Michael Natale

Vivienne Gucwa

Good morning, East Village.

We begin this morning with a reminder that tonight at 6, residents will gather for a vigil for 35 Cooper Square. The photo above depicts workmen demolishing the building earlier this week; the photo at right was taken earlier this year. EV Grieve has more photos of what’s left of the historic building.

Yesterday, the Rent Guidelines Board voted on a series of proposals affecting rent increases. The board backed plans that could increase rent for some tenants by as much as 6.75 percent. The Indypendent has the tally, but overall, rent hikes are on the horizon.

And there’s another event concerning possible development tonight: Community Board 3 will meet to discuss the fate of the Essex Street Market.

And in other neighborhood news, Bowery Boogie shined a light on one woman’s mission to catalogue the city’s neon signs before they become replaced by more energy efficient versions. For Kirsten Hively — who concludes her letters to fans of her project by signing “neonistically yours” — this characteristic brand of advertising is worthy of it’s own digital museum. She’s currently raising funds to create a free iPhone app that provides pictures and locations of the city’s glowing ads.

And finally, Off the Grid has some street scenes from yesteryear. Take a tour of the neighborhood via some music videos from the 1980’s.