Best of Boogie: The Most-Read Stories of 2019
Jimmy Blanco in 2013
What follows is a short list of the most-read stories on Bowery Boogie over the last year. Many thanks, once again, to all the readers, tipsters, and supporters – old and new – who help keep this website one of the most popular daily reads in the city.
RIP Lower East Side Man in White, ‘Jimmy Blanco’
He was a local icon. Most knew him, but didn’t really know him. Jimmy Becker, known colloquially as “Jimmy Blanco” for perennially roaming the streets dressed in all white, passed away last January after a battle with Lymphoma. It’s believed he was about 69 or 70.
Street Vendor on the Bowery Caught with Hands Down His Pants
A street cart vendor on the Bowery was caught with his hands down his pants back in August. Al Bundy style during lunchtime. It caused a hyperlocal uproar.
Photo: Zoe Stuckless
This is What Happens When Harvey Weinstein Shows his Face at a Bar on Avenue B
Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein spent a night out at Downtime on Avenue B, where he was confronted by women during a private event. The protesters, including a comedian, were booed by some in the crowd.
Desperate Extell Offers to Waive up to 10 Years of Common Charges at One Manhattan Square
Extell is desperate to fill the glut of vacant condos at One Manhattan Square. So much so that the 850-foot, 815-unit skyscraper resorted to comping up to ten years of common charges for new residents. These fees range from roughly $700 to $2,300 per month.
Fall of the LaGuardia Bathhouse, Aug. 2019
110-Year-Old LES Bathhouse Deemed Unstable, to be Demolished for Turf Field
After decades of dormancy, the LaGuardia Bathhouse was deemed unstable last spring. Conveniently around the same time that the revised coastal resiliency plan started driving demand for alternate open space; East River Park will be sealed for three years (at least).
After 2 Decades, ‘Joe’s Shanghai’ in Chinatown will Relocate to the Bowery
Joe’s Shanghai relocated to the Bowery earlier this month after a quarter-century on Pell Street. The desire for larger dining space apparently drove the decision to relocate. And maybe access to tourist dollars at the skyscraper hotel next door (Joie de Vivre).
McNally Jackson Books will Remain at its Longtime Prince Street Shop
The end-of-year story last year which brought the masses to Boogie carried over into 2019. Despite the early news that McNally Jackson was looking to leave Prince Street, the new year brought news of its plans to stay put.
Recent Stories
Adam Schlesinger Virtual Tribute is in the Works
A virtual tribute to keep the late Adam Schlesinger’s memory shining on is in the works. The Fountains of Wayne co-founder and bassist passed away one year ago due to Covid complications. “This is a proper musical send-off for my soul brother with a bunch of talented and groovy guests that would make Adam wince,” […]
Tre on Ludlow Street Returns Next Month with New Chef
The following guest post was written by Bowery Boogie reader Colton Moore. Tre, the locals Italian restaurant on Ludlow Street, is set to reopen on Saturday, May 1. It’s the first time back open since the pandemic-related sidelining in December. Returning diners will be surprised (and treated) to a new menu; rather than offering full […]
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Returns from COVID-19 Sidelines
All the world’s a stage… To honor what would be the Bard’s 457th birthday, the ever-so-popular Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is back for a two night affair. Being the first performance from the troupe since the pandemic sidelined it in 2020, the event promises evenings filled with scenes, songs, sonnets, and soliloquies from the […]
Pedestrian Bridge Decay in Corlears Hook Park?
Strange things afoot. For a few days in mid-March, the pedestrian bridge connecting Corlears Hook Park to the East River greenway was closed off. No explanation; just cones and netting. Neighbors claimed that the bridge itself was crumbling, and that concrete debris fell onto the FDR roadway below. However, after a few days closed to […]
Opposition Mounts Against Public Hotel Garden Revamp on Chrystie Street
The 28-story Public Hotel hopes to reconfigure its garden area along Chrystie Street. Neighbors are not having it. Posters in the immediate vicinity display the opposition to the liquor license modification. Claiming that the new garden format would be an “open air eating and drinking playground for the rich.” According to materials submitted to the […]
