree in medicine, acquired this pairs, not to mention the other revenue munity meetings and in conversations with structure and opened the first U.S. hospital that it receives from renting out space for neighbors of the church, our desire all along for women and children, run and staffed by church services. has been to have it removed as quickly as pos- women with female doctors, in 1857. The This building has become a refuge for sible. The hold-up is that we still have not hospital served the underserved, including the homeless, drug deals and crime under- received permission from the Landmarks instruction for women studying medicine, neath it. So, to see your picture in WestView Commission to proceed with the work on and free services for the poor. News without any scaffolding is very dis- the building facade. We have been working Though a bar now sports a set of picture heartening to the community. diligently with the West 13th Street Alliance windows along Bleecker Street, the remain- Perhaps you could talk to Pastor Wells and Council Speaker Corey Johnson’s of- ing three and a half story, Federal style home and work something out to take down the fice to pressure the Landmarks Commission and outbuildings are remarkably intact. scaffolding which is close to being a de- to issue a go-ahead, but they keep delaying. This building tells a proud and inspiring cade old. The dispensing of Tuesday’s food If you would like to help, that is where the history; stop by to see the bronze plaque on delivery has also become an earful to the hold-up lies, not with the Church of the Vil- THE OLDEST REMAINING STRUCTURE IN the corner wall. neighbors. The Asian ladies line up at 6:00 lage. Whoever told you that we were keeping NOHO: 58 Bleecker Street, above, recently —Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP a.m., talking very loudly and yelling. And the scaffolding up because of lack of funds received a bronze plaque from GVSHP. needless to say, these ladies are not recep- for the repairs was mistaken or spreading a Photo by Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP. Devoted Subscriber tive towards those in the gay and lesbian rumor that had no foundation. Dear Editor, Dilemma community. I would be glad to talk in person or by The May issue, with the articles on Louis So your article on “striving for beloved phone to discuss any of your concerns. Sullivan’s work (page 29) for the Bayard- George, community” was NOT a pleasant one for —Jeff­ Wells Condict Building, ca. 1897, included a ref- I am an enthusiastic long term subscriber this 13th Street resident. Pastor Jeff Wells erence to 58 Bleecker Street as the oldest to WestView News and, as a “paper-trained” —Mark Lawrence The Church of the Village remaining structure in NOHO, built in elder, look forward to reading it cover to a progressive, radically-inclusive, and anti- 1822 as the James Roosevelt Home. cover, usually on transit trips or bench- Dear Mr. Lawrence, racist community Thanks to a plaque-unveiling ceremony sitting in better weather. My one ongoing I appreciate and share your concern over the 201 W. 13th Street, New York, NY 10011 at this address on May 14th by the Green- complaint is the lateness of the delivery, scaffolding around the Church of the Vil- office: (212) 243-5470, ext. 13 wich Village Society for Historic Pres- which always makes a portion of the won- lage. We were required by law to erect the mobile: (917) 604-5227 ervation, members were reminded of the derful Calendar Section outdated. scaffolding in the fall of 2016 for pedestrian [email protected] location’s other significance. Dr. Elizabeth continued on page 4 4 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org

Sounds continued from page 1 The concert will then move into a musical and icono- TELLING THE STORY OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX graphic overview of the major feast within the Orthodox CHURCH FROM CONSTANTINE THE GREAT TO TODAY Liturgical Calendar. The choir’s primary focus will be on No Plants for Kiddies Christocentric Feasts. Each feast will be complimented With every hymn that is being chanted a corresponding with a short explanation of what is celebrated and why it One of the charming innovations introduced by Charles Street Association President, Margie Dien- Byzantine Icon will be projected on the screen as an intro- is important. This will be ascertained by an analysis of the stag, was to invite the block’s children to plant, but duction and then followed by the hymn that will be chanted hymns chanted and their theological importance. this year the supply disappeared before the kiddies in English translation for the audience to see. A description 1. Annunciation—“O Champion leader” could plant. Margie reminds homeowners that the of the icons displayed will be offered and a short analysis 2. Christmas—Katavasies “Christ is born, glorify Him” plants are reserved for street display and should not of each hymn chanted. This will provide everyone present 3. Epiphany—“As many as have been Baptized into be planted in rear gardens. with the necessary explanation to easily follow what the Christ” —George Capsis choir will perform and its significance within Orthodox 4. Holy Lent—“Don’t turn your face from” First Great Dear CSA members, friends and neighbors, theology and liturgical practice thus, bringing the Sound Vespers of Lent I would like to thank those of you who came to our of this Great Religion to life for the listener. a. “They have removed my garments”—Holy Thursday Spring Planting and made Charles Street so beauti- The concert will begin with a short historical narra- 5. Anastasis—“It is the day of Resurrection” ful. This year we ran out of plants/flowers, so our tive by Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos about a. Varis Mode Resurrection Hymns kids’ planting had to be postponed. It will take place as soon as we get an additional delivery and also the Orthodox Church and the importance the Byzantine 6. Pentecost —“Birthday­ of the Church,” “Heavenly finish the tree beds that are not planted. As usual, we Empire played, and especially Constantine the Great, for King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth” provide for the tree beds, planters in front gardens but the spread of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean. We want to finish off the concert with a solemn fo- not private backyards to assure that Charles Street The first hymn that will be performed is a hymn dating cus on the tragic events of 9/11. A short video showing looks as splendid as always. Please feel free to con- back to the 4th century which is still chanted at every the reconstruction of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox tact me at [email protected] Orthodox Vespers service entitled, “O Gladsome Light.” Church and National Shrine (6 minutes) will be shown. —Marjorie Dienstag, President Then, the ancient Christological hymn, “Holy God, Holy This church was the only house of worship destroyed on Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us” will follow. The 9/11. A hymn from the Orthodox funeral service will be importance of this hymn will be discussed and its significance chanted in commemoration of the day followed by a select in history as a refutation to various heresies of the time. The number of hymns dedicated to Saint Nicholas himself. final chanting of this hymn will be a much more drawn-out Archbishop Demetrios of America, the head of the Greek melodic version written by the greatest composer of the 20th Orthodox Archdiocese, and exarch of the Ecumenical Pa- century, Archon Protopsaltis Thrasyvoulos Stanitsas. triarchate in America, will offer closing remarks.

a man with gray hair (which of course is supposed to be me), so Letters continued from page 3 the police came and apprehended Jessica. But let Jessica tell it… Today is the 14th, and my copy has still not been deliv- —George Capsis ered. Reluctantly, I decided to go online to check out the Recently, Mr. Capsis sent me over to interview the person calendar, but I couldn’t find it in the listings. I know the living in a sealed black tent/bag on the steps of the Orthodox paper is available at no cost in the area but would prefer temple on Charles Street. I brought Angelina, my Chihua- not to remove a copy from a potential reader who has not hua with me. George told me this exclusive residency had yet subscribed or is unable to subscribe. been going on for about seven years—with no police inter- Would I be correct in assuming that the reason for the vention. As head of R.I.D. (Residents In Distress), I’m fre- consistently late delivery is my 10013 zip code, on the east quently called upon to convince the cops to both enforce the side of Sixth Avenue outside of the “genuine” West Villager law and/or find some help for these numerous lost souls. On catchment area? If there is no practical solution, I will resign this particular occasion, I became the victim of both another myself to taking a duplicate copy. I miss the May issue!!! false arrest, and a deranged street loafer. READY TO PLANT! Shyamli Milam and her 3 young —Loyally, Rosanne Levitt Instead of removing what clearly was a dangerous security children, Rayah, Nalani and Ashlynn, join Charles risk to a landmarked Jewish synagogue in these troubled times, Street Association President Margie Dienstag. Photo Lady in the Black Bag some particularly vindictive cops decided to charge me with a courtesy of Margie Dienstag. hate crime and cocaine possession. Were it not, once again, for Anybody who lives near Charles Street is familiar with a large, black our district leader, Arthur Schwartz, riding to the rescue (as bag forever hooked onto the door of the Charles Street Synagogue. But he did with my Mom, Ruth), I’d probably still be in lockup! not everybody knows that it has, for years, contained a living person Interestingly enough, I learned that day that the rights who is profoundly captured by mental illness that demands “living” of the homeless supersede us regular folk. Even though in a black bag. my mother wanted to remain at home, she was forced into I called the police, and they referred me to the rescue services a nursing home (by A.P.S.), and she is not alone. contracted by the city to offer shelter to homeless people. But This “bag boy” (although he identifies as trans) gets to stay unless the person is a threat to themselves or to others they can where he chooses—regardless of the circumstances? If not for do nothing, and the person stays on the street, or in this case, the valiant efforts of Sgt. Corchoran (new to our Sixth Pre- in the black bag. cinct) we’d still be at risk. Hopefully, those that are entrusted That is, until I mentioned it to Jessica Berk, who has had a with caring for many New Yorkers who can’t do it themselves long, long, contentious history with the Sixth Precinct. will step in now and make a difference. Leaving humans to rot As Jessica tells it, she went to talk with the bag lady who on the sidewalk like trash is not the best way to operate. called the police, saying that she was being beaten with a cane by —Jess Berk

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The Spirit of WestView Representing and selling all the best of By Barry Benepe Greenwich Village, West Village, Chelsea I wrote my first article forWestView just over ten years ago in March 2008. It ex- and other parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. plored the need to calm traffic around Union Square Park, one of our city’s most Contact me today for a free, no pressure crowded historic public places. Thirty consultation. years earlier, I had prepared a plan called Three Parks for Community Board Five, of which, I was a member. This plan pro- posed to link Madison Square to Washing- ton Square along the historic Ladies’ Mile New Spring Listings along Broadway and past Union Square. 250 West 22nd Street - The emphasis was on channeling auto traf- FOR SALE - $625,000 fic and increasing pedestrian space. I made 14 Horatio Street - FOR SALE - $785,000 new drawings for Union Square which 115 East 9th Street - FOR SALE - $535,000 were incorporated in the visionary work of 127 East 26th - Entire Brownstone- FOR SALE - $4,250,000 Transportation Commissioner, Janette Sa- dik-Khan, Mayor Bloomberg’s pragmatic street planner. Broadway above Union Square is now a landscaped garden terrace with tables and chairs. 17th Street has colored slices pro- viding a pedestrian promenade. Fourth Av- A VIEW TO INSPIRE READERS: Notre Dame, enue has bike lanes. The North and West as seen through Shakespeare and Com- sides of Union Square have seen parking Scotty Elyanow pany. Photo by Barry Benepe. Lic. Associate RE Broker lots converted to a true public square, lim- Longtime West Village Broker and Resident ited to pedestrians, and the Greenmarket while sitting leisurely at one of the tiny cafe 917.678.6010 | [email protected] Farmers Market (four days a week). tables, bordering the river, outside. www.westvillagebroker.com During this time, we at WestView There is an affinity of these two,West - scottyely cheered and supported the process which View and Shakespeare and Company Real estate agents affiliated with The Corcoran Group are independent contractor sales humanized the city. All the writers for this across the Atlantic. Both are linked to the associates and are not employees of The Corcoran Group. The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker located at 660 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10065. unique monthly journal address the press- excitement of shared knowledge and ideas. ing needs of a city which should be devoted The cafe tables on the rue de la Bucherie to the welfare of its citizens, whether health and those in George Capsis’s garden pro- and hospitals, education, culture, parks vide a nexus of intellectual discovery. and open space, historic preservation and Finally, WestView has moved into an- its unique Hudson River waterfront. The other non-print area: music. Paris, too, in talented writers meet monthly at the home the 1920s, was a hotbed of American jazz of its publisher, George Capsis, where they musicians, as well as American writers. In share ideas and inspiration, seeking and the past year, George Capsis witnessed welcoming feedback. the slow draw-down of the congregation The shared stimulus of these discussions at St. Veronica Church on Christopher help produce a more inspired, informed Street. With his background in and love range of writing that recalls another group of music, coupled with his awareness of of writers based on the Left Bank in Paris. the extraordinary acoustic beauty of this Founded by Sylvia Beach, an American historic church, he allowed the building to born in Baltimore in 1887, Shakespeare and give birth to a new life. He put up a huge Company became a gathering place for ex- investment to bring in a small orchestra patriate authors and where French writers and chorus, under the baton of his long- could pursue their interests in American lit- time friend, Michael Feldman, to pres- erature. It has continued to this day at 37 rue ent glorious performances of music writ- de la Bucherie, overlooking the Seine, and ten by George Frederick Handel, Bach, the towers of Notre Dame in the distance. It Beethoven and others. The space resonated offers a retreat for writers and readers to visit with the harmonies of this music, and its library or purchase from a wide range of members of the community found a new French, American and English literature religion: music.

Larcenous Landlords continued from page 1 walked a 100 yards to the Tombs on Centre “What emerged were often-overlapping street to serve his abbreviated sentence. modes of harassment: by landlords’ fraudu- But, back to the Times: “Landlords rely lent or exaggerated claims, by disrepair and on what amounts to an eviction machine. A by an overall court dysfunction.” cadre of lawyers handles tens of thousands It’s funny, Shakespeare, who was often of cases a year, making money off volume in court suing or being sued, complained and sometimes manipulating gaps in en- about a lack of justice because of “the law’s forcement to bring questionable cases. Pun- delay.” Today, the laws are legal snares for ishable conduct is rarely punished.” those who can’t afford a lawyer. 6 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org West Village Houses Rally for Preservation

By Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP says the ‘spirit of Jane Jacobs’ remains. Jessie Chaffee, who was born, raised, and remains The WestView News April, 2017 issue be- in WVH, loves the community gardens gan a series on West Village Houses, an for socializing and considers it a safe envi- affordable housing cooperative under the ronment for children. Jessica Agullo said, Mitchell-Lama rental and the Housing a recent study showed that 50% of WVH Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) units could be served by new elevators built Mary A. Vetri cooperative Programs during its first three onto existing buildings. “This is a very alive NYRS, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker decades of existence. Here is an update building. Jane Jacobs was right. She under- [email protected] on the developments of the West Village stood community. Her ideas work,” play- 212-906-0575 Houses (WVH). wright Suzanne Stout said. Architect Jeffrey On March 9, 2018, WVH officially lost Lydon maintains that a sale of the co-op’s Greenwich Village resident with over 26 years of real estate experience, having sold over 100+ Townhouses, its tax-exempt status, raising the co-op’s tax Perry Street garage, worth an estimated Coops and Condos as well as luxury rentals. bill to $3 million annually from $500,000. $60-63 million, would go a long way toward Active Sale It began the process of transitioning from making improvements for all the owners. HDFC-regulated housing to a market-rate Many residents say Jacobs’ vision of com- • 78 Charles Street, 4R* (new exclusive) co-op by revising its by-laws and share- munity endures. The June 26th elections Active Rentals holder agreements. could make the difference for the future if • 92 Bank Street A developer buy-out from Madison residents get involved and get out the vote. • 200 West 10th Street Equities was supposedly ‘off the table’ for When activists like Jane Jacobs and • 96 MacDougal Street the co-op board, but residents say one of Rachele Wall first conceived of the West Also note Mary’s big recent sale at Superior Ink WVH shareholders is heavily invested in Village Houses in the early 1960s, to replace Condo at 400 West 12th Street Madison, and there is still some kind of the demolished portion of the High Line

All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, prior sale or withdrawal without notice. All rights to content, photographs and graphics reserved to Broker. Equal Housing Opportunity Broker.

Conspiracy continued from page 3 and high-temperature corrosion of the steel found in the rubble, consistent with Committee for 9/11 Inquiry—a nonprofit the use of high-tech incendiaries. This public interest organization supported by evidence was never explained in the 9/11 9/11 victim families, architects, engineers, Commission Report nor in any other of- scientists and concerned citizens—filed ficial findings. a petition with the U.S. Attorney for the According to the petition, this evi- Southern District of New York, Geof- dence—coupled with the pulverization and frey S. Berman. Pursuant to federal law, symmetric collapse of the WTC buildings, 18 U.S.C. § 3332(a), the petition de- and their free-fall and near-free-fall ac- mands the Department of Justice present celeration during collapse—constitutes in- WASHINGTON STREET showing the tall smokestacks of the Beadleston and Woerz Brew- to a special grand jury extensive evidence controvertible proof that the Twin Towers ery (formerly Nash, Beadleston), and partially cleared lots where the elevated roadbed of the that pre-placed explosives detonated at and WTC 7 were destroyed by controlled New York Central Railroad will be erected along the left side of Washington Street. Septem- the World Trade Center on 9/11 caused demolition using pre-placed explosives. ber 24, 1930. Photo Credit: NYPL digital collection. the destruction of the Twin Towers and Officials from the National Institute of WTC 7. Standards and Technology (NIST) admit- residual option for partial redevelopment Railroad, they envisioned an intimate com- The 52-page petition and its 57 exhib- ted they did not even look for evidence of possible. June 26th will be the co-op’s an- munity-based co-op for moderate-income its set forth in detail substantial forensic, explosives and have refused to consider nual meeting to elect board members, and households. This industrial waterfront area, expert, and testimonial evidence of pre- such evidence when confronted with it. A after the traumatic play of considering a rough fringe focused on maritime activ- placed explosives at the WTC, including: grand jury made up of ordinary citizens Madison Equities’ offer, residents are look- ity, had been the site of the Newgate Pris- lab analysis of WTC dust samples show- deserves to see this evidence and conduct ing for a different approach. on until 1826. After that, it was the huge, ing the presence of high-tech explosives; a full investigation wherever it may lead. Many long-time residents formed a group Nash-Beadleston Brewery until the1920 seismic evidence that explosions occurred It is time for the U.S. Attorney in Man- called Shareholders for the Preservation of Prohibition Act. Then, the crash, and Great at the WTC towers on 9/11 prior to the hattan to present this evidence to a grand West Village Houses (SPWVH), with a Depression of 1929, degraded the quality of airplane impacts on the towers, and prior jury and start a serious criminal investiga- goal to continue affordability for those liv- life for the area. to the building collapses; technical analy- tion into the use of explosives at the WTC; ing there, including the renters, by preserv- Designed by Perkins and Will, by the sis of video evidence that corroborates the evidence is too compelling to be ig- ing WVH in much the same configuration time WVH opened in 1974, under Mitch- the use of explosives; highly credible fire- nored. The victims of 9/11 and their fami- as the four and five story walk-ups that now el-Lama, the houses had lost all the ar- fighter reports of explosions in the build- lies, the City of New York, and our nation exist. The co-op has already completed chitectural features initially proposed. In ings; video and eyewitness testimony that deserve a proper grand jury investigation. many energy, maintenance, and resiliency 2002, WVH was sold under the (HDFC) steel elements were forcefully ejected lat- The Petition and the evidence are avail- (flooding) upgrades and protections. The cooperative Programs to 380 of 420 ten- erally at high speed from the towers, in- able to the public at www.lcfor911.org. board’s lawyer is meeting regularly with res- ants for about $150,000, funded in part by consistent with a gravity-driven collapse; Visit the site and see it for yourself, and idents, and SPWVH’s lawyer, to explain and a 25% “flip tax” (percentage of profit) paid observations of molten iron in the debris share the link. You can also donate to the discuss the proposed by-law changes. to the co-op. Sales must be to ‘natural per- pile weeks after the attacks, and even gov- Lawyers’ Committee and sign the petition Frank Ferrucci, who is a board candidate, sons’, meaning not a corporation, while the ernment reports confirming sulfidation online. got married and raised a family at WVH, other 40 units retained low rents. www.westviewnews.org June 2018 WestView News 7 Come for the Art, Stay for the Apartment By Katie Keith Some of the work provides a contrast to the views, bringing color, geometry, and di- When Leslie Lalehzar overheard a woman mension to the space and scenes of overlap- inquiring why all the galleries in Chelsea ping red masonry and blue steel. Other pieces were closed, she kindly informed her it was lend interpretation to the views, and recipro- because it was Sunday, and all the galler- cally, the views lend interpretation to the art. ies are closed on Sundays. But, she told the Lalehzar describes it as an “exchange and woman, she happened to have the keys to a interaction or role-playing,” which “creates a very special “gallery,” one hosting a show she unique perspective on art and architecture.” herself curated, and asked her if she would The pieces don’t communicate as much as like to see it. translate. Forms within mimic forms outside. The “gallery” is an apartment on the 16th Material mimics as well. Al Wasserman’s floor of the Jean Nouvel building in Chel- pieces are created from poster walls that sea, currently on the market for a little over were prevalent around the city in the 1990’s. eight million dollars. Leslie, associated with The collages are formed from small scraps, Sotheby’s International Realty, is one of the pulled from actual poster walls, which cre- listing agents, along with Lynn San Andres ate compelling new forms. Poster walls, of the Mason Alexander Group. The Nou- which no longer exist, were the pervasive vel building is itself a work of art. The place- and unavoidable commercial art that stood ment, size, and shape of the windows appear on the edges of our urban landscape. In his A SHOW WITH MANY DIMENSIONS: Leslie Lalehzar (right), real estate agent and random but were designed with the intent work they are beautifully re-imagined. Was- artist, shows Baltimore artist Stephanie Schafer (left) her listing turned art exhibit in of creating framed “postcard photos” of New serman’s work also combines photography the Jean Nouvel Building, located on 100 Eleventh Avenue (between 19th and 20th York City’s landscape. Not a single facade of “scraps,” details in photos that he incorpo- Streets) across from Chelsea Piers. the building repeats; each is unique. rates into the collages. When the building was completed in 2010, Nicolai Ouroussoff, in the New York Leslie describes the interior as creating “Didn’t Basquiat do his best work when Times, described it as “a taut composition of disparate—even conflicting—urban a “dichotomy between the vibrant, mosaic- he was poor and on the streets and had to realities. Its shifting appearance in the skyline is a sly commentary on the conflict like asymmetric window facade of varied make use of what was around him?” Lale- between public and private realms that is an inevitable byproduct of gentrification,” shapes and sizes with a calm, minimalist in- hzar asked while discussing one of Wasser- and “The care with which the views are framed—reinforced by the windows’ simple terior.” The kind of interior you might find, man’s pieces. Perfectly put from a real estate heavy steel borders—is such that you can almost feel the city tugging at you.” Apartment 16C, currently staging an art exhibition: Collage as Matter, has the rare for instance, in an art gallery. This was the agent who is also an artist. quality of featuring all four city exposures: North, South, East, West. Its views are inspiration for the show: Collage as Matter. The show itself is a type of collage, a merg- themselves an exhibit of the city. Photo by Jonathan Keith. The show is a group exhibition of nine ing of the commercial world of real estate ARTISTS IN THE EXHIBIT: artists each presenting their interpretation sales with artistic inventiveness. “We have a Miriam Ancis Leslie Lalehzar Jim Osman on the theme “collage.” Leslie is also an art- fabulous space—why not use it?” Lalehzar Fred Bendheim Wendy Letven Al Wasserman ist and her work is included. In the living explained, who was once an artist-in-resi- Nanette Carter Karen Nielsen-Fried Josef Zutelgte room, a large space consisting of a 30-foot- dence at PS1 and got her start in real estate long wall of glass facing the Hudson, there while negotiating studio space for herself and Showings by Appointment. Call Leslie Lalehzar, (917) 847-4067 or [email protected] is one piece by each artist. As you move a group of artists in Long Island City. She through the apartment, discovering the learned a lot during the process and decided work, the placement is as exciting as the art. to put it to practical use and become an agent. area. When I asked her about this by email, exhibition which showcases our city’s mas- “There is a surprise element with the differ- Lalehzar is a longtime West Village resi- she said, “There is the pervading knowledge ter works of structures, stands side-by-side ent levels of the windows and that’s how I dent, which means she is very familiar with of historical relevancy that cannot be taken with the contemporary designs of today.” wanted to hang the show as well.” the ongoing change and evolution of the or changed from the landscape. So too, the She calls it, “A fitting collage.” Don’t Just Sit There, Resist Part III: How Will Dems F_ _k It Up This Time? By Alec Pruchnicki State Senate seats. When the primary is over, challenges and procedural foot-dragging. experience we know that wars are some- these two factions will somehow, harmoni- Money is already flowing into Republi- times widely supported in the beginning, Do not divide your forces in the face of a superior ously, come together and ask the public to can election coffers with a recent pledge of even when they are based on lies and dis- enemy—Military axiom turn out and vote for the candidate that some $30 million by Sheldon Adelson. There will tortions. It is said that the first casualty of a of them have been attacking for four months. be plenty more donations of announced and war is truth, and there is no reason why this Although the Republicans completely con- Overconfidence is a Democratic trait. Re- hidden funds that will pour into their ac- shouldn’t be the case if there is some major trol many state governments and almost the cent special election victories indicate future counts before November. Internet trolls, both or minor fight (real or exaggerated) started entire federal system, Democrats are giddy success in the same way that polls indicated foreign and domestic, can also be active. Al- with, let’s say, Iran. From past experience, we with the possibility of a big “blue wave” Clinton would crush Trump. A recent NY though awareness of this problem is wide- know that anti-war politicians will be cowed sweeping this away because of numerous vic- Times article showed that many of the wom- spread, actual adequate protections against by accusations of not supporting the troops, tories in special elections. They should have en flooding into electoral politics are doing internet mischief have not been put in place, and mainline media will want to avoid be- learned that even predictable victories can go it in Republican districts where the odds are especially at the federal level. Since they got ing labelled unpatriotic. Military action, spectacularly wrong, as in Gore vs. Bush in very much against them. away with it before without negative conse- of whatever type, only has to last until the 2000 and Clinton vs. Trump in 2016. Meanwhile, what are the Republicans do- quences, why wouldn’t they do it again? election before it is exposed as avoidable. If For example, the recent popularity of Cyn- ing? Although a few recent court victories There is the possibility of an “October Trump doesn’t understand this, Bolton does. thia Nixon’s challenge to Governor Cuomo in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Texas surprise”—while many people are worry- So, is the “blue wave” so inevitable now? I guarantees that over the next four months have weakened some of the voter suppression ing about a wholesale firing of Rosenstein hope every one of these predictions is wrong, many Democrats, both moderate and pro- laws and gerrymandered districts, there are and Mueller, that could backfire and imply but if they are correct we will again be won- gressive, will spend time, energy, money, and many more states where these laws are still in Trump’s malfeasance. Nevertheless, there dering how the Democrats lost. In any case, media coverage fighting each other rather effect. Even the victorious decisions may not will still be an option that usually increases if we want to avoid these dire outcomes we than trying to take Republican House and take effect by November, given Republican support for a president: a war. From past must not just sit; we must do something. 8 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org A Village Summer Without Helen Ann Lally—and YNO By Paul Critchlow After high school, she landed a job as a typist for New York University and fell in Summer has fi- love with the Village. Eventually, she went nally arrived in to work at a marketing firm, becoming VP the West Village, for Administration & Operations. When but for many resi- the company was bought in 1993, a friend dents, no season suggested she look at a Mailbox Etc. fran- will be the same chise. “I realized I already knew more than without Helen they did,” she says. And so, YNO was born. Ann Lally. The Numerous celebrities frequented YNO petite, efferves- through the years: Rosie O’Donnell, Mari- cent proprietor ah Carey, Hugh Jackman, Ru Paul, Julianne of Your Neigh- Moore and Amy Sedaris, to name a few. HELEN ANN LALLY IN borhood OfficeEvery customer got the red-carpet treat- YNO's HEYDAY: Lally, (YNO), the busi- ment. With a loyal and youthful staff, Helen above, was "the ness services cen- Ann was everyone’s personal assistant. beating heart of the ter at 332 Bleecker As other independent shops gave way West Village." Photo by Street for nearly in the 2000’s to a tidal wave of high-end Maggie Berkvist. 25 years, closed on designer shops, Helen Ann’s moxie helped March 31. YNO weather soaring rents and the in- Lutz Rath conducts the Festival Orchestra. Photo: Sally Bair Many local retail stores have vanished in creasing number of “doorman” buildings in WASHINGTON SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL recent years—mostly, victims of soaring rents the area. She adapted to the 2008 financial and the tectonic shift to online shopping— crisis and recession by expanding her “con- CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE! but few will be missed as much as YNO. cierge services.” But in the end, it was the Free Alfresco Concerts At its peak, the tiny space was a beehive of advent of free, direct and “pre-paid” ship- activity. Customers picked up or shipped ping by monoliths like Amazon.com that Tuesdays at 8 pm in June packages, got laptops fixed, had manuscripts represented the final blow. Seating is first come, first served. bound—and had special requests, too: mov- Late last year, Helen Ann realized, she had ing furniture, cleaning an apartment, dog- little to show for all the years; still, she’s proud. WASHINGTON SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL’S 60TH SEASON walking, turtle-watching, waiting for Con- “It was a great little place,” she says. “It sat- www.washingtonsquaremusicfestival.org Edison or hand-delivering divorce papers. isfied everybody’s needs. I loved what I did, [email protected] “YNO was Greenwich Village’s version loved the people I did it for. I just loved it.” Main Stage, Washington Square Park – FREE of Cheers,” recalls Jeanne Nicolosi. “Helen Today, 332 Bleecker Street is empty. Rainspace: Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South Ann knew everybody’s name. She was the But commercial real estate in the West genial, funny hostess, as kind to the home- Village rarely sits idle for long. Recently, June 5: less as to the many celebrities who were Brookfield Property Partners LP, the glob- The Festival Chamber Orchestra conducted by Lutz Rath loyal customers.” al real-estate developer, bought four retail Robert Ingliss, oboe soloist “Helen Ann was the beating heart of the properties with seven vacant storefronts West Village,” adds James Lecesne. between Bank and Christopher Streets. Johann Strauss II: Overture to Die Fledermaus (The Bat) Customer service came naturally to Brookfield expects to lure a new generation Richard Strauss: Concerto in D major for Oboe and Small Orchestra Helen Ann. Her parents ran a deli on the of younger brands to the area, restoring it In memory of Henry Schuman boardwalk in Rockaway Beach, where as a destination for tourists and shoppers. Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony # 1 in C major, op. 21 Helen Ann was born 63 years ago. Along As for Helen Ann, she’s moved home with four siblings, Helen Ann pitched in— to Rockaway Beach. In retirement, she’s June 12: stacking shelves, making deliveries, sweep- vowed to relax, enjoy family and friends, The Festival Chamber Ensemble ing up. In the summers, she sold lemonade and stroll the boardwalk. She’s in no hurry Mélanie Genin, harp soloist and hand-painted seashells out front. (for a change) to make any big decisions. Laila Salins, narrator Nino Rota: Quintet for flute, oboe viola, cello and harp Claude Debussy: Danse sacrée et danse profane for harp and strings Sergei Prokofiev: Quintet op 39 for oboe, clarinet, violin, viola and double bass Debussy: Les Chansons de Bilitis - Six épigraphes antiques for harp, flute and narration June 19: The Festival Chamber Ensemble Joseph Haydn: Divertimento # 14 In C Major,“Der Geburtstag” (anniversary) Heitor Villa-Lobos “Assobio a Játo” (The Jet Whistle) for flute & cello Bohuslav Martinu: Nonet for wind ensemble and strings Jan Dismas Zelenka: “ Hipocondrie” quintet June 26: Kuumba Frank Lacy Sextet & vocalist Free form jazz www.westviewnews.org June 2018 WestView News 9

WEST VILLAGE IMAGES BY JOEL GORDON The Washington Square AIDS Memorial The 18-foot white canopy AIDS Memorial sculpture was opened to the public on World Music Festival: AIDS Day, December 1, 2016. During the last two years as you’ve walked by it, perhaps you stopped looking at it for its true beauty, as most people may have. As a photogra- pher, I feel that the parts are greater than the whole; the beauty of the close-up images of lattice sections are far more interesting than the sculpture as a whole. It’s like finding the Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence tree within the forest. Every time I see something different.

FREE MUSIC A TRADITION: Ron Wasserman, above, leads the New York Jazzharmonic. Photo by Sally Bair.

By Peggy Friedman, tival” by Bernard Holland of the New York Executive Director Times, (a compliment, I trust), and we evolved over decades from strictly classical Sixty years of free music concerts is an an- chamber music under our founder Mae- niversary worth celebrating! stro Alexander Schneider, himself a Vil- On Tuesday June 5 at 8 pm the Wash- lager, to a more embracing platform pre- ington Square Music Festival opens its senting artists like Marilyn Horne (1961), 60th season of presenting free classical and Gunther Schuller, and Wynton Marsalis, world music concerts in the park. Back in along with such notables as drummer Pan- the ‘50s—when our newly-founded Festi- ama Francis, salsa star Johnny Colon, and val wasn’t yet an annual tradition—there the Charles Mingus Orchestra, playing was no air conditioning to speak of, so al works by Dizzy Gillespie, Sofia Gubaidu- fresco entertainment was very much wel- lina, Chou Wen-chung (another Villager), comed. It is welcomed to this day. and, last November, a specially commis- The first concert features a sublime clas- sioned world premiere, “Skyscrapers,” a sical program with the Festival Chamber string quartet by Heather Schmidt. Orchestra conducted by our Music Direc- We’ve entertained and enlightened tens tor, Lutz Rath, playing Richard Strauss’s of thousands over the years, and hired Concerto in D major for Oboe and Small young musicians who’ve gone on to stellar Orchestra, Ludwig van Beethoven’s First careers. Ours is a venerable tradition that Symphony, and the overture to Die Fle- took humble root in the iconic Greenwich dermaus by Johann Strauss II. Richard Village park, and we’re now supported Strauss’s rarely performed oboe concerto by a broad spectrum of private individu- (1948) is a tribute performance to the Fes- als, public funds, and corporations. We tival’s late Music Director and oboist, Hen- are under the auspices of the Washington ry Schuman, who died in 2001. A beautiful Square Association, a civic organization and difficult piece, it will be performed by since 1906 that has supported the Festival master oboist Robert Ingliss, principal oboe since its inception. of the New Jersey Symphony and the Santa For my own part, I started in the ‘50s Fe Opera Orchestras. when we lived on West Ninth Street, If the sun god is with us, we will per- licking stamps and passing out pro- form on the Main Stage in Garibaldi Plaza, grams, while watching my late mother otherwise, the rainspace is Judson Memo- Peggy Campbell scramble to make each rial church, 55 Washington Square South. concert a smashing success. I may be 80 Seating is first-come, first served. Other now, but I have no intention of quitting. concerts in the series are June 12, 19 and It is such an inspiration that even in hec- 26. For more information: www.washing- tic New York City there remain strong tonsquaremusicfestival.org or “like” us on neighborhoods where diverse groups Other examples can be found on my website www.joelgordon.com. Photo credit © Facebook. and individuals band together to pro- Joel Gordon 2018—All rights reserved. We’ve been called a “small, scrappy Fes- duce magnificent art. 10 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org Then&Now: Rhinelander Row

RHINELANDER ROW, ca.1848, had ample balconies on the upper floors and generous front yards, somewhat common for middle-class residences at the time, the horse and wagon era. Photo credit: photo was taken by Berenice Abbott in 1937, nypl.digital collections #510d47d9-4ee0-a3d9-e040.

By Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP of millionaire John Rogers. Assets of the Estate of William C. Rhinelander, Rhinelander Row is the eleven homes worth many millions of dollars, were of three-storied, wooden-balconies built divided principally by his four chil- by landowner William Rhinelander in dren, Serena, Julia, Mary R. Stewart, 1848, also known as “Cottage Row,” on and William. In 1947 the Rhineland- the West side of Seventh Avenue between er Real Estate Co. was merged with 12th and 13th Streets in the West Village. Serinco, Inc., and in 1961 was dis- A New York Times article from 1937 solved, ending a family dynasty. said of Rhinelander Row, “With their Rhinelander Row shouldn’t be con- wide piazzas and ample balconies on the fused with a fancier Rhinelander Gardens, upper floors they have been for many designed by James Renwick on West 11th years refreshing reminders of the simple Street near 6th Avenue in 1855, until re- but comfortable residential days in that placed to build P.S. 41 in 1957. interesting part of the city.” Today, the 1962 Joseph Curran Build- A real estate empire was started by ing, aka “Maritime Union Building” aka the descendants of Philip Jacob Rhine- “the O’Toole Building,” is the Lenox lander, a Huguenot of German descent Health Greenwich Village medical facil- who moved to NY in 1686, acquired ity, since 2016. land on Barclay Street, then expanded uptown, especially in Yorkville. An es- Brian J. Pape is an architectural con- tate in Greenwich Village was inherit- sultant in private practice and serves as LENOX HEALTH GREENWICH VILLAGE MEDICAL facility since 2016 occupies the Joseph ed by William C. Rhinelander (1790- Co-chair of the American Institute of Ar- Curran Building, designed by Arthur A. Schiller and Albert Ledner in 1962, which replaced 1878), from his wife Mary, daughter chitects NY Design for Aging Committee. the Rhinelander Row residences. Photo credit: Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP.

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LOYALTY PROGRAM • GIFT CARDS FREE DELIVERY LPC: New Rules Promote Secrecy By Andrew Berman diagrams, or selectively cherry pick data or comparisons. In the public hearing process, such shortcomings can be The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) addressed or corrected. Behind closed doors, in the pro- has proposed a broad set of changes to its rules govern- posed staff level approval process, there is no opportunity GREENWICH VILLAGE ing how applications for changes to landmarked proper- to do so. Isn’t it better for the Commission to receive as ties and properties in historic districts are decided. The complete and accurate information as possible before a 512 HUDSON STREET • NYC 10014 proposal would take many such applications out of the decision is made, rather than after, when it is often ex- WWW.SEAGRAPEWINES.COM • 212-463-7688 public review and approval process. Now, these applica- tremely difficult correct or undo? tions come before local community boards, and the public Neighbors, block associations, community boards, is notified and has the opportunity to testify or submit elected officials, and preservation groups can and do pro- Deirdre Anderson comments or evidence about the applications and why vide valuable information and perspective which should Professional Personal Chef they should or should not be approved. If this new pro- continue to be part of these applications. No one expects posal passes, there would be no public notification, and no the Commission to agree with every piece of public tes- Multiple Cuisines opportunity for the public to comment upon, provide evi- timony it receives. But they should at least hear it, so dence about, or even know about many of these applica- the public knows it was considered, before a decision is Special Diets Welcome tions. They would instead be decided behind closed doors rendered. Half and Full Day Rates Available at “staff level” by the Commission—a process tightly con- GVSHP’s opposition to this proposal is not based Contact: Deirdre 908.392.3681 trolled by the LPC Chair. upon a belief that Commissioners always make the right From our earliest conversations with the Commis- decision, or that staff always make the wrong ones. We [email protected] sion about this proposal, the Greenwich Village Society are all fallible, and that is why continuing to keep these for Historic Preservation has indicated that we believe important kinds of landmarks applications, which hun- strongly that the planned rules changes are the wrong dreds of people comment upon each year, in the public Don’t put off taking off thing to do, and will undermine transparency, public view is so critical. We would be just as opposed to the those extra pounds – and participation, good government, and preservation. By proposed changes if Commissioners were still making the keeping them off! cutting the public out of the process for landmarks ap- decisions, but the public was no longer allowed to view or Please allow me plications which currently come before the Commission, comment upon the applications, as is currently proposed. to help you on your the proposed changes will produce worse outcomes, not It is the secrecy of the proposed process, its lack of trans- weight management journey better; generate more friction between the public and the parency, and its impermeability to additional information Commission, not less; and breed distrust, not cooperation. or perspective that we find so troubling and disturbing. Joy Pape, Family Nurse Practitioner The current public review process benefits from the We should be making this a more open system, not a less [email protected] voices and opinions of all interested parties, and most im- open one, where more information and perspectives can 917-806-1945 portantly, benefits from the information they can provide. be considered. Most applicants to the LPC do their best to offer com- To send a letter to the Mayor and the Landmarks Pres- plete and accurate information. Some unintentionally ervation Commission opposing the proposed rules chang- MULLIGAN fall short. Other purposely leave out information, skew es, go to www.gvshp.org/lpcrules. PLUMBING & HEATING Since 1920—Three Generations of Mulligans We Get Better and Better! Hudson River Park Hits 20 Fast, Competent, Affordable How the Pier 40 Fight Brought Us Hudson River Park Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations By Arthur Z. Schwartz Park City, with high rise condos blocking the commu- (212) 929-1809 nity from the waterfront. At the same time, most of the 14 A Morton Street, New York • Fax (212) 929-2007 Friends of Hudson River Park will soon be holding its same environmental groups which had defeated Westway 20th Anniversary Fundraiser with a minimum price of wanted a park, because they saw the benefits of public in- $2000 per ticket. The Friends Board is made up almost teraction with the River, and because a park could be a entirely of very wealthy people: bankers, developers, com- vehicle to provide estuarial protection. mercial lawyers. But Hudson River Park had a very hum- Butzel organized them into a coalition, called the ble birth. It was born of volunteer parent activists, who Hudson River Park Alliance, to push for legislation creat- brought nothing to the park but vision and determination, ing a park. He found support from Chelsea-Hells Kitchen and a “we shall overcome” attitude. Assemblyman Richard Gottfried and Upper West Side Seems hard to imagine now, but the concept of building State Senator Franz Leichter, who, working with Butzel a Hudson River Park had far more opponents than propo- drafted the Hudson River Park Act. nents in the early 1990s. The Park was an idea which grew But, Greenwich Village-Soho Assemblywoman Debo- out of the failed Westway plan, a multi-hundred million rah Glick was a steadfast opponent, and a leading naysayer, dollar, Federally funded project which would have buried so when the bill was introduced in 1997, Speaker Sheldon a highway under what is now West Street, and built a park Silver wouldn’t allow it to the floor. Glick was a key ally of on top. Having a new highway built on the west-side of the now convicted Assembly Speaker. Community Board 2 Does Your Landlord Want You Out? the Village and Chelsea caused outrage, and an environ- wasn’t much better. CB2 was staunchly anti-park, so much mental lawyer named Al Butzel, brought a lawsuit under so that when the bike path was proposed in 1995, the Board the National Environmental Policy Act on behalf of sev- voted “No” by a margin of 42 -1. I was the only vote in favor. eral environmental groups; the suit succeeded in blocking Kids playing Little League baseball and youth soccer in Westway because the Environmental Impact Statement the Village-Soho area had very little playing space. The (EIS) that the Army Corps of Engineers issued had some only non-blacktop field was at JJ Walker Park, and that was fudged numbers about striped bass. solid clay, with hills and holes, and susceptible to becoming Call Joe Turco—Tenant Advocacy Subsequently, plans were proposed which involved ren- a mud bath when it rained. I was on CB2 and the Little ovating the collapsing wooden piers, and building a wa- League Board when I was elected District Leader in 1995. [email protected] • (347) 854-7602 terfront park. But they were opposed by Village activists Tobi Bergman, then President of the Little League and Jeff 65 Oriental Blvd.,Brooklyn Ny 11236 who claimed that if built, the Park would look like Battery continued on page 22 www.westviewnews.org March 2018 WestView News 13 Mt. Sinai’s Plan for Our Community By Penny Mintz said Feliciano. “But the law does not allow for piecemeal applications. But we need the On May 22, 2018, members of the Commu- full plan in a manner that permits for real nity Coalition to Save Beth Israel (CCBI) public comment.” met with two staff members from the office Schwartz has filed a lawsuit against the of City Council member Keith Powers. The Department of Health for failure to com- CCBI members were there to inform Pow- ply with the State Environmental Quality ers about the concerns of the community re- Review Act (SEQRA). The lawsuit asserts garding the threatened closure of Beth Israel that SEQRA requires the full review of an Hospital and ask for his support. environmental impact statement before the Democratic Party District Leader Arthur approval of such changes. Schwartz, attending the meeting in his role of Feliciano also pointed out that Mt. Si- executive board member of Progressive Ac- nai has made no assessment of the impact tion of Lower Manhattan (PALM), told of of travel time on ambulances going to the his life-saving experience at the Beth Israel 70-bed facility that Mt. Sinai plans to build cardiac surgery unit, which was soon-there- on Second Avenue between 13th and 14th after closed, along with the hospital’s fully Streets. “That location is not the right place functioning maternity, pediatric intensive for an emergency room,” Feliciano asserted. care, and neonatal units. Schwartz said that “The change in distance may be small, but Mt. Sinai had promised that they were going the change in time is great. An ambulance Dina Andriotis, Chris Tsiamis, and Nikitas Andriotis (from left to right). to preserve and upgrade Beth Israel after the must be 10 minutes from a hospital, and 77 Christopher Street merger, which is something Powers undoubt- the traffic patterns on 14th Street won’t al- edly knows since he lives practically across the low that. Unlike the 16th Street site, which Between Seventh Avenue and Bleecker Street street from Beth Israel and he spoke against has perfect access, the 14th Street site is a Pharmacy Hours: the closure at the CCBI demonstration out- traffic nightmare.” Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM side the hospital last September. Feliciano also said that Mt. Sinai is Instead of upgrading the hospital, 2½ violating the community benefits require- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM years after the merger, Mt. Sinai started fil- ments of the Affordable Care Act. Mt. Si- Sunday 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM ing certificates of need (CONs) with the state nai has already torn down affordable hous- Department of Health, Schwartz said. New ing units for nurses. Telephone: 212-255-2525 • Fax: 212-255-2524 York regulations require the filing of a cer- AL, a doctor and PALM member, who email: [email protected] tificate of need for any proposed modification fears reprisals from Mt. Sinai if her iden- www.newyorkchemists.com of a licensed hospital service. The regulations tity is revealed, said that Mt. Sinai is not permit a limited review of the change when concerned with the well-being of the com- hospital beds are merely being redistributed munity. “Every hospital closure has been within the same network and when the cost changed into luxury housing,” AL said. of the change in services is minimal. “Are we better served by more luxury con- Mt. Sinai reported the cost of the clo- dos and the loss of affordable housing? sures of four highly profitable hospital Hospitals are looking to protect their fi- units at $500 each, which in fact is the nancial interests, not the health needs of cost of filing the CON. “That put the the community.” Make Music in Minutes CON in the category of the limited-review Before last year’s Democratic primary, change, which sidetracks public hearings,” PALM conducted a candidates night, at Schwartz explained. which Keith Powers complained bitterly Guitar Lessons, Bass Lessons, The lack of public hearings was the ma- about the lack of community input before jor concern voiced at the meeting by Mark the Beth Israel changes. Music Production Hannay, of Metro NY Health Care for All, Now, Hannay said, Powers has a bully Jazz Piano and Democratic Party District Leader An- pulpit. “He should be supportive of groups thony Feliciano, director of Commission like ours. He should force Mt. Sinai to on Public’s Health System. come to the table. The conversation so far “The piecemeal process,” Hannay says, has been framed by Mt. Sinai. That is the with Berklee Graduate “flies under the radar. We want a full CON wrong conversation. It is not about com- application and full public process.” munity needs.” “Mt. Sinai gives us a piece of their plans “We want Keith to be our hero,” Alan Cohen and promises that the full plan will follow,” Schwartz said. "I didn't get my paper!" WE GET THIS CALL OFTEN WHEN A READER DOES NOT FIND "HIS" COPY IN THE LOBBY...BUT IT IS ONLY YOUR PAPER WHEN YOU SEND US 12 BUCKS!

__ Yes, I want my copy of WestView. Here is $12 for a one year subscription. 917.331.5195 __ Yes, here is $24 for 2 years. [email protected] • www.Studio9c.net __ Yes, I love Music at St. Veronica. Here is my contribution of $______Please make checks payable to tax-deductible “West Village Fund” and mail to WestView News, 69 Charles Street, New York, NY 10014 14 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org

Is Class War in the Village About to Like a Dancer’s Brow: Begin over Senior Housing? Buddhists and Brahmins The fierce battle between the squatting learn from each other. But the Hedge Fund Moms of Soho vs. seniors seeking afford- Ladies refused to give the land back to the able housing in CB2 has moved to the City. The next step is called the ULURP Debate the Self next step. The Mayor seems to be the only process. The first step is public review, politician who supported the seniors in the which begins when the City goes before a By James Marks public debates and polemical texts. When battle over one of the only available pieces meeting of CB2's Land Use Committee on two traditions agreed that there is a fixed self, of land in CB2. Council-member Chin June 25th at 6:30 at the NYU Silver Build- A Five-Session Course: Thursdays, 6pm they would argue over its nature. Is it eternal? had the land designated for senior housing ing, 32 Waverly Place. The plan is now to 7:30, May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28 Is it different from the mind? Does it change, by Mayor Bloomberg. A group of affluent called Green Haven. It will be GLBTQ Presented in the third floor Mae West or is it fixed in a single state? Against a Bud- Soho Moms squatted on the land and built friendly (SAGE will be the on-site senior Community Room of Jefferson Market dhist, they would argue that the way we expe- a garden and reached out to local politi- assist). 121 permanently affordable senior Library. All classes are free and open to rience the world, as well as rebirth and karmic cians in an election year to support them. housing units—30% of the units going to the public. Online registration is required. retribution, which Buddhists accept, cannot Despite their checkbook, the Ladies Who the formerly homeless with 8,000 sq. ft. of be explained without reference to a stable self Squatted did not frighten the Mayor in open space run by Habitat for Humanity Around 2,500 years ago, who persists through time. In this course we their refusal to surrender the land back to (office onsite)—formerly called the Eliza- during a time of bustling will follow a single thread of debate, cover- the City. Chin held firm. It seemed like an beth Street Garden. The hearing is ex- intellectual and spiritual ing nearly six centuries, between Buddhism ugly impasse until the City announced that pected to be contentious. The Hedge Fund creativity in India, there and a brahmanical tradition called Nyaya, the highly respected Habitat for Human- Moms booed seniors who spoke in favor emerged a new religious the logicians. After getting acquainted with ity with the support from senior advocates of the project over a year ago. It should be movement oriented on the the intellectual and religious context, we like SAGE had come up with a design that better than reality TV. Come if you can— teachings of a man who will look closely at a series of primary texts, would be the greenest building in CB2. It no matter your opinion. called himself the awak- translated from Sanskrit, and then debate included a garden where generations could —Jim Fouratt ened one, the Buddha. One of his most dis- the existence of the self amongst ourselves. tinctive teachings was also one of his most Throughout the course, we will discuss the radical: that there is no self (atman). The stakes of philosophical arguments, the style nature of the self was—and remains—one of Indian polemics, and the challenges and WE NEED YOU of the central issues in Indian philosophy. rewards of reading and interpreting old, WE NEED YOUR EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS TO MAKE WESTVIEW EVEN BETTER. This is true not only for the Brahmanical fragmentary texts. Writers—your life time experiences are valuable traditions flowing from the Vedas and the Editors—we need your skill to make the paper read smooth. Upanishads, but even for the other new re- The Professor: James Marks is a doctoral Ad sales—invite our local businesses to support the community voice ligious movements of the Buddha’s milieu, candidate in the Group in Buddhist Stud- Office support—responding to our readers like Jainism, which were similarly opposed ies at UC Berkeley. He received a BA in call 212 924 5718 or e-mail [email protected] to the caste system and the authority of the Philosophy from Eugene Lang College and Vedas. Almost all Indian philosophical tradi- an MTS from Harvard Divinity School in tions accept that a true understanding of the Buddhist Studies. He specializes in interre- nature of the self is essential if we are to find ligious debate in classical Indian philosophy, liberation from suffering. The Buddha, on primarily between the Buddhist epistemo- N the other hand, claimed that liberation re- logical tradition and the brahmanical Nyaya FU RE quires learning that there is in fact no self at tradition. He is interested in the nature R HE all. Naturally, as Buddhism’s power and influ- of the self, the relationship between E TS ence grew, the “no self ” teaching stirred up a instruction and argumentation in the M R great deal of controversy. Over the centuries, Indian Buddhist monastic tradition, and TA philosophers from various religious traditions the literary qualities and effects of philo- M in India hashed out these and other issues in sophical texts. SU S Panic Attack First Aid Kit By Christina Raccuia of stress hormones. The stress response is so high and quick, as if a wild animal were Fear overwhelms us all sometimes. We feel chasing you, and you would have to run and like we’re going to die. It’s an overwhelm- move very quickly in order to get to safety. ing feeling of impending doom and we don’t But there is no animal. So recognize the know what to do except to run, as these feel- feelings, ride it out, and it WILL pass. ings can take over. However, as crazy as this 2. Try to diffuse the fear. Use your ratio- may sound the best thing to do is to stay and nal mind to counter the fear and make your face the fear and not escape. thoughts less scary. Let the thoughts and CAMPS START 1. First, try to recognize what is happen- feelings be and remind yourself that there’s JUNE 18TH! ing. Recognize that your body and mind are no danger. Try not to give in to the urgency panicking. Try to let the feelings be instead to act, instead sit with the feelings and they Sign up for 1, 2 or of acting on them, because these feelings will pass. more weeks. can’t hurt you. You have been triggered and 3. Remind yourself, with your wise mind, all the stress hormones, firing off in your that there’s nothing scary and that nothing body, are trying to get you to safety. But or no one will hurt you. This way you talk ENROLL YOUR CHILD TODAY there is no real danger, and responding with yourself down and don’t add more fuel to fear only exaggerates the panic. the fire. CAMPS RUN JUNE 18 – AUGUST 31 The trigger can be an argument or being Remember it’s not the situation but our 212.336.6846 FOR CAMPERS AGES 3 – 17 YEARS cut off in traffic. But the stress reaction is reaction to the situation that creates anxiety 16 UNIQUE SPORTS CAMPS chelseapiers.com/camps over the top and you’re producing high level and panic.

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cuisine is not traditional Moroccan, as Mekki felt that Closed/Closing would be too heavy. So, in concert with his Puerto Rican The spate of diner closings continues: the Village Den had a chef, he travelled to Morocco where the chef learned tradi- sign in the window which read, “To Our Valued Customers: tional recipes from Mekki’s mother, more modern cuisine With a very heavy heart, we wanted to inform you that... IN from Mekki’s sister, and then added his own embellish- after 36 years, we will close permanently on May 20, 2018. ments. The menu offers appetizers (which include many Thank you for your support, loyalty and kindness over the and vegetable preparations), small plates, and tagines. The years. We’ll miss the friends we’ve made. Thank you for OUT most popular dish is the Lamb a la Mounia, a tagine made being wonderful customers.” A WestView reader spotted a by Caroline Benveniste with dates and honey. The dish is named after Mekki’s newer sign directing customers to their sister restaurant, Bus sister because it is her recipe. All the lamps and furniture Stop Cafe, at 597 Hudson Street. A second WestView read- were imported from Morocco, and the shade of blue which er wrote us, “Another unique neighborhood store is clos- At the end of April, The Wall Street Journal and other news is a theme throughout the restaurant is Majorelle Blue, a ing: Joseph Hanna Fine Leather Goods at 33 Greenwich outlets reported that Brookfield Properties was purchasing sev- color that was used in the Majorelle gardens in Marrakesh Avenue. It’s been there since 1962 and they would make en storefronts on Bleecker Street, all located on the three blocks (which were owned by Yves Saint Laurent for many years). customized handbags or briefcases.” Joseph Hanna came to between West 10th and West 11th Streets. The properties are The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and America in 1977 and first worked for his sister, who was 350, 367-369, 382-384, and 387 Bleecker Street. Some of the food was unusual and delicious. Mekki hopes that his also in the leather business, before taking over his cousin’s the storefronts had shops that recently closed (367-369 was restaurant will become a neighborhood hangout. shop (originally called The Cow’s Outside) in 1982. Also a Burberry store and 382-384 housed a Michael Kors and a on Greenwich Avenue, Diamonds and Cole (22 Greenwich Havaianas pop-up), while others had been empty for a while Avenue), a consignment shop, has disappeared. (Mulberry left 387 Bleecker Street in early 2016, while the corner space at 350 has not had a tenant in recent memory). Coming Soon Brookfield has been quoted as saying that it will use the spaces Hello Wishberry (35 7th Avenue between West 12th to “attract innovative brands, including e-commerce compa- and 13th Streets) has signage in the window of what was nies.” We have noticed a trend already occurring on this stretch formerly Boom Boom Brow Bar. Their website exhorts: of Bleecker Street: replacing the fashion and cosmetics chains “GET OUT OF THAT HOUSE AND COME OVER are stores that are either the first brick and mortar locations for TO OUR PLACE TO DREAM, WISH, CREATE OR brands (Zuri, Hill House Home, Sunni Spencer), or the first JUST . . . BE. WE HAVE ARTSY KITS. PROJECTS. U.S. locations for non-U.S. companies (The Daily Edited). EXPERIMENTS. FUN TIMES. AND HAPPY FACES. JOIN US WHEN WE OPEN (HOPEFULLY JUNE Chelsea Market and 1ST!) ::TINY SCREAMS OF EXCITEMENT::” A sign Gansevoort Market in the former Good space at 89 Greenwich Avenue heralds Update the eventual arrival of Nightingale Restaurant and Bar. Ayada, a well-regarded Elmhurst Thai restaurant, is open- Photos by Darielle Smolian ing a branch in Chelsea Market in the space that used to house Chelsea Thai. (Chelsea Thai relocated to First Av- enue between East 11th and East 12th Streets and should SLT (255 West 14th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues): be opening soon.) In Gansevoort Market, four new stalls A fitness studio has opened in part of the former Associ- have opened: Avocado Man sells all things avocado; Lulu ated Supermarket space. This chain of gyms has locations poke & bibimbap offers bowls with a choice of poke or throughout the tri-state area and also in a number of other bulgogi toppings; Butcherie & Salumerie is a pasta bar; states. SLT stands for Strengthen (your core), Length- good design = great sales Steak As Is is a fast casual steak spot. en (your limits), Tone (your body). Classes are offered throughout the day and personal training is also available. Whether you’re selling your product or your services, we can Open help you with stunning logos, ads, collateral and publications and a well-designed, easy-to-navigate website.

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[email protected] • 212-620-0652

Lamano (39 Christopher Street near Waverly Place): A tapas restaurant has opened in the space that used to house Greenwich Letterpress before they relocated to 15 Chris- 70 GREENWICH AVE. • WEST VILLAGE • NYC topher Street. In addition to Ofrenda, the owners, Jorge • • Mekki (15 West 8th Street between 5th Avenue and Mac- Guzman and Chef Mario Hernandez, operate two other Dougal Street): Owner Mekki Karrakchou is a Moroccan Mexican restaurants and the original Lamano in Chelsea. Hourly Handyman Services restaurateur who owns Italian restaurants in Washington, The menu focuses on classic Spanish tapas from the differ- Professional Painting Projects DC. He decided that New York City needed a Moroccan ent regions of Spain, including two of my favorites—pa- Electrical & Carpentry Work restaurant and felt that either Soho or the Village would tatas bravas and croquetas de jamon. There are also a few MICHAEL RUSSO, PROPRIETOR be the best neighborhoods to consider. After looking at entrees featured. Sherry-based cocktails, sangria, wines 917.476.4146 • [email protected] many options, he chose the former Cho Cho San space from Latin countries, and cider and beer are available to Serving the West Village for 11 Years on West 8th Street because of its location and layout. The accompany the food. 16 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org “…It’s Superbird!”

By Keith Michael

After shaking out my umbrella, I slide the patio door closed with a shudder. Surprise, surprise, for this spring, it’s raining! The outside drain was clogged once again with leaves (as well as with pink flowers from a neighbor’s garden on the roof), collecting a wading pool of spring showers. Millie is staring at me. She hates rain. I think she thinks that I must be daft to go out by choice to get this drenched. She is much more accomplished than I am at shaking off (when she absolutely must get wet), before rubbing her corgi nose against the carpet to dry that final offending dampness. An unexpectedly wet weekend afternoon is a good excuse to catch up on that indoor part of birding: keeping species sighting lists up to date (and keeping a glass filled with wine). I still haven’t logged my latest superstar rare bird, a Kirtland’s Warbler, into eBird. Cornell Lab of Ornithology has developed this site for birders from all over the world to keep track of their avian sightings. Not only for birders’ own com- petitive pleasure, this mass of list-keeping over time has become an invaluable trove of research data. Oh, and it’s easy and fun. Go to the site sometime to just look around. Though a warning: you might get hooked. But back to that Kirtland’s Warbler! On Friday, May 11th, posted at 4:42 p.m., a birder named Kevin Topping, made this sur- prising find at 91st Street between Central Park West and the Reservoir. Never before seen in Central Park, this largish yellow-and- gray warbler, with stripy sides and a habit of bobbing its tail, is a rare bird, no matter where you are. In the 70s, the Kirtland’s War- THE SUPERSTAR: Kirtland’s Warbler taking flight in Central Park. Photo by Keith Michael. bler was on the brink of extinction. Though coaxed back from fewer than 500 individu- flitting between Abingdon Square and a bal- of a 19th century barge, sunk along the the roadway to get “the shot”! als to, now, more than 5,000, this traveler still cony at Jane and Washington Streets. During shore, was this statuesque slaty-grey heron Easily for me, the spectacular ambassador primarily nests only in Ontario and a few the height of its visitation, I spoke to some- with a white throat. How had it arrived in bird-of-the-decade was the Prospect Park, counties in the southern peninsula of Michi- one who had driven all night from Maine to Brooklyn? Did it fly non-stop from Africa? Brooklyn, Painted Bunting that reliably gen- gan after wintering in the Bahamas. Whether add this bird to his life list. Had it island-hopped across the Atlantic erated his own Instagram postings for six this bright fellow got blown off course while Another “downtown” rarity, a Scott’s or hitchhiked a ride on a cargo ship? Or weeks in December 2015 through the New on his way to Michigan, or, perhaps, was an Oriole, also most likely seen in the south- had it merely escaped from a private col- Year. This coloring-book bird, a festival of adventuring colonist setting out to home- west, displayed himself for several days in lection in Connecticut? red, blue, green, and purple, is a fantasy bird stead in new territories, he certainly caused a January 2008 near the Gandhi statue at the Some of my other favorite superstar come true. Tens of thousands of park-goers ruffle of birder activity here in NYC. By the southwest corner of Union Square. At the birds were a plush-toy Dovekie that amus- made the pilgrimage to the green roof at the time I got to see “the Kirtland’s,” still hanging time, I still had no idea how to ponder the ingly kept birders jogging back and forth LeFrak Center to see this technicolor beauty. around on Saturday, several hundred aficio- complexity of the happenstance that might for the perfect view along an iced-in har- Along with the thrill of seeing these nados and rubberneckers had already gotten have brought this yellow and black-headed bor in Great River, Long Island in Janu- Where’s Waldo? birds, rare birds hidden the chance to oogle him with their collective wayfarer to this urban oasis. ary 2010; a European Hooded Crow styl- in plain sight (until someone sees them), tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thou- Checking my eBird records, the first rare ing at Crookes Point in Great Kills Park, there comes the melancholia of thinking sands, of dollars of high-end optics in tow. bird that I actually “chased” was a Western Staten Island in June 2011; and in July that about the arduous, probably lonely, jour- This is what I like to call the New York Bird- Reef-Heron that showed up in Dreier Of- same year, a Gray-hooded Gull, usually neys these wayfarers have made so far, and ers Circus! ferman Park in Brooklyn (north of Coney seen in Argentina, gracing us with its pres- the likelihood of their ill-fated wanderings Not only a “way uptown in Central Park” Island) in August 2007. I had just started ence along the Coney Island boardwalk. yet to come. phenomenon, the West Village had its own birding, and the adventure of a bird from Another Central Park superstar (okay, Ah, I’ll have another sip of wine with spotlighted, celebrity bird debut the day after west Africa showing up in Brooklyn, and it’s “a brown, dull bird” as a non-birder Millie at my feet, watch the rain come Christmas 2014 (after several secretive weeks then¸ the adventure of figuring out how to friend told me after seeing a photo) was down, and continue to ponder the infinite. of previews). It was a Couch’s Kingbird, a get there to see the bird, was just the sort of the Swainson’s Warbler in April 2016—a bright yellow charmer whose usual territory excitement that lured me into the clutches one-day wonder that was quite coopera- For more information about New York City is in the environs of southern Texas and Mex- of this new obsession. I wasn’t taking pho- tive, skulking under bushes along the West WILD! nature outings, birding, photo- ico, that then stunned the local avian-erati for tos at the time, not even with my flip cell 72nd Street entrance to the park, enticing graphs, or books, visit keithmichaelnyc.com an additional several weeks, holding court, phone, but there, stalking along the ruins dozens of birders to lie elbow-to-elbow on or follow Instagram @newyorkcitywild www.westviewnews.org June 2018 WestView News 17

who engage in such practices when they Notes from Away: support his organization’s views on legis- lation. Those views include opposition to the usual list of depraved behaviors, such God and Country as those engaged in by many politicians. But if a politician pays lip service to and By Tom Lamia often, is that a religion that preaches tol- supports Brody’s agenda he is safe from erance, promotes intolerance of those who criticism. The ends apparently justify the Hypocrisy: It comes at you in waves of engage in legal, constitutionally protected, hypocritical means. In defense of this in- indignation and self-satisfaction on cable social and sexual conduct (same sex mar- consistency, Brody offers the commendable news, where spokesmen (and they all seem riage, abortion, adultery, marital infidel- Christian principle of forgiveness for sin- to be men) for religious organizations give ity) on moral grounds. When these views ners. But to be forgiven requires acknowl- us their views on politics and government. are the basis and rationale for legislation, edgement of the sin and contrition for it. It Oddly, these views often seem contrary to they run up against the First Amendment’s is hypocritical to extend forgiveness where the fundamental principles of their reli- bright line between government and reli- there is no repentance. gions. Are they hypocrites? gion. But, is it a bright line? Today, partisanship and religion have All religions have fringe elements with In the 1950s, as a public elementary progressed together. The House Speaker radical views, so the occasional promoter school student, I recited the pledge of al- Paul Ryan recently dismissed the House of speaking in tongues or snake handling, legiance to the flag to start each day. That Chaplain, Father Patrick J. Conroy, for carried away by spiritual fervor, may be ex- pledge was ingrained in me from rep- unstated reasons. After Father Conroy treme, even a heretic, but he is not a hypo- etition. It expressed basic patriotism. Al- thought about it for a week or so, he chal- crite. He believes in his message, but has though a clergyman wrote the pledge, it lenged Speaker Ryan’s action as unjustified an honest difference of opinion on the true had no religious content. In 1954, “under PARTISANSHIP AND RELIGION HAVE and probably discriminatory. Ryan backed faith. Not so those who allow political ends God” was added to the pledge by an Act PROGRESSED TOGETHER. Walpole Union down and reinstated Father Conroy. Ru- Chapel, established 1886. Photo by Tom to take precedence over their beliefs so as of Congress. The added words were taken mor has it that Ryan was under pressure Lamia. to excuse immoral behavior. from Lincoln’s reference in his Gettysburg from his Moral Majority constituency to Spreading the word of God has always Address to “one nation under God.” The conduct considered immoral were either appoint an evangelist as Chaplain. Like been a hazardous undertaking, of course. It words are not in the published text of the state crimes or clandestine activities, or “under God” in the pledge, the employ- is less hazardous when done within close speech, but reporters present heard them. both. Religion’s work was being done by ment of a “Chaplain” by the House is on its knit ethnic, social and religious communi- Did this reference cross the First Amend- society at large at the state and local level. face a violation of the First Amendment. ties. There was a time in this country when ment line? If so, no one noticed. References Religion did not take political sides. The tradition of overlooking such consti- religion was apolitical, or so it seemed. to God and Christianity in government Now it does. An example: David Bro- tutional line crossing is well established Billy Graham ministered to every Presi- were commonplace in the nineteenth cen- dy is the “White House Correspondent” and is in no danger of change. dent and there was no political test for his tury and continue to be. for the Christian Broadcasting Network. Dr. Samuel Johnson is credited with compassion. Even seventy years ago when the pledge He is a lobbyist for a certain slice of the having said, in 1775, “patriotism is the last Unfortunately, many evangelists today was amended, religious references were Christian religion: fundamental, evangeli- refuge of the scoundrel.” By this remark, he have joined the Republican Party. In return widespread in government proceedings. cal and political. Brody makes no apolo- did not mean to denounce all patriots— for money and votes they demand the help An outspoken atheist, like Madalyn Mur- gies for condoning unchristian behavior in only the false ones. Dr. Johnson’s sentiment of elected representatives to make specific ray O’Hair, attracted prosecutorial atten- those who support his political objectives. applies equally well to religion, as many be- social and sexual conduct illegal, shameful tion, but the public generally was safe from He opposes immorality in any form and in fore me have noted. I do not condemn all or difficult. They do this, as they plainly say, government interference. It was a time any degree when assessing social and sexual religious commentators in politics—only in the service of their religion. The irony, when abortion, homosexuality and other practices, but is an apologist for politicians the hypocritical ones.

June 6th—50 Years Since 14th Street Closure RFK’s Death On June 6, 1968, a year of intense turmoil in the U.S. and in the world, our coun- MTA Talks, DOT Balks try, still reeling from the assassination of Martin Luther King, watched in horror as By Arthur Z. Schwartz As most of our community knows, a doubled in width. If they did that, one Robert F. Kennedy was gunned down. broad community coalition, known as the lane of traffic could proceed like on 23rd RFK was not just John Kennedy’s It was apparent to anyone attending the 14th Street Coalition, has been mobilizing Street. In court, they have asserted that little brother. At the time of his death “Town Hall” meeting held at the New community opposition and has filed a law- they come under an exemption applicable he was New York’s Junior Senator and School on May 9 that the L Train shut- suit against DOT, MTA, and the Federal to the MTA, loosening the need for en- a candidate for president. Moments be- down, that we’re dealing with two very dif- Transit Administration, which is funding vironmental assessment under the State fore he was shot he had been declared ferent approaches to the notion of public everything. Environmental Quality Review Act. But winner of the California Democratic input. On the one hand, the MTA/NYC The same scenario is playing out in the they have been advised that the Feds may presidential primary. Transit Authority, and its new President, litigation. MTA/NYC Transit is talking, not let them proceed as they want without Recently, thanks to archives at WBAI, Andy Byford, seemed open to all sugges- especially about one of the lawsuit claims going through fairly extensive procedures 99.5 FM (where I host a weekly talk show tions and made it clear that their decision about subway stations on 14th Street be- required by Federal law. Nevertheless, on Mondays from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.), I to do a total shutdown was premised on ing inaccessible to people with disabili- other than controlled settings, the DOT have been listening to RFK’s speeches community input on the Brooklyn side ties. As counsel to the Coalition, I have refuses to engage the affected communi- from 1968. I have been floored. He was of the train. Then there was Polly Trot- agreed to keep those conversations con- ties, not just along 14th Street but also in Bernie Sanders with a Boston accent. He tenberg, Dept. of Transportation (DOT) fidential for now, so that those talks will East Soho, which is facing a 70-bus-per- was supportive of student rebellions, railed Commissioner, who was wholly on defense be productive. I can report, at least, that hour logjam coming off the Williamsburg against economic inequality, staunchly and resisted all pleas for alternates to total- the tone has been encouraging and that Bridge. The anger is building. supported the nascent Women’s Move- ly shutting 14th Street to traffic (although we will (not might) have something to Stay tuned, my neighbors. We have lots ment, and opposed the war in Vietnam. they now “might” (a) do a one-way west- report soon. of fight left. I hope to explore his life more, and the bound bike lane on 13th Street and a one- DOT, on the other hand, won’t negoti- loss that America suffered with his death, way eastbound bike lane on 12th Street, ate. The Coalition has made a number of Arthur Z. Schwartz is the Male Democratic in WestView next month and on the air. I and (b) only shut down 14th Street to traf- suggestions, like not taking away two lanes District Leader for Greenwich Village and look forward to sharing what I discover. fic during “peak” hours). of 14th Street so that the sidewalk can be counsel to the 14th Street Coalition. —Arthur Z. Schwartz 18 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org Clarifying My Maternal Ancestry By Allyn Freeman world map depicting different colored amoeba-shaped forms covering the above Last November, I ordered a DNA kit from named geographical areas. North Africa en- My Heritage, an assay that would disclose compassed a swath of territory from Algeria my DNA along the matrilineal line from eastward to the Middle East. West Asia ex- mitochondrial samples. In effect, I would tended from Turkey to Pakistan. Difficult to learn my mother’s lineage, and nothing make rational sense of the odd DNA find- about my father’s background, which is a ing from far away Papua, New Guinea. different test. The company charged a $12 In 1998, in a New Yorker article entitled shipping and handling fee, and, frankly, for “Buried Homeland,” the Israeli novel- that hefty sum, I expected a technician to ist Aharon Appelfield (1932-2018) wrote swab me in person, vacuum the rug, and gift about returning to the province of his me a large box of Raisinets. birth in Bukovina, which once flourished The scientific analysis would provide infor- as a center of Hasidism in the old Austro- mation involving 42 global ethnicities. I was Hungarian Empire. Here, he visited shtetl excited thinking of a possible genetic connec- towns decimated in the Holocaust, and one tion to the great Ramses II, third pharaoh of place he stopped in was named Vizhnitz! the 19th Dynasty of Egypt. He fathered 162 At last, I had unraveled the riddle of the children, so it was possible to imagine that we “V” and “W” pronunciation and spelling mys- GLASBERG FAMILY SONS AND DAUGHTERS: Top row: Danny, Abe, Seymore, Phil, Irving and were distantly related. Maybe then I could Ben. Bottom row: Goldie, Bessie, Dorothy, Molly, Estelle, Betty and Anne. Photo courtesy of tery of my Glasberg origins. The discovery claim a burial place in the Valley of the Kings, Allyn Freeman. that Vizhnitz was probably not much more to be entombed next to my famous forebear. than a mud-bound shtetl village in the Eu- My mother, Anne, née Glasberg, was born on any modern day Austrian map or even The family expanded to thirteen children, ropean Pale ended long-treasured notions of in 1902 in the former Austro-Hungarian old ones from the last century. Perhaps the numbering seven daughters and six sons. my mother’s embroidered Viennese history. Empire, in a town that, when pronounced, town had been an insignificant Viennese After a few months, the DNA results arrived: No Strauss Waltzes. No eating apple strudel sounded like “Wishnits” (sic). She told me suburb swallowed up by urban expansion. Ashkenazi Jewish—90.2% or tortes at the Café Sacher. No strolls with it was “just outside Vienna.” The Viennese In any case, it seemed to have disappeared (Central Europe location) uniformed Hussars in the Vienna Woods. connection shaped a young boy’s romantic under the sands of time. North African—3.4% Vyhnytsia, as the town is called today, image of his mother waltzing to Strauss The Glasberg family immigrated to Provi- East European—2.2% is located along the Cheremosh River in tunes and twirling on the dance floor with dence, Rhode Island, in 1914. Over came West Asian—1.6% western Ukraine. Using Google Maps, the elegantly uniformed dragoons of the Em- grandfather Louis, a tailor, bringing his wife Nigerian—1.4% driving distance from there to Vienna is peror’s Hussars. Cecilia and six kids. Patriotically, the seventh Papuan—1.2% 890 miles, which is the same mileage that For years, I could not find “Wishnits” (sic) child, Dorothy, was born on the 4th of July. The heritage data were revealed on a makes Nashville, “just outside” Manhattan. Bridges in the Sky By Ananth Sampathkumar and Building-fame, opened above 32nd Street. Mary Chandrahasan The bridge was a novelty at the time, giv- ing patrons easy access between their stores. About two decades ago, we were first in- Gimbels folded in 1987, but fortunately for troduced to skybridges. Cesar Pelli, the New Yorkers the skybridge survived and famed Argentine American Architect, was continues to impress. explaining how his firm and Thorten To- These mid-air passageways were also masetti, a structural engineering behemoth, time-savers for businesses like Nabisco, the devised a clever way to erect and support the cookie giant, that used to occupy the Chel- tallest skybridge in the world at the Petronas sea Market building. The skybridge above Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Suspended 300 15th Street provided a connection between feet in the air, the enclosed walkway allows its factory on the north side and its offices occupants to go from one tower to another on the south side. Nabisco moved on but without coming down to ground. the skybridge still provides (private) ac- Since then, we have paid close attention cess between offices. Similarly, Blooming- to skybridges in New York, where we have dales’ skybridge, which is still operational, handsome models to view; if you have an af- enables employees and customers an easy ternoon free, it is worth spending a few hours way to connect at the 3rd floor between its to discover these mid-air marvels. To make shopping center and offices. things easier, we have coded the 10 most rec- One of the more modest bridges resides in ognizable skybridges into Labyl, a free archi- Tribeca. The Staple Street Skybridge con- MID-AIR MARVELS. Chelsea Market Skybridge, above. Image credit: NDNY Architecture + tectural way-finding app for iPhones. nected the New York City Hospital House Design. Skybridges, as their name suggests, are of Relief ’s original and expanded properties. elevated enclosed walkways designed to al- The structure is now privately owned by a Avenue. Designed by SHoP Architects, the every level of New York’s built terrain, from low patrons easy access between mid- and famed fashion designer who uses the pas- structure is the highest in Manhattan and manhole covers to roof gargoyles, and it’s easy high-rise buildings, thereby saving folks the sageway to go between a townhouse on Jay connects the two swaying towers with an to miss these clever constructs if you aren’t trouble of traversing back down only to go Street and a loft on Hudson Street, a conve- amenity-filled indoor space. It is hard to paying attention. So, the next time you are up again. One of the first retail companies nient live-work arrangement. As recently as imagine that this is the first skybridge to talking a stroll, make sure to look up, down, to use a skybridge to attract customers was 2016, the two townhouses and bridge were be built in 80 years. Unlike its predecessors, and all around for hidden architectural gems. Gimbels, a competitor to Macy’s. In 1925, on the market for a staggering $50 million. this is a predominantly glassy enclosure with their three-story, copper skybridge, designed The latest addition is the skybridge at unparalleled views of the city and Queens. To read our extended piece on skybridges, by Shreve, Lamb and Blake of Empire State the American Copper Building at 626 First There is something interesting to see at visit www.ndny.co/blog www.westviewnews.org June 2018 WestView News 19

Senior Share continued from page 1 pay $3,000-5,000 per month for studio and improving quality of life, and preserving one-bedroom apartments. This cannot go community and culture. on forever. Village dwellers of varying ages— Perhaps brownstone and tenement build- childless couples or those in single-occupancy ings could house people ages 75-100 years RELIEVE BACK PAIN apartments for whom rents have become un- old on the ground floor, ages 50-75 on the affordable— are expressing interest in assist- second floor, ages 30-50 another floor up, with acupuncture ing local elderly residents, who need part-time and 20-somethings on the top floor. Resi- companions or caregivers, in exchange for re- dents would check in on each other regular- duced or free rent. ly to enable a visible and vibrant multi-age Intergenerational programs in Cleveland, community. The younger generations would Michael Kahn Ohio, the Netherlands, Lyons, France, and benefit from the wisdom and experience of M.S., L. Ac. Barcelona, Spain provide college students the elders; the elders would benefit from the with free or reduced-rent housing in ex- physical abilities of the younger residents, a 20 Year Practice change for caring for elders. The program sustainable model that will improve and de- that began in Barcelona in the late 1990s velop over time. Back Pain • Insomnia • Digestion • Cardiac Pain • Headache has been replicated in more than twenty cit- Immune disorders • Addictions • Weight loss • Smoking Cessation ies throughout Spain. These communities If you or someone you know is interested in a Depression • Anxiety • Addictions are proof that we can create win-win solu- senior share—either a senior who has a room tions via senior shares, while saving taxpayer to spare and welcomes a part-time caregiver, and private funds and providing a model for or someone willing to provide care and those of all ages. companionship to a Village senior in need A simple law allowing capable people of in exchange for accommodation or reduced various ages to live with and assist needy rent—please let WestView News know elderly residents will legitimize this ar- via telephone (212) 924-5718, or write to rangement in our Village neighborhood— [email protected] So, You’ve Been Away By Gordon Hughes up in the country. All of them missed New York and the Village, but life has a way of The other morning I was enjoying a cup of changing you. My pal opened his own ad FREE Village area house calls coffee at Cafe Panino Mucho Gusto, when agency in Philadelphia and life was good. of all things, I ran into a pal and neigh- Some 16 years later, the family decided 212-633-2317 bor—not from the Village, but from Ches- to visit New York, take in a Broadway show ter County (where I have a horse farm). (not one of mine) and take a look at their old I was so surprised to see him in this apartment building. They explained to the foreign location, but what a treat. So, we kids the bohemian lifestyle they had lived, shared a table and he told me why he was with crazy “mad men” ad executives and the at this out-of-the-way coffee haunt. downtown literary crowd. The four of them He was visiting Manhattan on a book were looking at the building, and as luck tour and wanted to visit his old neighbor- would have it, someone emerged, leaving the hood and see how it had changed. Turns door open and a chance to head inside. out, he had rented a studio on 11th Street After looking around, they decided to between Hudson and Greenwich in the take the elevator up to the 12th floor and early ‘60s. He told me after graduating col- look at their old homestead. Now, just as lege and mustering out of the Marines he the four of them were talking about what had moved to New York City and gone to it had been like, the door next to theirs work at a major advertising agency. opened and a woman came out, looked In the late ‘60s, fortune smiled upon him at them and said “So, ya been away!?” Af- and he met a high-powered magazine ex- ter picking themselves off the floor from ecutive. They got married and she loved laughing, they all went out to what had the Village, but they needed a larger apart- been the Coach House and had a drink. ment. That led to a move on 5th Avenue Well, this is a true story—names have near Washington Square. been omitted to protect the innocent. Now Well, as can happen, two children later I’m not sure this could only happen in the they decided to move out of New York to Village, but I know for sure it does happen Chester County, where my pal could fox in the Village, and that’s one of the many hunt and shoot and the kids could grow things I love about this neighborhood.

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Jefferson Market Library, Senior Center at 425 6th Avenue, 1st Floor Our Lady of Pompei Church, Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy Street Bleecker & Carmine Streets Senior Center at Greenwich House, MCF Rare Wines, 237 West 13th Street 27 Barrow Street SeaGrape Wines, 512 Hudson Street Senior Center on the Square, 20 Washington Square North Ottomanelli, 285 Bleecker Street 20 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org The Untold Love Story of the Birth of Hollywood By John Bredin extraordinary on the stage of her real life, proving the wisdom of Shakespeare’s “All Born on Mott St., Blanche Walsh was the world’s a stage” theory. Though child- America’s first movie star. She also played a less, Walsh rescued my seven-year-old key role in my family story. grandmother Doris Bredin from a Lon- I’m on a mission to re-write Hollywood don orphanage, brought her to NYC, and history. A very important woman has been looked after her like a second mother. I still left out. But don’t the women usually get get weepy when I recall this amazing act left out? Well enough, I say, of this patri- of empathy which played a key, magical archal nonsense; that’s bastante in Spanish role in my family story: a story connected, (my wife hails from Bogota, Colombia). amazingly, to the birth of cinema. The first American movie star, in case Maybe Tolstoy, whose pacifism influ- Two Books of One-Liners you didn’t know—and unless you’re a film enced Gandhi and MLK, was right when by Charles Caruso, scholar you probably wouldn’t, so go easy he said “Love is the fundamental law of on yourself—was Blanche Walsh. Already a human life.” My own existence is proof Author of “Caruso’s Quips” queen of the Belle Epoque stage (she was of this. I wouldn’t be here to write this if America’s version of Sarah Bernhardt and America’s first movie star hadn’t engaged Caruso spent decades in the media, at Newsweek and The New York Eleanora Duse), Walsh’s only film was a in an unselfish act of kindness toward my Post, winning three Associated Press feature-writing prizes. 1912 adaptation of Tolstoy’s most provoca- young grandmother. Love is still the an- He has gotten a strong response to these books and the lines he tive, political, and best- swer, as John and Yoko puts on Facebook each day. selling novel, Resurrection. (who once lived on Bank More radical than War & Street) sang. The question he is most asked is: How do you write these things? Peace or Anna Karenina, In the current bleak He has no good answer. “They just come,” he says “after a lot Resurrection got Tolstoy political moment, though of observation and reading. They arrive suddenly and need very booted from the Russian with signs of hope emerg- little editing.” Orthodox Church and, ing as women, students, Readers seem to like them and find them interesting and just for fun, helped fo- and teachers find their sometimes amusing. ment the 1917 Russian voices, I hope this un- Revolution. I’m telling usual story—where em- you, this story is deep. pathy and literature inter- Prior to Resurrection, mingle with cinema and which was Hungarian im- politics—might resonate migrant Adolph Zukor’s with people who are tired original production, films of the endless “breaking Counselor At Law were mostly short—20 news” cycle. I’d like to minutes or so (“one or use it as a teaching tool to two-reel jobs” in the film spark visions of a trans- Disability Law AMERICA'S FIRST MOVIE STAR: biz lingo of the day). They formed cultural landscape Blanche Walsh, born on Mott Street, lacked a plot or unified also played a key role in the author's moving forward: one that story. There was just basic family story. Photo credit: Wikipedia. cares more about people, Max Leifer P.C. pie-in-the-face slapstick and saving our planet, or Billy Bronco jumping on his horse—that than box office receipts. MaxMax D. LeiferLeifer PCPC is is an an established established law law firm firm sort of thing. Film actors weren’t taken seri- As a living beneficiary of the first Ameri- with overover 40 years experienceexperience inin PersonalPersonal Injury, Injury, ously as artists, and the notion of a movie star can movie star, I even think the very con- was still an alien concept. cept of fame—which has given us Kim Negligence,Negligence, Social SecuritySecurity Disabilty,Disability, Long Term Disability, Enter Adolph Zukor. The canny former Kardashian and Donald Trump—ought to Long Term Disability, fur peddler, who made his bones on the be reimagined in a less vapid and more eth- CommercialCommercial and Union Appeals.Appeals. Lower East Side (and lived to 103, the old ical way. No more fame for the sake of fame codger), felt movie audiences were ready please. Remembering the radical, loving, We are committed to providing for an authentic, complex story—similar and forgotten origins of cinema might help Wehigh are qualitycommitted representation to providing to a novel, play, or magazine article. As for us (moving forward) to imagine a Holly- and highwe work quality aggressively representation to obtain creating the notion of a “movie star,” Zu- wood for the greater good one day. I am and wethe work best aggressively possible results to obtain kor’s financial instincts told him that banks currently on a lecture tour to explore this and protectthe best the possible rights of results our clients. would lend him more money for projects if possibility; I hope to present the lecture in andFree protect consult the in personrights ofor ourby phone. clients. he had a “bankable star.” He was right. His Greenwich Village soon. Free consult in person or by phone. Famous Players Studio, launched in 1912 Please feel free to contact us with any questions with Blanche Walsh “starring” in Resurrec- John Bredin is an educator, writer, and host and our friendly staff will assist you with your concerns. tion, eventually became Paramount. of the nonprofit TV show Public Voice Salon: Please feel free to contact us with any questions But, you might be thinking, what about an open dialogue on education, the arts, and our friendlyMember staff of Millionwill assist Dollar Trialyou Association with your concerns. the love part of the story? This is the Vil- and social change. The author of 15 books, DESIGNATED AS A SUPER LAWYER FIRM AT SUPERLAWYERS.COM lage, after all, the Bohemian capital of John lectures widely on media, culture, and peace and love. Ok, here comes the love. education. His current talk, “Imagine a Hol- 135214 West Sullivan 26th Street,Street, Street,Suite 3-C, 11-D When I was a little boy, my grandmother lywood for the Greater Good,” can be given New York, NY 1001210001 taught me all the fairy tales. But my favorite at schools, theaters, civic spaces, art galleries, Tel: (212) 334-9699 • Fax: (212) 966-6544 story that she told was a real one. Blanche churches, or people’s homes. John welcomes Walsh, who you just learned was the first your reactions, in dialogue, at jfbredin@ [email protected] American movie star, also did something hotmail.com. www.westviewnews.org June 2018 WestView News 21 Broadway Hit: Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women views have been mostly ecstatic. Starring as “A,” the elderly mother, is Glenda Jackson; Laurie Metcalf is “B,” and Allison Pill is “C.” The play has been, in my opinion, ex- pertly directed by Joe Mantello, with an ex- traordinary set designed by Miriam Buether and costume designs by Ann Roth. And now the word is out that Three Tall Women may be Albee’s most powerful and important work. Beautifully written with precision and insight, this play could be compared to plays of Eugene O’Neill’s such as Strange Interlude and Long Day’s Journey into Night. In Strange Interlude— which I saw many years ago, starring Ger- aldine Page and Jane Fonda in one of Fon- THE WORD IS OUT THAT THIS MAY BE da’s first starring roles—Page steps out of EDWARD ALBEE'S MOST POWERFUL AND IMPORTANT WORK: Glenda Jackson stars the six-hour long play to speak as if directly in Three Tall Women on Broadway at the to the audience, stating, “It has all been a Golden Theater. Photo Jim Byk courtesy strange interlude between the past which Sam Rudy Media Relations. is no more, the future which is not yet here and the present which is now nothing.” In By Robert Heide Long Day’s Journey, the message became “the past is the present and it’s the future Three Tall Women is the play that won Ed- too.” The device of step-forward mono- ward Albee his third Pulitzer Prize for logues directed at the audience by all three playwriting when it was first produced off- actors is also used to great effect by Albee Broadway in 1994. His earlier Pulitzers in this play. went to A Delicate Balance (1966) and Sea- As it happened, I was taken by a friend scape (1974). Prior to Three Tall Women, Al- to see Three Tall Women on my birthday, bee was labeled by Broadway producers as May 9th. Afterwards, we were invited to “box-office poison” after works such asThe Sardi’s for a birthday party for Glenda Man Who Had Three Arms (1981), Finding Jackson who had turned 84 that same day; the Sun (1982) and Marriage Play (1986-87) and so I got to meet the great star who failed to attract audiences or critical acclaim. was just enchanting—simple, direct, and a Albee finally broke free of his stasis in lot of fun. At first I did not recognize her, writing in 1991 with Three Tall Women, dressed in a white blouse and slacks and when it premiered in Vienna, starring without the elaborate makeup and wig she Myra Carter in the lead role. When first wears in the play. The great actress won produced off-Broadway in 1994, the au- two Academy Awards: one for Women in tobiographical work found the playwright Love (1970) with Oliver Reed and Alan once again at the top of his game. Miss Bates, and one for A Touch of Class (1973) Carter, who for many years lived across with George Segal. It should also be not- the street from me, told me that when she ed that Jackson was a Labor politician in first performed the role of the aged mother Parliament for 23 years wherein she railed she knew that if it ever got to New York it against Margaret Thatcher. At the birth- would get Albee another Pulitzer. day gathering we talked about Thatcher as PERUVIAN FOOD & CATERING Reflecting on his inspiration forThree we watched a parade of on-screen videos of Tall Women, Albee said, “I knew I did not Jackson throughout her career, including a want to write a revenge piece… I could recent stint as King Lear in London. not abide her [my mother’s] prejudices, Three Tall Women should not be missed her loathings, her paranoias, but I did ad- by serious theatregoers. The night I at- mire her sense of self. I was touched by her tended, the “bravos” would not stop. A re- survivor instinct at age 90.” In the first act cent quote stated to the press from Glenda 173 7TH AVE S. WEST VILLAGE he looks at her from the outside. In the Jackson about her varied career was, “I second act (there was no intermission) he used to believe that anything was better CORNER OF 7TH AVE & PERRY ST. transforms the characters into his mother’s than nothing. Now I know that sometimes younger, middle-aged, and older selves. In nothing is better.” the second act an actor portraying a young 646.590.9010 Edward Albee confronts the mother with- Robert Heide is the author of the recently out uttering a word. published Robert Heide 25 Plays, from Fast WWW.BABYBRASA.COM With the new Broadway production Books Press and is available at Three Lives, of Three Tall Women, which opened at the the Drama Bookshop, the Whitney Museum Golden Theatre, the uptown newspaper re- bookshop, and online at Amazon. [email protected] - [email protected] 22 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org

an indoor batting and practice area, and funding to run pro- involved, at Glick’s urging, Congressman Jerry Nadler de- continued from page 12 Hudson River Park grams, and, the biggest part­—the State would foot the bill, a manded that a Federal EIS be done. That slowed the park Lydon, President of the Downtown United Soccer Club, cost of over $2 million. The Governor and I announced the down two years. But thousands of parents and kids continued and Mike Mirisola, a Bleecker Street merchant and Little plan to a huge press event on Pier 40, December, 23,1997. Pa- to cross West Street and use the rooftop field. Construction of League father came to me in the Spring of 1996 with a pro- taki remarked that I was the most co-operative Democrat he the Village Segment, the first section of the Park to be built, posal to use the courtyard of Pier 40 as a field. The court- had worked with all year. The Times reported it like this: began in early 2001. By Spring 2003 the Park had opened. yard was filled with parked buses and trucks. Both leagues Proponents of the athletic sites, to be used mainly by children on There was an effort in 2002 to come up with a long-term pledged to raise $250,000 to build a field. They asked me to Manhattan’s West Side, had long envisioned the Pier 40 venture plan for Pier 40, but the Trust Board did not agree with the set up a meeting with Governor Pataki (the Pier was under to be an important first step in the revitalization of the riverfront. recommendation of its own Task Force and CB2, so no plan State control); on a day in late Spring we went to the Gov- But they had been at odds with the state, which owns the pier and was adopted (a dilemma which exists until this day). Un- ernor’s office in Albany and met with a staff lawyer named had planned to continue using it entirely as a parking garage for der the Hudson River Park Act, parking uses in the Pier 40 Rob Balachandrin (who would later become President of the next four years. courtyard had to end by 2003. When no new plan for Pier the Hudson River Park Trust). “This is a small step, but it sets an important precedent,’’ 40 was agreed on, we filed suit again. This time the Trust Rob loved our proposal and called us several days later and said Arthur Schwartz, a Manhattan lawyer who represented folded without litigation. In 2003 fields were built in the Pier said “Ok, its yours, if you can raise the funds.” The Pier Park a coalition of parents’ groups, environmentalists and Green- 40 courtyard, making it one of the largest athletic facilities in and Playground Association was created to help raise the funds wich Village advocates who had sued to block the state’s plan NYC outside of a major park, like Central Park. (also known as P-3). We did not dare tell CB2, or else they and for parking, and to secure part of the pier for recreation. Activist participation in the Friends Board peaked around Debra Glick would try to undercut us. But in the Fall of 1996 ‘’This is the first time that a commercial space on the water- 2006. Friends had sued to get the Sanitation Department off we got word that the State, through a new entity called the front is being converted to parkland,’’ Mr. Schwartz said, ‘’and the Gansevoort Peninsula, to get a restaurant off the 23rd Hudson River Park Conservancy, had leased all of Pier 40 out once it begins drawing people out there, they are not going to Street park space, and to stop helicopter tours. In early 2006, to a parking lot operator –at $4 million per year, for four years. be inclined to give it up.’’ Friends was part of an effort to shoot down a development The lease was to take effect on a Wednesday. That Monday Parents were ecstatic. We were going to get a new water- plan for the Pier which would have allowed Related, Inc., a group of parents and kids went to the Governor’s Office at front field, in time for the 1998 youth soccer season. Tobi and to build an entertainment complex. But in 2004, Governor 633 Third Avenue, and kicked a soccer ball around the lobby, I became active participants in Al Butzel’s Alliance, actually Pataki had appointed Emperor Michael Bloomberg’s multi- demanding to meet with the Governor. Didn’t work. So the incorporating a group called Friends of Hudson River Park— millionaire consort, Diane Taylor as President of the Hudson parent leaders looked at me and said: “You are a lawyer. Don’t Greenwich Village. River Park Trust. After the Related, Inc. fight, Diana Taylor we have a contract? Can’t you get an injunction?” I agreed to try. In June 1998, the Gottfried-Leichter Bill once again wanted the activists off the Friends Board; if that plan was We had 36 hours. made it through Committee. We had a new CB2 Chair, refused, she threatened to start her own 501(c)(3). The purge I filed suit the next evening, at around 5pm, called the Alan Gerson (later to be elected to the City Council) who began, and Friends became a place for wealthy people to act Attorney General’s office, sent over a set of papers, and pro- was not anti-Park. Alan knew that there was a growing like they are the ones helping grow a park. ceeded to set up a night session with the Judge on duty, Alice constituency for a park, and he asked Sheldon Silver to al- The Park never had a better friend than Governor Pata- Schlesinger. She saw us at 8:00 p.m. in her kitchen, in the low the bill to go for a vote if it was approved by CB2. Sil- ki. Although he was funding the Park piece by piece, it was Gramercy Park area. We argued our “breach of contract” case ver agreed. There followed one of the wildest CB2 meet- moving along. Under the Spitzer-Paterson Administration for two hours. We said that once the lease commenced we ings every, 500 people in the old St Vincent’s 11th Floor funding slowed down, and then, under Andrew Cuomo, would never get a chance to effectuate our plan. The Judge Auditorium, hundreds of them kids in uniform. Speaker money came in so slowly that it didn’t allow any meaning- agreed and issued a TRO. after speaker implored CB2 to support the bill. An anti- ful construction. Friends, which had always put pressure The next day, I got a call from Al Butzel, asking about the park person called the Fire Department, which made some on the State for funding, no longer played that role. Pier case, and then asking if I had considered a claim under SE- people leave the room. But we got to vote. By a 10 vote 40 began to fall apart, and only by selling air rights has it QRA, the State Environmental Quality Review Act. I said margin, the resolution to support the legislation passed. secured money for necessary capital repairs. Cuomo, facing I didn’t even know what SEQRA was. So Al came down to Gerson called up Silver on my cell phone, and told him the a competitive Governor primary, just recently committed my office, and did a quick tutorial, and together we amended CB2 vote. It was the last night of the legislative session, to finishing the Park. the lawsuit. An amazing litigator had joined our team, which and somewhere around midnight, the bill passed the As- The Park remains an amazing place, even though it is not now also included Tribeca Civil Rights lawyer Dan Alterman. sembly and then the Senate. Deborah Glick voted “NO.” completed. Pier 40 is a mecca. But in the 20th Anniversa- Months of litigation followed, now in front of Justice Jane In September, Governor Pataki signed the bill and made a ry Celebration, one would think that Friends, and the Park Solomon. Turned out (as Al had guessed) the Park Conser- 50%-50% funding deal with Mayor Giuliani (whose repre- Trust, were conceived by some wealthy benefactors, and that vancy had never even done an Environmental Assessment, a sentatives on the Conservancy Board had voted against the what exists at Pier 40 was part of the Park Plan. key requirement of SEQRA. In the summer of 1997, Judge Little League Pier 40 deal). The next week Governor Pataki Just ain’t so. Solomon warned the Park Conservancy that she was likely to kicked out the first soccer ball at the ribbon cutting of the throw the $14 million contract out altogether. Soon after, we rooftop field. Thousands of kids and parents trekked up to Arthur Schwartz is the Male Democratic District Leader for got a call. It was from James Ortenzio, President of the Conser- the roof of Pier 40 for soccer games and then Little League Greenwich Village. He is President of Advocates for Justice a vancy, and Chair of the NY Republican Party. Governor Pataki games. A park constituency was born. The Hudson River public interest legal foundation. He chaired the CB2 Water- wanted to make a deal. Through the Fall we met numerous Park Alliance folded its tent. We in the Village handed over front/Parks Committee for most of the period between 1998 times at the Governor’s office, and hammered out a deal, which our Non-Profit name to Al Butzel, and Friends of Hudson and 2014, and served on the Board of Friends of Hudson included the leaseholders, Meier Cohen and Ben Korman. We River Park was born. River Park from 1999- 2009. This is an expanded version would get a field on the roof, and an indoor field. P3 would get Nothing thereafter was linear. Because Federal money was of a piece published in the Villager.

the Executive Office. One in-the-know person told me My Friend Eric Schneiderman that Cuomo had a dossier on Eric. Eric’s role in fighting Trump’s excesses ballooned his importance, and ballooned By Arthur Z. Schwartz complained to me about being seriously groped by him in his need to dominate, if the allegations are true. And in an elevator shortly after he was elected to the State Senate. one evening, it all came to an end. On April 10, 2017, I texted a politician whose thoughts Over the years I would repeat that story, quietly, to others The lesson. We progressives did not do our movement about running for Governor had been cut short by Cyn- in politics, and they would tell me other ones, including a favor, or Eric a favor, by not saying anything. There is no thia Nixon’s candidacy, and said, “Don’t go home. #MeToo stories about him getting rough with female partners. But such thing as tolerable abuse of women—or of anyone, for is going to get Eric Schneiderman soon.” On May 7 my no one went public. that matter. We on the left have to call out people who agree premonition came true. In 2010 Eric asked me if we could have coffee. He told with us as quickly as we would call out Donald Trump. Eric and I had been friends. We were both elected as me that he was thinking of running for Attorney General. I apologize to the women who were abused by Eric District Leaders in the mid-1990s, and attended many I looked him in the eye and said: “Are you sure you have no Schneiderman. I was part of a conspiracy of silence that meetings together and shared many beers. In 2001, and skeletons in your closet?” He looked back and said “sure.” allowed you to be hurt. I will never do that again. again in 2004, we did litigation together, once even rolling I bit my tongue. back a subway fare increase. But I learned, as we got to So Eric went on to become an immensely popular At- Arthur Z. Schwartz is the Male Democratic District Leader know each other, that Eric had a problem. A woman had torney General, but one who never took on corruption in for Greenwich Village. www.westviewnews.org June 2018 WestView News 23 Health of the Hudson By Isabelle Stinnette practice due to the mistaken belief that dilution was the solution to pollution. In- We may not always notice it, but New stead of leaving the system, these chemi- Yorkers live along waterways that mix salt- cals settled into the river sediments and water from the ocean with the fresh water proceeded to make their way up the food from the Hudson. This unique ecosystem web. These chemicals have proven toxic to is called an estuary, and its health is as im- much of our marine life and make our lo- portant as our own. cal seafood largely unsafe to eat. In samples Though it is hard to overemphasize the taken from striped bass and several other environmental damage created by previ- species of interest to fisherman, the con- ous generations, the Hudson River Estu- centration of PCBs is trending down, sig- ary today is faring much better than it was nificantly, from historic levels. But in the thirty years ago. Efforts to clean the water, sediments, the data is more mixed, with restore habitat for wildlife, and reconnect some contaminants sticking around while people to the waterfront have never been others seem to be breaking down. While greater. But are these efforts and their ex- natural degradation will help, completion pense working? The NY-NJ Harbor & Es- of the Superfund, and other cleanups cur- tuary Program’s new State of the Estuary rently underway, in particular the recent Report, which will be published this fall, dredging of the upper Hudson River, will will determine trends in areas of environ- be critical in removing some of the con- mental concern including water quality, tamination over the next decade. The WestView Family toxins, wildlife habitat and highlight the The birds, fish and other wildlife of the challenges ahead. Hudson do not have it easy. They deal Join In many parts of the harbor, sewage and with the water quality and toxins issues as WRITE  Share some of your your hard-won knowledge and wisdom. stormwater infrastructure are connected. well as loss of habitat, fishing pressure and This was an idea that seemed good to early climate change. Many of the fish species EDIT Use your skills to make WestView clearer and sharper. city planners but turned out not to be ap- abundance data that is available is show- propriate for a population our size. On ing declining populations. In some parts of Earn a commission inviting community businesses to join. many rainy days, the combined untreated the harbor, however, improved water qual- SELL storm and sewage overflows into the wa- ity is increasing the diversity of local veg- ter. The enactment of the Clean Water Act etation and wildlife. As the climate shifts, CALL 212.924.5718 or email [email protected] in the 1970s, and subsequent upgrades to we may lose species who do not tolerate wastewater treatment, have helped lower the warming waters. Habitat preservation the amount of sewage entering the Hud- and restoration efforts are ongoing, and son, and long-term trends are showing that the restoration community has recently the water quality is getting much better. adopted citizen science as a smart way to Yet, more progress can still be made. Af- make progress with limited funding while ter all, the goals of the Clean Water Act— engaging people in stewardship. fishable, swimmable waterways—have not This generation has the opportunity to yet been attained and there is a growing in- enhance the estuary so the next generation terest in direct engagement with the water will have diverse and abundant wildlife and such as swimming and kayaking. a greater connection to the estuary. It is somewhat more challenging to es- cape our estuary’s legacy of toxic contami- For more information contact habitat@ nation. Dumping of toxic chemicals such harborestuary.org. Isabelle Stinnette is Res- as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and toration Manager at the NY-NJ Harbor & dioxins into the water used to be common Estuary Program HANNAH REIMANN VOCALS, PIANO & DULCIMER

MICHELE TEMPLE GUITAR & VOCALS

DAVID YAFFE, AUTHOR of the best-selling biography RECKLESS DAUGHTER a portrait of Joni Mitchell

BOOK SALE & SIGNING FRIDAY JUNE 15 6 pm CORNELIA STREET CAFÉ $10

VOICE & PIANO INTENSIVE JULY 9 – AUGUST 3 $350 101 CHARLES STREET #BFW 646-831-0313 Illustration by Jim Meadows. [email protected] 24 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org Giving is Ancient— Play Emerges as Important Factor in The Need is New Early Childhood Arts Education By Graeme Napier

The Open Door was a characteristic West Village response to HIV/AIDS. It was located where the Psy- chotherapy and Spirituality Institute is—in the court- yard of Saint John’s in the Village (West 11th Street at Waverly Place). At a time when men and women with THE REVEREND SAM CROSS, AIDS (especially those Founder and Facilitator of who were young) were os- The Open Door at tracized by their families, St. John's in the Village. The Open Door provided a service of acceptance, advice, support, and spiritual counsel to people who were HIV+ as well as to their significant others, friends, and care-partners. The counseling aimed to help all those affected to place their experiences within the context of their individual spiritual journeys and re- lationships with God. The program was crucial to meet- ing the spiritual and emotional (and sometimes financial) needs of the participants. Many hundreds of people came through the discreet horse-walk entrance over the years. There was never any charge to participants; and although there was no proselytizing, Finding God in AIDS came to be a maxim with which many could identify. Father Sam Cross, an Episcopal priest, founded The Open Door in 1998 and was chaplain and facilitator from its inception until its culmination in 2017. Long before that time many HIV/AIDS programs had folded. But despite the public misconception that the AIDS cri- sis was over, St. John’s knew it continued—with long- term survivors still struggling to live with the disease and the side effects of drugs which kept them alive. In honor of this significant part of our local West Vil- lage history, a plaque will be blessed at Saint John’s at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 17th. Father Cross, who has retired to Tennessee, is visiting the Village this month IT'S NO SECRET THAT CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH PLAY: Play is being recognized as an important part of early childhood and will speak about the spiritual and pastoral role of arts education. Photo by Suzanne Dirks. The Open Door. All are welcome to attend and to meet By Joe Salas Rachel Black, Director of Greenwich House Music Father Cross at the reception which will follow. School, shares the sentiments of Dr. Niland. “Our mission Saint John’s doors continue to be open to the LGBT That children benefit from early and sustained access to mu- is to teach students the beauty and transformative power of community. The Episcopalian congregation is known sic and arts education has been widely known. Music educa- music, art, and dance, and make them lifelong lovers of the for its hospitality and acceptance; every week a Roman tion helps develop language and reasoning, increases coor- arts,” said Black. “And play, through our Music, Art and Catholic LGBT group, Dignity, also worships and enjoys dination, and builds imagination and intellectual curiosity. Play program for three-year-olds, is no small part of that.” fellowship at the church. It’s been shown to help children maintain focus in the class- The Music, Art and Play program is an arts-based early On Saturday, June 23rd, the 6.30 p.m. worship at Saint room, improve academic performance, and so much more. childhood drop-off program for three-year-olds. Many John’s will conclude with the blessing of the Johnsmas At the earliest ages, however, not all music education is the parents in the neighborhood consider it to be an alternative fire—there will be a small bonfire in a large brazier, and same. A growing body of knowledge has confirmed the im- to traditional, application-based nursery schools. Through the sharing of victuals around the fire. Johnsmas fires are portance of play in early childhood music and art curriculums. exploration of the arts and free play, the Music, Art and also called Midsummer fires because the summer solstice It’s no secret that children learn through play. The con- Play program guides children to seek their own solutions occurs near the time of the Christian feast of the Nativity nection between play and learning was noted long ago by as they discover the limitless world of art and music. of Saint John the Baptist. For centuries Christians and Rousseau. According to the retail analyst firm Technavio, “Play”, says Dr. Niland, “can nurture the innate musi- others have marked this time of year by the lighting of the educational toy industry is expected to grow ten per- cality of young children so that they become and remain fires and the sharing of hospitality in their communities. cent a year for the next four years. music makers throughout their lives.” As more research on That tradition has fallen into desuetude but will be re- Dr. Amanda Niland, who teaches Early Childhood Educa- the benefits of play in early childhood arts education be- vived this year at Saint John’s. A warm welcome has been tion at the University of Sydney, has found that child-centered comes known, Greenwich House Music School has seen a extended to West Villagers who wish to join in. musical play can help develop a child’s natural musical ability corresponding growth in interest in the school’s play-based On the following day, Sunday, June 24th, the Pride and interest. “Musical play contrasts with a common educa- program. “Students become tracked in high-stakes envi- March will take place. The parade route has changed tion pedagogy for young children that is often teacher-led ronments so early now,” said Black, “that it’s refreshing to and will proceed down Seventh Avenue. Saint John’s will and structured toward a specific outcome,” says Dr. Niland, see a recognition of the importance of free-form expres- hold a ‘Pre-Parade’ Eucharist at 11:00 a.m., after which, who authored The Power of Musical Play. Through musical sion and exploration.” those emerging from the church—near Seventh Avenue play, children still learn basic musical skills—from singing and and Waverly Place—will be well-placed to view this rhythm to early introduction to musical instruments—but in Information on Greenwich House Music School’s year’s Pride celebration (which will begin at West 16th doing so, they are able to explore the elements of music that Music, Art and Play program can be found at Street and Seventh Avenue at noon). interest them most, taking multiple pathways to get there. greenwichhousemusicschool.org www.westviewnews.org June 2018 WestView News 25 The Chelsea Hotel

By Brian J. Pape and Bruce Poli To be fair, this is becoming a national trend; go to Houston, Atlanta, or Phoe- These two articles compare the good and bad nix (Chicago and LA), and you will see sides of the most powerful forces in New York faceless style-less glass and steel skyscrap- City—artistic and historic character… and ers—maybe dozens of them —shaping the profit seeking “progress.” To see both sides, “new” American cities. Brian J. Pape and Bruce Poli have chosen The future looks pretty monolithic. the Chelsea Hotel—touchstone of the great This is why the West Village is now musical, literary and performing arts culture considered a fast shrinking haven of New of New York and its intriguing relationship York’s real historic character. Aren’t we with celebrity, drugs, violence, death and lucky….until… money—New York’s favorite subjects. The Chelsea Hotel has been many things: home to crazed and creative artists and hangers on of all stripes: Andy Warhol, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell. Sid Vi- cious (who famously stabbed his girlfriend MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY | COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY to death there in 1978) and Dylan Thomas MOHS SURGERY | LASER SURGERY (who famously died while living there in 1953 after drinking too many scotch whis- keys at the White Horse Tavern—which Bay Ridge West Village instantly made the establishment into one 7901 4th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11209 67 Perry Street, NY NY 10014 of the Village’s iconic tourist sites. 718-491-5800 (t) 212-675-5847 (t) Who thought that the gradual demise of 718748-2151 (f) 212-675-7976 (f) the great Chelsea Hotel character would take place at the hands of real estate de- velopers as they swept across Manhattan ruining everything in their path to make Ronald R. Brancaccio, M.D | Peter Saitta, D.O. more money? Sherry H. Hsiung, M.D. | Lisa Gruson,M.D. | Anna Karp, D.O. 220 Chelsea Hotel doors— speaking of "THIS HOTEL HAS HEART AND SOUL" The character—were thrown out on the street Hotel Chelsea, or simply ‘the Chelsea’ is a to be discarded in February. historic New York City hotel and landmark. An astute pair of cultural mavens—Jim Photo credit: Velvet, CC BY-SA 3.0. Georgiou and Cigdem Tankut salvaged and stored 71 of them in the Bronx, put 55 Chel- BRUCE POLI sea Hotel doors up for auction in April where Art and (Real Estate) Business Make $432,000 was made in sales, $100,000 for the Perfect Marriage (or Maybe Not) ONE OF Bob Dylan’s doors alone. What is more culturally iconic in New How can you prove that a door ‘belonged’ York City than the Chelsea Hotel? to an icon and therefore has high value? Do You Need Home Care? And what is New York City without its Or for that matter, why would developers culture? want to redesign the Chelsea Hotel in a mod- But it seems like we are starting to live in ern vein, abandoning its historic import? Continuity Home Health Care post-cultural times. This is the great tale of New York culture At the Whitney Museum Biennial last and the economy underscoring the Whit- year, there was a saying on the wall on the ney Biennial statement. sixth floor: And…these are the thoughts that bom- Where Healing Continues... “The greatest concentration of wealth in bard us every day as New Yorkers. A licensed home care agency providing the world is in New York Real Estate and Is real estate—the biggest industry in health care services, both professional Contemporary Art.” New York—ruining its reason for being and paraprofessional, for individuals If this is true —and it may well be—why and our New York character as we pander living at home since 1996. are they clashing at our expense? to international financial greed? A great example of where creativity And—as Brian points out so well in his and destruction clash is how New York real article—what is a “landmark” building or estate is manipulating (destroying) New concept? The outside may look good but York culture in none other than: the Chel- what of the core values inside? Call Tim Ferguson at (212) 625-2547 sea Hotel. Is the Chelsea Hotel the model of our fu- As we are losing our restaurants, we ture American intellectual and artistic cul- or drop in to 121 West 11th Street opposite PS 41 are losing our mom-and-pop stores, our tural life? Will the Trump real estate power neighborhoods, our character as New York, and corruption story in New York (see New We accept most private real estate ramps up its scorched earth pol- York Magazine’s “The Worst Human Being icy, turning New York City into buildings Who Ever Lived,” by Frank Rich April 30- insurances and finance with a culture (think China/ May 13) be our pathway to hell? and private pay. Hong Kong/Singapore) that is simply I applaud the Chelsea Hotel’s new own- about money exchange. And the hell with ers’ verbal commitment to historic and cul- the New York experience (which brings 65 tural integrity; but we must ask ourselves [email protected] million tourists and $5 billion in tourism what does New York’s metaphoric skyline annually as NYC’s third biggest industry— horizon look like? yes, real estate is #1). continued on page 27 26 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org

Maggie B’s Quick Clicks IN THE SPIRIT OF THE ‘MERRY MONTH’:

The ever popular Perryphrenalia returned to Perry Street

A favorite farm stand was back in Abingdon Square and tulips filled the flower stalls

And irresistable photo ops were everywhere—

...on Greenwich St., at City Council Speaker Corey Johnson’s annual “Westside Summit” Caruso’s Quips By Charles Caruso FBI: For Business Interests. CIA: Corporations In Action. The eternal question: What’s in it for me? Bleak beginning for the day: An old man’s cough from the next apartment. After a divorce, how quickly ‘Mom’ becomes ‘Your mother.’ Why travel? Shakespeare never went anywhere but he knew everything. No truth to the rumor that Stormy Daniels will host the Super Bowl halftime show. Maybe he’ll find a way to leave gracefully. One Dallas is enough. Worst fear: Health (life and death). Money (room and board). Love? Forget love. You can live without love. Guns for librarians? Johnny, this book is two weeks late. Blam! And of course... All photos by Maggie Berkvist. Why is everything so hard? Because the world is totally inert and resists any change. www.westviewnews.org June 2018 WestView News 27

The Chelsea was sold to the real estate aged during the renovation. Staying true to continued from page 25 Chelsea Hotel magnate, Joseph Chetrit, for approximately the spirit of the Chelsea is not just the right Thoughts on Memorial Day $80 million in 2011; Chetrit sold the proper- thing—it’s the most profitable thing.” A good friend—a dedicated sister volun- BRIAN PAPE ty to King & Grove, a boutique-hotel chain, Zoe Pappas, the head of the tenants’ asso- teer with the Red Cross—wrote to me Landmarked Changes at later in 2011. Architect Gene Kaufman re- ciation, said the owners had been responsive and wrote, in closing, "Thank you for your The Chelsea Hotel turned to the Landmark Preservation Com- to concerns. She also said that tenants who service." This was my response to this The Chelsea Hotel has seen a lot, and its mission in April 2012 to receive approval had moved within the building had been able dear woman: A very gentle bit of insight, from a per- residents have interesting stories to tell. for his revised plans for the Hotel Chelsea, to add personal touches to their new apart- son who greatly respects the work that Designed by architect Philip Hubert, of which included removing the planters from ments, choosing tile for the bathrooms or you do and your dedication. I most Hubert, Pirsson & Company, in 1883 as one the balconies, filling the transom windows adding trim molding where they wanted it. sincerely thank you for thinking of me. of New York’s first cooperative apartments, with colored glass, slightly reducing the pro- Former tenant Jim Georgiou lived at the Not all veterans are proud of their and the tallest residence in the city until 1902, posed rooftop addition, which will be metal hotel from 2002 to 2011, and though home- service. Some, like me, feel we were it was always a very special building. Built at instead of stucco. The Chelsea has been a less soon after, continued to avail himself of exploited for no good purpose. Naively 222 West 23rd Street, described, variously, as designated New York City landmark since the hotel’s hallway bathrooms, thanks to fooled, as young men often are, by Queen Anne Revival and Victorian Gothic 1966, and on the National Register of His- the kindly staff. At one point, construction macho rhetoric and pronouncements, style, it features delicate, flower-ornamented, toric Places since 1977. workers told him the old doors were going sophisticated images and video, ap- iron balconies on its facade, and a grand inte- Sean MacPherson, Ira Drukier, and to be thrown away, so “My first impulse was peals to patriotism and defense of the rior staircase extending upward twelve floors. Richard Born, partners in SIR Chelsea to preserve them because of how much the homeland. It's an age old story. Many of us feel we were used by the "aris- Architect Hubert designed apartments for LLC, owner since 2016 (after paying $250 Chelsea meant to me. They remind me of tocracy" of this country for their own the people who built the building: its con- million), have other properties, such as the the incredible life I had there and of all the financial benefit, enhancement of their struction workers and interior decorators; Bowery, Ludlow, and Maritime Hotels. Ira lives of the people who have called the Chel- own egos, for their own amusement. then, surrounded these laborers with writ- Drukier said recently that 48 long-term sea Hotel home too,” Georgios told artnet We were the expendable peasants. ers, musicians, and actors. The top floor was tenants remained, and the goal was to open News in an email. The Guernsey's Auction Those same people would not spend given over to 15 artist studios. rooms on the upper floors later in 2018. House on April 12 sold 55 of the original the money to bandage our wounds, After the theater district migrated up- Ancient pipes ruptured during renova- doors that once opened onto the rooms of whether psychic or physical, if not the town, and the neighborhood became tions, flooding apartments, and neighbors Andy Warhol, Jack Kerouac, Jackson Pol- good people of this country, who were commercialized, the residential building returned home from work to find their lock, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Ja- also taken in, did not demand it. Now changed in 1905 into a hotel. Stanley Bard front doors sealed in plastic wrap. The 250- nis Joplin, among other creative luminaries. make no mistake, though I strive to (1934–2017), whose father David had been key hotel will now be 130 rooms, including A portion of the auction proceeds will go be a peaceful man always, I am hardly a pacifist. To protect my family, my one of three partners who bought the de- 30 new one and two-bedroom market rate to City Harvest charity, where each $1,000 friends, my neighbors, maybe even my clining 250-key hotel in 1943, assumed rentals with access to hotel services, the raised would feed 1,000 homeless meals. country, I would be a dedicated, well management in the early 1970s, running it 48 apartments for current tenants who are Questions remain about what characters trained and relentless adversary. in bohemian, laissez-faire manner, saying, protected by New York City Rent Stabi- will inhabit the storied hotel, and what the So what do you say that any vet- “Over the years, people here have created lization Law (RSL), first floor restaurant, vibe will be. Will the owners take a dif- eran—every veteran—will appreciate? some really beautiful, meaningful things, lobby lounge, greenhouse, and private event ferent approach to salvaging every artistic Maybe even bring a tear to their eye. Put and they just needed that little bit of help space. An owner’s rep said “The art has not scrap in the building? Will the spirit of your hand on your heart, look them in to be able to do it. This hotel has heart and disappeared. It’s all stored, catalogued, and Stanley, and his undying dedication to the the eye and say, "Welcome home." soul and it’s not all about the bottom line!” being taken care of so it doesn’t get dam- arts he loved, live on? Our work continues, Peter

Town Hall. There, a nice clerk mar- they graduated a few years ago. And this ried us, and we three went to the Vinoy June they are getting married in what ‘Tis the Wedding Month of June next door, and had a drink. That was all promises to be a joyous event, and we will By Jane Heil Usyk and Eddie. we could afford there. Total cost for us to be there. I think I will have a wonderful Nobody was distracted by a cell phone. No get married: $122, including drinks. time. My husband will be with me, and June is wedding month, and this month one brought a computer. When we got back to New York, my Joan, now the mother of the groom, and Eddie is getting married. That sounds odd, Joan went back and forth to Switzerland cousin Alice had a big party for us, a won- all my memories, and my little video of a because Eddie was two years old in the vid- during the ‘80s, but eventually decided she’d derful, unforgettable party in her penthouse two-year-old Eddie, and I will remember eo I just saw, the one I am giving him for his had enough of her life there and came back on Central Park West. All our friends came. the joy of a happy marriage, and hope for wedding. My cousin Stuart made the video to New York City with her newborn son. He Oddly enough, that, more or less, is what the best for them. in 1986, which, to me, doesn’t sound that was a ray of sunshine who delighted every- happened when my parents got married, in long ago. But it is; I know because Eddie one he met. We made trips together: me and 1936; they eloped in New York, and when Jane Heil Usyk has written over a hun- was two in it. my boyfriend, Joan and Eddie. my mother’s parents found out about it, dred magazine articles in magazines such He is marrying Eugenia, who met Ed- My father died not six months after the they staged a big party honoring my new- as Vogue, Cosmo, Glamour, Family Circle, die in law school. My future friend Joan video was made, and my mother was diag- lywed parents, and everyone felt better Playgirl and Fitness. She also wrote a lived in Brighton Beach, but one day in nosed with Alzheimer’s. A year later, I met about it after that. book, “Silence, Storytelling, and Madness: the early 1980s, she went to Lucca’s on my future husband at a mixer in the great, Eddie’s path was rocky for a while; Strategies of Resistance in Nuyorican and Bleecker Street near Father Demo Square, but soon-to-be-extinguished, Lion’s Head he didn’t decide to be a lawyer until his Other Latina Women’s Coming-of-Age and happened to meet me, who hung out Bar in Sheridan Square. late teens. In law school he met the lovely, Stories,” which was published in 2013. She there. I loved Lucca’s. You looked out Speaking of meetings and marriages, serious, and organized Eugenia, and after was an editor of Fitness Magazine and an the front windows and saw Father Demo my own wedding, twenty years ago, was they went through law school together editorial assistant at Vogue. Square and all the people in it and didn’t a kind of elopement: just me and Michael, feel quite so alone. and our friend Lois, in St. Petersburg, VIEWS BY SUZE Joan was a beautiful young woman, an artist Florida. Lois knew us from the Village; 50 + years in Greenwich Village and sculptor, who had lived most of her adult she had lived on Jones Street before she See Views by Suze life in Europe but was home for a while. I was moved to St. Petersburg. She knew we also quite young; in the video it’s my birthday wanted to get married, but we couldn’t ac- at Bonsignour Café and we—the family, my parents, my aunt and tually put it together, with family all over Jane Street uncle and cousins, plus Joan and Eddie—are the East Coast, factions, plus the cost of a and Eighth Avenue gathered in a house on the shore in Connect- big fancy wedding. Lois said she was go- 917-686-6542 icut to celebrate it. Of course, I thought I was ing to arrange for us to be married. I went [email protected] old as the hills. But now I see I was young into her backyard and picked some flow- and beautiful, as are all my relatives, and Joan, ers; and we went to the Pinellas County East Village Mural 28 WestView News June 2018 www.westviewnews.org Jim Fouratt’s HAVE YOU HEARD!

JUNE 2018 property line. The activist asked and the be violating some ordinance. I need help in Counsel to the Real Estate industry lobby Nice to be back at WestView after the night- NYC Parks Department said yes. A small finding which city agency to contact.” I sug- group, lubricated a resolution through CB2 mare of Housing Court. After almost thr rainbow flag was raised. gested she call Speaker Johnson’s local City that endorsed the plan to remove a hospi- years of fighting my new landlord’s attempt But the story doesn’t end there. Local Council office, Johnson has the clout now tal and replace it with “luxury housing aka to evict me from my six-floor walkup in the art photographer and Radical Faery per- to get things done…and he cares about his the Blood Condos.” Hoylman then had the heart of Greenwich Village, the Judge ruled formance artist Steven Love Menendez constituents. chutzpah to say he stood up to the Rudins. against the landlord. The Court ruling said I wanted a bigger flag. One at least as big as ______He never showed up for our demos but was credible—the landlord’s witnesses were the other flags that were flying. He peti- TALKING OF SPEAKER JOHNSON: Thank he did find the time to show up with his not. Whew! I still will be on probation until tioned the Parks Department to replace the you for making sure that the DOT put in child at the RID demonstration in front Dec 31st. I know this is happening all over small flag with a bigger one. Upon approval only protected bike lanes. And that is just of the local police station. RID was de- the Village to rent-regulated, long-term he dug into his not very deep pockets and what they have done on 7th Ave. South manding Hudson Park be closed at sunset. tenants, many of whom are seniors. Most of bought one and hoisted it up. which has always been a scary ride for bike While our City Councilwoman/Speaker the people I know facing eviction are art- Which is more than all the elected out riders, what with all the Holland Tunnel of the Council Christine Quinn was in a related workers who live on a small fixed officials from this district have done. The traffic that flows down 7th Ave. I know, backroom negotiating with Bloomberg’s income from Social Security. The New York Village, like SF, LA, Boston, Chicago, Mi- I am a CitiBike member and use it. Let’s support how to close a hospital to build Times has recently done a front page series ami, Dallas, etc., used to have rainbow flags hope Speaker Johnson can get the Mayor, blood condos, her buddy, Keen Berger, the on the battle between new landlords and flying everywhere. But not recently. I hope who made clear in his last term that bike District Leader, walked away from seniors rent regulated tenants. 26 Grove Street and the City Council’s LGBT caucus and the rule enforcement was not high on his pri- who are her constituent peer group and di- what happened to tenants who live there is Mayor will dig deep and fund a proper dis- ority list, to enforce the rules passed by vided children and seniors—natural allies featured in the series. Read it. play of the rainbow flag and celebrate the City Council. If enforced it would make in health care needs. Berger signed on to I was represented by Legal Services and history-changing action that happened on bike riders and pedestrians allies in safety the million dollar bribe Rudin put on the they were just terrific. They worked collab- Christopher St. in 1969 that changed forev- rather than antagonists over a situation table to give, not to the public schools on oratively and I believe were crucial in keep- er how lesbians and gay men see themselves. that simply needs enforcement of the bike West 17th where public housing students ing me in my home since since 1969. went to schools, but to PS11 and PS41. June is Gay Pride month in NYC. The Rudin bought support by funding two of Village is the birthplace of the modern, the most financially stable schools in the post-Stonewall LGBT movement. The city with strong participation of parents of Stonewall Rebellion (note: NOT a riot) means (kudos to those involved parents). took place on Christopher Street in front All except Quinn are up for re-election. Do of an organized crime-run bar called the your research, and find out what the elect- Stonewall Inn. The Stonewall has always eds, seeking your vote, actually have done been to me a symbol of oppression and rather than be blinded by their liberal pub- exploitation. I was pleased when Obama, lic statements. NONE of them attended as one of his last acts before leaving office, this demonstration or others called by the designated Sheridan Park and the parts of Coalition to Save St. Vincent’s hospital. Is Christopher Street in front of the Stonewall it not time we replace the political machine Inn as a National Monument to be admin- that created the mess in Albany and replace istered by the National Parks Service. Trust them with action-oriented progressive can- me—this would never have happened un- didates not afraid of Cuomo’s bully tactics, der an administration whose Vice-President regardless of a party? Think about it and MTA “SEWER TRUCK” Photo by Erin Clermont © 2018 and Secretary of State are on the public re- take action. No I am not talking about an cord as homophobes. Thank you Obama. ______rules on drivers, riders and walkers. The actor, politically inexperienced who cannot ______I RECEIVED A FRANTIC CALL from a hyper- owners of businesses that use bike delivery resist a good role in site-specific political THE RAINBOW FLAG is universally recog- ventilating neighbor who was beside herself as a service do not follow the rules. Their theater. nized as a symbol of both unity and diver- because of the stench she had to endure delivery people are in most cases not wear- ______sity of the LGBT community world-wide. each night when the sparkling new MTA ing visible identification as the law requires. OK SOME GOOD NEWS: I have found two Three members of the original Act-UP “Sewer Maintenance” trucks would pull Also, the question of electric bikes in bike delicious, affordable (really) food places up in front of the Greenwich Ave. MTA lanes needs to have a fair public discussion. that prove fast food can be freshly made substation (which many Villagers have re- Many bikers need to learn that the bike and affordable in the neighborhood. named “the ugliest building in the Village”). path is not a racing lane. 1: Pasta Flyer (510 6th Ave. between Most nights/some days they would park ______13th and 14th St.) Chef Mark Ladner right next to a red City-placed parking sign IT HAD BEEN 8 YEARS SINCE I PARTICIPAT- personally selected his favorite ingredients that reads “NO PARKING ANYTIME.” ED IN A “HANDS AROUND ST. VINCENT’S” from small purveyors in Italy to create the She vented to me, “the MTA, having only DEMONSTRATION attempting to save a recipes for Pasta Flyer. All menu items are partially completed its ugly Mulry Square hospital in our neighborhood. It took place less than $10 and served in under 3 min- Ventilation plant at 61 Greenwich Ave and at the end of May 2010. It got me thinking. utes. I will tell you—delicious with comfo- GILBERT BAKER'S RAINBOW FLAG FLYING Seventh Ave. South now parks a huge truck Wake Up Voters: the community fought ratable seating. IN THE WIND. Photo Credit: Gilbert Baker. on Greenwich. This gigantic vehicle is some back against the Rudin Real Estate Corpo- 2: som bo (143 Eighth Ave.) The phi- sort of sewer vacuum cleaner. At odd times ration and not a single elected official stood losophy is clean food, delicious, balanced NYC, Michael Petrelis, Ken Kidd and Jay of the day/night the truck is driven off to do with us. Assemblywoman Deborah Glick combination of food groups, healthy and Blotcher saw there was no rainbow flag its work and then comes back to park—and was silent, took no action, and most likely inexpensive. After having a meal (I paid for) flying at the Monument. They petitioned expels a putrid odor of methane, etc. Sev- was at her upstate home when she was I asked about the restaurant. The answer: the NPS for a flag. From very high up in eral times a week this smell creeps into my needed here by her constituents. Just like “our kitchen receives fresh vegetables, fruits, the administration a very loud “NO!” was bedroom across the street. It wakes me up; when she scampered off when the Hurri- grains, and meats, which we cook from passed down to the local administrator. it takes hours for the smell to lift. The MTA cane hit the Village. Get this: for years she scratch, with no artificial ingredients or pre- The activists were discreetly directed to the should not be allowed to park there. This chaired the Assembly Health Committee. servatives. Our food is honest, wholesome, NYC Parks department. The City owned was not part of the deal for the construc- State Senator Brad Hoylman, then the and in-season.” a flagpole right outside the Monument tion of the Mulry Square plant. They must Chair of CB2 whose day job was as Legal (cc) Jim fouratt… contact [email protected]

Modernism lives in Tribeca.

A collaboration of design visionaries. KPF. David Rockwell. David Mann. Edmund Hollander.