News Update in Turtle Bay

Local Businesses

Because of the economic depression, many restaurants in New York City have seen business slow down as people try to save money. Nino’s Positano, which I wrote about several weeks ago, has seen their restaurant hurting for more than just economic reasons. The cute Italian restaurant has been temporarily shut down by the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene. Noone came to the locked door to answer questions, but instead, the manager posted signs saying the restaurant was closed until a steam pipe in the kitchen was fixed. The Health Department posted their own signs saying the restaurant was closed, but gave no explanation. Their official website listing inspection violations on Nino’s Positano Restaurant has not yet been updated.

The economy is also hurting small businesses in Turtle Bay. Heavenly Delights is an ice cream and candy store located on Second Avenue and 46th Street. Sojan, one of the workers said summer and Halloween are usually good times for business. “It used to be that 10 people would come into the store and buy ice cream and candy," Sojan said.  "Now, eight people come in and leave, and only two of those 10 are buying stuff.”

A fruit vendor on Second Avenue and 46th Street is feeling the economic recession as well. As winter approaches, he is doing everything he can to sell his fruit. He added in extra peaches and grapefruit to my order and still only charged 3 dollars!

Roosevelt Island

For those penny pinchers, Roosevelt Island is perfect for a quick and cheap vacation. There is a tram that leaves every 15 minutes from 59th Street and Second Avenue and only costs a two dollar metrocard to escape Manhattan.

Construction

There is always news of construction in Turtle Bay. Since the deadly crane collapse happened last March, the City Council is conducting an ongoing investigation on the Department of Buildings and questioning Commissioner Patricia Lancaster, who approved the construction plan. The documents and plans for the building are still not available to the public, and the skeleton of the building that is no longer undergoing construction is slowly deteriorating.

Gallery Update

In terms of culture, the Trygve Lie Gallery on 317 E. 52nd St. is showing the “Silence” Exhibit until Nov. 9. It is a collection of Marcel Lelienhof photos of places around the world in a post war-situation. The Japanese Society, located on 333 E. 47th St., has an exhibition called “New Bamboo: Contemporary Japanese Masters” from Saturday, Oct. 4 to Sunday, Jan. 11. It is the world’s first exhibition devoted exclusively to Japanese bamboo as sculpture. The Third Annual Halloween Open House at Turtle Bay Music School, 244 E. 52nd St., takes place on Oct. 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It is free, open to the public and families are invited to dress in costumes!