East Village Bar Plagued By Garbage Trucks Hosts 'Trash-ion Show'

EAST VILLAGE, NY — This bar wants you to get trashed — literally.

East Village bar Pinks is hosting a "Trash Bash" this Thursday, urging patrons to don their trashiest duds in protest of the city's Department of Sanitation stinking up their E. 10th Street block with garbage trucks.

The city is parking 21 garbage trucks on three residential streets in the East Side, including on E. 10th Street between First and Second avenues in front of Pinks, after the Department of Sanitation's lease ran out at a W. 30th Street garage.

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Locals and elected officials have raised a big stink about the filthy fleet parking on the East Village side street, citing the stench, health and safety concerns, accessibility issues and the impact on small businesses. Since the trucks began parking on the street more than three weeks ago, Pinks business has taken a nose dive on weekends, said one co-owner.

"Business has been affected drastically, it seems the worst of it is on the weekends," said Alex Sassaris. "During the week they're moving in and out, but on Saturday and Sunday we're stacked with trucks, and who wants to hang out next to the smell of rotting garbage? It's ridiculous."

Thursday's "trashy and flashy" costume party will call on bar-goers to sign a petition urging the Department of Sanitation to relocate the trucks.

The event, which is free for costumed guests or a $10 suggested donation for all others, will feature a "trash-ion" show by comedian and actor Christopher Hardwick, a performance by singer-songwriter Liah Alonso and trash-themed grub and cocktails.

"We're trying to take a lighthearted, creative approach to getting our message out there that this needs to change," said Avi Burns, a co-owner with Pinks. "Financially, this isn't something that can stay for months. We need change now."

Pinks' business has suffered since the city's Department of Sanitation began using their block as a parking lot for garbage trucks. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Spivack/Patch)