City Living

A new digital cookbook is supporting Chinatown businesses impacted by Covid-19

886’s Taiwanese Fried Rice (left); Wing Hin’s Shrimp Fried Rice (right). Courtesy of Send Chinatown Love + Umamicart.

May 3, 2021

A new digital cookbook is supporting Chinatown businesses impacted by Covid-19

Wing Hing Seafood Restaurant, 46 Mott St., Grand Tea & Imports, 886--these are just a few of the restaurants featured in the new digital cookbook Around the Roundtable: Recipes for Chinatown Favorites that was created to support Chinatown businesses. The free, downloadable cookbook comes from Send Chinatown Love, an entirely volunteer-run organization whose goal is to provide relief to small, immigrant-owned Chinatown businesses impacted by the effects of Covid-19.
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NYPL celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors

Collage of adult reading recommendations; Courtesy of the NYPL

April 30, 2021

NYPL celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors

By Devin Gannon

To mark Asian American Pacific Islander Month in May, the New York Public Library this week released a recommended reading list featuring books written by AAPI authors. The curated list includes books for adults, young adults, and children that "celebrate and foster a better understanding of the AAPI experience," according to the library.
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City Living

NYC opening guide: Dates and details for events, museums, dining, travel, and more

Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash

April 30, 2021

NYC opening guide: Dates and details for events, museums, dining, travel, and more

By 6sqft

It's been over a year since the city first shut down due to COVID-19. It's been long and painful, but we are finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that most state-mandated capacity restrictions would be lifted on May 19, with some exceptions. Nearly all aspects of city living-- including sports stadiums and arenas, restaurants, events, museums, weddings, amusement parks, movie theaters, and travel--are gradually returning to a new normal. Ahead, we've put together a list of all the reopening dates and details in New York City. We'll be updating this list as more information becomes available.
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NYC’s Open Streets program to be made permanent under new legislation

Photo looking south on open West End Avenue, taken by 6sqft on 5.16.20

April 30, 2021

NYC’s Open Streets program to be made permanent under new legislation

By Devin Gannon

The popular program that closed streets to cars for pedestrian use will be made permanent under legislation passed by the New York City Council on Thursday. The "Open Streets" initiative first launched last spring as a way to make social distancing easier and to reduce crowds at parks during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in the city. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would provide some funding and resources to the largely volunteer-led program while ensuring the open streets are fairly allocated among communities.
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New York City will fully reopen on July 1 says Mayor de Blasio

Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash

April 29, 2021

New York City will fully reopen on July 1 says Mayor de Blasio

By Dana Schulz

In an appearance on Morning Joe this morning, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he plans to lift all Covid-related restrictions in New York City by July 1st, arguably the biggest step towards a return to normalcy. According to his timeline, this summer, restaurants, stadiums, and museums will all start operating at 100 percent capacity, schools will fully reopen in the fall, and Broadway will return in September. "We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength," said the mayor.
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April 28, 2021

Share historic photos of your mom in New York City as part of a new crowdsourced map

By Devin Gannon

A card and flowers are nice, but what about making your mom a documented piece of New York City's history? Tech nonprofit Urban Archive this week launched "NY <3 Moms," a new crowdsourced campaign in celebration of Mother's Day. The group is asking New Yorkers to submit photos of their moms or caregivers taken across the five boroughs that will then be added to their extensive digital map of historic images.
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City Living

Cuomo expands capacity at museums, movie theaters, and sports arenas

Photo by Taylor Heery on Unsplash

April 26, 2021

Cuomo expands capacity at museums, movie theaters, and sports arenas

By Devin Gannon

Entertainment and cultural venues in New York will soon welcome more visitors. Starting April 26, capacity limits at museums and zoos will be raised to 50 percent and to 33 percent at movie theaters. Starting May 19, large indoor sports arenas can increase capacity from 10 percent to 25 percent, and outdoor venues from 20 to 33 percent. In addition, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that as of May 15, offices can increase capacity from 50 to 75 percent, casinos and gaming facilities from 25 to 50 percent, and gyms outside of NYC from 33 to 50 percent.
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‘Piazza di Belmont’ returns to the Bronx’s Little Italy with outdoor dining on Arthur Avenue

Photo courtesy of the Belmont Business Improvement District

April 13, 2021

‘Piazza di Belmont’ returns to the Bronx’s Little Italy with outdoor dining on Arthur Avenue

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's most famous foodie destinations will once again transform into an outdoor dining hot spot this spring. Starting April 30, "Piazza di Belmont" returns to the Bronx's Little Italy neighborhood, with several restaurants setting up al fresco seating along historic Arthur Avenue. Developed by the Belmont Business Improvement District, the European-style experience first debuted last summer as part of the city's "Open Restaurants" program.
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City Living

This new cookbook grew from the grassroots effort to share baked goods with essential workers

Photo by Taylor Grote on Unsplash

April 12, 2021

This new cookbook grew from the grassroots effort to share baked goods with essential workers

By Dana Schulz

Award-winning pastry chef Tracy Wilk says, "being in the kitchen makes me happy; it emits a sense of calm where love is shown with a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies." When the pandemic struck her home of New York City, she found herself with too many treats to eat herself. So, she began sharing them with essential workers. This turned into an international movement called #BakeItForward, which is also the title of Tracy's new cookbook. Not only does the book contain a ton of yummy recipes--from Quarantine Banana Bread to Classic Snickerdoodles--but it also includes inspirational stories from bakers and frontline workers around the world.
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Why now is the right time to move to New York City

Photo by Valentin Wechsler on Unsplash

April 12, 2021

Why now is the right time to move to New York City

By Karen Zabarsky

In November 2020, Heather White decided it was time to move to Brooklyn and open her gym’s second location there. She founded Trillfit, a runaway fitness sensation, in Boston and was ready to expand. People in her life told her New York is not the place to be right now. Her response: New York is always the place. "When everybody goes left, we go right." It’s the best-kept secret among New Yorkers—now is the time to move to New York City.
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COVID vaccination site opens in Times Square for theater, film, and TV workers

By Devin Gannon

A coronavirus vaccination site with appointments set aside for theater, film, and television workers opened in Times Square on Monday. Last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to open a vaccine hub on Broadway for the theater industry ahead of The Great White Way's expected reopening later this year. The newly opened site, located at 20 Times Square, will now have vaccine slots designated for TV and film actors and crew members.
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‘Whispering Libraries’ broadcasts music and poetry from hidden outdoor speakers across Brooklyn

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

April 9, 2021

‘Whispering Libraries’ broadcasts music and poetry from hidden outdoor speakers across Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

While the city's public libraries remain open for grab-and-go lobby service only, a new initiative brings poetry and literature right to you. The Brooklyn Public Library this month launched Whispering Libraries, an outdoor audio experience featuring a collection of oral histories, podcast excerpts, spoken word, and more, broadcast from hidden speakers at branches across the borough. The curated playlists can be heard up to five times per day at 10 select branches.
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NYC beaches will open for Memorial Day Weekend

Photo of Coney Island by Dan DeLuca on Flickr

April 7, 2021

NYC beaches will open for Memorial Day Weekend

By Devin Gannon

After a shortened season in 2020, New York City's public pools and beaches will open on time this summer, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday. All eight city beaches will open for the season starting Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 29, with 48 outdoor pools welcoming swimmers beginning on June 26. Last year, beaches and pools did not open for swimming until July 1 and August 1, respectively, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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City Living

Pop-up pools proposed for NYC’s open streets this summer

A “dumpster pool” opened on Park Avenue in 2010 as part of the city’s Summer Streets initiative, courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

April 7, 2021

Pop-up pools proposed for NYC’s open streets this summer

By Devin Gannon

Last year, New York City public beaches and pools did not open until July because of the coronavirus pandemic. This year, city comptroller and mayoral candidate Scott Stringer wants to make sure New Yorkers from all boroughs can enjoy the summer season by making pools, beaches, and the city's waterfront more accessible. In a proposal announced on Tuesday, Stringer called on the city to bring a series of pop-up pools to Open Streets and vacant lots in neighborhoods that lack green space.
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Mobile vaccine bus launches in New York City this week

Photo courtesy of NYC Mayor’s Office

April 6, 2021

Mobile vaccine bus launches in New York City this week

By Dana Schulz

As of today, all New Yorkers ages 16+ are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, and one of the ways the city is making the process easier is through a new mobile vaccine bus. The bus can administer 150-200 doses per day and will be focused on NYC's most vulnerable residents. To that end, during its first week, the bus will focus on vaccinating restaurant and delivery workers. Currently, the city's mobile vaccine fleet includes 20 vans.
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Vaccinations should come with meal, museum, and MetroCard vouchers, mayoral candidate proposes

Photo by Eden, Janine, and Jim on Flickr

April 6, 2021

Vaccinations should come with meal, museum, and MetroCard vouchers, mayoral candidate proposes

By Devin Gannon

New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Scott Stringer on Monday proposed a new way to give a "booster shot" to the city's economy. The program would give New Yorkers receiving a coronavirus vaccine shot "VaxPacks," a swag bag of vouchers for local businesses, cultural venues, and a two-trip MetroCard. Stringer said the initiative encourages vaccinations and supports small businesses, while also increasing subway and bus ridership, which has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
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City Living

Transformative East Village drag nightclub Pyramid Club closes for good

Photo by Americasroof via Wikimedia Commons

April 2, 2021

Transformative East Village drag nightclub Pyramid Club closes for good

By Dana Schulz

After 42 years, the East Village's legendary Pyramid Club has closed permanently, as was first reported by EV Grieve. The club at 101 Avenue A is "credited with creating the East Village drag and gay scenes of the 1980s, launching a new politically-conscious form of drag performance art in the early 1980s," according to Andrew Berman of Village Preservation, and is the place where celebrated performers such as Lady Bunny and RuPaul got their start. The Pyramid Club has remained closed since the pandemic began, as nightclubs were never permitted to reopen until now, but the burden of the past year made the owners decide to shut down for good.
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City Living

New York launches digital COVID-19 vaccination pass as part of reopening effort

Photo courtesy of Governor Cuomo’s office

March 29, 2021

New York launches digital COVID-19 vaccination pass as part of reopening effort

By 6sqft

New York on Friday became the first state to officially launch a digital passport for the coronavirus, which involves a smartphone app that shows proof of an individual's vaccination or recent negative test. Developed in partnership with IBM, the "Excelsior Pass" is designed like a mobile airline boarding pass and is part of the state's plan to reopen businesses, entertainment venues, and wedding reception halls. Following a pilot program tested at a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center and at a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden earlier this year, the app will expand to smaller arts and culture venues and theaters on April 2, the same day live performances can return to New York.
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Broadway stars to perform in NYC rooftop concert series

Photo courtesy of TodayTix

March 26, 2021

Broadway stars to perform in NYC rooftop concert series

By Devin Gannon

Welcoming back the return of live performance in New York City is an outdoor concert series featuring Broadway stars. Next month, ticket-selling company TodayTix will host in-person performances by Lauren Patten and Derek Klena from Jagged Little Pill, Ana Villafañe from On Your Feet!, and The Lion King's Bradley Gibson on the rooftop of a Manhattan building. The shows mark one of the first live ticketed events to take place in the city after over a year.
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NYC’s ‘Open Culture’ program kicks off this weekend with outdoor performances

Mayor Bill de Blasio announces the opening of the Open Culture Program to allow live performances on designated streets. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

March 19, 2021

NYC’s ‘Open Culture’ program kicks off this weekend with outdoor performances

By Devin Gannon

More than 100 streets in New York can become stages under the city's Open Culture program that launched this month. Modeled after the Open Streets and Open Restaurant initiatives that close some streets to cars and let restaurants set up creative outdoor dining seating, this new permit type allows ticketed, socially distanced performances, rehearsals, classes, and workshops to take place on blocks in every borough. Mayor Bill de Blasio this week said the first three performances under the program would take place on Friday, with events in Mott Haven, Williamsburg, and Harlem.
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We Remember: New Yorkers share stories of loss, light, and love during the COVID pandemic

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

March 11, 2021

We Remember: New Yorkers share stories of loss, light, and love during the COVID pandemic

By Dana Schulz

There's no way to describe this past year in words. We can list all the adjectives--painful, scary, hopeful, etc.--but no combination can truly articulate what it meant to be a New Yorker during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Sunday, the city will mark March 14--one year since NYC lost its first resident to the virus--with an official day of remembrance for the nearly 30,000 city residents who passed away. For our part, we decided to speak with our fellow New Yorkers and ask who or what they would like to remember on this somber anniversary. It might be someone they've lost, someone who did something heroic, or a larger group or event that played a role. And with these raw stories, we think we can describe this year, through all the feelings that can never be put into words.
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This website helps you find leftover vaccine doses

A vaccination site in Co-Op City in the Bronx. Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office.

March 10, 2021

This website helps you find leftover vaccine doses

By Dana Schulz

In early January, NY Post reporter Hannah Frishberg shared the story of how she received a leftover dose of the COVID-19 vaccine when she happened to be at a Brooklyn clinic at the end of the day. The healthcare worker who was scheduled to receive that dose missed her appointment, and therefore "It was my arm or the garbage," wrote Frishberg. Since then, leftover doses have become more and more sought after, with some New Yorkers lining up at sites from 7am in the hopes of getting lucky. And now, a new New York-based website called Dr. B allows you to sign up on a formal standby list to be notified when local providers find themselves with extra doses.
All the info here

New Yorkers who lost loved ones to COVID can pay tribute to them during city’s memorial on March 14

Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash

March 8, 2021

New Yorkers who lost loved ones to COVID can pay tribute to them during city’s memorial on March 14

By 6sqft

This Sunday, March 14 marks one year since the first resident of New York City died from the coronavirus. Earlier this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the date will be recognized as an official day of remembrance for the nearly 30,000 city residents who passed away from the virus. This week the mayor invited people to share the names and photographs of family, friends, and neighbors lost to COVID to possibly be featured as part of the city's online memorial taking place on March 14.
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City Living

Giving citizens a (virtual) voice: How NYC can strengthen public input post-pandemic

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

February 26, 2021

Giving citizens a (virtual) voice: How NYC can strengthen public input post-pandemic

By Karen Zabarsky

Nearly a year into the pandemic, decision-making in our cities has taken center stage. Locally grown proposals by council people, small business owners, and neighbors have proven the ability to cut through red tape and innovate quickly to solve problems. Outdoor dining structures and pedestrian-only streets were implemented at a rate thought impossible before. At the same time, top-down mandates about public safety and use of funds have been at best called into question, and at worst, completely fumbled. Slow action and political quibbles have left many critical decisions out of public hands. In the face of many more important decisions to come about our city, it is high time to address a challenge that has plagued us long before the pandemic — the lack of substantial public input into big decisions.
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New data estimates 6.2% of NYC COVID cases are the UK variant

COVID-19 testing site sat the Highbridge Recreation Center in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office via Flickr

February 24, 2021

New data estimates 6.2% of NYC COVID cases are the UK variant

By Dana Schulz

A report released on Monday by the NYC Department of Health shows that 6.2 percent of new COVID cases in NYC are the B.1.1.7 variant (more commonly known as the UK variant), an increase from 2.7 percent in January. The estimate is based on 45 identified variant cases of the 724 specimens sequenced the week of February 8-14. The week prior, it was actually 7.4 percent. On their website which has been updated to include data on variant cases, the NYC DOH says that the UK strain is "more transmissible than other variants and may cause more severe illness."
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City Living

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