Two weeks ago, it was proposed at a community board meeting that the waterfront concerts held by the OSA in Williamsburg be moved... two blocks from the current location. The proposal was to appease neighbors, who are complaining about the summertime concerts and overflow of attendees into the streets in their neighborhood. After all, it's all fun and games until nitrous-huffing zombies are outside of your window.
Williamsburg Waterfront Concerts To Be Debated, Again, Tonight
Where is Sesame Street?
Yesterday, a day before its 40th birthday, Sesame Street was designated with a temporary street naming at... 64th and Broadway? While there are many neighborhoods that went into the set design for the show, many seem to think the Upper West Side isn't the best spot to dedicate a street in its name. However, while the show is filmed in Astoria, the corporate headquarters are actually on the, wait for it, UWS.
Will Wal-Mart Roll Back In to NYC?
Earlier this year Reverend (and mayoral hopeful) Billy Talen told us, "Wal-Mart in New York City? DEVIL GET THEE BEHIND ME! As Mayor, I will take that company to the LAKE OF HELLFIRE!" Since then, the chain has been quiet, leaving one to assume they either got the fear in them, or they're assembling an army for the ultimate showdown. Now Crain's reports that the store is hunting for locations in the city again, this time focusing on all five boroughs. The store's spokesman said, “Now, more than any other time in recent memory, New York City residents want and need better access to our stores... Hopefully we will be able to bring a store to New York in the near future.” Along with Billy, local labor leaders and other elected officials are also against a Wal-Mart moving in, one saying, “The reality remains the same. Wal-Mart is not welcome in New York City, and it should not try to take advantage of these economic times to slither in.” And City Council Speaker Christine Quinn declared, “Until they make actual changes, providing a living wage and ending the practice of preying on small businesses, I will block any attempt to locate in the five boroughs.”
2nd Avenue Deli Opening 2nd Location on Upper East Side?
Rumors are swirling that the family who owns the 2nd Avenue Deli, which reopened in Murray Hill last year after losing their longtime home in the East Village, will be opening another location on the Upper East Side. Co-owner Jeremy Lebewohl tells Save the Deli blog that he's about to close on an unspecified uptown location: "I'm going to try to maximize the space to its fullest...The UES is a different neighborhood, with a different client base, and different eating habits. A realistic goal is that I would ideally like to be open before the Jewish holidays at the end of this year. That’s now my target. You can call me stupid and/or crazy for doing this, but I’ve got a great product, I”m not bashful to say it." Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it! According to the agenda for a January 7th Community Board 8 meeting, Lebewohl & Co. are applying for a liquor license to operate at 1442 First Avenue (@ 75th Street)—a location currently occupied by the Wicked Wolf, a casual neighborhood restaurant and pub. A manager there would not comment when asked about the sale.
Your Guide to Voting Tomorrow and the NYC Ballot
The polls open at 6 a.m. statewide tomorrow, and given the recent concern about whether the NYC Board of Elections is prepared for an anticipated massive voter turnout, you might want to consider voting early. Polls close at 9 p.m., and you can check your voting location here or by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC. In New Jersey, polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m; you can look up your polling place here. Polls in Connecticut are also open during the same hours as Jersey.
Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day is Upon Us
Note to middle management: today’s the day workplace productivity takes its annual nosedive, as employees across America wait on interminable lines for handouts at Ben & Jerry’s. Free Cone Day – not to be confused with Free Clone Day – lasts until closing time at five participating Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops in Manhattan.
Connect to Colorado by Grand Central Terminal
The relentless eradication of everything that gives New York character got you down? The Tourism Board of Colorado is here to sweep you off your feet with a hard sell for the Rocky Mountain state at their “Lets Talk Colorado” gallery near Grand Central [317 Madison Ave]. As this photo suggests, here you can marvel at videos of men wandering through desolate landscapes without an abusive cabbie or $81 hamburger in sight.
Pies 'n' Thighs Moving Forward With New Location
A scrap of news is no replacement for pulled pork, but fervid fans of the defunct Williamsburg DIY barbecue joint Pies ‘n’ Thighs will have to take what they can get. It seems the owners are indeed moving forward with their new location on the corner South 4th Street and Driggs, and there will be another Community Board meeting next month. (Last we heard, owner Sarah Buck had yet to sign the lease.)
Pies 'n' Thighs Eyes New Hole in Wall
There may be satisfaction on the horizon for fans of the southern comfort food dished out at Pies 'n' Thighs, the beloved South Williamsburg hole in the wall that shut down last month. Upon closing, the owners vowed to reopen a “bigger, better, more miraculous hole in the wall!” Eater caught wind of a local Community Board hearing last night, during which the owners' plans to obtain a license for beer and wine was scheduled for review.

