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NYPL’s famous marble lions mark 109th birthday with a virtual party

Courtesy of NYPL

May 8, 2020

NYPL’s famous marble lions mark 109th birthday with a virtual party

The New York Public Library's historic marble lions turn 109 on May 11 and New Yorkers are invited to their rip-roaring celebration. Carved by the Piccirilli Brothers in 1911, Patience and Fortitude have long guarded the library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue. From a special storytime to lion-curated book lists, the activities highlight the lions' role as symbols of New York's resilience.
More here

Events & Things To Do

Photo by Maksim Axelrod

May 8, 2020

The Sill is delivering 10,000 orchids to healthcare workers for Mother’s Day

By Dana Schulz

Sure, it's going to be hard on everyone to be apart this Sunday, but think about all of our healthcare heroes who will be working on the frontlines this Mother's Day. To show their gratitude, local houseplant haven The Sill and its orchid partner Just Add Ice are donating 10,000 orchids to frontline healthcare workers at Mount Sinai’s seven NYC hospitals. They delivered the first 5,000 yesterday and will be distributing the rest today.
READ MORE

City Living

150 spots open on waitlist for units at waterfront complex in Kips Bay, from $2,092/month

Photo of Waterside Plaza via Wikimedia

May 8, 2020

150 spots open on waitlist for units at waterfront complex in Kips Bay, from $2,092/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are currently being accepted to replenish a 150-name waitlist for middle-income units at the Waterside Plaza complex in Kips Bay. The four-tower, 1,400-unit development sits next to the East River and runs between East 26th and East 29th Streets. New Yorkers earning 130 and 160 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from a $2,092/month studio to a $3,664/month three-bedroom.
How to apply

Affordable Housing

Gray’s Papaya reopens on the Upper West Side with a new hot dog ‘Recession Special’

Photo by David Joyce via Flickr cc

May 8, 2020

Gray’s Papaya reopens on the Upper West Side with a new hot dog ‘Recession Special’

By Dana Schulz

For the first time in 47 years, corner hot dog outpost Gray's Papaya shut down temporarily on March 30. But as was first reported by West Side Rag, the Upper West Side location is now back open for business. In addition to delivery through Seamless and Grubhub, Gray's is offering window takeout with safe single-serve condiments, and their employees are all wearing masks and gloves. But even more exciting is that they've created a special version of their 35-years-running Recession Special.
What's the deal?

Food & Dining

East Village landmark Gem Spa has permanently closed

Photo by Alex Lozupone on Wiki Commons

May 8, 2020

East Village landmark Gem Spa has permanently closed

By Devin Gannon

A fixture on the corner of St. Marks Place and Second Avenue in the East Village for 100 years, Gem Spa has permanently closed. The store, considered home to New York's best egg cream, had been struggling financially due to the gentrification of the neighborhood, as well as the loss of its cigarette and lottery licenses last year. While a fundraising effort launched last fall by current owner Parul Patel helped temporarily, the coronavirus pandemic "ultimately sealed the fate" of the institution.
Details this way

City Living

15 virtual things to do this Mother’s Day weekend: Azaleas, concerts, SNL, and Broadway

Image by Anja?#helpinghands#stayathome #solidarity#stays healthy? from Pixabay

May 8, 2020

15 virtual things to do this Mother’s Day weekend: Azaleas, concerts, SNL, and Broadway

By Dana Schulz

Mother's Day won't be the same this year for a lot of who can't head over to mom's house for brunch, but that doesn't mean you can't plan out some fun and upbeat virtual events this weekend. From concerts by Yo-Yo Ma, the best of City Winery, and Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton to a star-studded virtual Broadway event to a virtual tour of the azalea garden at the New York Botanical Garden to two special SNL episodes, these events will let you spend time with mom and take her mind off how much she's missing you.
15 fun events

Events & Things To Do

NYC to limit capacity at Hudson River Park and Domino Park after crowd issues

A photo of Pier 45 from 2016; Photo by Paul Sableman on Flickr

May 8, 2020

NYC to limit capacity at Hudson River Park and Domino Park after crowd issues

By Devin Gannon

The city will limit the number of people allowed in Hudson River Park in Manhattan and Domino Park in Brooklyn to prevent overcrowding. "We know we had some parks last weekend that were more crowded than they should have been," Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press briefing on Friday. The news comes after a photo of a packed Christopher Street Pier, showing no visitors wearing masks, went viral last Saturday on Twitter.
More here

Policy

‘Save a seat’ fund gives free Broadway tickets to frontline workers

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

May 7, 2020

‘Save a seat’ fund gives free Broadway tickets to frontline workers

By Devin Gannon

An initiative launched this week to donate free Broadway show tickets to frontline workers. As first reported by Variety, the ticket website TodayTix has started the "Save a Seat" fund to reserve the best seats at shows for essential workers when theater returns following the coronavirus pandemic. The site has also rebranded as TommorrowTix, to give artists and theater lovers something to look forward to during this difficult time.
Learn more

Lottery opens for 37 affordable apartments at new Robert A.M. Stern-designed building in Brownsville

Rendering of Edwin’s Place via Robert A.M. Stern Architects

May 7, 2020

Lottery opens for 37 affordable apartments at new Robert A.M. Stern-designed building in Brownsville

By Dana Schulz

To live in one of Robert A.M. Stern's buildings usually costs many millions, but his firm is responsible for this attractive new affordable housing development in Brownsville. Located at 7 Livonia Avenue, the 125-unit project called Edwin's Place received approvals in late 2017. And now, a lottery has come online for 37 units, a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedrooms ranging from $666 to $1,279 a month and available to New Yorkers earning 40, 50, or 60 percent of the area median income. These units, 40 percent of the total, are reserved for the public; the other 60 percent is set aside as supportive housing for low-income or formerly homeless individuals (eight units are set aside for veterans).
All the details

Affordable Housing

Distinctive Homes

For $2.7M, this Crown Heights townhouse is a brilliant bohemian paradise designed for living

$4M gets you the whole renovated Boerum Hill townhouse package, with a bi-level backyard

This $839K co-op in an Upper West Side mansion has a presidential connection

Color, texture, and pre-war details define this decorator's dream of a $4.85M Village co-op

$2.35M Gramercy co-op wraps classic pre-war style with vintage opulence–plus a key to the park

For $995K, this two-bedroom Park Slope condo is a breath of fresh air

For $2.5M, this laid-back Ditmas Park home is historic, lovely and livable

Watch the seasons of Central Park change from this $3.4M top-floor Upper West Side co-op

Keke Palmer lists her Williamsburg penthouse for $3M

For $1.5M, get (way) off the grid in Gilded Age style on your own private island in Alexandria Bay

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Cuomo extends New York eviction freeze through August 20, bans late fees

Photo by Anthony Fomin on Unsplash

May 7, 2020

Cuomo extends New York eviction freeze through August 20, bans late fees

By Devin Gannon

The moratorium on residential and commercial evictions will be extended statewide by 60 days until August 20, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday. Additional rent relief measures include a ban on fees for late-payments and allowing renters to use security deposits as payment. "I don't want to see people and their children being evicted at this time, through no fault of their own," the governor said during a press briefing.
Get the details

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

May 7, 2020

After three years, developer Joseph Chetrit unloads UES townhouse with an indoor pool for $25M

By Dana Schulz

The townhouse might've sold for $14 million under its asking price, but it's still one of the biggest sales to come through since the coronavirus crisis hit NYC. Owner and big-time real estate developer Joseph Chetrit first listed the double-wide home at 118 East 76th back in 2017 for $39 million. The Wall Street Journal, who learned of the sale from a source close to the deal, notes that the Upper East Side home went into contract "for a significantly larger amount" but "was renegotiated due to the market tumult caused by the pandemic." The lavish home boasts a top-floor indoor pool with a glass-enclosed gym that overlooks it, an elevator that stops at all six floors, a cigar bar, and a patio with an outdoor kitchen and living area.
READ MORE

Real Estate Trends

City to offer 140K free antibody tests to NYC residents

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

May 7, 2020

City to offer 140K free antibody tests to NYC residents

By Devin Gannon

The city will offer 140,000 free antibody tests to "everyday New Yorkers" in the coming weeks to help understand the spread of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. In partnership with BioReference Laboratories, the city will open initial testing sites in five neighborhoods with the goal of 1,000 tests per site per day. An additional 140,000 tests will also be available for the city's first responders and health care workers next week.
More here

Policy

JetBlue is doing a NYC flyover tonight to honor healthcare workers

Airbus A320, take off, photo courtesy of JetBlue press

May 7, 2020

JetBlue is doing a NYC flyover tonight to honor healthcare workers

By Dana Schulz

Yesterday, JetBlue announced its Healthcare Hero program through which the airline will provide roundtrip flight certificates for two to anywhere JetBlue flies for 100,000 healthcare workers. To coincide with the initiative, they'll "bring the Clap Because We Care movement to the skies with a three aircraft, low altitude flyover salute above New York City" tonight at 7 pm. The flyover will be done by three New York-themed painted JetBlue planes, honoring the FDNY, NYPD and I LOVE NY/Empire State Development.
See the flight path

See the immersive art museum proposed for a landmarked Lower Manhattan bank hall

Rendering of proposed exhibition space by Culturespaces/ Woods Bagot, courtesy of LPC

May 6, 2020

See the immersive art museum proposed for a landmarked Lower Manhattan bank hall

By Devin Gannon

An art center with immersive art exhibitions has been proposed for a landmarked former banking hall in Lower Manhattan. Culturespaces, a French museum operator, presented its plan to adapt the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank into a center of digital art to the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday. The design proposal from Woods Bagot Architects includes alterations to the landmarked interior to accommodate a ticketing area and necessary audiovisual equipment for the art center, as well as modifications to the exterior of the building.
More here

Most new COVID cases in New York are non-essential workers staying at home

Slide from Governor Cuomo’s 5/6/20 press presentation

May 6, 2020

Most new COVID cases in New York are non-essential workers staying at home

By Dana Schulz

New York State has been on a downward trajectory for the past couple of weeks when it comes to COVID-related deaths and ICU admissions. However, even as the number of new cases trends down, it still is a strikingly large number considering all of the shut-down measures. It was only at the very end of April that the number of new daily COVID cases entering the hospital system dropped below 1,000. Yesterday, there were 601 new cases and 659 and 717 the days prior. To understand this, Governor Cuomo asked hospitals to begin surveying these new patients. There was a lot of speculation that the data would show essential workers riding public transit or vulnerable groups such as those in nursing homes or the prison system. However, the reality is that most of the recent new COVID cases are non-essential workers who are at home and not riding public transit.
See the data ahead

City Living

NYC is handing out 7.5 million free face coverings

Photo by Julian Wan on Unsplash

May 6, 2020

NYC is handing out 7.5 million free face coverings

By Devin Gannon

The city will distribute 7.5 million free face coverings to New Yorkers in parks, grocery stores, public housing, and near transit, ramping up an earlier effort launched last week. During a press briefing on Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said "wherever you turn, you're going to be offered a face covering," over the next few weeks. Last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order requiring New Yorkers to wear a face mask or face-covering in public spaces where social distancing is not possible.
Find out where to get a free mask

Second set of NYC open streets launches tomorrow in collaboration with local BIDs

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

May 6, 2020

Second set of NYC open streets launches tomorrow in collaboration with local BIDs

By Dana Schulz

After finally getting on board with the idea of opening New York City streets to pedestrians, Mayor de Blasio closed the first wave of streets to cars earlier this week. This totaled 4.5 miles inside parks and 2.7 miles adjacent to parks; eventually, the city will open up to 100 miles of streets. The next group will open up tomorrow, which includes 1.5 miles in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx done in collaboration with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), as well as 0.4 miles in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Get the full list of streets

NYC subway shuts down for first time in history; see the COVID-19 disinfection plan in action

By Devin Gannon

For the first time in its 115-year history, the New York City subway system shut down overnight on Wednesday. The closure, which will occur daily from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., is part of a new plan to disinfect every car and station to stop the spread of the coronavirus and protect essential workers. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is increasing bus service to serve essential workers, adding 344 buses to the current 235 that run during that early morning time frame. For-hire car service will also be offered to employees who are unable to use the bus for their commutes.
More this way

Iconic Asbury Park music venue The Stone Pony hosting live stream concerts

Photo by Acroterion via Wikimedia Commons

May 6, 2020

Iconic Asbury Park music venue The Stone Pony hosting live stream concerts

By Dana Schulz

Since Bruce Springsteen got his start at the Jersey Shore music venue in the '70s (launching "the house that Springsteen built"), The Stone Pony has been a trailblazer in the music scene. Though the venue hosts big-name acts today, what's set the Pony apart over the years is its commitment to local artists and up-and-comers. And they're not letting coronavirus stop this. As reported by the Asbury Park Press, The Stone Pony is hosting "a curated live stream lineup of Jersey Shore musicians and national faves, all regulars at the venue."
Get the scoop

Events & Things To Do

The Weeknd’s penthouse rental at 443 Greenwich in Tribeca is now asking $27.5M

Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman

May 5, 2020

The Weeknd’s penthouse rental at 443 Greenwich in Tribeca is now asking $27.5M

By Devin Gannon

The Weeknd's former rental at 443 Greenwich Street in Tribeca has hit the market for $27.5 million. The Grammy Award winner moved into the $60,000/month penthouse apartment in 2018 with then-girlfriend Bella Hadid. Now for sale and "available immediately," as the Real Deal spotted, penthouse D takes up three levels and includes over 1,000 square feet of private outdoor space.
See inside

French chateau on the Connecticut coast asks $4.5M

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

May 5, 2020

French chateau on the Connecticut coast asks $4.5M

By Dana Schulz

Francophiles will fall head over heels with this stunning mansion in Stamford, Connecticut. Recently listed for $4,495,000, the French chateau-style home has a whopping nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and nearly 1.7 acres of beautifully manicured grounds that include a huge circular driveway and a pool. As first reported by the Post, Marion Castle, as it's known, was built in 1912 by architects Hunt & Hunt, sons of the famous architect Richard Morris Hunt. It was constructed for Hollywood production pioneer Frank Marion.
Go inside

Distinctive Homes

Photo by Toni Reed on Unsplash

May 5, 2020

The 10 best bike shops in New York City

By Devin Gannon

Considered an essential business, bike shops in New York City are staying open to keep cyclists moving during this unprecedented crisis. With gyms and playgrounds closed, and many avoiding public transit, New Yorkers are taking to two wheels to get exercise and fresh air, especially as the weather starts to warm. With modified hours and social distancing measures in place, bike shops across the five boroughs are taking their role as essential businesses seriously. For both newbie bikers and veteran cyclists alike, we've rounded up some of our favorite local shops that remain open.
Roll on this way

City Living

33 affordable units available off the Grand Concourse in the Bronx’s Mount Hope, from $605/month

Grand Concourse running through the West Bronx; Photo by Dan DeLuca on Flickr

May 5, 2020

33 affordable units available off the Grand Concourse in the Bronx’s Mount Hope, from $605/month

By Devin Gannon

The city on Tuesday launched a housing lottery for 33 units at an affordable housing rental in the West Bronx. The newly constructed 12-story building at 2051 Ryer Avenue sits between the Grand Concourse and Webster Avenue in the neighborhood of Mount Hope. New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which include $605/month studios, $769/month one-bedrooms, $933/month two-bedrooms, and $1,069/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Photo credit: Anton Brooks, H5 Property for Fiona Dumas, Compass

May 5, 2020

Garden-level two-bedroom on the Upper East Side is a perfect all-year oasis for $12,950/month

By Dana Schulz

Feeling good at home is more important now than ever, which is why we're so smitten' over this two-bedroom Upper East Side rental. The interior is warm and cozy for those chillier days, while the outdoor garden is a magical summertime oasis. Located at 14 East 64th Street and listed for $12,950 a month, the home is even more enticing for the fact that it can come fully furnished. In addition to the super stylish decor and custom-designed furniture, you'll get three bathrooms, a sky-lit kitchen, and a large lower-level bonus room.
Get a closer look

Distinctive Homes

Live 25 minutes from Midtown at this new South Bronx rental, from $1,320/month

Photo by Fletcher6 on Wikimedia

May 4, 2020

Live 25 minutes from Midtown at this new South Bronx rental, from $1,320/month

By Devin Gannon

There are 25 middle-income apartments available at a newly constructed building in the South Bronx through the city's affordable housing lottery. Located at 603 Pontiac Place in Melrose, the six-story rental is conveniently located one block from the 2 and 5 subway trains, making a commute to Midtown less than 30 minutes. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which include 15 one-bedrooms for $1,320/month and 10 two-bedrooms for $1,591/month.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Photo credit: Allyson Lubow Photography, Compass

May 4, 2020

In the West Village, this $4,650/month studio is glam, masculine, and move-in ready

By Dana Schulz

There are a lot of adjectives to describe this studio apartment at 175 West 13th Street, but the biggest thing to know is that it's available fully furnished with no fee. As the listing says, the super-sleek-yet-subtly-glamourous residence is like "having your very own hotel suite in Greenwich Village," as it includes weekly maid service and has been outfitted with perks such as a built-in espresso coffee system, a media wall, and a marble-lined dressing area.
Have a look

Distinctive Homes

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Everything you need to know about affordable housing: applying, getting in, and staying put

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VIEW ALL

Rule-breaking crowds could force Green-Wood Cemetery to close to public

Photo by Michela Simoncini on Flickr

May 4, 2020

Rule-breaking crowds could force Green-Wood Cemetery to close to public

By Devin Gannon

Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery threatened to close its gates last week after some visitors ignored the 478-acre-site's rules and regulations. In an email to supporters, the cemetery's president Richard Moylan said people have biked, climbed trees, and even taken flowers that were placed on graves, all actions prohibited by the organization. "The conduct of a small percentage of our visitors has created an unacceptable situation," Moylan wrote. "If things don’t change we may be left with no choice but to close our gates as many other cemeteries have done."
Find out more

Policy

May 4, 2020

12 virtual things to do this week: Met Gala, cherry blossoms, oysters, and more

By Dana Schulz

When it comes to virtual events, the biggest news this week is the Met Gala. Vogue's Anna Wintour is hosting a star-studded live event tonight where she'll be joined by the likes of Stella McCartney and Florence + the Machine. It's also Cinco de Mayo, so we've got a list of spots for taco takeout. For more foodie fun, the Billion Oyster Project is hosting a Zoom "oyster hour." You can also check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Cherry Esplanade online, join a virtual animal meet and greet with the Staten Island Zoo, watch Ballet Hispánico, learn about the history of Hospital Ships, and more.
12 virtual things to do this week

Events & Things To Do

Photo by Daniel Lee on Unsplash

May 4, 2020

Petition calls for NYC landlords to withhold property tax

By Devin Gannon

An online petition launched last week that calls on New York City landlords to withhold property tax payment, in response to a statewide rent strike organized this month. As the Real Deal first reported, the Change.org appeal, "Property Tax relief or Tax strike," has collected nearly 1,500 signatures as of Monday.
More here

For $1.3M, own a converted 1850s church in Connecticut

Photo credit: Pete’s Precision Photo

May 1, 2020

For $1.3M, own a converted 1850s church in Connecticut

By Dana Schulz

Photo credit: Pete’s Precision Photo For the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, you can own an entire converted church in Connecticut. Located in the town of Essex, about a two-hour drive northwest of New York City, this 1849 building has been listed publicly for the first time in over 50 years. Asking $1,295,000, the 8,543-square-foot structure was converted into a three-bedroom home with soaring sanctuary ceilings, a large outdoor deck, and a solarium/roof patio in the former steeple.
Take a tour

Moving Day: When ALL New Yorkers moved on May 1st

An 1859 Harper’s illustration of Moving Day, via Wikimedia Commons

May 1, 2020

Moving Day: When ALL New Yorkers moved on May 1st

By Dana Schulz

Moving is certainly stressful right now, but imagine dealing with that headache along with every other New Yorker moving on the same day? Believe it or not, this is how it used to be. From colonial times up until WWII, May 1st was Moving Day, the one day a year when people in New York City moved. It's said that the tradition came from the Dutch, who set out for Manhattan on May 1st and therefore celebrated each year by swapping homes on this day. Later, landlords had to notify their tenants of rent increases on February 1st, which would take effect three months later at 9am. Tenants waited until May 1st to move, and the streets would be filled with "moving vans," Long Island farmers' wagons led by horses, clogging up the city streets and creating complete pandemonium.
More on this curious history here

History

Where to order tacos in NYC for Cinco de Mayo

Photo by Krisztian Tabori on Unsplash

May 1, 2020

Where to order tacos in NYC for Cinco de Mayo

By Devin Gannon

While you can't support your favorite Mexican restaurant in-person on Cinco de Mayo this year, many eateries remain open for take-out and delivery orders to keep the party going at home. And with the holiday landing on Taco Tuesday, restaurants are especially stepping up their game, offering everything from margarita pitchers and frozen cocktails to DIY taco kits and fiesta boxes.
See the list

Food & Dining

13 virtual things to do in NYC this weekend: Eat pierogis, sip rosé, and bang on a can

Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

May 1, 2020

13 virtual things to do in NYC this weekend: Eat pierogis, sip rosé, and bang on a can

By Dana Schulz

The weather is supposed to be positively springy this weekend, but don't let the fact that you can't enjoy it as usual get you down--there are plenty of fun things to do indoors with those windows wide open. From a star-studded virtual comedy fest to a 24-hour global live stream event featuring three former Presidents and Oprah to a six-hour musical performance from Bang on a Can. And of course, what would quarantine life be without food (we're talking pierogis and cheesecake) and drink (spring-time weather calls for the start of rosé season!).
Check out the full list

Events & Things To Do

First wave of NYC open streets plan to start next week

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

May 1, 2020

First wave of NYC open streets plan to start next week

By Devin Gannon

The first phase of the city's plan to close up to 100 miles of streets to cars will start on Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday. The first streets to open to pedestrians include 4.5 miles inside parks and 2.7 miles adjacent to parks, according to the mayor. "The goal here is more space, more social distancing," de Blasio said.
Get the details

Lottery launches for 280 mixed-income units near the Bronx Zoo, from $354/month

Photo by Kai Brinker on Flickr

April 30, 2020

Lottery launches for 280 mixed-income units near the Bronx Zoo, from $354/month

By Devin Gannon

The city on Thursday launched an affordable housing lottery for 280 mixed-income apartments in the Bronx neighborhood of West Farms. Located at 1932 Bryant Avenue, the newly constructed 15-story rental sits just two blocks from the 2, 5 subway trains and less than half a mile from the beloved Bronx Zoo. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60 and 100 percent of the area median income are invited to apply for the units, ranging from a $354/month studio to a $2,075/month three-bedroom.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

In response to COVID homeless crisis, MTA bans wheeled carts and enacts one-hour subway limit

Photo by Joey via Flickr cc

April 30, 2020

In response to COVID homeless crisis, MTA bans wheeled carts and enacts one-hour subway limit

By Dana Schulz

When the Daily News shared a photo of a homeless New Yorker on a subway car earlier this week, it drew much attention all the way up to Governor Cuomo. Yesterday, the governor called on the MTA to create a plan to solve the issue. In response, the MTA released a plan today that deals with three main points-- no person is permitted to remain in a station for more than an hour; during a public health emergency, no person can remain on a train or the platform after an announcement that the train is being taken out of service; and wheeled carts greater than 30 inches in length or width are banned.
READ MORE

NYC subways will shut down from 1am-5am for nightly cleanings

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

April 30, 2020

NYC subways will shut down from 1am-5am for nightly cleanings

By Dana Schulz

After Governor Cuomo asked the MTA to step up its subway disinfecting schedule from every 72 to 24 hours, the agency came back with what it's calling the "Essential Connector Program." This initiative will stop service from 1:00am to 5:00am every night during the pandemic, starting Wednesday, May 6. New York City is one of the few cities in the entire world (and the only one in the U.S.) that has a public transit system that runs 24/7, but the governor has said that it is the city and state's responsibility to disinfect more frequently in order to keep our essential workers safe and ensure that they feel comfortable riding the subway.
READ MORE

What you need to know about the May 1 rent strike

Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash

April 30, 2020

What you need to know about the May 1 rent strike

By Devin Gannon

With more than a million New Yorkers out of work as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many tenants will struggle to pay rent on Friday. Hoping to pressure Gov. Andrew Cuomo to cancel rent for the duration of the health crisis, a coalition of housing advocates is leading a statewide rent strike on May 1, with thousands of renters already pledging to skip payments. But landlords, who argue rental income pays for the growing costs of building maintenance, are fighting for relief themselves.
More here

New Jersey will allow state parks and golf courses to reopen this weekend

Photo of Liberty State Park by Shinya Suzuki via Flickr cc

April 29, 2020

New Jersey will allow state parks and golf courses to reopen this weekend

By Dana Schulz

As of this Saturday, May 2, at sunrise, all state parks across New Jersey will reopen. Golf courses and county parks will also be allowed to reopen with a social distancing mandate in effect. Governor Phil Murphy made the announcement today after he closed all state and county parks on April 7. The governor has also talked about the possibility of reopening beaches in time for Memorial Day Weekend.
More details ahead

Policy

April 29, 2020

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s rebuilt Squibb Bridge will reopen on May 4

By Dana Schulz

After closing for good nearly two years ago, a new Squibb Bridge will open at Brooklyn Bridge Park on May 4 at 9am, as was first reported by Curbed. The 450-foot-long walkway over Furman Street connects the Squibb Park (which will also reopen) on the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade to Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and has had quite a shaky history since first opening in 2013. Eric Landau, the president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, told Curbed, "The new bridge has the same overall aesthetic feeling of the previous bridge that people loved, with full functionality."
READ MORE

Architecture And Design

New York City lovebirds can get married online starting next week

Photo by Emma Bauso from Pexels

April 29, 2020

New York City lovebirds can get married online starting next week

By Dana Schulz

"We need moments of joy now more than ever, and we won’t let a pandemic get in the way of true love," said Mayor Bill de Blasio in his announcement that New Yorkers will be able to obtain marriage licenses online from the City Clerk by the end of next week. Called Project Cupid, the initiative is helmed by the Mayor and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. It comes after Governor Cuomo signed an executive order on April 18th that allows bureau clerks to perform wedding ceremonies virtually.
READ MORE

4,500-name waitlist opens for affordable apartments near Woodlawn Cemetery and the Botanical Garden

Photo by Ted via Flickr cc

April 29, 2020

4,500-name waitlist opens for affordable apartments near Woodlawn Cemetery and the Botanical Garden

By Dana Schulz

A 4,500-name waitlist has just come online for affordable apartments in 14 buildings across the Bronx. The majority of the addresses are clustered just east of Woodlawn Cemetery, while another few are located farther south near the New Botanical Garden. The units are available to those earning 75, 80, 85, and 95 percent of the area median income and range from $1,056 studios to $2,366 three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Here are the real estate leaders tapped for Cuomo’s NY reopening advisory board

Photo by Mike Groll for the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

April 29, 2020

Here are the real estate leaders tapped for Cuomo’s NY reopening advisory board

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced the creation of an advisory board of business professionals and community leaders to guide the state's reopening strategy. The 100-person "New York Forward Re-Opening Advisory Board" includes members from a mix of industries, including a number of real estate leaders and developers. The board is part of a 12-point plan to reopen the state on a region-by-region basis.
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Policy

25 great ways to turn your apartment into a calming home

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

April 28, 2020

25 great ways to turn your apartment into a calming home

By Michelle Cohen

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash Call it zen or hygge or just plain cozy, we look to our homes to be a welcoming refuge, especially during the current times. From creating a reading nook to setting up a bathroom "spa," we've rounded up the best projects to help you carve out a tranquil space in a stressful world, no matter what size your apartment or home.
relaxation, this way

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222 East Broadway

Lower East Side

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East Village icons Veniero’s and Veselka will reopen this Friday for takeout and delivery

Photo of Veniero’s by James and Karla Murray for 6sqft. See more here >>

April 28, 2020

East Village icons Veniero’s and Veselka will reopen this Friday for takeout and delivery

By Dana Schulz

Treat yourself this Friday to a meal of pierogis followed by cheesecake. East Village icons Veselka and Veniero's Pasticceria & Caffe, the Ukrainian restaurant that started in 1954 and the Italian bakery that opened in 1894 respectively, will both reopen for takeout and delivery on May 1. Eater spotted the news on Veniero's Instagram that the bakery will reopen for takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup. Likewise, Veselka posted on their Instagram that they will open for takeout and delivery.
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Food & Dining

These maps and apps tell you which businesses are open in your NYC neighborhood

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

April 28, 2020

These maps and apps tell you which businesses are open in your NYC neighborhood

By 6sqft

We all want to support the small businesses in our New York neighborhoods during this difficult time. But sometimes it's hard to keep track of which stores and restaurants are currently open. A number of local websites and organizations have created easy-to-use search engines and interactive maps that provide information on open businesses.
Explore the maps

‘Stand by Me’ is the pick for Thursday’s NYC sing along

Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash

April 28, 2020

‘Stand by Me’ is the pick for Thursday’s NYC sing along

By Dana Schulz

Now in its third week, Peace of Heart Choir's city-wide sing along is encouraging New Yorkers to open up their windows this Thursday and belt out Ben E. King’s 1961 classic "Stand by Me." The first event kicked off with Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York," and last week was Bill Withers' "Lean on Me." As always, the sing along will start at 7:02pm, just following the nightly #ClapBecauseWeCare ritual.
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Rockefeller Center revamp gets Landmarks approval

Rendering by Gabellini Sheppard Associates courtesy of Tishman Speyer; via Landmarks Preservation Commission

April 28, 2020

Rockefeller Center revamp gets Landmarks approval

By Devin Gannon

A proposal to renovate Rockefeller Center's public realm was approved on Tuesday by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Led by Tishman Speyer and designed by Gabellini Sheppard Associates, the project aims to restore the connection between the concourse and the sunken plaza, an element included in the original plans for the historic Midtown site. The design, which was revised following a public hearing in January, focuses on the pools of the channel gardens, the sunken plaza, and new seating and planting to maintain the plaza's well-defined edges.
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Will New Jersey beaches really reopen by Memorial Day?

A typically crowded beach day at the Jersey Shore, photo via Wikimedia Commons

April 28, 2020

Will New Jersey beaches really reopen by Memorial Day?

By Dana Schulz

"I want to see the shore humming throughout the summer," said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy yesterday when discussing a reopening plan for his state. According to the New York Times, he said that this could come as soon as Memorial Day, considered the kick-off weekend to summer. But the suggestion has drawn mixed emotions, since yesterday New York Governor Andrew Cuomo alluded to the fact that the New York City area would not reopen when his state's current Pause order ends on May 15th. Cuomo has also been persistent in his message that reopenings must be coordinated within the tri-state region to avoid sending crowds from one state to another.
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Policy

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