A diverse array of activists from the East Village and beyond kicked off a night of protest last Friday at 47 E. Third St., decrying the landlords, the Economakises, for their effort to empty the building of rent-stabilized tenants so they can have a five-story private mansion. The protest also made raucous stops on the Bowery outside the New York University students residence on E. Second St. and the John Varvatos boutique in the former CBGB space. “F—k the yuppies! Bring back the winos!” protesters cried. Speaking of wine, at the Bowery Wine Company, the demonstrators had hoped to receive a peace offering of pizzas, but it didn’t pan out after someone yelled they should sling the slices back. “The cops are telling me not to” give out pizza, the bar’s owner, Chris Sileo, told The Villager. “They just said they’re gonna throw it back in my face.” John Penley, one of the event’s organizers, confirmed that someone had yelled that. But beyond that minor gustatory glitch, Penley said they had made a peace pledge of their own: If B.W.C. and Bruce Willis, a purported co-owner, write a letter condemning the Economakises’ eviction effort, they will drop the location from their regular protest route. Penley said he had word that the letter would be written. As to whether Willis really is a co-owner of the wine bar, Sileo at first said, “No comment,” then added, “He’s a friend. We’re very close. He’s kind of like family. We met 20 years ago through a mutual friend.” The activists targeted the wine bar after the New York Young Republicans Club held a monthly mixer there. Above, David Peel sang anti-yuppie anthems while, below, Lola Piccolo, 6, used art to express her opposition.
Lincoln Anderson
