All articles by Devin Gannon

April 1, 2020

All NYC playgrounds will now be closed

Just one day after Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that 10 playgrounds across the city were closed because of overcrowding issues, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday that all NYC playgrounds would be closed, seemingly going over the mayor's head. The governor did note that parks and other open spaces will remain open, though, he said, "The NYPD has to get more aggressive. Period," referring to social distancing requirements.
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Policy

Queens’ US Open tennis complex will become a 350-bed hospital to relieve Elmhurst Hospital

Photo by Michael Vadon on Flickr

April 1, 2020

Queens’ US Open tennis complex will become a 350-bed hospital to relieve Elmhurst Hospital

By Devin Gannon

A 350-bed medical facility will be built at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens to ease the pressure the Elmhurst Hospital has been facing amidst the coronavirus outbreak. Construction began at the site in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which hosts the US Open tournament, yesterday. The city's Emergency Management selected the site to serve as a temporary facility, which will begin treating COVID non-ICU patients beginning next Tuesday, April 7th. The center's indoor courts will be converted into the medical facility, with its Louis Armstrong Stadium set to become a place for volunteers to assemble 25,000 meal packages per day for patients, workers, and students.
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Policy

April 1, 2020

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen drop $7.7M on another penthouse in their Nolita building

By Devin Gannon

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have picked up a second penthouse apartment at their Nolita building. As the Real Deal first reported, the power couple paid $7.7 million for a three-bedroom at the landmarked Brewster Carriage House at 374 Broome Street, joining the $9 million pad bought by the duo in 2018. They seem to really like the building; Legend and Teigen also lived in a one-bedroom unit at the building until they sold it in 2016 for $4 million.
Details here

Lottery opens for 16 affordable apartments near historic King Manor in Jamaica, from $1,500/month

Photo by Dan TD on Wikimedia

March 31, 2020

Lottery opens for 16 affordable apartments near historic King Manor in Jamaica, from $1,500/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 16 middle-income new apartments in Jamaica, Queens. The seven-story residential building at 88-56 162nd Street contains 51 units. Located between busy Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue, the rental sits near a number of restaurants and retail spaces, as well as the Rufus King Park, home to the historic King Manor Museum. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,500/month one-bedrooms to $1,980/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

NYC officials propose allowing renters to use security deposit for April rent

Photo by Rachel Martin on Unsplash

March 31, 2020

NYC officials propose allowing renters to use security deposit for April rent

By Devin Gannon

Under a plan introduced by local officials, New York City renters struggling to pay next month's rent would be allowed to use their existing security deposits as payment. As the Daily News first reported, the proposal would let tenants opt into the rent relief program to transfer their pre-paid deposits to rent. The deposit would have to be replaced within 30 days or converted into a monthly installment plan, under the proposal.
Get the details

Policy

PHOTOS: USNS Comfort hospital ship arrives in NYC

Photo by Michael Appleton for the Mayoral Photography Office

March 30, 2020

PHOTOS: USNS Comfort hospital ship arrives in NYC

By Devin Gannon

The 1,000 hospital-bed Navy ship USNS Comfort arrived in New York City on Monday, sent by the federal government to alleviate the burden the city's hospitals are facing as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. With more than 1,200 medical personnel on deck, the floating hospital will serve non-COVID-19 patients to take the pressure off the city's hospitals, which are currently overwhelmed by a growing number of cases. Docked at Pier 90 in Hell's Kitchen, the ship expects to begin receiving patients in 24 hours after its arrival.
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Policy

A nightly music-to-light show launches at the Empire State Building to keep NYC bright

Photo by Anthony Quintano on Wikimedia

March 30, 2020

A nightly music-to-light show launches at the Empire State Building to keep NYC bright

By Devin Gannon

A New York City landmark is looking to lift the spirits of New Yorkers and keep the light in the city bright during this challenging time. The Empire State Realty Trust on Friday launched a music-to-light show from the skyscraper's famous tower, in partnership with iHeartMedia. A new show, designed by lighting artist Marc Brickman, will premiere every Friday night and play nightly for one week.
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Jersey City rental next to Liberty State Park opens, units from $1,910/month

Image of 295J courtesy of Ironstate Development Company and BKSK Architects

March 30, 2020

Jersey City rental next to Liberty State Park opens, units from $1,910/month

By Devin Gannon

A new luxury rental building has opened in the bustling Bergen-Lafayette section of Jersey City, with apartments starting at $1,910/month. Located just steps from Liberty State Park, 295 Johnston Avenue, called 295J, contains 309 units, with a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. In addition to being next to the 1,212-acre waterfront park, the rental boasts an impressive landscaped courtyard with a pool, fire pits, barbecue grills, and ping pong tables.
See it here

Four more temporary hospital sites approved for NYC, will bring 4,000 additional beds

Photo of the Aqueduct Racetrack via Wikimedia

March 28, 2020

Four more temporary hospital sites approved for NYC, will bring 4,000 additional beds

By Devin Gannon

Facing a shortage of hospital beds, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced a plan to build four additional temporary hospitals in each New York City borough, adding 4,000 more beds. On Friday, he toured the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens' South Ozone Park, the Port Authority-owned Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook, the CUNY College of Staten Island, and the New York Expo Center in Hunts Point in the Bronx. On Saturday, Cuomo said President Donald Trump had approved these sites, meaning work can begin immediately. These will be in addition to Manhattan's Javits Center, which opens tomorrow as a temporary 1,000-bed FEMA hospital.
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Policy

Cuomo temporarily bans all non-essential construction projects

Photo by Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash

March 27, 2020

Cuomo temporarily bans all non-essential construction projects

By Devin Gannon

Most construction projects will be temporarily banned during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Friday. While originally considered an essential service under the state's "pause" order that shutdown most workplaces last week, all non-essential construction must now shut down until April 21 under an updated executive order by the state.
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Policy

Can you move in NYC during the coronavirus outbreak?

By Devin Gannon

While most of life seems to be put on hold at the moment, there are a few tasks that can't be avoided. This includes moving apartments, typically a dreadful experience for New Yorkers with or without an ongoing pandemic. But moving companies are considered an essential service, according to New York City and State officials. Ahead, find out what you need to know about moving in NYC during the coronavirus outbreak, from the extra protocols movers are taking to your rights as a tenant.
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Amazon snags two Fairway Market stores in NJ

Photo by Dougie WII on Wikimedia

March 26, 2020

Amazon snags two Fairway Market stores in NJ

By Devin Gannon

Amazon has acquired the leases for two Fairway Market stores in New Jersey, half the number of stores the company originally hoped to buy. According to Supermarket News, the online retailer will acquire Fairway's Paramus and Woodland Park, N.J. store leases for $1.5 million. It's unclear why Amazon's offer for stores in Red Hook and Westchester fell through. The auction comes just a few months after the beloved New York City grocery store filed for bankruptcy.
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Real Estate Trends

199 affordable apartments available near Jamaica Bay in East New York, from $328/month

Rendering of 911 Erskine Street, courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

March 26, 2020

199 affordable apartments available near Jamaica Bay in East New York, from $328/month

By Devin Gannon

There are nearly 200 affordable apartments up for grabs at a brand new development in the Spring Creek section of East New York in Brooklyn. Located at 911 Erskine Street, the complex is part of the mixed-use Fountains Development, which broke ground in 2017. The nine-story building sits between Betts Creek and Hendrix Creek of the Jamaica Bay and directly across from the massive shopping center, the Gateway Plaza Mall. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, and 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which include studios from $328/month and three-bedroom apartments up to $1,504/month.
Here's how to apply

Affordable Housing

Lottery for 20,000-name waitlist opens for middle-income apartments across the East Bronx

Photo of Woodlawn Cemetery by Ted via Flickr/cc

March 26, 2020

Lottery for 20,000-name waitlist opens for middle-income apartments across the East Bronx

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched on Thursday for placement on a 20,000-person waiting list for a number of rental properties in the East Bronx. Found across the neighborhoods of Williamsbridge and Wakefield, the location of the buildings stretch from Woodlawn Cemetery to about Pelham Bay. New Yorkers earning 50, 85, 90, and 95 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from a $1,106/month one-bedroom to a $2,074/month three-bedroom. Eligible applicants will be randomly selected and placed on the waitlist for future vacancies.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

73 mixed-income apartments up for grabs in prime Central Harlem, from $680/month

Photo of the Robeson © CityRealty

March 25, 2020

73 mixed-income apartments up for grabs in prime Central Harlem, from $680/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery for 73 mixed-income units will launch on Thursday at a building in one of the most bustling sections of Central Harlem. The new 10-story building, called The Robeson, is located at 407 Malcolm X Boulevard between West 130th and 131st Streets. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 50, 100, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which range from a $680/month studio to a $3,452/month three-bedroom apartment.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

Support local NYC artists and performers with this new subscription-based streaming service

Comedian Bridget Everett is participating in The Trickle Up; Photo by John Morton on Flickr

March 25, 2020

Support local NYC artists and performers with this new subscription-based streaming service

By Devin Gannon

With theaters and performance venues closed as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the livelihoods of many artists in New York City continue to hang in the balance. A new subscription-based streaming service launched this week to support local artists affected by these coronavirus-related shutdowns. "The Trickle Up" charges subscribers $10 per month to access original performances from 50 different artists, with proceeds going to artists struggling financially.
Details this way

MTA cuts subway service by 25 percent in response to coronavirus

Photo by Billie Grace Ward on Flickr

March 25, 2020

MTA cuts subway service by 25 percent in response to coronavirus

By Devin Gannon

In response to a "never-before-seen ridership low" during the coronavirus outbreak, three subway lines will not run during the week and some express trains will run local, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced Tuesday. The reduced schedule is part of the agency's "NY Essential Service Plan" to provide service to first responders and essential workers as it deals with the devastating financial consequences of a nearly 90 percent drop in ridership across subway and buses, the Long Island Railroad, and Metro-North.
More details here

Eataly looks to buy or lease part of shuttered Barneys flagship

Photo by Jim.henderson on Wikimedia

March 24, 2020

Eataly looks to buy or lease part of shuttered Barneys flagship

By Devin Gannon

A month after Barneys New York closed all of its stores, a food hall is reportedly in talks to occupy part of the luxury retailer's former flagship. As first reported by the New York Post, Italian market Eataly is looking at leasing or buying some space at the now-shuttered store at 660 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side.
Find out more

Real Estate Trends

Bodegas in NYC now have their own delivery app

Photo by Clément Falize on Unsplash

March 24, 2020

Bodegas in NYC now have their own delivery app

By Devin Gannon

Deemed as essential by the state, bodegas in New York City are open during the coronavirus outbreak. For those craving a bacon, egg, and cheese from your local deli, but can't leave your apartment, a new app is here to help. As first reported by Eater, My Bodega Online is looking to give New Yorkers another option when it comes to ordering take-out and groceries for delivery, while simultaneously supporting local businesses.
Get the details

March 24, 2020

In the Bronx, a lottery opens for 30 affordable one-bedroom apartments for seniors

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 30 brand new one-bedroom units set aside for New York seniors. The St. Vincent de Paul Senior Apartments, located at 909 Beck Street in the Bronx neighborhood of Longwood, sit next to a nursing home operated by the Archcare, the developer behind the housing complex. To apply, New Yorkers must be--or have at least one household member who is-- 62 years of age or older, qualify for Section 8 benefits, and earn $42, 700 or less annually.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

The Wing is donating its NYC spaces for coronavirus relief efforts

The Wing’s Bryant Park location; Photo credit: Tory Williams for The Wing

March 23, 2020

The Wing is donating its NYC spaces for coronavirus relief efforts

By Devin Gannon

Co-working women's club The Wing has offered to donate its empty spaces for coronavirus relief efforts in New York. Audrey Gelman, the company's co-founder, said on Monday that the Wing had been in contact with the administrations of both Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio regarding its 70,000-square-feet of available space in New York City.
Get the details

Policy

Brooklyn kids are hanging rainbow art in windows as part of a quarantine-style scavenger hunt

Photo by amsw photography from Pexels

March 23, 2020

Brooklyn kids are hanging rainbow art in windows as part of a quarantine-style scavenger hunt

By Devin Gannon

With school closed and playdates off-limits, New York City kids are staying connected with their friends in a creative and colorful way. Children in Brooklyn are drawing and painting pictures of rainbows and displaying them outside of their homes, creating a scavenger hunt perfect for one of the only quarantine-approved activities: a walk around the neighborhood.
Get the details

City Living

Work starts to turn Javits Center into a 1,000-bed temporary hospital

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo tours construction of temporary FEMA hospital at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on March 20, 2020. Photo courtesy of Governor Cuomo/Flickr.

March 23, 2020

Work starts to turn Javits Center into a 1,000-bed temporary hospital

By Devin Gannon

"Time matters, minutes count, and this is literally a matter of life and death," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a press conference Sunday, during which he requested and subsequently received funding from the federal government to move ahead with the Army Corps of Engineers on erecting temporary hospitals at the Javits Center, Westchester County Center, SUNY Stony Brook, and SUNY Old Westbury. As of Monday morning, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in New York State was nearly 21,000, with more than 12,000 in New York City. Supplies and materials have already arrived at the Javits Center, and it's expected to be complete within a week to 10 days.
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Policy

Lawmakers, advocates demand rent freeze for New Yorkers affected by coronavirus

Photo by Paulo O on Flickr

March 23, 2020

Lawmakers, advocates demand rent freeze for New Yorkers affected by coronavirus

By Devin Gannon

Evictions have been halted. Mortgage payments have been suspended. What about rents? New York renters, elected officials, and tenant advocacy groups are calling for a temporary rent freeze to provide financial relief to both workers and businesses impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. State Sen. Michael Gianaris, who represents parts of Queens, will introduce a measure on Monday that would suspend rent payments for 90 days for tenants and small businesses, as the Daily News first reported.
More here

Policy

Electric moped service Revel offers free rides in Brooklyn and Queens for healthcare workers

Photo courtesy of Revel

March 20, 2020

Electric moped service Revel offers free rides in Brooklyn and Queens for healthcare workers

By Devin Gannon

Healthcare workers in Brooklyn and Queens will receive a free membership from the electric moped service Revel, the company announced Friday. Revel will also expand its service area to cover four major medical centers in those two boroughs, including Elmhurst Hospital, Maimonides Medical Center, NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center. The measure allows these critical workers to commute to work, instead of taking public transportation.
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Transit

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