The Day | Was East River Park Damage Avoidable?

Christmas trees, Second AvenueScott Lynch

Good morning, East Village.

According to the executive director of the Lower East Side Ecology Center, the damage that Sandy caused to East River Park could’ve been less extensive. “This storm is an opportunity to think about waterfront parks and what ecological function they provide,” says Christine Datz-Romero. [NY Press]

EyeLevel, a “highly specific and evolving step-by-step learning program crafted around the needs and goals of individual students,” will open at 437 East 12th Street. [NearSay]

A new iPhone app lets users hear the stories of former worshippers at the Eldridge Street Synagogue. [DNA Info]

After a brief hiatus, the aNYthing store, formerly on Hester Street, has reopened on Allen Street. [Complex]

Nom Wah Tea Parlor is also making moves up north and opening a pop-up gallery and kitchen space at 168 Bowery. [Grub Street]

“The menu at Links, a jazzed-up sausage shack that opened on the Lower East Side last month, is centered on brats and beer.” [Wall Street Journal]

Speaking of links, Il Buco Alimentari gets a mention in a Mimi Sheraton bit about sausage-making. [New Yorker]

East Village chowhound Josh Ozersky hits the neighborhood’s finest pizza joints. [Hungry in New York]