All articles by Devin Gannon

June 1, 2020

Lottery opens for income-restricted units in Brooklyn’s historic Weeksville, from $2,245/month

A lottery launched on Monday for 16 middle-income apartments in Crown Heights' historic Weeksville neighborhood. The Brooklyn community was once home to the second largest free black community in the country. Located at 1515 Park Place, the new building sits between Buffalo Avenue and Rochester Avenue, just around the corner from the Weeksville Heritage Center. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, including $2,245/month one-bedrooms and $2,710/month two-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?
June 1, 2020

The Brooklyn Museum transforms into a pop-up food bank this week

Starting on Monday, the Brooklyn Museum is temporarily transforming its parking lot into a weekly food bank. The institution announced last week a partnership with The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH), a Bed-Stuy based nonprofit that has served about one million meals to New Yorkers in need during the coronavirus pandemic. The museum has been closed since March 13.
More here
June 1, 2020

New York adds 10 new testing sites in city’s COVID-19 ‘hot spots’

As New York City prepares to enter phase one of reopening next week, officials are targeting areas where the coronavirus continues to spread. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Saturday announced that the state will open 10 new COVID-19 testing sites in zip codes considered 'hot spots,' which includes neighborhoods in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. The 10 ZIP codes, which consist of predominantly low income and minority communities, have seen higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death caused by the virus.
Details here
May 29, 2020

23 chances to live in a new Boerum Hill building, from $1,262/month

A housing lottery launched on Friday for 23 middle-income apartments in one of Brookyn's most bustling and transit-friendly neighborhoods, Boerum Hill. Located at 346 Bergen Street, the six-story rental sits two blocks from the Atlantic Avenue Terminal, which holds the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R, and Long Island Rail Road trains. New Yorkers earning 70 or 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,262/month one-bedroom to a $2,803/month two-bedroom.
Do you qualify?
May 29, 2020

NYC is on track to start reopening week of June 8

New York City is gearing up to begin the reopening process the week of June 8, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday. During a press briefing, the governor said the city should be able to join the state's nine other regions in reopening phase one businesses, which includes all construction, manufacturing, and some retail stores. "I am proud of the way New York is figuring it out," Cuomo said.
More here
May 29, 2020

As NYC prepares to reopen, questions about public transit remain

New York City will likely begin the reopening process early next month, with as many as 400,000 employees expected to return to work during this first phase, Mayor Bill de Blasio said this week. While the mayor on Thursday released guidelines for phase one businesses to safely reopen without a resurgence of the coronavirus, no plan has been issued from City Hall on how employees returning to the workforce will commute there safely.
Get the details
May 29, 2020

9 virtual things to do this weekend: Loisaida Festival, guided meditation, dachshund fiesta, and more

If you've run out of Netflix shows and can't look at another jigsaw puzzle, there is still plenty of ways to stay entertained this weekend. From a virtual stand-up comedy show and a spring fiesta for dachshunds to guided meditation and a historic discussion on New York City's Chinatown, we've rounded up nine virtual events to keep boredom at bay.
Get the full list
May 28, 2020

Hilary Swank’s stunning former townhouse in the West Village sells for $9.8M

The four-story West Village townhouse once owned by actress Hilary Swank has sold for $9.794 million. The historic home at 33 Charles Street has been renovated with modern elements while original details--including restored woodwork and built-ins--still shine. The current owner, former president of Macy's Harry A. Lawton III, put the property on the market earlier this year for just under $11 million.
Take a look around
May 28, 2020

Lottery opens for 29 units at Williamsburg waterfront rental, from $1,101/month

A housing lottery launched on Thursday for 29 income-restricted apartments in Williamsburg. The Kent House, located at 187 Kent Avenue, sits a block in from the waterfront and between two popular green spaces, Bushwick Inlet Park and Domino Park. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced between $1,101/month studios and $2,710/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
May 28, 2020

NYC Council will introduce bill that requires open street space be used for outdoor dining

The New York City Council is set to introduce legislation on Thursday that requires the city to use open space for outdoor dining during the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants and bars have now been closed for in-person service for over two months because of the state's "pause" order that shuttered all nonessential businesses. And while takeout and delivery options remain available, the restaurant industry has taken a tremendous hit, with many longtime restaurants forced to close permanently.
Find out more
May 27, 2020

With Long Island and Hudson Valley cleared to reopen, MTA boosts train service

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is boosting service on the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North as two more New York regions are officially cleared to start reopening. The Hudson Vallery region and Long Island have met the state's metrics to begin reopening phase one businesses, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this week. Starting Wednesday, the MTA will increase capacity by 26 percent on Metro-North with 18 additional trains during peak service, as well as add 105 Long Island Railroad cars to meet restored demand for service.
Details this way
May 27, 2020

New York Public Library considering curbside pickup service

The New York Public Library is reviewing plans for curbside pickup service as the organization prepares to reopen after the coronavirus pandemic. As first reported by THE CITY, cardholders would be able to order books or other materials by phone or online for grab-and-go pickup, under one plan being considered. Books could be picked up in the lobbies or on the sidewalks of some branches.
Details here
May 27, 2020

New photos show ‘Little Island’ offshore park making progress at Pier 55

The much-anticipated offshore public park in the Hudson River is coming together, with its concrete tulip-shaped pots in place and the first trees planted. New photos of "Little Island" at Pier 55 show construction progressing ahead of its scheduled spring 2021 opening. The two-acre park, designed by Heatherwick Studio and MNLA, is meant to resemble a leaf floating on water, with its concrete base sitting above the river.
See it here
May 26, 2020

Cuomo to fast-track NYC infrastructure projects, including overhauls of Penn Station & LaGuardia

The state will focus on restarting New York City's economy by accelerating work on major infrastructure projects, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday. "There is no better time to build than right now," Cuomo said during a press briefing. "You need to create jobs and you need to renew and repair this country's economy and its infrastructure." The governor said the state will fast-track infrastructure projects like the renovation and rebuild of Penn Station and LaGuardia Airport.
More here
May 26, 2020

Plan to build pedestrian plaza under the Brooklyn Bridge moves forward

Plans to build a public plaza under the Brooklyn Bridge that will connect the Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo sections of the waterfront park are moving forward. The Landmarks Preservation Commission last week approved designs from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates to transform a currently fenced-off lot into a two-acre civic space. The project is the final section of the park; construction began in 2008 and has been opening in phases over the last decade.
More here
May 26, 2020

NYC Council urges mayor to open city beaches for swimming

The New York City Council on Saturday urged Mayor Bill de Blasio to open the city beaches this summer safely amid the coronavirus pandemic, including allowing swimming. Currently, swimming is not permitted, but local residents are allowed to walk or sit on the beach. A number of council members this weekend released 10-point beach reopening guidelines, which include limited capacity, social distancing markers, mask requirements, and increasing transit options to beach communities.
Find out more
May 22, 2020

To mark 125th anniversary, NYPL releases list of kids books to spark lifelong love of reading

While summer vacation is sure to look different this year, the New York Public Library hopes kids will stay busy reading. In celebration of its 125th anniversary on Saturday, the library has released a list of 125 children's books from the last 125 years, aimed at sparking a lifelong love of reading. The collection of books, which is available online, follows a list released in February of the best adult titles, with a list for teenage readers expected this fall.
More here
May 22, 2020

McSorley’s reopens in the East Village with famed light or dark ale available by the growler

After a two month break, McSorely's Old Ale House officially reopened on Friday. The East Village watering hole, which claims to be the oldest bar in New York City, announced a new take out menu, including its two ale options, light or dark, served in to-go growlers. The reopening comes after a two-month closure due to the coronavirus, the longest the historic bar has ever been closed, as EV Grieve first reported.
Details here
May 22, 2020

To-go booze in New York could be here to stay

When the state closed all restaurants and bars in March except for takeout service, the New York State Liquor Authority legalized to-go alcoholic beverages, including wine and liquor, for the first time. A state official wants to make the temporary law change permanent. State Sen. Brad Hoylman on Thursday introduced legislation that would let bars and restaurants continue to serve wine, beer, and cocktails for take-out and delivery for at least two years after the state of emergency ends.
Details this way
May 22, 2020

Lottery launches for 22 affordable apartments at Waterline Square, from $741/month

Applications are now being accepted for 22 affordable apartments at the Waterline Square development on the Upper West Side. Stretching between West 59th Street and West 61st Streets, the three-tower complex is best known for the starchitects behind the high-rises: Richard Meier of One Waterline Square, Kohn Pedersen Fox of Two Waterline Square, and Rafael Viñoly of Three Waterline Square. New Yorkers earning 40 percent of the area median income can apply for the available $741/month one-bedrooms and $901/month two-bedrooms.
How to apply
May 21, 2020

This summer, rent an upstate hideaway designed by Ai Weiwei for $125K

The only private residence designed by Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei is available to rent this summer for $125,000. Located in the quiet upstate town of Ancram, the three-bedroom home is described as "liveable art" in the listing, which was first spotted by the New York Post. The modern home, designed in collaboration between the artist and Swiss firm HHF Architects, is also for sale for $5.25 million.
More here
May 21, 2020

70 mixed-income units available at Bjarke Ingels’s East Harlem rental, from $1,023/month

It's your chance to live in an apartment designed by acclaimed architect Bjarke Ingels. A housing lottery for his project at 146 East 126th Street in East Harlem will launch on Friday for 70 income-restricted apartments. Dubbed "The Smile" for its unique curved configuration, the 11-story rental comes with an impressive amenity package, including a rooftop pool, outdoor movie theater, fitness center, and more. New Yorkers earning 60 percent and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,023/month studios to $2,849/month two-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?
May 21, 2020

David Rockwell designs template for outdoor dining in NYC

The idea to turn New York City streets and sidewalks into space for al fresco dining when restaurants can eventually reopen has been supported by local officials, small businesses, and even architects. Designer David Rockwell and his firm the Rockwell Group have put together a template for ways to use outdoor space for restaurant use while maintaining safe and socially distant conditions.
See the design
May 20, 2020

Antibody testing shows coronavirus is still spreading in NYC’s minority communities

The coronavirus continues to spread in lower-income communities and communities of color in New York City, according to antibody test results released by the state on Wednesday. New York earlier this month partnered with Northwell Health and city churches to test residents of low-income neighborhoods, with 8,000 antibody tests conducted to date. According to preliminary data from those tests, 27 percent tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, compared to the city's overall antibody rate of 19.9 percent.
More here
May 20, 2020

MTA launches UV light pilot program to kill COVID-19 on NYC subways and buses

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will use ultraviolet light to remove the coronavirus from its subway and bus system, officials announced on Tuesday. For phase one of the $1 million pilot program, the agency will deploy 230 UV light lamps next week on some trains, buses, and MTA facilities. The devices will be used in cars during overnight station closures and at maintenance yards in Corona, Coney Island, Jamaica, and Pelham. If the first phase of the pilot proves successful, the program will expand to Long Island Railroad and Metro-North trains.
See it here