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

Hoboken will allow gyms to use parks and fields for outdoor workout classes

Hoboken, New Jersey Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla signed an executive order yesterday that permits fitness clubs to "utilize certain City fields and parks in order to facilitate safe, socially distanced outdoor workouts." Because of reopening measures outlined by Governor Murphy that will reduce capacity at indoor gyms and fitness facilities, Mayor Bhalla is encouraging owners of such businesses licensed in Hoboken to apply to host outdoor classes of up to 15 people with "strict social distancing guidelines of at least six feet between each participant at all times." With the permission of property owners, gyms can also hold outdoor classes in parking lots.
More details here
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 28, 2020

$2.3M Park Slope rowhouse has tranquil interiors and a party-ready backyard

This uber-charming brick rowhouse on the Park Slope/Gowanus border is pretty perfect for quarantine; it has soothing interiors to keep you calm during this stressful time, but the backyard is party-ready for those times when you need to let loose. Located at 720 Sackett Street and just listed for $2.3 million, the 19th-century home was renovated in 2017 and has three bedrooms, a gated front yard, and a finished basement.
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May 27, 2020

Meet iMakr, the Brooklyn 3D-printer that’s made 5,000 face shields for NYC’s healthcare workers

When the Mayor and the Governor spoke out about the city's dire need for PPE, many hero companies stepped up to the plate, including Industry City's iMakr, an outpost of the world's largest 3D-printing and 3D-scanning store. They knew they had enough equipment and the know-how to create simple but much-needed face shields, and so their three-man team in Brooklyn immediately got to work. To date, they've distributed more than 5,000 face shields to more than 20 local hospitals. Ahead, we chat with Jack Keum, iMakr's business manager, to learn more about the company's mission to help our frontline workers through this crisis.
Hear from Jack
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 27, 2020

This Saturday, partake in a virtual dachshund festival for peak cuteness

If quarantine's got you down, the Washington Square Park Conservancy has just the thing to lift your mood. This Saturday afternoon, along with their partner the Dachshund Friendship Club, the organization is taking its annual Dachshund Spring Fiesta virtual for a full hour of adorableness, including a sing-along to the "Dachsong."
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May 27, 2020

$2.8M restored Victorian brings suburban living to Prospect Park South

If working from home has you dreaming of a simpler life in the suburbs, this gorgeous house in Prospect Park South could be the perfect middle ground. Just listed for $2,825,000, the 1903 Victorian at 79 Argyle Road has been completely restored and updated, boasting tons of historic charm and plenty of modern upgrades. Not only does it have seven bedrooms, but there's a spacious alcove guest studio apartment. Other perks include an enclosed porch, stone patio, rear deck and garden, and a private two-car garage.
Take the tour
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

8 virtual things to do this week: Outer space, sourdough, Questlove, and more

If you're having a tough time coming back to work after the long weekend, this roster of virtual events will help soften the blow. From an all-day celebration of the first US human mission to space in almost a decade to a virtual dinner party hosted by Questlove to a six-part sourdough class, there's plenty to do this week to keep busy and stay entertained.
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May 26, 2020

Watch the winner of New York’s mask-awareness video competition

After a photo of a jam-packed Hudson River Park filled with non-mask-wearers went viral earlier this month, Governor Cuomo launched a new competition that asked New Yorkers to submit videos that show why it is so important to wear a mask in public. After receiving more than 600 submissions, the state narrowed it down to five finalists last week. And today, after 186,117 votes were counted, the winning video was announced, titled "We <3 New York."
Watch the winner and the runners up here
May 26, 2020

206 affordable apartments available at mixed-used development in East New York, from $375/month

In East New York, a new affordable housing lottery has just launched for 206 units at a large new development at 2858 Linden Boulevard. Ranging from $375/month studios to $2,143/month two-bedrooms, the apartments are available to those earning 30, 40, 50, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income. The building was designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning, which is responsible for three buildings on the mixed-use site. They all surround a landscaped courtyard terrace, and this building, site one, also has a community room, children’s playroom, bike room, on-site card-operated laundry room, and parking.
Find out if you qualify
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 26, 2020

For $7,000/month, rent this modern Clinton Hill townhouse with a treehouse-like backyard

Listing images courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens This adorable three-story carriage house in Clinton Hill has just about everything you'd want from Brooklyn townhouse living--curb appeal, modern interiors, and amazing outdoor space. And if you're looking to get your feet wet in the home market, this could be the perfect place to start, as it's available as a $7,000/month rental. Located at 435 Waverly Avenue, the brick house has three or four bedrooms, a top-floor balcony, and both a deck and garden that feel like a grownup version of a treehouse.
Look around
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May 22, 2020

$599,000 Kensington co-op gets plenty of light for your plant collection

Kensington tends to be an overlooked neighborhood, but it's close to Green-Wood Cemetery and the southeastern end of Prospect Park, and this building at 350 Ocean Parkway is also right near all the shops and restaurants on Cortelyou Road and Church Avenue. Plus, the price is most certainly right for this $599,000 co-op. The listing says it's one-and-a-half bedrooms, but the second room is still plenty bright and big. And speaking of bright, the unit gets natural light from three exposures, perfect for this lovely plant collection.
Take a tour
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

What will the summer real estate market look like in NYC this year?

When the coronavirus first came barreling down on New York City in March, we asked some of the city's top brokers and agents how they thought the crisis would affect the real estate market. At that time, the big factor was uncertainty, but we now know more about the virus and the trajectory that New York's reopening is on. So what will the summer, typically the height of the market, look like this year? 6sqft spoke to real estate experts across the board to get their predictions on what's ahead, from which price points will be most affected to what amenities buyers are looking for to trends in the surrounding suburbs.
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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 21, 2020

18 affordable units come online at new Stuyvesant Heights rental, from $1,355/month

Located on the border of Stuyvesant Heights and Weeksville, this new rental building at 343 Ralph Avenue has just opened up an affordable housing lottery for 18 units available to those earning 60 percent of the area median income. The building is just two blocks from the C train at Ralph Avenue, and amenities include a backyard, app-operated laundry room, bike room, and storage. The units range from $1,355/month studios to $1,749/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
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
May 20, 2020

NYC landmarks will ‘go green’ to honor parks workers

At sunset on Thursday, May 21, the Empire State Building, Central Park Arsenal, Washington Square Park Arch, Coney Island's Parachute Jump, and the Bronx's Ranaqua Park will "go green" to honor parks workers, who have been part of the city's essential workforce during the current COVID crisis. #GoingGreenForParkies "is the ultimate acknowledgment and thank you for all their hard work," which has kept public parks well-maintained "in support of the mental and physical health of all visitors," according to a press release.
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May 20, 2020

150-name waitlist opens for modern affordable rentals next to Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Photo courtesy of CityRealty Known as Enclave at the Cathedral, this pair of 13- and 15-story towers adjacent to the landmarked Cathedral of St. John the Divine (the world's largest cathedral, to be exact) in Morningside Heights was built in 2016. At the time, a housing lottery opened for the 428-unit rental's 87 affordable apartments. Four years later, a waiting list has come online that will randomly select 150 applicants earning 60 percent of the area median income for future vacancies in these units, which range from $888/month studios to $1,427/month two-bedrooms.
See if you qualify
May 20, 2020

Majority of NYC workers in hard-hit retail, restaurant industry live in low-income neighborhoods: report

Nearly every industry in New York City taken a hit financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. But the businesses forced to close their doors, or switch to delivery only, because of the state's"pause" order, including restaurants, retail, hotels, and personal care services, have been especially affected by the current crisis. According to a new report from the think tank Center for an Urban Future, the workers from these hard-hit sectors, where layoffs have been most common, also live in the city's low-income neighborhoods. And while more than half of the jobs in these industries are located in Manhattan, 81 percent of the workers live in the outer boroughs.
More details here
May 20, 2020

Jackie Kennedy’s childhood summer home in the Hamptons hits the market for $7.5M

As was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, the historic home in the Hamptons where Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis spent her childhood summers has hit the market for $7.5 million. Known as Wildmoor, the home was built in 1865 and was owned by Jackie's grandfather John Vernou Bouvier Jr. in the early 1900s. By the time Jackie was a child in the 1930s, her grandparents had bought an even more impressive East Hampton home called Lasata, which left Wildmoor free for Jackie and her parents when they left Park Avenue for the Hamptons during the summer.
Go inside
May 19, 2020

See the observation deck proposed for the Chrysler Building

An observation deck will return to the Chrysler Building. During a Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing on Tuesday, Aby Rosen's RFR Realty, which bought the Art Deco landmark last year for $151 million, presented its proposal to revamp the skyscraper's 61st and 62nd floors to allow for public access. The Chrysler Building previously housed an observatory, which opened on the 71st floor in 1945 as the Celestial.
Details this way
May 19, 2020

Waldorf Astoria reveals new looks and virtual tours

After launching condo sales in March, the Waldorf Astoria is making the most of the current times by releasing new renderings and 3-D tours that let you walk through the sales gallery and model residence virtually. In addition to getting a look inside the luxury condos, there are new views of the outdoor terrace that extend off the uber-glamorous residents-only pool.
See more here
May 19, 2020

Public art campaign lights up Times Square in support of essential workers

A public art campaign is lighting up Times Square in support of New York City's healthcare and essential workers. As part of a joint effort by Times Square Arts, For Freedoms, and Poster House, "Messages for the City," now in its second phase, features work from more than 30 artists and designers on digital public service announcements in New York, Boston, and Chicago.
Find out more
May 19, 2020

Peter Luger is now delivering its famous dry-aged steaks

If you're looking to get a little fancy during quarantine, you can now order Peter Luger's famous dry-aged porterhouse for delivery. Eater tells us that the 133-year-old Williamsburg steakhouse has just reopened and is offering takeout and delivery for the first time ever. And you don't even have to live close by to get in the action--delivery will be available in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. In addition to the famous steaks, you can order the $18.95 Luger Burger (usually only available for lunch), the Luger bacon, the wedge salad, lamb chops, and more.
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May 19, 2020

Leasing launches at Williamsburg’s historic Dime Savings Bank, rentals from $3,000/month

Leasing has officially kicked off at The Dime, a rental building in South Williamsburg that combines the landmarked Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh with a new 23-story residential tower. Designed by Fogarty Finger Architecture, the project incorporates the century-old Neoclassical-style bank building as the tower's podium and includes 177 luxury apartments and office space above it. Apartments range from roughly $3,000/month for a studio to more than $6,000 for a three-bedroom. The two penthouse apartments available are starting at $13,000/month.
See inside
May 19, 2020

Affordable housing lottery opens for 45 units in Central Harlem, from $824

New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income are now welcome to apply for 45 affordable units at a new supportive housing building in Central Harlem. Located at 310 West 127th Street, the residence has set aside 60 percent of its units for low-income or formerly homeless households with special needs referred by city agencies, while the remaining 40 percent are available to the public through this lottery. They range from $824/month studios to $1,451/month three-bedrooms.
See the qualifications
May 18, 2020

NYC releases map with COVID deaths broken down by ZIP code

The city's health department on Monday released for the first time the coronavirus death rate by ZIP code. A table and interactive map reveal the death rate per 100,000 residents in each neighborhood, along with the number of confirmed cases, case counts, death counts, and the percent of people who tested positive. The new information confirms earlier data that found a disparity in deaths caused by the virus among people of color and those who live in low-income neighborhoods.
See the data
May 18, 2020

NYC politicians call for outdoor restaurant seating on sidewalks, streets, and parking spots

There's still a way to go before restaurants in New York City can fully reopen (they'll be in phase three of the plan), but the struggling industry is hoping that the city will help in the form of outdoor seating. As Eater first reported last month, restaurant owners are advocating for the Mayor to extend his current open streets from pedestrians to al fresco dining to allow for more social distancing. And now, local elected officials are joining the call, hoping that sidewalks, streets, and parking spots can be used for outdoor service starting this weekend. The call comes after crowds were spotted gathering on sidewalks and drinking since the city has allowed bars and restaurants to sell to-go drinks.
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May 18, 2020

New Yorkers invited to design iconic Rockefeller Center flags

A public art competition launched last week that asks New Yorkers to submit designs for the iconic flags that surround the Rink at Rockefeller Center. Led by the site's developer Tishman Speyer, "The Flag Project" is looking for artwork that celebrates New York City, whether it be through graphic design, a drawing, or collage. Winning designs will be made into flags and flown from Rockefeller Center's 192 flagpoles this August as part of a temporary exhibit.
Find out more
May 18, 2020

13 virtual things to do this week: Pizza, mozzarella, African dance, and affordable housing

With the warm weather sticking around it's getting a bit harder to stay inside, but this list of fun virtual events and ideas for things to do will help make this week much more bearable. From an online mozzarella-making class to a chat with the man who possesses the world's largest collection of pizza boxes, there are plenty of foodie options. You can also enjoy BAM's DanceAfrica programming, learn about affordable housing, take a virtual tour of the Merchant's House Museum, and much more.
Check out this week's event guide
May 18, 2020

MTA adds social distancing markers, considers reservation system for subway and bus

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority last week launched a pilot program to keep commuters socially distanced on subway platforms. The transit authority installed markers on the floors of a few stations on the Upper East Side that encourage straphangers to remain six feet from others to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In addition to new signage, mask requirements, and a vigorous disinfection plan that involves an overnight shutdown of service, the MTA is also considering creating a reservation system for seats on the city's subways and buses to limit crowds.
Details this way
May 18, 2020

Domino Park puts social-distancing circles in place to control crowds

After continued overcrowding despite the city's social distancing mandates, Domino Park has taken a unique approach to control crowds. Over the weekend, the Williamsburg waterfront park implemented painted white circles to delineate the appropriate spacing for persons or groups. As Greenpointers first noticed, photos on social media seem to show people sticking within their circles and even waiting nearby for circles to open up.
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May 18, 2020

NYC drive-in festival to open near Yankee Stadium this summer

A drive-in festival with live performances, movies, and local food vendors is set to open near Yankee Stadium this summer, offering New Yorkers a way to have fun without violating social distancing rules. From the event planners who put on the Bronx Night Market and the Bronx Beer Fest, the "Uptown Drive-In Experience" is slated to open in July as a "social distancing playground," according to the organizers.
More here
May 18, 2020

Famous artist couple lists their 1797 Sag Harbor house for $3.5M

If you've been looking to buy property outside the city, here's your chance to do it before summer starts AND own a piece of history. This Federal-style home in Sag Harbor was built in 1797 as the original "pastor’s manse" that belonged to the Presbyterian Church. In the 20th century, its history turned more artistic; it was owned by screen actor Hurd Hatfield from 1951 to 1972 and then by celebrated Jazz musician Hal McKusick until 2017. Famed artist couple Eric Fischl and April Gornik bought it after that and undertook an extensive renovation that modernized the home while preserving its early American architectural features. They've now listed it for $3.5 million.
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May 17, 2020

New York launches interactive map to find COVID testing sites near you

New York now has 700+ COVID testing sites across the state and is doing twice the amount of testing of the entire rest of the country. To make it easier for residents to get themselves tested, Governor Cuomo announced on Sunday the launch of a new interactive map that will show the testing sites closest to you. He also announced that the criteria to get tested has expanded to include those who would return to work in phase one.
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May 15, 2020

15 chances to live in a new Bed-Stuy rental, from $2,204/month

Fifteen newly constructed apartments in Bed-Stuy are now available through the city's affordable housing lottery, priced slightly below market-rate. Located at 325 Gates Avenue, the six-floor rental sits off bustling Bedford Avenue and just a few blocks from the G train on Lafayette Avenue. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which include $2,204/month studios, $2,314/month one-bedrooms, and $2,792/month two-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?

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