All articles by Devin Gannon

NJ’s American Dream mall will reopen October 1

Rendering courtesy of Triple Five Group

September 4, 2020

NJ’s American Dream mall will reopen October 1

New Jersey's American Dream megamall will reopen its doors next month after shuttering for six months because of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this summer, the mall's future looked bleak, with developer Triple Five Group missing mortgage payments and multiple tenants leaving the site. But with American Dream's indoor ski park officially running again and retail stores and attractions set to reopen on October 1, the mall's luck may be turning around.
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Real Estate Trends

U Thant Island: Manhattan’s smallest island that’s off limits to the public

Photo via Wiki Commons

September 3, 2020

U Thant Island: Manhattan’s smallest island that’s off limits to the public

By Devin Gannon

Between the United Nations building and Long Island City sits a tiny 100-by-200 foot piece of land, known as U Thant Island. The East River man-made enclave is just south of Roosevelt Island and legally part of Manhattan. As Atlas Obscura discovered, the land did not exist until the 1800s when a trolley tunnel was dug beneath the River to connect Manhattan and Queens. While U Thant looks like a nice place to get some sun and relax, the island remains closed to the public as a bird sanctuary.
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History

Cuomo says indoor dining could resume with an NYPD task force enforcing COVID-19 rules

St. Marks Place outdoor dining; Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

September 3, 2020

Cuomo says indoor dining could resume with an NYPD task force enforcing COVID-19 rules

By Devin Gannon

Indoor dining could resume in New York City only if police are able to enforce compliance of coronavirus regulations at restaurants, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday. During a call with reporters, the governor said he could allow restaurants to open for indoor dining if the city creates a task force of NYPD officers designated to oversee compliance. Cuomo said he plans to discuss the issue with City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who on Wednesday called for an immediate start of indoor dining, which has been allowed in every region in the state except the five boroughs.
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First online-only Whole Foods ‘store’ opens in Brooklyn

Photo courtesy of Amazon/ Whole Foods

September 2, 2020

First online-only Whole Foods ‘store’ opens in Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

While new Whole Foods stores in New York City typically open to fanfare from lovers of the grocery chain, a new location in Brooklyn won't get the same in-person hoopla. The first-ever online-only Whole Foods "store" opened in Brooklyn on Tuesday, dedicated exclusively to fulfilling online grocery orders. The new store, which has been in the works for over a year, will not allow any customers inside.
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City Living

Free outdoor sculpture garden opens at Rockefeller Center

Illusory Progression, True to Myth, and Rhizogenic Rhythms by artist Thaddeus Mosley; Photo courtesy of Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

September 2, 2020

Free outdoor sculpture garden opens at Rockefeller Center

By Devin Gannon

Another free public art installation has opened at Rockefeller Center. In its second year, the Frieze Sculpture at Rockefeller Center opened on Tuesday as an outdoor sculpture garden with works from six major international artists. Originally scheduled to open this past spring as part of art programs offered by Frieze New York, the installation was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Events & Things To Do

New program asks architects to help design outdoor dining spaces for NYC restaurants

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

September 2, 2020

New program asks architects to help design outdoor dining spaces for NYC restaurants

By Devin Gannon

Outdoor dining has offered a much-needed lifeline to many New York City restaurants struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. But creating a space on city streets and sidewalks that is both inviting to diners and meets the city's safety standards comes at a cost. To help restaurants reopen, the city's Economic Development Corporation partnered with NYCxDesign, the American Institute of Architects, and the Center for Architecture to launch an online network that connects restaurants with architects and designers willing to provide design help for free.
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Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center to serve as polling sites for 2020 election

Photo by ajay_suresh on Flickr

September 1, 2020

Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center to serve as polling sites for 2020 election

By Devin Gannon

Two major sports arenas in New York City will serve as polling sites for the general election in November, providing a socially distanced way for residents to vote in person. The city's Board of Elections announced that Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center will both be Early Voting and Election Day poll sites, the result of a deal made between players of the National Basketball Association and the league to resume playoffs after teams refused to play following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The agreement involved several social justice initiatives, including the use of NBA arenas across the country as voting locations for the upcoming election.
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NYC will resume issuing permits for youth sports leagues next month

Image by Hucklebarry from Pixabay

August 31, 2020

NYC will resume issuing permits for youth sports leagues next month

By Devin Gannon

The city's parks department will resume issuing permits for outdoor youth sports next month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday. While the fields and ballparks have been open throughout the coronavirus pandemic, NYC Parks will issue permits for organized, low-risk sports played outdoors starting on September 15. Sports leagues for baseball, softball, and soccer will be issued permits, but indoor sports, including swimming, will not be allowed.
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Policy

As NYC parks see growing garbage problem, city launches anti-trash campaign

Photo by Timothy Krause on Flickr

August 31, 2020

As NYC parks see growing garbage problem, city launches anti-trash campaign

By Devin Gannon

Coronavirus-related budget cuts and an increase in use may be to blame for the growing garbage problem across New York City green spaces. As Gothamist reported, the number of 311 complaints about garbage and litter increased by 120 percent from the same period last summer. To address this increase in green space litter and to encourage New Yorkers to "show your park some love," the city's Parks Department launched a new "Toss Your Trash" campaign last week.
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New IKEA, LEGO collaboration makes it fun to clean up toys

Courtesy of IKEA

August 28, 2020

New IKEA, LEGO collaboration makes it fun to clean up toys

By Devin Gannon

For parents tired of picking up and stepping on their kids' pesky LEGO blocks, a new collaboration between the toy company and IKEA may be a perfect solution. The companies on Thursday unveiled their BYGGLEK collection, which includes a series of storage boxes for kids that have LEGO studs on them, perfect for both storing the toys and playing with them. The collection will be available at IKEA stores beginning October 1.
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NYC Council extends cap on food delivery fees until indoor dining resumes

By Devin Gannon

The New York City Council on Thursday voted to extend the cap on commissions that restaurants are charged by third-party delivery services. The legislation, first enacted in May, restricts fees services like Grubhub and Uber Eats can charge to 20 percent per order during a state of emergency. The cap will now be in effect until restaurants are able to resume indoor dining at maximum occupancy and 90 days following. There is still no plan to bring back indoor dining, despite the city meeting the state's coronavirus metrics.
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Massive Two Bridges projects can move forward without City Council approval

Rendering: SHoP Architects

August 27, 2020

Massive Two Bridges projects can move forward without City Council approval

By Devin Gannon

Three projects that include the construction of four towers and the creation of nearly 3,000 housing units in Two Bridges meet all zoning requirements and can move forward without City Council approval, an appeals court ruled Thursday. The Appellate Division of State Supreme Court reversed a lower court's ruling that had stopped the Manhattan megaproject from going ahead.
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Revel electric mopeds return to NYC with strict safety rules

Photo by Arun D on Flickr

August 27, 2020

Revel electric mopeds return to NYC with strict safety rules

By Devin Gannon

About a month after Revel suspended service following the death of two riders, the popular electric mopeds returned to New York City streets on Thursday. But before New Yorkers take the rideshare scooters for a spin, the company is requiring riders to complete new in-app safety training and snap a helmet selfie before every ride. Revel, which first launched in 2018, is also increasing penalties for rule-breaking by using moped data to find riders who ride the wrong way down one-way streets, on sidewalks, and a number of other offenses.
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Transit

August 27, 2020

The best NYC apartments for sale under $500K

By Devin Gannon

Like New York City, the real estate market is slowly starting to recover, with hundreds of new apartment listings posted each day. With some industry experts calling it a buyer's market due to an increase in inventory citywide, we're taking a look at some of the best deals for apartments on the market that are listed for under $500,000. From a spacious two-bedroom with a balcony and an outdoor pool in Riverdale to a charming studio with unique architectural details in Prospect Heights, find out what $500,000 can get you in NYC right now.
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Distinctive Homes

Coney Island’s colorful Mermaid Parade will take place virtually this weekend

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

August 26, 2020

Coney Island’s colorful Mermaid Parade will take place virtually this weekend

By Devin Gannon

Coney Island's beloved Mermaid Parade returns this weekend with a twist. The annual event will be live-streamed online Saturday, August 29 as a "Tail-a-Thon," a parody of a telethon that will raise real money for charity. Marchers, dancers, and musical groups will be performing live from remote locations and available to view online, starting at 1:30 p.m.
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Events & Things To Do

Without federal aid, MTA says subway and bus service could be cut by 40 percent

Photo credit: Billie Grace Ward via Flickr

August 26, 2020

Without federal aid, MTA says subway and bus service could be cut by 40 percent

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday laid out a grim plan detailing service cuts and fare hikes that could be implemented without additional federal aid. Without at least $12 billion in funding from Washington, subway and bus service could be cut by up to 40 percent, a devastating blow to millions of New Yorkers and the city's economy. During a board meeting on Wednesday, Chair Pat Foye said the coronavirus crisis has had a far larger toll on ridership and revenue than the Great Depression a century prior.
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Central Park’s first statue of historical women unveiled

Photo by Emily Dombroff

August 26, 2020

Central Park’s first statue of historical women unveiled

By Devin Gannon

The "bronze ceiling" has officially been broken in New York City's most famous park. A new statue depicting women's rights activists Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton was unveiled in Central Park on Wednesday, becoming the park's first monument of real-life women. The new statue comes on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which granted some women the right to vote.
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Events & Things To Do

New York Fashion Week is still on for next month

Photo by Art Comments on Flickr

August 25, 2020

New York Fashion Week is still on for next month

By Devin Gannon

One of fashion's biggest events will still take place in New York City next month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced that New York Fashion Week will be held September 13-17 for a mix of live and virtual fashion shows, under stringent coronavirus restrictions and capacity limits. Indoor events will be able to take place at 50 percent capacity and with no spectators, according to the governor.
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NYC cultural institutions would be allowed to put on performances outdoors, under proposed bill

Photo by Paulo Silva on Unsplash

August 25, 2020

NYC cultural institutions would be allowed to put on performances outdoors, under proposed bill

By Devin Gannon

A New York City Council member will introduce a bill this week that would allow cultural institutions to set up events and exhibits outdoor, the New York Daily News first reported. Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, who represents parts of Queens and is chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee, wants the city to give nonprofit groups space to perform on parking lots, streets, and parks. "The city of New York is the cultural capital of the world and right now it's a city that's a little sad," Van Bramer told the Daily News. "The city of New York without music and dance and theater is just not the same New York."
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New York is setting up COVID-19 testing sites at JFK and LaGuardia airports

Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 25, 2020

New York is setting up COVID-19 testing sites at JFK and LaGuardia airports

By Devin Gannon

New coronavirus testing sites will be set up at John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports to limit the spread of the virus from out-of-state visitors, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday. The testing sites will allow "faster testing of people coming in, including hospital staff," the governor said during a press briefing. The additional measure comes as New York saw a record low COVID-19 test positivity rate of 0.66 percent on Monday, making it the 17th straight day with a positivity rate below 1 percent.
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Policy

See designs for the Brooklyn park dedicated to LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

Renderings courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office and NY State Parks

August 25, 2020

See designs for the Brooklyn park dedicated to LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday dedicated Brooklyn's East River State Park to Black transgender rights activist Marsha P. Johnson, making it the first state park in New York named after an LGBTQ person and transgender woman of color. Located on the Williamsburg waterfront and known for hosting popular outdoor market Smorgasburg, the park will feature a new colorful public art installation honoring Johnson, who played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising and was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front. The dedication comes on what would have been Johnson's 75th birthday.
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Policy

Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

Model residence at 350 West 71st Street; photos courtesy of MW Studio/ Nina Poon

August 24, 2020

Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

By Devin Gannon

The condo building at 350 West 71st Street manages to maintain its historic allure while providing residents all of the perks of modern living. Designed by DXA Studio, the seven-story development on the Upper West Side measures just 75,000 square feet, but still packs in an impressive amenity package, including a library, fitness center, playroom, and large landscaped rooftop with grill and lounge areas. The boutique building sits within the West 71st Historic District, designated 30 years ago for its uniqueness as a tree-lined cul-de-sac and the distinct Beaux-Arts architecture found across the properties.
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NYC unveils outdoor learning option for schools

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza tour New Bridges Elementary in Brooklyn to observe the school’s PPE delivery and reopening preparations; Photo: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 24, 2020

NYC unveils outdoor learning option for schools

By Devin Gannon

New York City schools can use backyards, streets closed to cars, and certain parks for outdoor learning, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday. Unveiled just weeks before school is expected to open next month, the new option takes the "best ideas from around the world" to make school safe for students, teachers, and school staff, according to the mayor. "We know the disease doesn't spread the same outdoors," de Blasio said. "We want to give schools the chance to do as much outdoors as they can."
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Policy

Car-free blocks with diverse outdoor dining options open in Queens

DineOut opens in Jackson Heights; Photo by Kamila Harris for Rockwell Group

August 24, 2020

Car-free blocks with diverse outdoor dining options open in Queens

By Devin Gannon

Two neighborhoods in Queens hit especially hard by the coronavirus are slowly getting back on their feet thanks to a new communal dining experience. David Rockwell and his firm Rockwell Group unveiled last week two new community outdoor dining areas on car-free blocks in the Queens neighborhoods of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, part of the firm's DineOut initiative. Both communities, which are considered to be among the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City, offer a variety of cuisines, including Tibetan, Nepali, Indian, Thai, and more.
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Food & Dining

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

Courtesy of Aufgang Architects

August 20, 2020

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 37 middle-income units at a new rental in Brooklyn. Located on the Clinton Hill-Fort Greene border, 810 Fulton Street (also known as 475 Clermont Avenue) rises 12 stories and contains 363 apartments. The building boasts a number of amenities, including a parking garage, children's playroom, fitness center, and a large landscaped rooftop with grills, a catering kitchen, and an outdoor movie theater. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from a $2,370/month studio to a $3,063/month two-bedroom.
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Affordable Housing

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