Good morning and welcome to the weekend. We’re thinking of taking a trip out of the city tomorrow to do a bit of antiquing and maybe a short hike. What are you up to?
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So, here’s what happened last week in the neighborhood.
Pat Hughes has decided to get out of the Tenth Avenue bar scene. After giving the keys back to Lansdowne Road early in the pandemic, he wants to sell his two remaining bars — Scruffy Duffy’s and Hellcat Annie’s Taproom. The twist is that he doesn’t want dollars. It’s Bitcoins that he’s after! The sale has drawn international media interest…
We reported on the tragedy on W53rd Street when a 39-year-old woman and her 5-year-old daughter plunged from the top of a 13-story building at 540 W53rd Street.
If you, or someone you care for, are struggling with problems like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use — please connect with NYC Well. They are there to talk, text or chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Etai Cinader, the Founder and Managing Partner of Kings of Kobe, has launched a “virtual restaurant” — The Breakfast Brigade. They are promising “the breakfast you want to wake up with.” Check them out on the W42ST “Hells Kitchen is OPEN!” app — as well as 140 other local eateries ready to serve you.
We’ve been talking a lot this week about Pier 76.
When NYPD finally moves their tow pound from the pier later this month, Hudson River Park will get a five-acre space back that is twice the size of Pier 84. Imagine that…
What’s next is an important decision for our community, which is starved of open space. We shared the views of Tom Fox, a veteran urban and environmental innovator, on how an interim solution for Pier 76 would delay the completion of the park.
Meanwhile, Governor Cuomo has been working to connect the dots — including Pier 76.
He announced that the State would be investing $51 billion and creating 196,000 jobs in developing what he called “Manhattan Midtown West” (there must be a better name than that!?)
“We will show New Yorkers and the world that a new New York City is in reach and that the future is bright,” he said. All the details here…
Hold Fast on Restaurant Row has been a hangout (and home) for many performing artists before and during the pandemic. This week they have launched an initiative to support customers who are struggling with theaters still shuttered and limited finances. Read and support here…
Since November, Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries (on W40th near 9th Avenue) have given out 180 heavy winter coats and over 2,500 warm winter essentials to our neighbors.
Their shelves (and coat racks) are starting to look empty. Please consider making a donation of gently used coats and winter clothing. They also have an Amazon wishlist! Right now, they are in particular need of Large and XL coats, boots, and jeans! More info here…
Andrew Yang formally announced that he’s running for New York City Mayor. His campaign video featured Hell’s Kitchen favorites around his W42nd Street home — including a shuttered Rudy’s and a trip to Amy’s Bread.
He says that “seeing my city the way it is now breaks my heart.”
Vaccinations began at the Javits Center this week. Dr Ruth was one of the first to get the shot and shared her experience: “I was a little scared, but I’m very glad I did it.”
Manhattan Plaza has been home to a collective of creators since it opened in 1977. You can watch the documentary A Miracle on 42nd Street — all about Manhattan Plaza — next week. The Florence Belsky Charitable Foundation hosts a free virtual screening of the Emmy award-winning documentary film on Thursday at 7:30pm. You can sign up here…
The final push to save Birdland will be a Benefit Concert on Sunday, January 24 at 7pm. The event line-up includes former President Bill Clinton, Randy Rainbow, Elvis Costello, Leslie Odom Jr, Wynton Marsalis, Chita Rivera… and, of course, Jim Caruso!
What we’ve been reading
In Britain, insurers will pay out for business interruption. How about New York? (New York Times)
How about using cameras to keep the bike lanes clear? (NY1)
These Midtown hotels are up for auction. (The Real Deal)
Trevor Noah has snagged a Bel Air mansion. (Mansion Global)
Working the line for a COVID Test. (Tribeca Citizen)
Freeze Frame
Over on Instagram, Matthew Wexler spotted the new sign at ‘ritas on 9th Avenue. “Survival is the new success.” ~ Jerry Seinfeld.