December 13 Thursday

Without Grants, Local Merchants Say They May Still Drown in Sandy's Wake

A Case in Point: Famed Tribeca Eatery Struggles to Reopen

As the storm surge from Hurricane Sandy breached West Street in Tribeca, Kathy Capsouto recalls, "I said, 'this is coming' and I went down to the basement and turned all the electric service off to the building. I turned the fuel pump off to the boiler, figuring to minimize any damage that we got. I made sure the gas was off so we didn't have any problems." Ms. Capsouto, who (along with her husband, Samuel Capsouto and his brother, Jacques Capsouto) owns the thirty-two-year-old French restaurant Capsouto Freres, at the corner of Washington and Watts Streets, continues, "and then the water kept coming. It came up outside the building to just the top step here, so we did not flood the main floor but the basement was inundated with water."

As with so many other New York City restaurants, the main floor at Capsouto Freres is given to restaurant and bar seating. Food prep is done in the basement. It's also where the storage is -- in this case, the refrigerated walk-in box, grocery storage, as well as wine and liquor storage. All the machinery is there, too: the washing machine, dryers, compressors, water heaters, ice machine, and the electric, boiler, and water heating systems for the building. The office -- with copy machine, computers, company files, cookbook library and the chef's office -- is also below ground. In fact, the business was run from the basement.

"We had about five feet of water in the basement," continues Ms. Capsouto. "As the water outside receded, it was clear that the water downstairs wasn't going back. In fact we were continuing to get water in the building. Turns out that the sewers backed up." With frustration rising in her voice,

she recalls, "we couldn't get in touch with anybody. We couldn't figure out what was going on.

We were trying to get someone to come and pump the water, trying to get in touch with 311.

You'd call and you'd get put on hold and you'd get cut off. I would get these texts that say: go on this website. There's no Internet, there's no nothing. How do you go on the website if you can't get through? We were getting dropped calls. We would get texts, but they would come in hours late.

My texts would go out hours later. It was operating in a void." She finally got though to the office of State Senator Daniel Squadron a week after Hurricane Sandy had swamped their restaurant.

That evening, work crews came and cleaned the sewer lines. After that, most of the water drained out of the basement.

The building at the corner of Washington and Watts Streets

where Capsouto Freres is located

The first week after the storm was a very difficult one in northwestern Tribeca, where Capsouto Freres is located. Neighborhood residents tried to help each other, but they all had the same needs: power to charge phones, electricians, crews to pump water out and clean fouled spaces. "At one time it was, who had running toilets?" says Samuel Capsouto. "Who could help with the basic necessities of sanitation? It's interesting that within a period of three hours our whole civilization collapsed.

We came from the point of conducting our life with just one thumb on an electronic device and then suddenly in three hours we went back in the cave: No water, the wrong kind of water, no power, no electricity, no communication. The only way you could communicate with people is face to face."

Jacques Capsouto was in Israel until the Saturday after Sandy. He returned to find the entire contents of his home's basement (he lives across the street from the restaurant) out on the street. As with several Tribeca business owners who also live in the neighborhood, the Capsouto family are trying to cope with devastation in both their personal and professional lives.

"We have insurance but not flood insurance. And that's another issue, five weeks in and we're just starting to see insurance adjusters," says Jacques Capsouto. "They're supposed to advance us money. We haven't seen any. We're closed." The year-end is normally the season when restaurants earn enough money to pay off bills from earlier in the year and provide some cushion against the leaner months of January and February. He continues, "We're losing it. And we have to rebuild the whole electrical system. We have to sanitize. We have to decontaminate the whole thing. We have to clean and we have to replace everything."

The Capsouto family are unsure of where the money for all these repairs will come from. They can ill afford to take on more debt, even Small Business Administration loans, considering they still owe money borrowed in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. At the same time as they try to budget for urgently needed repairs, suppliers also want to settle accounts. "We're trying to reopen," Kathy Capsouto explains, "but if I have to call my butcher, he'll say, 'I want money.' He's not going to give me more credit. I owe him bills I haven't paid." Jacques Capsouto observes that, "they've got to give us grants. The insurance has to pay. We pay insurance every year. They have to pay us back, flood or no flood. This is a disaster."

The Capsoutos are concerned not only for themselves: Their restaurant employs 30 people, many of them long-time staff. Kathy Capsouto says, "we always had Thanksgiving together at the restaurant. My kids saw everybody at that table as extended family. We can't pay them. It's really hard."

Several days later she adds, "and sadly, as the event fades in the news, it seems less likely that any other aid is forthcoming."

-Marti Ann Cohen-Wolf

photos of Capsoutos and building by Robert Simko

panarama of Watts Street flooded by Kathy Capsouto

Letters

To the Editor:

I hadn't realized that seeing the monolithic, suburban name, "Brookfield Place," all over the World Financial Center was anything more than an owner's name that would be kept hidden behind the scenes. And if the photos are any indication, they're talking about a monotonous style that will be used throughout.

How non-"Downtown Manhattan." Why use Downtown Manhattan in the name? Can it be changed?

-Diane Stephens

photo by Robert Simko

Landmarks Committee Meets Tonight

Restoration Work and Landmarks Discussion

AGENDA:

1.372 Broadway/6 Cortland Alley, application for penthouse addition, façade restoration and storefront modifications - Resolution
2.40 Peck Slip, application for Rooftop addition, façade restoration and window replacement - Resolution
3.CB1 Testimony at Landmarks Preservation Commission Public Hearings and Disposition of CB1 Items - Discussion

Location: 6pm at the Community Board 1 Office, 49-51 Chambers Street, Room 709

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December 17 Waterfront Committee - 6:00 PM

December 18 Executive Committee - 6:00 PM

December 19 CB Monthly Meeting - 6:00 PM

December 20 Quality of Life Committee - 6:00 PM

December 25 The Community Board office will be closed Christmas Day

photo by Robert Simko

Ho, Ho, Holidays

An Ongoing List of Seasonal Festivities

Free Open Sing Messiah at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

For the 25th year, the BMCC Downtown Symphony, Chorus and Select Chorus are joining forces with conductor Douglas Anderson and featured opera singers to lead a rousing performance of George Frederic Handel's Messiah, to which all are invited to attend and join in! On Sunday, December 16, bring children and grandparents, your own score or borrow one, and lend your voice to a glorious celebration of the season. Free. 3pm. Theatre 1, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street. 212-220-1464. downtownsymphony.org

National Yiddish Theatre-Folksbiene performs My Yiddishe Chanukah

In this free celebration of the Festival of Lights, the show will combine traditional holiday melodies, hot klezmer tunes, and more. The world-renowned line-up of performers and musicians turn the evening into a musical feast. Sunday, December 16 at noon, World Financial Center Winter Garden, 220 Vesey Street. artsbrookfield.com

Turtle Island Quartet: A Solstice Celebration at the World Financial Center Winter Garden

This joyous voyage through world holiday music commemorates the quartet members' ancestral roots with a concert showcasing the music associated with what is referred to in both the Jewish and Hindu traditions as the "Festival Of Lights." From the songs of Chanukah, to the music of India's Diwali, to the old English carols of the 16th century, Turtle Island Quartet explores the timeless music that has been an integral part of winter holiday celebrations for centuries. The program also features music from Vince Guaraldi's beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas, as well as revisiting famous classical gems that have become so indelibly tied to the holiday season. Free. 1pm. Today.

artsworldfinancialcenter.com

For the fastest ever performance of A Christmas Carol, come to the New York Classical Theater's

A (15 Minute!) Christmas Carol which features just two actors performing Dickens' classic tale in record time. The swift, fifteen-minute lunchtime productions manage to pack in all the key characters including Scrooge, Marley, Cratchit, Fezziwig, and Tiny Tim in the company's signature staging style, Panoramic Theatre. Free. 12:30pm and 1:15pm. Locations: One Liberty Plaza (Monday, Wednesday & Friday, December 10, 12 & 14) World Financial Center Winter Garden (Tuesday-Thursday, December 18, 19 & 20) newyorkclassical.org / artsbrookfield.com

A Free Performance of A Christmas Carol

Thanks to the support of Dr. Antonio Perez, President of Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), the BMCC Tribeca Performing Art Center, in partnership with Theatreworks USA, is celebrating their return to full operations after being impacted by Hurricane Sandy, with a free performance of the timeless classic. This performance of A Christmas Carol captures both the humorous and touching moments of the story with witty dialogue and fresh new songs. Ages 5 & up. Note: seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis. The box office opens 12pm on December 22 for ticket distribution. Call 212 - 220 - 1460 for more information. BMCC Tribeca PAC is located at 199 Chambers St. tribecapac.org

The Trinity Choir's Performance of Handel's Messiah at Alice Tully Hall

On Wednesday, December 12, the critically acclaimed Trinity Choir, joined by the Trinity Baroque Orchestra, presents its annual performance of George Frideric Handel's Messiah, conducted by Julian Wachner, Trinity's Director of Music and the Arts. Handel's incredibly rich oratorio features an elaborate mix of chorus, soloists, and orchestra. An earlier performance of the Messiah took place on December 9 at Trinity Church, where the Messiah received its second New World performance in 1770. To purchase tickets, visit HERE; the Alice Tully Hall box office (1941 Broadway at W. 65th St.) or call CenterCharge at 212.721.6500. Tickets also may be purchased at the Trinity Church gift shop located on Broadway at Wall Street. For more information, call (212) 602-0800 or visit trinitywallstreet.org.

Holiday Caroling and The Trinity Youth Chorus's

Rendition of Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols

On Friday, December 14 the Trinity Youth Chorus performs its annual concert of Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols, and leads holiday caroling with the audience after the concert. Melissa Attebury conducts. Free, 6pm at St. Paul's Chapel, Broadway and Fulton Street. For more information, call (212) 602-0800 or visit trinitywallstreet.org.

Seaport Carolers at the South Street Seaport

Even though the Seaport's annual holiday traditions have been hampered by the aftermath of storm flooding in the neighborhood, and many stores remain closed for restoration, the Seaport Carolers are back for the 29th year. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 2pm at Titanic Park through December 24th. Titanic Park is located at Water Street and Fulton Street at the 'Lighthouse' monument.

Last Weekend of the Gingerbread House Workshops at the Church Street School for Music and Art

Annual fundraiser for families. Dec. 15, 16. Saturdays 2:15 and 4pm; Sundays 11am, 1pm and 3pm. 74 Warren Street. Adult Workshop Dec. 15, 1-4pm at The Bubble Lounge, 228 West Broadway. Kits to go: $85, $10 each additional kit. More info at 212-571-7290 or gb@churchstreetschool.org

More info at churchstreetschool.org

Nutcracker with a Heart performed by the New American Youth Ballet and Orchestra

On Saturday, December 15, the students of the New American Youth Ballet will perform "Nutcracker with a Heart" with a full professional symphony orchestra, spectacular costumes and magnificent scenery. It is a benefit performance and all proceeds from the Holiday Sweet Shoppe in the lobby will be donated to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children and seniors. Humanities Campus Theater, 351 West 18th Street. More information is available at newamericanyouthballet.org

Manhattan Youth's Third Annual Student Performance of The Nutcracker

In this tribute to Tchaikovsky's immortal ballet, children from all the Manhattan Youth after-school dance classes -- from ballet to hip hop -- take the stage for a breathtaking holiday romp. A must-see for all ages! On Saturday, December 15th at 12pm and 4pm, P.S. 89, 201 Warren Street. manhattanyouth.org For tickets, please click here.

The New Edition of the Broadsheet

Dec. 13 - January 12

The new edition will be in your lobbies tomorrow

And if it isn't and you'd like a copy, send us an email at editor@ebroadsheet.com

Most doorman residential buildings in Tribeca, the Financial District, the Seaport and Battery Park City receive the paper. Click here to take a look.

We welcome letters. Please include your name and phone number for verification. The Broadsheet reserves the right to edit for length and clarity.

'Flip through' The Doorman's Guide to Lower Manhattan 2012.

Hard copies of this indispensable baedeker of life downtown are available in lobbies or can be requested by emailing editor@ebroadsheet.com

Banner photo: Bowne & Co., Stationers, interior

Today's Calendar

Thursday, December 13

Please confirm the information below by calling or going online because details may have changed.

Greenmarkets:

The Bowling Green Farmers Market is open today from 8am - 5pm

Seasonal goods on offer: cranberries, egg nog, fennel, goose, mustard, oysters, sparkling cider, stollen, sunchokes, as well as boughs and holly to decorate, beeswax candles to light the table, maple candy to stuff stockings, popcorn and cranberries to adorn the tree, and gingerbread cookies to gladden the guests.

*The Road to Reslience: NYC Sink or Swim at the Museum of Jewish Heritage*

At this symposium designed to address the principles and priorities for waterfront restoration in a post-sandy era, the keynote speech will be delivered by the Hon. Shaun Donovan, US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Co-sponsored by the Municipal Arts Society of NY and the Center for Urban Real Estate , NYC Sink or Swim hopes to inform, empower and inspire communities and decision-makers to reach a consensus about coastal reconstruction that is both holistic over the long-term and feasible in the short-term. 9am - 1pm. For more information contact Joel Kolkmann at jkolkmann@mas.org Tickets at mas.org

The National Museum of the American Indian

The museum, located at One Bowling Green, offers a variety of permanent and traveling exhibitions, as well as workshops, film screenings and lectures for adults and children. Entrance and all events are free. Highlights are listed below. For a complete list of daily events, visit americanindian.si.edu

Make a Cornhusk Doll

Family workshop every Thursday at 2pm.

Check out the museum's gift shop and new online store for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, featuring more than 60 original books, recordings, and other products.

Toddler Story Time at the New Amsterdam Library

Toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old and their parents/caregivers can enjoy interactive stories, action songs, and fingerplays, and spend time with other toddlers in the neighborhood. 10:30am. nypl.org

Turtle Island Quartet: A Solstice Celebration at the World Financial Center Winter Garden

Concerts at One at Trinity Church

Trinity continues its tradition of presenting exceptional musical talent through this concert series performing a spectrum of works spanning almost 700 years. Today Rebekah Heller performs a free bassoon concert. 1-2pm. Trinity Church, Broadway at Wall Street. trinitywallstreet.org

Free Disaster Relief Legal Clinic For Small Businesses

The Community Development Project of the Legal Aid Society's Harlem Community Law Office, in partnership with the Downtown Alliance, Pace University and the Pace University Small Business Development Center, is providing free legal clinics for small businesses impacted by Super Storm Sandy to meet individually with an attorney to discuss legal issues arising from the effects of the storm. (However, note that the legal clinics are designed to provide a general consultation and do not constitute legal representation.)

Topics covered include: commercial leases, commercial insurance policies, commercial vendor or service contracts, employment and employee matters, small business loans and other financial assistance. 1pm - 4:30pm, Pace University Small Business Development Center, 163 William Street, 3rd Floor. Registration recommended at: legalclinic@downtownny.com

or 212-835-2742

Be a Part of History: Join Your Community Board

The Office of Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer is appointing the 2013 Class of Community Board members and hosting several meetings to provide information about the roles and responsibilities of Community Board members and how to apply.

Today and Tuesday, January 8, 6:30-8pm at the Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, 19th Floor.

Tuesday, December 18, 6:30-8pm, at 163 West 125 Street, 8th Floor.

RSVP to 212-669-4385 or cbinfo@manhattanbp.org to obtain an application (due January 18) and specify which information session you plan to attend.

Sixth Annual Potluck Supper of the Battery Park City Seniors + Friends

A post-Sandy celebration with good conversation, good food, and a sing-along of favorite songs. RSVP as soon as possible to reserve a spot and specify what dish you plan to bring: rohman605@gmail.com or 212-912-0678. 6-9pm. The Community Room, 21 West Thames Street.

Abandon the Citizens (USA Debut) at Alwan for the Arts

A performance based on the 1922 testimonies of Greek refugees of Asia Minor. Created and performed by Aktina Stathaki and Tina Yotopoulou and produced by Between the Seas. On the 90 year anniversary of the Fire of Izmir, this performance highlights a fascinating and little known part of modern history: the tragic end of the Greco-Turkish war, the expulsion of the Greek population from the Asia Minor coast and the destruction of one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the time. Using rare archival material, the performance brings on stage the powerful, poetic language of the survivors in their own words and asks the question: how can the trauma of history be staged, remembered and overcome? $15, $10. 7pm. alwanforthearts.org

Light Up the Night, Young Friends Annual Hanukkah Party at the Museum of Jewish Heritage

Join 500 young professionals for one of the city's largest annual Hanukkah parties. The evening includes a DJ, dancing, full buffet dinner, and a high-end raffle in the Museum's special events hall with panoramic views of Lower Manhattan's skyline 8-12pm. Cocktail attire. For more information email choffman@mjhnyc.org or call 646.437.4319 or click HERE. $75 member, $95 non member, $115 for ticket and membership.

Schermerhorn Row by Naima Rauam

Exhibition of Paintings by Naima Rauam Opens Today

Hurricane Sandy disrupted what would have been Ms. Rauam's Seventh Annual Remembering Fulton Fish Market Art Exhibit at South Street Seaport. Because of the devastation of the Seaport neighborhood by Hurricane Sandy, St Margaret's House has kindly provided an alternative venue for this popular seasonal exhibition of watercolors and drawings of the Old Seaport. The exhibition is on view through December 20 from noon to 7pm daily. St. Margaret's House lobby level gallery is located at 49 Fulton Street (at Pearl St). For more information call 212-964-8465 or email ARTpmFISHam@gmail.com or visit artpm.com

Today at the Community Center at Stuyuvesant High School

345 Chambers Street. For more information contact 646-210-4292 or ccshs.org. Programs presented by the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy bpcparks.org

Free Pilates Classes

Invigorating strength and flexibility training. Free and open to those 16 and up. No registration required. Bring I.D. to enter the facility. 7pm. More info about free fitness classes at nyc.gov/parks.

Badminton

Rackets and birdies available. Free for gym members. Day pass $12; students, youth and seniors $10. Thurs: 7:15-9:30pm / Sun: 1:15 - 5:30pm.

T'ai Chi

Experienced instructor Alex 50ng teaches the ancient Chinese martial art to all levels. 7:15-8:15pm. $130 members, $135 non-members, pro-rated for late starters. Through Dec. 27. Register at 646-210-4292. cchsh.org

photo by Robert Simko

Bulletin Board

Community Notices

Your table is waiting at Pacific Grill on Pier 17

Pier 17 at South Street Seaport has Reopened

Shopping and dining is available Monday to Saturday, 10am to 9pm and on Sundays from 11am to 8pm. In addition, participating Pier 17 businesses will offer discounts on select merchandise through December 31st, 2012 to kick-start holiday shopping and encourage downtown commercial activity to return to normal. Special features include the Seaport Carolers who perform at 2pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 24; and the Fulton Stall Market, every Sunday through December, from 11am to 4pm at South Street and Beekman Street. southstreetseaport.com

Be a Part of History: Join Your Community Board
The Office of Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer is appointing the 2013 Class of Community Board members and hosting several meetings to provide information about the roles and responsibilities of Community Board members and how to apply.
Today and Tuesday, January 8, 6:30-8pm at the Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, 19th Floor.
Tuesday, December 18, 6:30-8pm, at 163 West 125 Street, 8th Floor.
RSVP to 212-669-4385 or cbinfo@manhattanbp.org to obtain an application (due January 18) and specify which information session you plan to attend.

Highlights at the New Amsterdam Market this Sunday

In honor of Hanukkah, market fare this week will include latkes from Great Performances and a variety of smoked fish from Acme Smoked Fish. Also, Liz Gutman and Jen King of Liddabit Sweets will be signing copies of their new book, The Liddabit Sweets Candy Cookbook. There will be a demonstration by Lauryn Chun, author of The Kimchi Cookbook, of a Kimjang, a Korean tradition of preparing jars of kimchi for fermentation over the winter months. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and can include a signed copy of The Kimchi Cookbook. Note that the Great Solstice Market will be held on December 23 to mark the holidays. The New Amserdam Market is located at the Fulton Fish Market, on South Street between Beekman Street and Peck Slip, Sundays through December from 11am-5pm. newamsterdammarket.org

9/11 Memorial Holiday Visiting Hours
Extended holiday visiting hours start on Friday, December 21 through Monday, December 31, from 10am to 8pm, with the last entry at 7pm. The late afternoon and evening provide an opportunity to see the beauty of the waterfalls and names inscribed on bronze when they are illuminated. 911memorial.org

Traffic Advisory

Tube Closure At Hugh L. Carey Tunnel This Weekend
One tube at the Hugh L. Carey (formerly Brooklyn-Battery) Tunnel will be closed Saturday, December 15th and Sunday, December 16th between 3am and 1pm for necessary work. One lane will be available in each direction in the remaining tube. Motorists may experience delays and should use an alternate route.

Additional Lower Manhattan Transit and Traffic Updates HERE
New York Water Taxi's Hop-on Hop-off service is back at Pier 17 but is not operating its 9am tour and is not stopping at Christopher Street until further notice.
Circle Line Downtown's Zephyr is operating on a normal schedule out of Pier 16.

photos by Robert Simko

RiverWatch

Arrivals & Departures

Thursday, December 13

Norwegian Gem

Inbound 7:15am, outbound 4:30pm to St. Thomas

Explorer of the Seas

Inbound 7:00am (Bayonne), outbound 5:00pm to St. Thomas

Saturday, December 15

Caribbean Princess

Inbound 7:15am (Brooklyn), outbound 5:00pm to Fort Lauderdale

Sunday, December 16

Carnival Miracle

Inbound 7:15am, outbound 4:30pm to Nassau

photo by Robert Simko

Downtown in the News

"Skyscraper? Value of New York Tower Is High," The Wall Street Journal, December 11.

"One of the largest pension funds in the U.S. has agreed to buy a stake in a 76-story apartment building that values the lower Manhattan tower at a record $1 billion." Read more.

"One WTC Spire Nears End of Long Voyage," The Wall Street Journal, December 11.

"The World Trade Center's crowning spire has neared the end of the final leg of its monthlong trip to Lower Manhattan." Read more. and more.

"First section of spire placed atop World Trade Center," USAToday, December 12.

"Construction workers atop One World Trade Center Wednesday in New York City hoisted into place the first section of a spire that will extend the building to its full height of 1,776 feet." Read more.

"Optical Communications Group extends network to 50 lower Manhattan buildings," Fierce Telecom, December 11. " Optical Communications Group, a competitive fiber provider, on Tuesday announced that its fiber services are available in 50 new buildings in Lower Manhattan."