9/11 Mural on Sixth Avenue Getting Bricked Over

As construction progresses on the three-story structure planned for 131 Sixth Avenue, between Park and Sterling Places, a mural of the American flag that was painted on the side of an adjacent building after 9/11 will soon become a casualty.

I haven't been able to find much information online about this simple mural, which features a waving flag and the words "God Bless America" sandwiching "FDNY" and "NYPD," but the signature appears to read Scott LoBaido.

If you know any more details about this soon-to-vanish mural, feel free to share them in the comments.

Traffic Lights Finally Coming to Park and Carlton

This is a little more in Prospect Heights territory, but good news for anyone who's ever crossed over Flatbush Avenue at Park Place only to be almost mowed down by a speeding car coming off of Flatbush once they got to Carlton.

Click to read more ...

Breaking: Great Lakes Bar Up For Rent

Who wants to buy a bar?

Click to read more ...

Breaking: Culture FroYo Closed Due To "Water Damage"

Today will be a sad day for Culture addicts (of which there are many): the frozen yogurt shop, which, since opening several months ago has taken its place among the city's best due to its fresh-made, all-natural yogurt and unique flavors and toppings, is closed today due to water damage, according to a sign in the door. A peek inside reveals that there indeed has been some major flooding inside.

I've reached out to owner Jenny Ammirati for comment or word on when they'll be re-opening; I'll let you know what I hear.

UPDATE: Direct from Jenny: "There was some water damage caused by the property manager's plumber on Friday that caused us to have to close on Saturday.  We have been closed since but we plan on re-opening tomorrow."

Good to hear!

Fonda Expanding to the East Village

One of the best spots in the neighborhood for gourmet Mexican-inspired cuisine is Fonda, on Seventh Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets. Run by Roberto Santibanez, the former culinary director for Rosa Mexicano, it's easy to draw comparisons between the soul-warming cuisine served at both the mini-chain as well as his newest creation, which opened in 2009.

I was always curious as to why this restaurant was a lone wolf when it could have easily branched out, but earlier this morning word got around that it's indeed taking the show on the road, into the space last occupied by Octavia's Porch, on Avenue B between Third and Fourth Streets.

As Eater acknowledges, this is the third Park Slope eatery to expand into Manhattan in as many months, with Chiles and Chocolate and Beer Table opening up outposts across the river as well.