🌱 MOCA Under Fire + Local Cabbie Fights Off Would-Be Thief

Happy Saturday, Lower East Side. I'm your host Patrick Murray, and I am here to give you the lowdown on what's happening in the neighborhood!

First, today's weather:

Prepare for cloudy weather, potential afternoon thunderstorms. High: 76 Low: 54.

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

1. New design gallery Superhouse Vitrine opened its doors at 75 East Broadway. On display is ceramics artist Sean Gerstley's first solo show, "Tile Blocks." The gallery is open by appointment, but the artworks are plenty visible from the store window. (Curbed)
2. After a year long pandemic-induced hiatus, the Lower East Side's own Metrograph Theater has reopened its popular upstairs eatery. The Commissary is open for dinner from 5:30 to 11 p.m., Thursday to Sunday, with plans to open full time, with late-night and brunch service in the near future. Read about The Commissary and other local eateries here. (Eater NY)
3. When held at knifepoint, a 63 year old fights off a would-be thief in Chinatown. The unidentified suspect hailed the cab at the corner of East Broadway and Forsyth, and proceeded to threaten the cab driver while the car was in motion. The cab driver suffered minor injuries, and was treated and released. Read here to learn how to submit any information to local authorities. (WPIX 11 New York)
4. Hundreds take to the streets in protest of the Museum of Chinese in America's support for Mayor Bill de Blasio's jail plan. The plan to construct a towering 29-story jail complex on the Lower East Side threatens many local residents. The MOCA has come under significant scrutiny for its seeming support of the potentially destructive plan. More than 3,000 community members have already signed the latest petition calling on the city to protect Chinatown and the Lower East Side. (The Village Sun)

Today in Lower East Side-Chinatown:

• Ballet Workout - New York University Athletics. (1 p.m.)
• Hip Hop Dance - New York University Athletics. (2 p.m.)
• Dancehall/Afro-Caribbean Dance - New York University Athletics. (3 p.m.)
• Parent Association Family BBQ & Movie Night [East Side Community High School]. (4 p.m.)

Lower East Side-Chinatown Patch Notebook

• Mr. Ranger gets his very own mural on the Lower East Side. (Spectrum News NY1)
• The Lower East Side Ecology Center offers pop-up events throughout the city aimed to educate people on the importance of recycling e-waste. (Facebook)
• Ten-year-old Burton is rescued by Animal Haven and given a new family! (Facebook)
• Saturday, Oct. 23 from 2-4 p.m., join the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative: for a rooftop mail art-making party and launch of their store’s new tote bag! (Facebook)
• Daily Lower East Side Throwback! (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll see you around! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Patrick Murray

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Lower East Side-Chinatown Daily? I'm all ears. You can contact me at lowereastside@patch.com.