Interview with Zura Alavidze of Oda House
At Oda House (406 East 73rd Street), one of the first Georgian restaurants in Manhattan, Michelin-recognized chef Maia Acquaviva and co-owner Zura Alavidze offer traditional Georgian food and wine, showcasing tastes and techniques that have been passed down for generations. When it comes to food, Zura nods to his grandmother:
Interview with Valerie Touya of Valerie Boutique
Valerie Touya opened Valerie Boutique at 217 East 83rd Street in February 2026. Touya, who is originally from France, travels to Paris every month to find gems for the store, but her most special pieces - her own designs - are both very French, and very local. “Here in New
The East River Esplanade Needs Maintenance, Access, and Action
FRIENDS calls on NYC Parks Commissioner, the Mayor’s Office, and all relevant city agencies to prioritize a simple but essential goal: ensure continuous public access to the East River Esplanade and commit to the routine maintenance necessary to keep this public asset open, safe, and usable.
CPC Hearing: Affordable Housing Fast Track Rules
On April 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., the New York City Planning Commission (CPC) will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to implement the new Affordable Housing Fast Track program, one of the ballot proposals approved by voters in last November’s election. These rules will shape how neighborhoods are
Another Piece of Yorkville’s History Shattered: St. Elizabeth of Hungary to Be Replaced by Luxury Condos
For more than 130 years, St. Elizabeth of Hungary at 213 East 83rd Street served as a spiritual home and cultural cornerstone for generations of German and Slovak immigrants in Yorkville. Built in 1893, the church stood at the heart of the neighborhood’s working-class community, sustaining faith, language, and tradition
The Doelger Building Deserves Protection, Not a Wrecking Ball
FRIENDS is deeply dismayed by reports that the Doelger Building will be demolished and replaced with a luxury condominium tower. Another irreplaceable piece of Yorkville’s architectural and cultural heritage now stands on the brink of erasure. The four-story Art Deco Doelger Building at Third Avenue and East 84th Street is
News from FRIENDS – Fall 2024
This past Tuesday, March 27th, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing on a new set of rules the agency has proposed to streamline the process of making changes to designated historic buildings.