🌱Judge Rules Against Open Restaurants + Zazzy's Pizza Initiative

Happy Saturday, neighbors! I am your host, Patrick Murray here with three fresh headlines to kick off the weekend.

First, today's weather:

Cooler with showers and a high of 53 and a low of 39.

Here are the top stories today in Lower East Side-Chinatown:

1. A state Supreme Court judge ruled on March 23 that a complete environmental review must be done for the city’s Open Restaurants program. The ruling by Judge Frank Nervo effectively nullifies the recent Zoning Text amendment to scrap sidewalk cafe regulations, which would have allowed outdoor dining on nearly every city street. Nervo ruled in favor of 22 local New Yorkers who sued the city in October over the pandemic-inspired outdoor dining structures. (The Village Sun)
2. Zazzy's Pizza will host a Slices for Device event on April 9, allowing customers to exchange their old electronics for pizza and cash. In a joint effort with Back Market and the Lower East Side Ecology Center, the buyback will accept working or broken smartphones. Zazzy's co-owner Richie Romero hopes to make it an annual event ahead of Earth Day. (AMNY)
3. The affordable housing lottery has launched for 167-171 Chrystie St., a 16-story mixed-use building. The structure yields 78 residences along with pet-friendly policies, a second-story lounge, bike storage lockers, and many other amenities. Prospective renters must complete applications by May 23. (New York YIMBY)

Today in Lower East Side-Chinatown:

• Live music at Rockwood Music Hall. (6 p.m.)
• Live music at Pianos. (7 p.m.)
• Live music at Arlene's Grocery. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Upcoming events at Nublu 151. (Next Mosh)
• Infamous local graffiti artist Gary Ballentine passed away on Tuesday. (Bowery Boogie)

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• Happy Time Apocalypse (March 27)
• FREE WEBINAR | Renaissance Architecture in Florence (March 29)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon!

— Patrick Murray