16 books about New York City by Black authors

Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

June 18, 2020

16 books about New York City by Black authors

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The Black Lives Matter movement has strong roots in New York City, and with this in mind, 6sqft has put together a list of books about or related to New York City, all by Black authors. Including fiction and nonfiction, our list includes classics like Paule Marshall's Brown Girl, Brownstones and James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time to contemporary works like Kiley Reid's Such a Fun Age and Elaine Welteroth's More Than Enough.
Check out the full list
NYC freezes rent for stabilized apartments

Photo by Goh Rhy Yan on Unsplash

June 18, 2020

NYC freezes rent for stabilized apartments

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The Rent Guidelines Board on Wednesday voted to freeze rents for one year for rent-regulated apartments, offering tenants temporary relief in the current economic recession caused by the coronavirus. The nine-member board approved a measure that freezes rent for one-year leases and for the first year of two-year leases, which can increase 1 percent during the second year.
More here
In Brooklyn’s first skyscraper, this $1.4M condo has a magazine-ready kitchen and a private terrace

Photo credit: Russ Ross, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 18, 2020

In Brooklyn’s first skyscraper, this $1.4M condo has a magazine-ready kitchen and a private terrace

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Downtown Brooklyn's Belltel Lofts are housed in a landmarked Art Deco tower at 365 Bridge Street that just happens to be the borough's very first skyscraper. Built in 1929 as the headquarters for the New York Telephone Company, the 27-story building was designed by "architect of the century" Ralph Walker. In 2008, it was converted to condos by Beyer Blinder Belle and now has 217 apartments. This sunny unit, listed for $1,395,000, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a private terrace that overlooks Downtown Brooklyn and sits against the building's gorgeous brickwork.
See the whole place
New report calls for a 425-mile protected bikeway that would connect NYC’s five boroughs

Current bike lanes by Union Square; Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Transportation on Flickr

June 17, 2020

New report calls for a 425-mile protected bikeway that would connect NYC’s five boroughs

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When the coronavirus pandemic hit New York City earlier this year, many New Yorkers swapped the subway for cycling as a more socially distant way to commute. Now as the city enters its COVID-19 recovery phase, a planning group is calling on officials to build a network of protected bike lanes across the five boroughs. The Regional Plan Association (RPA) on Wednesday released a report that details plans for a 425-mile bikeway that could be constructed over the next five years and provide a continuous, safe connection between the boroughs.
More here
NYC is ready to enter phase two on Monday
June 17, 2020

NYC is ready to enter phase two on Monday

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With this Sunday marks 14 days since New York City entered its first phase of reopening, the question posed to Mayor de Blasio has been whether or not the city will enter phase two this coming Monday. In his press conference this morning, the mayor said he believes it's more likely to occur in early July, as he wants to monitor the COVID testing rates in light of recent protests. However, in a press conference just a couple hours later, Governor Cuomo said the city will enter phase two on Monday. "The same metrics we use in New York City are the same metrics we've used in every region across the state, and they have all shown to be accurate and effective. We don't change the rules for New York City," he said, adding that the purpose of a phased approach is to allow local governments "to get their acts together."
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43 income-restricted units available at new Harlem high-rise, from $1,208/month

Photo of 56 West 125th Street © CityRealty

June 17, 2020

43 income-restricted units available at new Harlem high-rise, from $1,208/month

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Applications are now being accepted for 43 middle-income apartments at a brand new rental in the heart of Harlem. Located at 56 West 125th Street, the 17-story building contains 141 units and more than 8,700 square feet of ground-floor retail. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from $1,208/month studios to $2,710/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
On a quiet West Village mews, this $3.5M loft is super chic

Photo credit: Drew Dies, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 17, 2020

On a quiet West Village mews, this $3.5M loft is super chic

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The West Village's Printing House condo at 421 Hudson Street has been a sought-after loft building for more than three decades, thanks to its location near both Hudson River Park and Soho and its open homes with high ceilings and massive windows. Even more coveted, though, are the homes along the Printing House's mews, a 200-foot gated and landscaped lane stretching from Leroy to Clarkson Streets that was designed by Gunn Landscape Architecture. Now on the market for $3,495,000 is a two-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot duplex on the mews that has a super sleek design and convenient layout.
Look around
This year’s U.S. Open will happen in Queens without fans

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

June 16, 2020

This year’s U.S. Open will happen in Queens without fans

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This year's 52nd annual U.S. Open will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens from August 31st to September 13th without fans, Governor Cuomo announced in his press conference today. The U.S. Tennis Association will "take extraordinary precautions to protect players and staff," which will include robust testing, increased cleaning, extra space in locker rooms, and dedicated housing and transportation. Last year's event set an all-time attendance record of 737,872, bringing in $400 million in revenue, 80 percent of the USTA’s annual total.
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Nathan’s Famous will hold 2020 hot dog eating contest without fans

Photo by Chun-Hung Eric Cheng on Flickr

June 16, 2020

Nathan’s Famous will hold 2020 hot dog eating contest without fans

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While most of New York City's annual summer activities and celebrations have been canceled or postponed this year because of the coronavirus, one event will still take place. Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest will forge ahead in Coney Island on July 4, but with no fans, fewer eaters, and social distancing measures in place.
More details
New York’s latest COVID antibody survey shows a rise in the Bronx and minority communities

Image by Scientific Animations via Wikimedia Commons

June 16, 2020

New York’s latest COVID antibody survey shows a rise in the Bronx and minority communities

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Today, Governor Cuomo released the results of the state's second-phase COVID antibody test, which randomly surveyed 12,000 people between May 1 and June 13. When the survey commenced, 12.3% of New York residents tested positive, compared with 13.4% on Saturday. The new results are more telling, however, when it comes to disparities in New York City. Though overall there was only a 1.6% increase (19.9% to 21.6%), the Bronx increased by 5% and Brooklyn and Queens by 2.1%. There are also disparities when it comes to race, as the Black and Latino/Hispanic communities have seen increases of 3.4% and 5% respectively.
More data
INTERVIEW: Architect Morris Adjmi on how Nomad’s 30 East 31st Street helps define a changing city

Renderings by The Neighbourhood, courtesy of Morris Adjmi Architects

June 16, 2020

INTERVIEW: Architect Morris Adjmi on how Nomad’s 30 East 31st Street helps define a changing city

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Among the recent architectural contributions to New York City designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, a tall, slender tower at 30 East 31st Street from developers EDG and The Pinnacle Group is quietly turning heads in the northern part of the Manhattan neighborhood known as Nomad. The 479-foot-high, 42-unit condominium tower, officially named 30E31, is now ready for occupancy. 6sqft caught up with architect and designer Morris Adjmi to get the creator's viewpoint on the notable new Manhattan residence, from his thoughts on the relatively new neighborhood to his contextual exterior design and custom interiors.
The full interview with Morris Adjmi, this way
NYC rolls out revamped affordable housing lottery system

Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash 

June 16, 2020

NYC rolls out revamped affordable housing lottery system

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New York City's highly competitive online affordable housing lottery system is getting a revamp to make applying for the income-restricted apartments easier. The city's Housing Preservation and Development on Tuesday rolled out a new web portal that aims to be more user-friendly, allowing applicants to view available lotteries on their smartphones and upload required documents online.
More here
Lottery opens for 500 affordable apartments at La Central complex in the Bronx, from $395/month

Rendering of La Central A and B, credit: MHG Architects and FXCollaborative

June 16, 2020

Lottery opens for 500 affordable apartments at La Central complex in the Bronx, from $395/month

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A housing lottery launched on Monday for 494 affordable apartments at a sprawling development in the South Bronx. Two buildings of the five-building complex La Central are now accepting applications for the units, which range from $395/month studios to $2,689/month four-bedrooms. The rentals, located at 556 and 600 Bergen Avenue, contain a 50,000-square-foot YMCA, GrowNYC-operated rooftop gardens, and ground-floor retail. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments.
Find out if you qualify
For $30K/month, you can live in this converted East Village synagogue

Image Credit: Warburg Realty/Martin Davis

June 16, 2020

For $30K/month, you can live in this converted East Village synagogue

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From the outside, this East Village building still looks like a traditional tenement synagogue, but inside it's an incredible four-story home. Located at 317 East 8th Street, the former 8th Street Shul was built around 1900 and converted to a private residence in 2005. It's now available to rent for $30,000 a month. The new tenant will get to enjoy 22-foot cathedral ceilings in the living room, custom windows with a 19th-century backlit Star of David, a cantilevered balcony, and three outdoor terraces, including a landscaped roof deck with a hot tub.
Take the tour
Pedestrian path on Mario M. Cuomo Bridge opens with public art, scenic overlooks, & food vendors

Photo courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

June 15, 2020

Pedestrian path on Mario M. Cuomo Bridge opens with public art, scenic overlooks, & food vendors

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The pedestrian-bike path on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge officially opened to the public on Monday. The 3.6-mile shared path serves as the "gateway to the Hudson Valley," connecting Westchester and Rockland Counties, and is one of the longest of its kind in the country, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The path features six different scenic overlooks, 10 public art pieces, and three local food trucks.
See it here
Seven New York regions will be in phase 3 this week, gatherings of up to 25 now allowed

Slide from Governor Cuomo’s 6.15.20 press presentation

June 15, 2020

Seven New York regions will be in phase 3 this week, gatherings of up to 25 now allowed

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Last week, five New York regions entered phase three of reopening, which includes indoor dining and personal care services such as nail salons, tattoo parlors, and massage parlors. In addition to the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier, Governor Cuomo announced today that Western New York will enter phase three tomorrow and the Capital Region on Wednesday. He also modified phase three to increase gatherings from 10 to 25 people.
More details here
12 virtual things to do this week: Juneteenth, restaurants, Gowanus, and more

Photo of Gowanus by Steven Pisano via Flickr cc

June 15, 2020

12 virtual things to do this week: Juneteenth, restaurants, Gowanus, and more

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This week's roster of virtual events pays attention to our current times, from a look at how the restaurant industry reopens with chef Marcus Samuelsson to a special food-based conversation around Juneteenth. In addition, the 92Y continues its "92Y Confronts Hate" series, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden streams a concert by composer-trombonist Craig Harris, whose music has been focused on the art of breathing since the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in 2014. You can also take virtual tours of Gowanus and the mansions of the Hamptons.
Check out the full list
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New Jersey sues Asbury Park for ignoring state order on indoor dining

Photo Acroterion via Wikimedia Commons

June 12, 2020

New Jersey sues Asbury Park for ignoring state order on indoor dining

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Earlier this week, a beach town in New Jersey said it would allow indoor dining at some businesses next week, defying a recent executive order from Gov. Phil Murphy. The Asbury Park City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution to allow bars and restaurants to open their dining rooms at 25 percent capacity starting Monday. Earlier this month, Murphy signed an order that would allow for limited outdoor dining at restaurants starting June 15, but he said "we're not there yet," when it comes to indoor dining. In response, the governor announced today that the state would be suing Asbury to prevent this from happening.
Learn more
For $1.1M, a cottage-like Park Slope co-op with a roof deck

Photo credit: Russ Ross, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 12, 2020

For $1.1M, a cottage-like Park Slope co-op with a roof deck

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The pitched lapboard ceilings, exposed brick, and cozy nooks make this Park Slope co-op feel like a little cottage in the sky. But when you step onto the rooftop and peer across brownstone Brooklyn, you'll be reminded that you're still in the city. Located at 16 Montgomery Place, the two-bedroom apartment has even more lovely perks, including a wood-burning fireplace, three skylights, and tons of built-ins.
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Jersey City moves forward with $40M renovation of historic Loew’s Theatre

All photos taken by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft.

June 12, 2020

Jersey City moves forward with $40M renovation of historic Loew’s Theatre

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The historic Loew's Wonder Theatre in Jersey City is finally set to receive the restoration it's waited years for. Built in 1929 by architect George Rapp in a gilded, Baroque-Rococo style, the Loew's Jersey was as a lavish entertainment destination for decades, until it was converted to a triplex movie theater in the '70s and almost faced the wrecking ball in the '80s. But through a grassroots preservation effort, the city bought the theater in 1987, allowing the nonprofit Friends of the Loew’s to begin restoration and operate as a nonprofit arts center. Though the group has made incredible progress, a significant amount of work remains. Now, the Wall Street Journal reports that Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is searching for a commercial operator to help with the $40 million restoration and modernization effort of the 3,000-seat theater.
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100-name waitlist opens for middle-income units at artsy rental in Flatbush, with 6 months free rent

Street view of Emsemble; Map data © 2020 Google

June 12, 2020

100-name waitlist opens for middle-income units at artsy rental in Flatbush, with 6 months free rent

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On the border of East Flatbush and Crown Heights, a 100-name waitlist has just opened for middle-income apartments at 824 East New York Avenue. The building, known as the Ensemble, was built in 2018 and is known for its facade adorned with colorful murals. As Bklyner reported, the piece was done by Argentinian artists Ariel Rouco and Augusto Turallas, who worked with the owners to represent the area's different cultures. The units range from $1,800/month studios to $2,600/month two-bedrooms and are available to those earning 130 percent of the area median income. Those selected will receive six months free rent.
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200-name affordable waitlist opens at new rental near Greenpoint waterfront, from $2,100/month

Photo of 197 Freeman Street’s roof deck by Heidi Solander, courtesy of StudiosC

June 12, 2020

200-name affordable waitlist opens at new rental near Greenpoint waterfront, from $2,100/month

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A lottery launched on Friday for placement on a 200-name waitlist for apartments at a new rental building in Greenpoint. Located at 197 Freeman Street, the building features amenities including on-site laundry, fitness center, bike storage, indoor garage, and a landscaped roof deck with sweet views of Manhattan. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply. Apartments range from $2,100/month studios to $3,219/month two-bedrooms. Eligible applicants will be randomly selected and placed on the waitlist for future vacancies.
Find out if you qualify
$4.9M lakefront mansion was built for the founder of Tuxedo Park

Photos by Jump Visual

June 11, 2020

$4.9M lakefront mansion was built for the founder of Tuxedo Park

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Tuxedo Park is probably best known on the surface as the place where the tuxedo got its name, but the reason that this style landed here from English nobility is that this upstate gated community was home to Gilded Age mansions and their wealthy, high-society residents. Today, most of these incredible homes remain, including this one at 84 East Lake Road. In fact, the monolithic stone lake house was built for Pierre Lorillard, heir to the Lorillard Tobacco Company and founder of Tuxedo Park. Currently listed for $4,900,000, the incredible estate sits on four-and-a-half acres and boasts a grand oval living room with 24-foot ceilings, several stone outbuildings, a floating dock, barn, carriage trails, and more.
See the whole place
Tour the striking residences of Morris Adjmi’s condo tower in Nomad

Renderings by The Neighbourhood, courtesy of Morris Adjmi Architects

June 11, 2020

Tour the striking residences of Morris Adjmi’s condo tower in Nomad

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As the architecturally stunning residential tower at 30 East 31st Street nears completion, we're getting a look inside the 479-foot-tall skyscraper. Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, the high-rise mixes Neo-Gothic and Art Deco styles present in the historic Nomad neighborhood to create one of the most distinctive new buildings in the city. The sleek design continues to the interiors of 30 E 31, where its 42 apartments boast custom woodwork and floor-to-ceiling windows.
See inside
14 virtual Pride events in NYC this year

Image by gagnonm1993 from Pixabay

June 11, 2020

14 virtual Pride events in NYC this year

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2020 marks 50 years since the first NYC Pride March was held, one year after the Stonewall riots. Though the LGBTQIA+ and New York City communities aren't able to celebrate in the big way that NYC Pride had planned, there will still be a special virtual March, along with many other ways to mark this momentous occasion from home, from panel discussions to a virtual 5K run to rallies and conferences.
The full list of events

Photo by Daniel Lee on Unsplash 

June 11, 2020

Ahead of city’s phase two of reopening, REBNY releases safety guidelines for real estate brokers

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As New York City looks ahead to phase two of reopening, the city's leading real estate trade group released this week safety recommendations for brokers to follow when conducting deals. Following public health protocols, the six guidelines created by the Real Estate Board of New York encourage face masks and social distancing, virtual preliminary meetings, appointment-only showings, and electronic contracts. Plus, REBNY created a COVID-19 screening questionnaire for all parties attending in-person showings to sign.
Find out more

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New York’s first guidelines for indoor dining include 50% capacity

Photo by Mike Von on Unsplash

June 11, 2020

New York’s first guidelines for indoor dining include 50% capacity

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As it currently stands, restaurants in New York are allowed to reopen for outdoor dining in phase two, which will likely occur in early July in the city, and for indoor dining in phase three, which probably won't be any sooner than late July. In his press conference yesterday, Governor Cuomo laid out the first guidelines for indoor dining. Most notably, and expectedly, they include a 50-percent occupancy limit and rules for table spacing and table barriers.
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$2.5M Central Park South penthouse has a wrap-around rooftop with beer taps, grills, and a ‘lawn’

Images courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

June 11, 2020

$2.5M Central Park South penthouse has a wrap-around rooftop with beer taps, grills, and a ‘lawn’

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A heated pergola, outdoor kitchen with both barbecue and teppanyaki grills, beer taps, a wine fridge, entertainment center, outdoor lounge, and a recreation "lawn" -- this is just some of what you'll get at this Central Park South's wrap-around rooftop terrace. The two-bedroom penthouse at 152 West 58th Street also has incredible views of the adjacent skyscrapers along Billionaires' Row, including the famous Essex House sign that reflects into the glass of One57. The interiors are super open and sleek, and the home has just hit the market for $2,490,000
See more here
See inside LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B

Photos courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

June 10, 2020

See inside LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B

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The new arrivals and departures hall at LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B will officially open on Saturday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced. The 850,000-square-foot, four-level space measures roughly 50 percent bigger than the hall it replaces and comes equipped with more check-in kiosks, security lines, and new screening systems, all aimed at improving efficiency and reducing crowds. The new hall is part of the ongoing reconstruction of LaGuardia, an $8 billion project which first broke ground in 2016.
See inside
84 affordable senior apartments available at new green development in the Bronx’s Concourse Village

Photo by Nelson Mejia Jr. via Flickr cc

June 10, 2020

84 affordable senior apartments available at new green development in the Bronx’s Concourse Village

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In a super convenient Bronx location, a brand new, sustainable development that was built as subsidized housing to help seniors "age in place" has just opened an affordable housing lottery for 84 apartments. Available to households with at least one member who is 62 years of age or older and who earn between $0 and $51,200 annually, the units will cost tenants 30 percent of their income. Designed by MAP at 122 East Clarke Place in the Concourse Village neighborhood, the building encourages social interaction through lounges on each floor, a roof terrace, and landscaped rear yard for outdoor cooking.
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35+ black-owned restaurants in NYC by borough

Photo by Paul Sableman on Wikimedia

June 10, 2020

35+ black-owned restaurants in NYC by borough

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The Black Lives Matter movement continues to grow in New York City and across the country, with many people looking to get involved, whether it's donating to antiracist organizations or studying the history of the black experience in America. Another direct action New Yorkers can take to support the black community today is shopping at black-owned businesses. Lists and guides have popped up online in the last few weeks to bring attention to these mom and pop shops, with detailed resources from Black-Owned Brooklyn and this spreadsheet created by New Yorker food critic Hannah Goldfield. The app Eat Okra, which launched three years ago, is also a helpful resource that highlights most of the black-owned restaurants in NYC, which according to Eater, includes more than 2,500 restaurants. Ahead, we break down some of the best black-owned restaurants, cafes, and bars in every borough. It is no means a comprehensive list and we encourage our readers to share with us additional places to include.
See the full list
800,000 commuters rode the subway on NYC’s first day of reopening

Day one at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave Station; Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

June 10, 2020

800,000 commuters rode the subway on NYC’s first day of reopening

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On Monday, the first day of New York City's phase one reopening, more than 800,000 straphangers rode the subway. According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, June 8 became the highest ridership day since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The agency said ridership was up during afternoon peak hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., with Manhattan seeing a 20 percent increase in ridership from the week prior. However, this is still just 15 percent of regular ridership compared to last year.
Details here
With 8,000 units, Jersey City project will be the Tri-State’s largest mixed-income housing development

Rendering of Cove Pointe, community green. Rendering by Minno and Wasko

June 10, 2020

With 8,000 units, Jersey City project will be the Tri-State’s largest mixed-income housing development

By
After receiving approval from the city, last week, developer BRP Companies revealed renderings for their Bayfront Redevelopment Project in Jersey City along the Hackensack River. Located on a former brownfield site, the 100-acre project will be built in phases, eventually resulting in 8,000 units of mixed-income housing (35 percent of which will be affordable), said to be the largest such project in the region. This fall, construction will kick off on the 16-acre first phase, known as Cove Pointe, which will bring 1,092 units of housing, with 382 set aside as affordable and workforce housing.
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$1.6M Tudor feels like a storybook castle in Westchester

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

June 9, 2020

$1.6M Tudor feels like a storybook castle in Westchester

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Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence This enchanting Tudor home in the Westchester town of Larchmont looks like something straight out of a fairytale, from its storybook facade to incredible architectural details like beamed and vaulted ceilings, arched stained-glass windows, and tons of moody work. Located at 1 Beechtree Drive on a quiet cul-de-sac, the six-bedroom home is asking $1,599,000 (h/t CIRCA).
Go inside
Harlem’s Schomburg Center releases list of books that celebrate and explore the black experience

Book cover photos courtesy of NYPL

June 9, 2020

Harlem’s Schomburg Center releases list of books that celebrate and explore the black experience

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As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to grow across the country, take this opportunity to learn more about the experience of black Americans. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture on Tuesday released a list of 95 books that foster a greater understanding of black history and culture. The Black Liberation Reading List was curated by Schomburg staff and focuses on works by black writers and scholars.
Learn more
One Manhattan Square offers COVID-19 discount up to 20 percent on luxury units

Courtesy of Extell Marketing Group/One Manhattan Square

June 9, 2020

One Manhattan Square offers COVID-19 discount up to 20 percent on luxury units

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Not only is One Manhattan Square one of the last residential buildings in New York City able to entice buyers with a 421-a tax abatement, but the Lower East Side high-rise is also currently offering major discounts on its luxury apartments. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Extell Development announced last month discounts of up to 20 percent on all remaining units at the 800-foot-tall condominium.
Find out more
For just under $2M, this Hamilton Heights penthouse has a roof deck as large as the apartment

Photo credit: Heidi Solander, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 9, 2020

For just under $2M, this Hamilton Heights penthouse has a roof deck as large as the apartment

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It's not uncommon to find apartments with outdoor space, but it is uncommon to find one with a roof deck as large as the interior. This two-bedroom condo in Hamilton Heights is 1,779 square feet inside and has a private roof deck that's an additional 1,619s square feet. Located at 458 West 146th Street, the penthouse unit's outdoor space boasts cherry trees, climbing ivy, evergreens, and plenty of space for outdoor lounging and dining. The interiors are bright, open, and classical yet modern.
See inside
Here are the NYC museums and theaters opening their lobbies to help protestors

Photo by Eden, Janine, and Jim on Flickr

June 8, 2020

Here are the NYC museums and theaters opening their lobbies to help protestors

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Although cultural institutions in New York City remain closed to the public because of the coronavirus, some are opening their lobbies to provide Black Lives Matter protestors a safe space, a restroom, snacks and water, WiFi, face masks, or just a place to recharge. The social media account "Open Your Lobby" launched last week on Twitter and Instagram to track the museums and theaters that are repurposing their space in support of protesters. According to the organizers, there are more than 70 organizations participating nationwide, with more than two dozen in New York City alone.
See the list
Coveted townhouse in Queens’ enchanted Forest Hills Gardens lists for $2.5M

Photo credit: Tina Gallo, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 8, 2020

Coveted townhouse in Queens’ enchanted Forest Hills Gardens lists for $2.5M

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This magical enclave looks more like an English village than a part of Queens, but, in fact, Forest Hills Gardens was built in the early 20th century to resemble England's garden cities. The private community consists of more than 800 free-standing and attached houses, of which one of the latter has just hit the market for $2,485,000. The six-bedroom house at 34 Greenway Terrace has the neighborhood's signature Tudor style, as well as a front patio, rear private parking spot, finished basement, and plenty of preserved details.
Go on a tour here
NYC makes 14th Street busway permanent, adds five more car-free routes

14th Street Busway; Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

June 8, 2020

NYC makes 14th Street busway permanent, adds five more car-free routes

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The busway on 14th Street in Manhattan will be made permanent, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday. The car-free strip of the street, which runs between 3rd and 9th Avenues, launched as part of a pilot program last October. The mayor called the busway, which has proven popular with riders, a "success by every measure." De Blasio also announced the phased-in addition of five new busways and 16.5 miles of bus lanes, which are meant to alleviate crowding for commuters as the city begins the reopening process.
Get the details
69 affordable senior apartments available near Shirley Chisholm State Park in East New York

Photo by Tdorante10 on Wikimedia

June 8, 2020

69 affordable senior apartments available near Shirley Chisholm State Park in East New York

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A housing lottery launched on Monday for 69 affordable apartments for seniors in the Spring Creek section of East New York in Brooklyn. The building at 10 Schroeder's Walk sits within the Fountains Development, an eight-building mixed-use complex currently under construction. The new Shirley Chisholm State Park and the Gateway Plaza Mall, which includes many restaurants and department stores, are located nearby. Applicants must be–or have at least one household member who is– 62 years of age or older and earn $45, 500 or less annually. Those who qualify will pay 30 percent of their income for the available one-bedroom apartments.
Find out if you qualify
My 3,000sqft: Architect Wid Chapman renovated his Upper East Side home using color and openness

All apartment photos by Ashok Sinha

June 5, 2020

My 3,000sqft: Architect Wid Chapman renovated his Upper East Side home using color and openness

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Wid Chapman's parents were profound modernists, his father an architect who worked for Marcel Breuer, and his mother an artist who studied with Josef Albers. The career that Wid has built for himself as an architect and interior designer who specializes in hospitality design is uniquely his own but showcases the influences of his parents. When it came time to design his personal apartment on the Upper East Side, it was his own family who influenced the renovation. "Providing space intimate enough for our small immediate family but room for an extended one, the project reconfigures and reshapes extant spaces to defer to the apartment’s sweeping Central Park views," said Wid, adding that "color and materiality" were also central to the project. Ahead, take a full tour of this one-of-a-kind apartment and hear from Wid about his background and career and the specifics of the renovation.
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NYC to launch new mobile COVID-19 testing program

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

June 5, 2020

NYC to launch new mobile COVID-19 testing program

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Getting tested for the coronavirus in New York City is about to get easier. Starting next week, the city will launch a mobile testing program that will bring testing "trucks" to different neighborhoods, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday. The news comes after the city expanded free COVID-19 testing for all New Yorkers, a part of the Test and Trace Corps that kicked off this week ahead of the city's phase one reopening on Monday.
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MTA calls on NYC to add 60 miles of bus lanes as city reopens

Photo by Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

June 5, 2020

MTA calls on NYC to add 60 miles of bus lanes as city reopens

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With up to 400,000 New Yorkers expected to return to the workforce under the city's phase one reopening on Monday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority wants to add 60 miles of dedicated bus lanes to alleviate crowding. In a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio, Sarah Feinberg, interim president of NYC Transit, wrote a "robust bus system will be crucial" for the city's rebound from the coronavirus pandemic.
More here
All New York regions other than NYC will be in phase two of reopening next week

An aerial view of Buffalo, NY, part of the Western region. Photo by formulanone via Wikimedia Commons.

June 5, 2020

All New York regions other than NYC will be in phase two of reopening next week

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As of Wednesday, seven of New York's 10 designated regions were in phase two of the state's four-part reopening plan--Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, Western New York (the Buffalo area), and the Capital Region. And yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced that the Mid-Hudson Valley is on track to enter phase two on Tuesday, June 9th and Long Island on Wednesday, June 10th. With state guidelines and social distancing measures in place, this allows office-based workers, real estate services, in-store retail shopping, outdoor dining, and some barbershop services to resume.
More details here
Crown Heights condo is a calming two-bedroom home for under $1M

Image Credit: Warburg Realty/Jamie Fedorko 

June 5, 2020

Crown Heights condo is a calming two-bedroom home for under $1M

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Image Credit: Warburg Realty/Jamie Fedorko  The whitewashed brick walls and neutral color palette create a calming feel at this Crown Heights condo, located at 658 Park Place. In addition to its visual appeal, the two-bedroom also has a great layout for a small family; the open living area faces the street, while the bedrooms are separated down a hallway at the rear of the apartment.
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How this Brooklyn non-profit is producing 500,000+ isolation gowns for NYC hospitals

Photo courtesy of Course of Trade

June 4, 2020

How this Brooklyn non-profit is producing 500,000+ isolation gowns for NYC hospitals

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As of this week, Industry City-based nonprofit workforce development organization Course of Trade has produced 219,279 hand-sewn isolation gowns for New York City hospitals, with an ultimate contract of 520,800 from the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Course of Trade was started by Malia Mills’ production director Libby Mattern to offer free sewing instruction and job placement assistance in the garment industry. When COVID hit the city, Libby knew it was time to innovate yet again, and she put in place a partnership with the city in which a 300-person team across South Brooklyn is sewing these life-saving gowns.
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250-name waitlist opens for barely affordable units at East Harlem rental

Photo of 111 East 115th in August 2017, via CityRealty

June 4, 2020

250-name waitlist opens for barely affordable units at East Harlem rental

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When we wrote about the initial affordable housing lottery at 111 East 115th back at the beginning of 2018, we questioned how these "affordable" apartments provided any financial relief when they were, in some cases, even more expensive than the market-rate units. The same conundrum holds true now, as the East Harlem rental has just opened up a 250-name waitlist for those earning 130 percent of the area median income. The apartments include $2,253 - $2,675 one-bedrooms and $2,784 - $3,207 two-bedrooms. A recent market-rate one-bedroom rented for $2,575, while a two-bedroom rented for $2,716.
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