All articles by Dana Schulz

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

Photo of 125th Street by Blaxtar from Pixabay

May 19, 2020

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

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

Outdoor seating in the West Village, photo by cultivar413 via Flickr cc

May 18, 2020

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

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

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

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

Photo by Amanda Dombrowski on Instagram: @amanda.dombrowski

May 18, 2020

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

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After continued overcrowding despite the city's social distancing mandates, Domino Park has taken a unique approach to control crowds. Over the weekend, the Williamsburg waterfront park implemented painted white circles to delineate the appropriate spacing for persons or groups. As Greenpointers first noticed, photos on social media seem to show people sticking within their circles and even waiting nearby for circles to open up.
READ MORE
Famous artist couple lists their 1797 Sag Harbor house for $3.5M

Listing images courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

May 18, 2020

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

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

A screenshot of the map taken on 5.17.20

May 17, 2020

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

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

Photo of Fire Island National Seashore by Pexels from Pixabay

May 15, 2020

New York joins New Jersey and Connecticut to open beaches for Memorial Day

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During his press conference on Friday, Governor Cuomo announced that he'd be joining New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware in opening state beaches by Friday, May 22, ahead of Memorial Day Weekend. The four states agreed that they will mandate no more than 50 percent capacity, prohibit group activities and social gatherings, enforce social distancing measures and mask adherence when needed, and keep concessions closed.
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13 virtual things to do this weekend: Small-space design, Obama, Taylor Swift, and more
May 15, 2020

13 virtual things to do this weekend: Small-space design, Obama, Taylor Swift, and more

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The sun is shining, and the weekend looks lovely, so crack open those windows and enjoy one of these fun virtual events. From concert streams by Prince and Taylor Swift to virtual graduation events featuring a commencement speech by President Obama to Apartment Therapy's weekend-long small-space design lineup to a star-filled benefit for Hollywood's behind-the-scenes workers, there are plenty of cool things to do from home this weekend.
All the events
Connecticut’s biggest sale of the year is a $17.1M waterfront estate with a golf practice green

Photo credit is Halstead Connecticut LLC

May 14, 2020

Connecticut’s biggest sale of the year is a $17.1M waterfront estate with a golf practice green

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Halstead Real Estate reports that their Greenwich, Connecticut-based agent Christopher Finlay just represented the state's highest-priced sale of this year. The incredible waterfront estate was originally listed for $21 million and closed this week for $17.1 million. Located within the prestigious Belle Haven neighborhood, the impeccably renovated 1915 Georgian Colonial sits on nearly four acres that come complete with rolling lawns overlooking the Long Island Sound, a large swimming pool, a gorgeous flower garden, and a contoured golf practice green with bunkers.
See it all right here
In Westchester, a Mediterranean-style home with its own tennis court for $2.6M

Photo credit: Marc Keslow for Dawn Knief, Compass

May 14, 2020

In Westchester, a Mediterranean-style home with its own tennis court for $2.6M

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Not only does this Westchester county home have a unique Mediterranean style, but it sits on almost a full acre with a grandfathered private tennis court, something that's no longer allowed in this submarket. Located in the centrally located Murray Hill Estate section of Scarsdale, the home spans just under 4,000 square feet and has seven bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and a beautiful courtyard that'll make you think you're in Tuscany.
See the whole place
New Jersey will start reopening on Monday

Photo of Jersey City by Bruce Emmerling from Pixabay

May 13, 2020

New Jersey will start reopening on Monday

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In his press conference on Wednesday, Governor Phil Murphy announced that as of 6:00 am on Monday, May 18, New Jersey would begin its reopening process by allowing the restart of non-essential construction, non-essential retail stores to reopen for curbside pickup only, and drive-through and drive-in events to operate under social distancing guidelines. This is quite similar to what is allowed under New York's first phase of reopening, however, NJ's northern neighbor New York City is still not at that point. "The data we are seeing gives us confidence that we can begin the careful and responsible restart of our economy to get people back to work and to begin to set the stage for the steps to come," Murphy said.
More details here
Model Sophia Lie lists her Scandinavian mini-loft in Soho for $625K

Photo credit: Nick Glimenakis for Yesim Ak, Compass

May 13, 2020

Model Sophia Lie lists her Scandinavian mini-loft in Soho for $625K

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Norwegian model and entrepreneur Sophia Lie stayed true to her roots when outfitting her NYC residence. Located at the co-op 110 Thompson Street and recently listed for 625,000, the alcove studio is described as a "Scandinavian sanctuary in Soho," and we can't disagree. From the pale color scheme to the simple built-ins to the minimalist furniture, everything about the fifth-floor mini-loft screams hygge-chic, and if you're feeling this vibe, it's available fully furnished.
Have a look
NYC opens 12 more miles of open streets

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT/Flickr

May 13, 2020

NYC opens 12 more miles of open streets

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This brings the total to nearly 21 miles since Mayor de Blasio first announced that he'd be opening up 40 miles of streets to pedestrians by the end of the month, with an ultimate goal of 100 miles throughout the current COVID crisis. In his press conference this morning, the mayor announced the third round of open streets totaling 11.7 miles would be opening tomorrow, along with 9.2 miles of protected bike lanes by the end of May. Some of the new open streets include those in Hudson Yards, the first on the Upper West Side and in Long Island City, and those adjacent to seven more parks in Brooklyn.
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Street artist Tristan Eaton reveals new Midtown mural thanking NYC’s nurses

Artwork titled “Now & Forever” by Tristan Eaton created exclusively for Montefiore and Alto New York’s 2020 “Heroes” campaign

May 12, 2020

Street artist Tristan Eaton reveals new Midtown mural thanking NYC’s nurses

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Los Angeles-based painter and designer Tristan Eaton is well known for his street murals, which he's brought to NYC through a collaboration with Montefiore Hospitals. The towering artwork, which sought to capture the heroism of our healthcare workers, is located on 34th Street and 8th Avenue and is part of a larger appreciation campaign for National Nurses Week sponsored by Montefiore and its creative company of record, Alto NY. They wanted to create a "digital" ticker-tape parade and "extend the Canyon of Heroes to the doors of every hospital in New York." Using Eaton's mural as a template, New Yorkers can create their own hero image by uploading a photo on the website or through Instagram. In addition, Montefiore has created a moving video thanking all the brave nurses.
READ MORE
Work from home NYC: Small-space buff Rae Lambert transforms her entryway into a pop-up office

Before-and-after photos Rae took of her pop-up entryway office

May 12, 2020

Work from home NYC: Small-space buff Rae Lambert transforms her entryway into a pop-up office

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Last year, we visited the 400-square-foot Hell's Kitchen studio of Rae Lambert and her husband Ryan. In addition to her career as a product marketer for tech companies, Rae runs the awesome blog Small Space, Big Taste, where she shares ideas about re-designing how to live, spend, eat, work and travel. So it comes as no surprise that Rae adapted quickly to quarantine lifestyle, which has forced Ryan to work from home as well. Ahead, Rae takes us on a virtual journey of how she transformed her entryway into a pop-up office, complete with both standing and sitting work stations and some lovely accessories. She also fills us in on what a typical day looks like now for her and Ryan and shares advice for other couples working from home together in a small space.
Watch the video
$5.7M Tribeca co-op is two floors of loft living with lots of bonus space

Photo credit: Rise Media, courtesy The Corcoran Group

May 12, 2020

$5.7M Tribeca co-op is two floors of loft living with lots of bonus space

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Tribeca loft living is at its finest at this four-bedroom riverfront duplex. Located at 288 West Street, known as the Medium Lipstick Building, the brick warehouse building was built in 1855 as a spice storehouse and has since been converted to 14 co-op units. This particular apartment has all the classic architectural details-- beamed ceilings, wooden columns, exposed brick, arched windows--but with modern additions like a floating glass-enclosed staircase, double-sided fireplace, sleek white built-ins, and a sauna.
Take the full tour
13 virtual things to do this week: Events with Tina Fey, Neil Gaiman, Wendy Whelan, and more

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

May 11, 2020

13 virtual things to do this week: Events with Tina Fey, Neil Gaiman, Wendy Whelan, and more

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This week's virtual roster kicks off with a star-studded benefit hosted by Tina Fey and continues with book readings by Neil Gaiman, ballet classes taught by Wendy Whelan, and the first online version of Selected Shorts hosted by Maulik Pancholy. Ahead, we've rounded up 10 fun things to do this week from the comfort of your couch.
Check out the lineup
The Sill is delivering 10,000 orchids to healthcare workers for Mother’s Day

Photo by Maksim Axelrod

May 8, 2020

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

By
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
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’

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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?
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
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
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

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

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

May 7, 2020

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

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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
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

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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
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

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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
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
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
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