Plan approved to convert Jehovah’s Witnesses hotel in Dumbo into 500-unit affordable complex

 90 Sands Street from Brooklyn Bridge; Courtesy of Breaking Ground

April 27, 2020

Plan approved to convert Jehovah’s Witnesses hotel in Dumbo into 500-unit affordable complex

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The New York City Council last week voted to approve plans to convert a Brooklyn hotel formerly owned by the Jehovah's Witnesses into an affordable housing complex with 508 units. Developed by nonprofit Breaking Ground, the project at 90 Sands Street in Dumbo sets aside 305 apartments for formerly homeless New Yorkers, with the remaining 203 rentals priced below market-rate. Breaking Ground plans to renovate the existing 29-story building and add a public plaza along Jay Street.
Find out more
Thunderbirds, Blue Angels to fly over NYC to honor essential workers

Six F-16 Fighting Falcons flying over NYC in 2005; U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Mateo White on Flickr

April 27, 2020

Thunderbirds, Blue Angels to fly over NYC to honor essential workers

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The United States Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds will fly over parts of New York City on Tuesday to honor coronavirus essential personnel. The 40-minute joint flyover is part of the mission "Operation America Strong," announced by President Donald Trump last week, as the Washington Post first reported. The performance will happen across parts of the city and Newark starting at noon on April 28 and then move onto Trenton and Philadelphia.
Details here
The Empire State Building’s new light shows honor essential workers and first responders

Photo by Neil Cooper on Unsplash

April 27, 2020

The Empire State Building’s new light shows honor essential workers and first responders

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After kicking off on Saturday, the Empire State Building will continue to put on nightly light shows in honor of specific first responders and essential workers. The landmark began its #HEROESSHINEBRIGHT series by paying tribute to the FNDY and EMS on Friday, doctors, nurses, and the medical community on Saturday, and correction officers on Sunday. Tonight, watch the building blink orange, blue, and white in honor of the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as blue and gold in honor of the U.S. Navy.
See the rest of the lineup
NYC to open up to 100 miles of streets for pedestrians

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT/ Flickr

April 27, 2020

NYC to open up to 100 miles of streets for pedestrians

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The city will open 40 miles of streets for pedestrians over the next month with the goal of opening up to 100 miles for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday. During a press briefing, the mayor said an agreement had been reached with the City Council, which had introduced "open streets" legislation last week and planned to move forward with or without City Hall approval. The plan also includes adding temporary protected bike lanes and expanding some sidewalks.
More here
Here’s what New York’s phased reopening will look like

Photo by Garin Chadwick on Unsplash

April 27, 2020

Here’s what New York’s phased reopening will look like

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"Let's start to put some meat on the bones" said Governor Cuomo yesterday in his press conference, referring to a reopening plan. After first reminding New Yorkers that the CDC recommends the state and regional hospitalization rate be in decline for 14 days before any action is taken, he laid out the phased reopening. The first phase brings back construction and manufacturing, while the second phase starts to reintroduce a wider net of businesses based on their risk and how essential they are. The plan will pay special attention to "summer activities" like beaches, and the governor also talked about bringing back sports without audiences.
More details here
31 middle-income apartments available just off McCarren Park in Greenpoint, from $1,288

Photo by jim.henderson via Wikimedia Commons

April 27, 2020

31 middle-income apartments available just off McCarren Park in Greenpoint, from $1,288

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Located just off McCarren Park in Greenpoint, 12 Eckford Street is a new rental building with 101 units. Thirty-one of these are now up for grabs through an affordable housing lottery for middle-income New Yorkers earning 80 or 130 percent of the area median income. The available apartments range from $1,288/month studios to $2,856/month two-bedrooms and include in-unit washer/dryers, dishwashers, and window shades. Amenities include a roof terrace, fitness center, resident lounge, bike storage, and package room.
Find out if you qualify
The L train ‘slowdown’ is over! Regular subway service resumes today

Photo: Trent Reeves/MTA Construction & Development, via Flickr cc. L Project Tunnel Rehabilitation Work, taken on March 16, 2019.

April 27, 2020

The L train ‘slowdown’ is over! Regular subway service resumes today

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"Ahead of schedule" and "under budget" are not phrases commonly associated with the MTA, but the agency pulled it out when it came to the L train tunnel project. Originally planned as a major shutdown by the city, the project was downgraded to a partial "slowdown" in January 2019 after Governor Cuomo convened his own panel of engineers. And after work began last April, causing only reduced service on nights and weekends, the governor announced yesterday that L train service will resume on both tracks during overnights and weekends starting today. He also said that the project finished three months ahead of schedule and $100 million under budget.
Take a virtual first ride!
Celebrate NYC neighborhoods virtually with Jane’s Walk (from Home)

Courtesy of MAS

April 24, 2020

Celebrate NYC neighborhoods virtually with Jane’s Walk (from Home)

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One of New York City's greatest annual events is going virtual. Jane's Walk honors urbanist Jane Jacobs with free volunteer-led walking tours across the city for one weekend every year. Adapting to the realities of the coronavirus pandemic, the Municipal Art Society (MAS) announced this week plans to host virtual activities that still celebrate the five boroughs, but safely from home.
Find out more
Upper East Side apartment has a funky Murphy bed and a futuristic white-box design for just $350K

Photo credit: Rise Media, courtesy The Corcoran Group

April 24, 2020

Upper East Side apartment has a funky Murphy bed and a futuristic white-box design for just $350K

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Perhaps the pandemic lifestyle has inspired you to go more minimalist. If so, this alcove studio on the Upper East Side may be pretty appealing. Located at 205 East 63rd Street, just east of Third Avenue, the legal one-bedroom has a futuristic vibe with stark white walls, porcelain floors, and furniture, save for the strategically placed pops of lime green. For just $350,000, there's a foyer, full kitchen, large living room (currently outfitted with a modern Murphy bed to free up even more space), and a whopping six closets.
See more

Distinctive Homes

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Coney Island nonprofit launches virtual face mask design contest

Photo by Julian Wan on Unsplash

April 24, 2020

Coney Island nonprofit launches virtual face mask design contest

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With the Mermaid Parade officially canceled, the Coney Island nonprofit behind the event is hoping to celebrate creativity in another way this year. Coney Island USA announced on Friday plans to host a "Put on a Funny Face Design Contest," described as the "world's first-ever mask design contest." The virtual contest is being presented by Spectrum News NY1 and will be judged by yet-to-be-announced celebrities of Coney Island.
Learn more
11 virtual things to do in NYC this weekend: Sing with Stephen Sondheim, make pizza dough, and more

Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

April 24, 2020

11 virtual things to do in NYC this weekend: Sing with Stephen Sondheim, make pizza dough, and more

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Happy Friday! Even if every day feels like a Saturday to you, there tends to be more virtual goings-on over the weekend, and this week is no exception. From live-streamed events like the Met Opera's at-home gala and Broadway.com's birthday concert for Stephen Sondheim to interactive happenings like Zoom "happy hours" at your favorite local bar and quarantine cooking classes, we've rounded up the 10 best virtual things for New Yorkers to do this weekend.
Check out the full list
Rent Guidelines Board recommends increases between 2.5% and 3.5% for rent-stabilized units

Photo by Goh Rhy Yan on Unsplash

April 24, 2020

Rent Guidelines Board recommends increases between 2.5% and 3.5% for rent-stabilized units

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A report released on Thursday by the Rent Guidelines Board recommends a rent increase on rent-stabilized apartments to mitigate a surge in operating costs for owners. During the board's first virtual meeting, members reviewed the report, which says rent increases should be between 2.5 and 3.5 percent for one-year leases and 3.3 and 6.75 percent for two-year leases. The recommendation comes as officials and tenant advocacy groups have called for a rent freeze during the coronavirus pandemic, which has put thousands of New Yorkers out of work.
Find out more
$3M Washington Square Park condo has a secret closet and an Insta-friendly vintage kitchen

Listing photos by The Blumstein Team for The Corcoran Group

April 24, 2020

$3M Washington Square Park condo has a secret closet and an Insta-friendly vintage kitchen

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If you've been perusing Pinterest for design inspiration to spruce up your apartment during quarantine, look no further than this totally adorable Greenwich Village apartment. The seafoam kitchen has vintage attitude with SMEG's retro appliances, and there are cool boho accents all over. There are architectural details, too, like exposed brick and a 19th-century fireplace, and there's even a secret closet hidden behind part of the built-in bookshelf  (You need to pull the copy of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes to access!). What's even better is that when you step outside of the building at 106 Waverly Place, you're just around the corner from Washington Square Park.
Check it all out
110 affordable apartments for seniors available at new South Jamaica rental

Photo of nearby Baisley Pond Park by Rich Mitchell via Flickr cc

April 23, 2020

110 affordable apartments for seniors available at new South Jamaica rental

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A lottery launched on Thursday for 110 affordable senior apartments in the Queens neighborhood of Jamaica. The 10-story building located at 161-11 132nd Avenue sits next to existing low-income senior apartments and contains 100 one-bedrooms and 58 studios. To apply, New Yorkers must be–or have at least one household member who is– 62 years of age or older, qualify for Section 8 benefits, and earn $51, 200 or less, annually.
Find out if you qualify
These Twitter accounts will tell you how long the lines are at Trader Joe’s

The Court Square Trader Joe’s. Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim via Flickr cc

April 23, 2020

These Twitter accounts will tell you how long the lines are at Trader Joe’s

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Getting groceries is no easy task in the current climate, from waiting in lines to scavenging for toilet paper. But a couple of new Twitter accounts are hoping to make it a bit less stressful, at least for those New Yorkers still heading to Trader Joe's. Trader Joes Line Alert was started by a Brooklyn Heights resident to let people know how long the line currently is at the Court Street store. Likewise, EV TJs and Target Line will let you know how long the lines are at both the Trader Joe's and Target on 14th Street and Avenue A. And then there's Trader Joes Line Murray Hill.
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Queens lawmaker wants to create second tier of ‘essential workers’

Photo by Thomas Loizeau on Unsplash

April 23, 2020

Queens lawmaker wants to create second tier of ‘essential workers’

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A Queens lawmaker introduced legislation this month to broaden the definition of "essential worker" to include a second tier of employees, including child care providers, educators, food delivery workers, and more. The bill sponsored by State Sen. Jessica Ramos creates of a new category of workers considered essential during a state of emergency in order to provide assistance and benefits to those on the frontlines of the current health crisis.
Find out more
Top NYC chefs featured in a new e-cookbook to benefit the restaurant industry

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

April 23, 2020

Top NYC chefs featured in a new e-cookbook to benefit the restaurant industry

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Everyone's experience during this current crisis is a little bit different, but the one thing that's emerged as the great unifier is cooking. From sourdough starters and banana bread to chefs cooking at home on Instagram, we can't get enough of both trying new recipes ourselves and seeing how the pros do it in their own kitchens. Family Meal, a new e-cookbook from Penguin Random House, combines the best of these comforts, featuring 50 recipes from famous chefs and home cooks. But the best part is that 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Restaurant Workers’ Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund.
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For $9.3M, be the first to live in this designer Tribeca penthouse

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

April 23, 2020

For $9.3M, be the first to live in this designer Tribeca penthouse

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Does quarantine have you dreaming about more apartment space? How about 3,000 square feet inside and 2,200 square feet outside? That's what you'll get at this penthouse at 430 Greenwich Street in Tribeca. The lucky new owner who drops $9,275,000 on the co-op will be the first tenant; previously a raw loft space, it was recently renovated and custom-designed by architect Robert Marino. Not only did he add an irrigated roof garden with an outdoor kitchen, but he complimented the interior's original features like exposed timber beams and steel supports with super-chic additions including imported Italianate bronze work.
You'll want to see more of this one
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Most NYC sidewalks are too narrow for proper social distancing

Photo by Enrique Alarcon on Unsplash

April 23, 2020

Most NYC sidewalks are too narrow for proper social distancing

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In a dense city like New York, social distancing is no easy task. Garbage piles, sidewalk sheds, and people make it hard to maintain six feet from others, the recommended distance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. A new interactive map created by urban planner Meli Harvey shows the width of each sidewalk in the city, with the most narrow highlighted in red and the widest in blue. As expected, there's a lot of red on the map.
Explore the map here
Mike Bloomberg donates $10.5M to develop New York region’s contact tracing program

Photo by Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons

April 22, 2020

Mike Bloomberg donates $10.5M to develop New York region’s contact tracing program

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After receiving positive news last night from the White House in regards to federal support for testing, Governor Cuomo today revealed new details on the contact-tracing-isolation program that the state will begin implementing immediately in conjunction with increased testing. Former NYC Mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg has volunteered to help develop this program, which will operate across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Bloomberg Philanthropies has also made a financial contribution of $10.5 million.
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De Blasio announces more testing and supplies for NYCHA residents, support for seniors

Photo of the Alfred E. Smith Houses by Ken Lund on Flickr

April 22, 2020

De Blasio announces more testing and supplies for NYCHA residents, support for seniors

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Six new coronavirus testing sites with a priority for residents of the city's public housing system will open starting this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday. Community testing sites will open on Friday in Fort Greene, Mott Haven, and on the Lower East Side, with three additional sites opening next week at New York City Housing Authority buildings, including Jonathan Williams Houses, Woodside Houses, and St. Nicholas Houses. The news comes after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced earlier this week a pilot program to bring on-site health services and more testing to NYCHA residents, beginning with eight developments across the five boroughs.
More here
See the giant heart design on Bryant Park’s lawn

Photo by Jane Kratochvil for Bryant Park Corp.

April 22, 2020

See the giant heart design on Bryant Park’s lawn

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A giant heart was mowed into Bryant Park's lawn this week as a message of support for the city's healthcare personnel and essential workers. The park, which recently transformed its Winter Village ice skating rink into its famed lawn, will reopen its green space to the public in early May. Social distancing regulations will be in effect, according to the Bryant Park Corporation.
Find out more
Following meeting with Trump, Cuomo says New York will double COVID testing capacity

Photo of Donald Trump via Wikimedia Commons; Photo of Governor Andrew Cuomo via Wikimedia Commons

April 22, 2020

Following meeting with Trump, Cuomo says New York will double COVID testing capacity

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It was a question of friend or foe leading up to Governor Cuomo's meeting at the White House yesterday, but it looks like the governor, who has been referred to as the "Trump whisperer," came out of the chat with some concrete federal commitments when it comes to advancing coronavirus testing in the state. After the meeting, the governor announced a partnership with the federal government that will double the current daily testing capacity from 20,000 to 40,000, which includes both diagnostic and antibody tests. The state will manage the actual tests in its laboratories, but the federal government will be responsible for handling the international supply chain issues associated with testing that are out of the state's purview.
More details
LPC approves design for condo conversion at 120-year-old Hotel Wales

Rendering of the proposed cornice at Hotel Wales by Form4Design Studio and Higgins Quasebarth & Partners, LLC; via LPC

April 22, 2020

LPC approves design for condo conversion at 120-year-old Hotel Wales

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The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved plans to retrofit Carnegie Hill's historic Hotel Wales, which is set to be converted into luxury condominiums. The proposal from Form4 Design Studio and Higgins Quasebarth & Partners retains the hotel's Beaux-Arts facade, terra cotta elements, and scroll-bracketed balconies, as CityRealty reported. But the biggest alteration planned for the Carnegie Hill Historic District building is the new cornice and rooftop addition, the design of which the LPC on Tuesday said needs to be modified.
Find out more
NYC Council bill wants to block evictions for unpaid rent for a full year

Photo by Lucia Gherra on Unsplash

April 21, 2020

NYC Council bill wants to block evictions for unpaid rent for a full year

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Amidst calls for a statewide rent strike, the New York City Council will introduce a COVID-19 relief package tomorrow that extends the eviction moratorium for those affected by the coronavirus crisis until April 2021. "We must #cancelrent, but in the meantime, the Council is working to give tenants peace of mind so New Yorkers won’t suffer irreparable harms," tweeted Council Speaker Corey Johnson this afternoon. The bill, which the Council will introduce tomorrow at their first-ever remote hearing, extends the amount of time both residential and commercial tenants have to repay rent and blocks debt collection.
More details here
$6M Hamptons country home has a huge pool and a killer kitchen game

Listing photos by Lena Yaremenko

April 21, 2020

$6M Hamptons country home has a huge pool and a killer kitchen game

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The warm weather is upon us, and it's undoubtedly going to make staying indoors harder. But not if this East Hampton home is where you're be sheltering in place. The incredible 7,000-square-foot residence has six bedrooms, seven-and-a-half bathrooms, and outdoor space that'll make you drool. The pool is a whopping 20' x 50' and has a sun shelf and hot tub. There's a covered dining area and an outdoor kitchen with a built-in gas grill and stainless steel refrigerator and drink drawers (did someone say pool-side cocktails?!).
The interior isn't too shabby, either
Personal assistant app Hello Alfred offers guaranteed delivery service in NYC for $25/week

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels

April 21, 2020

Personal assistant app Hello Alfred offers guaranteed delivery service in NYC for $25/week

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As New Yorkers look to avoid in-person grocery shopping amid the coronavirus pandemic, the demand for delivery services has exploded across the city. Hoping to provide an alternative to the currently overwhelmed system, Hello Alfred, a company that provides a digital personal assistant for city dwellers, has launched a new delivery service for $25 per week for out-of-network users, as Eater NY first reported.
More here

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When NYC reopens, there will be a ticker-tape parade for health care workers and first responders

Photo by Spurekar via Flickr cc

April 21, 2020

When NYC reopens, there will be a ticker-tape parade for health care workers and first responders

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"The first thing we will do, before we think about anything else, is we will take a time as only New York City can do, to throw the biggest, best parade to honor these heroes," said Mayor de Blasio in his morning press conference, referring to his announcement that the city will hold a ticker-tape parade down the Canyon of Heroes for health care workers and first responders as soon as things reopen. "This parade will mark the beginning of our renaissance."
READ MORE
Coogan’s in Washington Heights closes after 35 years

Coogan’s Restaurant in Washington Heights, via CityRealty

April 21, 2020

Coogan’s in Washington Heights closes after 35 years

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An iconic Irish pub is closing its doors after 35 years in Washington Heights because of the coronavirus pandemic. The owners of Coogan's restaurant and bar, located on Broadway between 168th and 169th Streets, announced on Monday "a fond farewell" in a Facebook post. "Ironically, this past March 17 would be the last time Coogan's closed its doors," owners Dave Hunt, Tess O'Connor McDade, and Peter Walsh wrote. "We had hoped to open them again but sadly that is not possible."
Get the details
Sweet Upper West Side one-bedroom is a great first place for $525K

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

April 21, 2020

Sweet Upper West Side one-bedroom is a great first place for $525K

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It might feel like the coronavirus crisis has halted life, but many New Yorkers still need to move. And for those looking to buy their first place, this adorable one-bedroom co-op at 46 West 65th Street could be the perfect place. First, there's the prime Upper West Side location just across from Lincoln Center. Then there's the cozy layout and modern finishes. And most importantly, the price is right at $525,000
Check it out
This week’s NYC sing along goes national with ‘Lean on Me’

Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash

April 21, 2020

This week’s NYC sing along goes national with ‘Lean on Me’

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Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash On April 3, three-time Grammy Award winner Bill Withers passed away at the age of 81. Among his top hits were "Ain't No Sunshine," "Lovely Day," and "Lean on Me," which will be the song New Yorkers will sing to out their windows this Thursday evening. Volunteer community choir Peace of Heart Choir kicked off the city-wide sing along last week with Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” This week, the event is planned to reach the entire nation.
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Cuomo to expand COVID-19 testing at NYC public housing

Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City is one of the NYCHA developments to get testing services; Photo via Wikimedia

April 20, 2020

Cuomo to expand COVID-19 testing at NYC public housing

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A pilot program to bring on-site health services and expanded COVID-19 testing to residents of New York City's public housing will roll out this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday. The news follows preliminary data released by the city and state earlier this month that shows minority and low-income communities are facing disproportionate rates of infection and death from the coronavirus. "People in public housing always seem to pay the highest prices," the governor said on Monday.
More this way
Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jon Stewart and more will perform on ‘Jersey 4 Jersey’ benefit

Photo by Takahiro Kyono via Wikimedia Commons

April 20, 2020

Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jon Stewart and more will perform on ‘Jersey 4 Jersey’ benefit

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On Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00pm, the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund will host a star-studded benefit to support those in need in the severely impacted state. The event will include performances streamed from the homes of  New Jersey natives Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa, Halsey, SZA, and Charlie Puth, as well as Tony Bennett, who long had a studio in the state. Others who hail from the state will make special appearances including Whoopi Goldberg, Kelly Ripa, Chelsea Handler, Saquon Barkley, Jon Stewart, and Chris Rock.
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7 things you didn’t know about Central Park
April 20, 2020

7 things you didn’t know about Central Park

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Although it's one of the most visited city parks in the world, Central Park is chock-full of hidden spots and historic treasures that even native New Yorkers don't know about. Designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the 840-acre park has served as an oasis for city dwellers for over 150 years. Ahead, learn about some of Central Park's lesser-known sites, from its waterfalls and whisper bench to a Revolutionary War-era cannon.
Get the full list
255 affordable apartments available in Grand Concourse Historic District, from $331/month

Photo via Wikimedia

April 20, 2020

255 affordable apartments available in Grand Concourse Historic District, from $331/month

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More than 250 affordable and middle-income apartments are up for grabs at a three-building development in the South Bronx. The rentals, found at 741 Concourse Village West, 702 Grand Concourse, and 180 East 156th Street, are located within the Grand Concourse Historic District and next to Franz Sigel Park. Qualifying New Yorkers earning between 30 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which start at $331/month studios and go up to $2,406/month three-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?
NYC cancels Pride March, Puerto Rican Day Parade along with all June gatherings

Photo by Josh Wilburne on Unsplash

April 20, 2020

NYC cancels Pride March, Puerto Rican Day Parade along with all June gatherings

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Though Governor Cuomo has only extended New York Pause through May 15, Mayor de Blasio went one step further and canceled all non-essential permitted events in June. Most notably this includes the Pride March (for which it would have been the 50th anniversary), the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, and the Celebrate Israel Parade. In addition to parades, concerts, rallies, and large gatherings will be canceled through June.
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New York tenant groups call for mass rent strike

Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash

April 17, 2020

New York tenant groups call for mass rent strike

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A coalition of housing and tenant advocacy groups is calling for a statewide rent strike on May 1 with the goal of pressuring Gov. Andrew Cuomo to cancel rent for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. Led by the Upstate Downstate Housing Alliance, the coordinated protest is seeking cancellation of rents for at least four months, a freeze on rent for every tenant, and a plan to house homeless New Yorkers.
Find out more
Lions, tigers, & bears, oh my! The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium go virtual

Screenshot of feeding time at the aquatic bird house via Bronx Zoo

April 17, 2020

Lions, tigers, & bears, oh my! The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium go virtual

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Looking for a new show to stream? The Wildlife Conservation Society is bringing animals of the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium to your living room through live cams, as Gothamist first spotted. Check in with your favorite creatures, from lemurs and little blue penguins to sharks and giant octopi.
Learn more
Jeff Bezos now owns $96M worth of apartments in Flatiron condo

Rendering of 212 Fifth Avenue by Visualhouse; Photo of Jeff Bezos via Wiki Commons

April 17, 2020

Jeff Bezos now owns $96M worth of apartments in Flatiron condo

By
Amazon behemoth and richest person in the world Jeff Bezos has been making headlines in recent weeks for his $100 million donation to U.S. food banks. He's also become $24 billion richer since the coronavirus crisis sent Amazon's stocks surging. And it looks like he's taking a very small percentage of that fortune and expanding his real estate investment in NYC. The Post reports that Bezos just dropped $16 million on an apartment in the Flatiron condo 212 Fifth Avenue. Last June, he bought three units in the building totaling $80 million, making it the largest deal to ever close in New York south of 42nd Street. Now he can create a mega-mansion in the sky.
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55 years and 37,000 designations later, Landmarks releases anniversary story map

Photo by Cody Nottingham on Unsplash 

April 17, 2020

55 years and 37,000 designations later, Landmarks releases anniversary story map

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Just a few years after the demolition of the original Penn Station, the city founded the Landmarks Preservation Commission, in part, to make sure beautiful historic buildings were never destroyed again. When Mayor Robert Wagner signed the Landmarks Law on April 19, 1965, the commission was officially tasked with protecting sites that represent New York's history and culture. During its 55 years in existence, the LPC has designated more than 37,000 buildings and sites. In honor of this anniversary, the commission this week released an interactive story map highlighting its work over the last five decades, from its first individual landmark, the Claesen Wyckoff House, to its first LGBT designation, the Stonewall Inn.
Explore the map
NYC Council wants to open up to 75 miles of streets for pedestrians during COVID-19

The city’s “Summer Streets” program in 2019; Photo of NYC DOT on Flickr

April 17, 2020

NYC Council wants to open up to 75 miles of streets for pedestrians during COVID-19

By
Up to 75 miles of city streets could soon be closed to cars under new legislation set to be introduced by the City Council next week. Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Carlina Rivera on Friday announced a proposal to open streets to pedestrians and cyclists during the coronavirus pandemic to allow for proper social distancing. The plan comes after Mayor Bill de Blasio launched an open-streets pilot last month, only to end the program 10 days later.
More here
NYC’s $20M fund will provide emergency relief to immigrant workers and their families

Photo by Colton Duke on Unsplash

April 17, 2020

NYC’s $20M fund will provide emergency relief to immigrant workers and their families

By
Federal stimulus checks started hitting bank accounts this week, but to qualify for the IRS' Economic Impact Payments one must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien and have a social security number. This omits about 7.6 million undocumented immigrant workers across the country, roughly 4.3 million of whom pay taxes using a taxpayer identification number, as CNN and Market Watch reported. Here in the city, however, Mayor de Blasio has announced the New York City COVID-19 Immigrant Emergency Relief program, a $20 million fund that will "reach 20,000 immigrant workers and their families with direct, one-time emergency relief." The program is funded by George Soros' Open Society Foundations.
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$9.87M Noho penthouse has three terraces and a huge skylight

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

April 17, 2020

$9.87M Noho penthouse has three terraces and a huge skylight

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When you have three separate outdoor spaces and a massive atria skylight, cabin fever will definitely be less of a problem. All that and more is on offer at this $9,875,000 Noho condo. Located at 27 Great Jones Street, a traditional cast-iron loft, the duplex also has oversized windows, original wood-beamed ceilings, contemporary finishes, and views of the surrounding neighborhoods and all the way down to the World Trade Center.
Have a look around
NYC releases $170M plan to feed New Yorkers throughout coronavirus crisis

Mayor Bill de Blasio visits The Campaign Against Hunger food pantry in Brooklyn. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

April 16, 2020

NYC releases $170M plan to feed New Yorkers throughout coronavirus crisis

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With schools closed, seniors and vulnerable populations unable to leave their homes, and unemployment growing, many New Yorkers are facing unprecedented food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Bill de Blasio this week released a $170 million plan to boost existing food delivery systems and secure the city's food supply. "Whoever you are, wherever you are, if you need food, we're here for you, and there should be no shame," de Blasio said during a press briefing on Wednesday. "I want to emphasize this. There's no one's fault that we're dealing with this horrible crisis. Anyone needs food? We're here for you."
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NYC outdoor pools will be closed all summer because of coronavirus pandemic

Photo of the Floating Pool Lady in Baretto Point Park by Danny Avila for NYC Parks

April 16, 2020

NYC outdoor pools will be closed all summer because of coronavirus pandemic

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Outdoor public pools will be closed all summer as the city looks to make major budget cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday. Facing a staggering $7.4 billion loss in tax revenue, the city plans to make over $2 billion in cuts to its executive budget. According to the mayor, closing the pools for the 2020 season, which runs from late June to Labor Day, will save the city $12 million.
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This $8M Upper East Side townhouse feels like an Italian Chateau

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

April 16, 2020

This $8M Upper East Side townhouse feels like an Italian Chateau

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Let's talk about these ceilings--soaring 21 feet with dramatic archways, they are undoubtedly the highlight of this $7,995,000 Upper East Side Townhouse. Add in architectural details like wrought iron railings, etched glass windows, ornate moldings, and carved marble fireplaces, and it feels like you've stepped into an Italian Chateau. In reality, the four-bedroom house is located at 234 East 61st Street, part of the exclusive, two-block Treadwell Farm Historic District.
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SNL’s Michael Che to pay rent for 160 units at late grandmother’s NYCHA building

Photo by Jeffrey Blum on Unsplash

April 16, 2020

SNL’s Michael Che to pay rent for 160 units at late grandmother’s NYCHA building

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Comedian and "Saturday Night Live" cast member Michael Che on Wednesday pledged to pay one month's rent for all 160 apartments at a public housing building where his late grandmother lived. Earlier this month, Che, who grew up on the Lower East Side, announced he lost his grandmother, Martha, to complications from the coronavirus.
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Trains, buses, and ferries will #SoundTheHorn today at 3pm to honor transit workers

Image courtesy of the MTA

April 16, 2020

Trains, buses, and ferries will #SoundTheHorn today at 3pm to honor transit workers

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Image courtesy of the MTA The MTA is joining Amtrak, NJ Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NYC Ferry, and other regional transit agencies to take part in the #soundthehorn campaign. Today at 3pm, all in-service trains, buses, and ferries will give two horn blasts to honor transportation workers across the region. "Our employees are heroes," said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye. "They are courageously coming to work each day to perform their essential duties, which are critically important to this region during the pandemic."
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All New Yorkers must wear masks in public spaces, Cuomo orders

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels

April 15, 2020

All New Yorkers must wear masks in public spaces, Cuomo orders

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All people must wear a mask or face-covering in public in situations where social distancing is not possible, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. As part of an executive order, New Yorkers must wear a mask or cloth covering over their nose and mouth to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This includes wearing face coverings in crowded areas like busy sidewalks and public transportation. The new order will go into effect on Friday, the governor said.
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