Best of Boogie: The Most-Read Stories of 2020
Photo: Eddie Panta
It goes without saying that the pandemic year of 2020 is a dumpster fire that most would just as soon rather forget. Yet, with plenty happening on the Lower East Side thoroughly out. 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.
Tradition of Jews Eating Chinese Food on Christmas Began on the Lower East Side
Our highest performing story of the year, which we exhumed the foundations of kosher Chinese food and the tradition of eating this cuisine on Christmas.
Little Italy Butcher Moe Albanese Dies from Coronavirus; Neighbors Pay Tribute
Moe Albanese, longtime Little Italy butcher and fixture of Elizabeth Street, passed away in early April due to complications from COVID-19. He was 95-years-old.
Photo: RapidMask2Go
There is a Face Mask Vending Machine on Delancey Street
A local entrepreneur installed a face mask vending machine ahortly after the onset of the pandemic. Its placement on Delancey Street quickly went viral.
Hong Kong Supermarket in Chinatown Faces Nearly $70K in Fines for Repeat Price Gouging
Following the onset of the pandemic last spring, retail opportunists took advantage of people’s fears. And were penalized by the city.
John Jovino, the Oldest Gun Shop in the City, Permanently Closes Due to COVID-19
The oldest gun shop in the city closed due to negative effects of coronavirus on business.
Recent Stories
Next Phase of Market Line at Essex Crossing Now Visible
With scaffolding and other construction elements removed from The Artisan building at Essex Crossing, another part of the Market Line is coming into focus. Unlike the westernmost third of the Market Line, this section beneath 180 Broome Street feels less like a dungeon. Design elements, including massive grand staircase and full facade glass open the […]
14-Story Eldridge Street Hotel Hit with Stop Work Order
The hotel newcomer underway on lower Eldridge Street – recently topped out at fourteen stories – met the might of the city. Inspectors from Department of Buildings issued a stop-work order on 79 Eldridge about a week ago. It’s a full order which only allows work “to provide shoring for all staircases and provide design […]
Eighteen Groups Sign Open Letter Demanding Transparency over CB3 Removal of Committee Chairs
Eighteen community groups within Community Board 3 on the Lower East Side this week co-signed an open letter to city and state officials urging inquiry into the removal of Alexandra Militano and Carolyn Ratcliffe as chairs of the SLA and Arts & Culture subcommittees, respectively. The shakeup, apparently inspired by a stated “new direction” for […]
East Broadway Subway Tiles Free of Disgusting Deposits
Down in the bowels of the East Broadway subway station, those hideous wall monsters are now a thing of the past. For years, the tunnel tiling devolved into a complete mess. Conditions were ripe for the formation of brown, slug-like deposits that grew ever larger by the week. Until this month, coincidentally the 85th anniversary […]
Chinatown Welcomes New Easy Access COVID-19 Testing Sites
Finally a step in the right direction. Pop-up COVID-19 test sites opened in Chinatown yesterday, providing much-needed alternatives to locals seeking a swab. The sites – one at 62 Mott Street, and the other at Confucius Plaza – offer walk-in swab tests and antibodies tests. Center Laboratories is handling testing and results, which are emailed or texted […]
