Alpine Theater - Politician Catfight / Scruffy Murphy's

The Alpine's been saved, which is a great thing. The Bay Ridge Paper reports that City Councilman Vincent Gentile held a press conference this past Tuesday to take credit for the good news. It was attended by Borough President Markowitz, Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann, congressional candidate Steve Harrison, Fifth Avenue Board of Trade board member Jim Clark, and Tim King, the Massey-Knakal real estate broker who sold the building.

Three hours later, State Senator Marty Golden held a press conference. He claimed to have been the driving force behind the saving of the Alpine. He said that he was the one who expanded the boundaries of an " Empire Zone " to include the Alpine Theater.

The Phantom likes both Gentile and Golden, and has met them both several times. They're both doing a good job for the neighborhood. But to minimize any ill will between our elected representatives, I will take credit for this most welcome development!

Meanwhile, the Bay Ridge Paper article quotes an Alpine patron who asked a question that had crossed my mind "How come they won’t show ‘United 93’ here?” . Just a coincidence I'm sure!
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Scruffy Murphy's
Ran into Sean on Third Avenue and 75th Street this morning. Scruffy Murphy's will not reopen. The building is for sale. Sorry to see this, as Sean's a good man who ran a decent establishment. He has throughly rehabbed the property, including the apartments upstairs, so it will be a good opportunity for somebody.