All articles by Devin Gannon

Approved spending bill includes funding for Gateway project, but on Trump’s terms

The path for a future Hudson River tunnel is being preserved at Hudson Yards, photo via Amtrak

March 26, 2018

Approved spending bill includes funding for Gateway project, but on Trump’s terms

By Devin Gannon

Update 3/26/18: While Congress on Thursday approved the $1.3 trillion spending bill, the package does not include direct funding for the Gateway tunnel project. Instead, the bill provides $650 million for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and allocates over $2 billion in available grants for which the Gateway Program Development Corp. can apply. President Donald Trump, who threatened to veto the spending bill if funding for Gateway was included, and his administration will remain in control of Gateway's funding fate. The Department of Transportation (DOT) said in a statement that the bill "removes preferential treatment for the New York and New Jersey Gateway projects." And DOT board members, appointed by the president, review all federal grants to Amtrak, as Bloomberg reported. After months of back-and-forth negotiations among politicians, the Gateway tunnel project might get another chance at survival. The project, which would construct a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and repair an existing one, could potentially receive up to $541 million in a tentative $1.3 trillion spending bill drafted by Congress on Wednesday, according to the New York Times. Although the bill does not mention Gateway by name, provides way less than the $900 million planners sought for the project, and has been opposed by both President Donald Trump and Speaker Paul Ryan, the tentative spending bill has made supporters more hopeful about the project's future. The bill will go to a vote in the House on Thursday, followed by the Senate.
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Overhaul of Landmarks rules faces criticism from preservation groups

March 23, 2018

Overhaul of Landmarks rules faces criticism from preservation groups

By Devin Gannon

Photo via CityRealty Earlier this year, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) unveiled a series of new proposed rules, which the group says will streamline the application process and improve transparency. One of the proposed changes, which calls for more oversight by LPC staff but less time for public review, has some preservation groups criticizing the commission. Preservationists worry this new rule change would not take into account public opinion, as it limits the opportunity for testimony and comment on the application.
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Policy

21 chances to buy an affordable condo at Extell’s chic Upper East Side tower, from $357K

March 23, 2018

21 chances to buy an affordable condo at Extell’s chic Upper East Side tower, from $357K

By Devin Gannon

Rendering of The Kent via Beyer Blinder Belle; Photo via CityRealty Applications are now being accepted for 21 brand new, affordable condominiums at Extell Development's Upper East Side tower, The Kent. Designed by Beyer Blinder Belle, the 30-story building, located at 200 East 95th Street, has a facade covered in red brick with accents of dark metal. Qualifying New Yorkers earning between $79,333 and $119,250 annually can apply for the studio, one- and two-bedroom condo units, which range in price from $356,700 to $427,000.
Find out if you qualify

Jerome Avenue rezoning and Peninsula complex to bring thousands of affordable units to the Bronx

March 23, 2018

Jerome Avenue rezoning and Peninsula complex to bring thousands of affordable units to the Bronx

By Devin Gannon

Rendering of the Peninsula by BLA + WXY The New York City Council on Thursday unanimously approved the rezoning of 92-blocks along Jerome Avenue in the Bronx, bounded by East 165th Street to the south and 184th Street to the north. As the fourth neighborhood rezoning of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration, the city plans to construct about 4,600 new apartments, adding to the mayor's goal of bringing 300,000 units of housing to the city by 2026. The council has set aside $189 million in capital investment for workforce development, open space, parks and two new schools (h/t City Limits). A plan to bring even more affordable housing to the Bronx got the green light on Thursday after the Council approved The Peninsula, a $300 million plan to redevelop the former Spofford Juvenile Detention Center as a mixed-use development.
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Despite declining service, MTA will most likely raise fares in 2019

Image via Ged Carroll’s Flickr

March 22, 2018

Despite declining service, MTA will most likely raise fares in 2019

By Devin Gannon

Without another option to bring in revenue to the cash-strapped Metropolitan Transportation Authority, straphangers will most likely have to pay higher fares next year. The fare hike would be the sixth since 2009 when the state legislature approved a financial rescue plan that included increasing fares every other year. While funding for the financially-troubled authority continues to be negotiated among lawmakers before the state's budget deadline next month, MTA Chairman Joe Lhota told the Daily News he did not see a scenario where the fares could remain the same.
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Extell launches sales at Brooklyn’s current tallest tower, starting at $837K

Rendering courtesy of Williams New York

March 22, 2018

Extell launches sales at Brooklyn’s current tallest tower, starting at $837K

By Devin Gannon

Extell on Thursday officially launched sales at Brooklyn Point, the developer's first skyscraper in the borough. According to the building's site, units available include studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom condos, ranging from $837,000 to $3,413,000 in price. Residents at the 720-foot tower, located at 138 Willoughby Street in Downtown Brooklyn, will enjoy a plethora of amenities including a wine room, a stroller valet, well-equipped fitness center and, of course, the highest rooftop pool in the Western Hemisphere.
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Lottery launches for seven affordable apartments in Park Slope, from $642/month

Via Justin Kiner’s Flickr

March 22, 2018

Lottery launches for seven affordable apartments in Park Slope, from $642/month

By Devin Gannon

Ever fantasize about living in the gem of Brooklyn's brownstone belt? A new lottery for seven affordable housing units in Park Slope just might turn that dream into reality. The newly renovated apartments are located in various buildings in the historic neighborhood: 643 President Street, 579 Warren Street and 677 and 680 Union Street. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 50 or 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the studio and one-bedroom apartments, which start at $787/month and $642/month respectively.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

65 chances to live in a new South Bronx complex, from $860/month

Via Heritage Architecture

March 21, 2018

65 chances to live in a new South Bronx complex, from $860/month

By Devin Gannon

A South Bronx mixed-use development, dubbed the Thomas and Lilly Keller Manor, launched a housing lottery this week for 65 affordable units. Designed by Heritage Architecture, TLK Manor features two six-story buildings in Morrisania: 917 Westchester Avenue and 944 Rogers Place. The two buildings boast a unified design, seamlessly blending into one another. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for units ranging from a $860/month studio to a $1,281/month three-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Live in a new mixed-use building in the Bronx’s Mount Hope neighborhood from $368/month

Rendering via Aufgang Architects/ Schur Management Company

March 21, 2018

Live in a new mixed-use building in the Bronx’s Mount Hope neighborhood from $368/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched this week for 105 mixed-income units at a newly constructed building in the Mount Hope neighborhood of the Bronx. Designed by Aufgang Architects, the more than 110,000-square-foot complex at 2028 Creston Avenue features 114 residential units and space for retail and community activities. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, 90 and 120 percent of the area median income can apply for units ranging from a studio for $368/month to a three-bedroom for $1,965/month.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

The best pop-up food markets coming to New York City this spring

March 19, 2018

The best pop-up food markets coming to New York City this spring

By Devin Gannon

Although it seems like winter may never end, the opening dates have been released for many of New York City's seasonal pop-up markets, finally signaling the start of warmer weather. This spring, try standbys like Smorgasburg, Broadway Bites, and the Hester Street Fair. Or check out under-the-radar, but just as tasty, pop-ups like the Red Hook Food Vendors and LIC Flea & Food. To make it easy to taste test the endless options offered up, we've put together a list of 11 pop-up food markets coming to the city this season.
Get your munch on

Events & Things To Do

Popular Articles

Celebrate Women’s History Month with these 15 feminist shops, events, and exhibits in NYC

The Female NY Giants before a baseball game in 1913; via Library of Congress

March 6, 2018

Celebrate Women’s History Month with these 15 feminist shops, events, and exhibits in NYC

By Devin Gannon

It's not surprising one of the original observances of Women's History Month got its start in New York in 1909; the first women's rights convention in the U.S. happened upstate at Seneca Falls, the first large-scale suffrage parade ran through the city and in 1917, the state became the first on the East Coast to grant women suffrage. A century later, there are countless ways to celebrate Women's History Month in New York City, so to narrow it down, we've rounded up 15 feminist-friendly bookstores, art galleries, and educational events. Whether you want to shop for girl-power-themed swag at Bulletin or enjoy a female-led mediation session at the United Nations, there's something empowering for everyone this month.
Get the scoop

Events & Things To Do

A 17-year-old artist created a model of Midtown out of recycled motherboards and hot glue sticks

March 2, 2018

A 17-year-old artist created a model of Midtown out of recycled motherboards and hot glue sticks

By Devin Gannon

Zimbabwe-based artist Zayd Menk spent three months working on this 165 by 80 centimeter model of Midtown Manhattan. The 17-year-old student, who built the piece of art for a school project, used a plethora of electronic bits and pieces to build the reduced model: 263 hot glue sticks, 11 CPUs, 27 motherboards, 10 CRT motherboards, 15 batteries, 2 clocks, 4 watches, 3 hard drives, 3 graphics cards, 4 audio cards, 7 power supplies and 13 floppy disk readers (h/t designboom). The used electronics, plus lots of math and scouring of the internet, come together in Menk's project in an art form he refers to as "recyclism."
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Events & Things To Do

Real estate investor wants Amazon to build second headquarters on a Hudson River landfill

Courtesy of Charles Urdstadt

March 2, 2018

Real estate investor wants Amazon to build second headquarters on a Hudson River landfill

By Devin Gannon

After landing on Amazon's list of 20 potential cities for its second headquarters in January, New York City is one step closer to securing $5 billion in city investment and 50,000 high paying jobs. Although the city pitched four neighborhoods for the tech-giants' HQ2 (Midtown West, Long Island City, the Brooklyn Tech Triangle, and Lower Manhattan), one investor has a different, less grounded location in mind. Real estate mogul Charles Urstadt took out an ad in the New York Post on Friday detailing his plan to bring Amazon to a landfill in the Hudson River.
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Policy

St. Patrick’s Cathedral to get $7.2M from sale of air rights under Midtown East rezoning

St Patrick’s Cathedral via Wikimedia

March 2, 2018

St. Patrick’s Cathedral to get $7.2M from sale of air rights under Midtown East rezoning

By Devin Gannon

Editor's Note: The owners of 405 Park Avenue are set to buy the development rights from St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Real Deal reports. MRP Realty and Deutsche Bank Asset Management will add four floors and 205,000 square feet of office space to their existing building. JPMorgan Chase and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced last week plans for the first project under the city's Midtown East rezoning: a 70-story tower to replace its old offices at the same Park Avenue site. And with the Archdiocese of New York this week reaching a tentative deal to sell 30,000 square feet of development rights from St. Patrick's Cathedral, the second project under the new rezoning could quickly follow. According to Crain's, if the sale happens the Archdiocese could pick up at least $7.2 million in air rights.
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New renderings for ODA’s archway-filled hotel in Crown Heights

Rendering of the Bedford Hotel via ODA

March 1, 2018

New renderings for ODA’s archway-filled hotel in Crown Heights

By Devin Gannon

ODA Architects' boutique hotel planned for the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights got fresh renderings this week, revealing more details about its archway-filled, concrete design. Developed by All Year Management, the Bedford Hotel is located at 1550 Bedford Avenue, right by the Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum and the Botanic Gardens. As designboom learned, the 100-room hotel's archway design stems from the classic Brooklyn architecture found elsewhere in the neighborhood, like the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch at the Grand Army Plaza.
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Events & Things To Do

New construction photos show One Vanderbilt’s 1,401-foot ascent

Photo courtesy of Max Touhey

February 28, 2018

New construction photos show One Vanderbilt’s 1,401-foot ascent

By Devin Gannon

After beginning its vertical construction last June, One Vanderbilt's progress shows no signs of slowing. According to SL Green, the supertall is currently rising two floors per month and after the 13th floor is completed, three floors will be installed every month. The planned 1,401-foot tower, which will become the city's second tallest skyscraper when completed, will measure over one million square feet. In addition to the above-ground construction, the project includes $220 million in public transit improvements as well as a passageway for direct access to the subway.
See it here

NYC Ferry routes coming to the Lower East Side and the Bronx this summer

Image © 6sqft

February 28, 2018

NYC Ferry routes coming to the Lower East Side and the Bronx this summer

By Devin Gannon

Two neighborhoods underserved by transit will get a bit more accessible this summer. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday that construction has officially kicked off for new NYC Ferry landings on the Lower East Side and in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx. Skanska USA will construct four docks at Corlears Hook, East 90th Street and Stuyvesant Cove on the East River as well as at Clason Point Park in Soundview. According to the city, the new LES and Bronx routes will serve more than 1.4 million riders each year.
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Transit

Local artists will bring 10 public art installations to NYC parks this summer

February 28, 2018

Local artists will bring 10 public art installations to NYC parks this summer

By Devin Gannon

New York City's parks department will bring art installations to 10 designated parks across the five boroughs this June. As part of "Art in the Parks: UNIQLO Park Expressions Grant Exhibit," public art will be displayed in parks that currently lack cultural programming. Japanese clothing company UNIQLO, as the initiative's sponsor, will give grants worth $10,000 to 10 emerging artists for the installations. The city's Art in the Parks program began in 1967 and is responsible for bringing over 2,000 public pieces of art to the city's parks.
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Events & Things To Do

Support women-led restaurants in New York City with this new map from Grubhub

February 27, 2018

Support women-led restaurants in New York City with this new map from Grubhub

By Devin Gannon

What could go better together than feminism and food delivery? Thanks to Grubhub, the online takeout service, hungry New Yorkers can now easily order from women-run restaurants. The company on Tuesday launched an app called RestaurantHER that aims to empower and promote women chefs and owners, who are often underrepresented and underpaid in the restaurant industry. Available nationwide, the app includes a map that looks similar to Grubhub's typical page, but only highlights restaurants owned or co-owned by a woman or a kitchen led by a woman executive chef.
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Food & Dining

Finalists for Park Avenue design contest propose an artificial mountain and a river for kayak commutes

February 27, 2018

Finalists for Park Avenue design contest propose an artificial mountain and a river for kayak commutes

By Devin Gannon

Fisher Brothers unveiled on Tuesday the 17 finalists chosen for its "Beyond the Centerline" design competition after receiving more than 150 submissions. Participants were asked to think of creative and ambitious ideas to transform the traffic medians along Park Avenue between 46th and 57th Streets. The finalists did not disappoint. Proposals call for an Alpine mountain, a massive aquarium, floating gardens, mini-golf, an elevated walkway and more. Although a jury will select the grand prize winner, all 17 proposals will be on display for public voting at Park Avenue Plaza, located at 55 East 52nd Street, from March 5 to March 9 for the second-place prize. Below, check out all of the unique projects.
See the ambitious ideas

Architecture And Design

New details revealed for Pier 17, the foodie oasis coming to the South Street Seaport

A rendering of Pier 17’s proposed temporary rooftop structure via LPC/ Howard Hughes Corp.

February 27, 2018

New details revealed for Pier 17, the foodie oasis coming to the South Street Seaport

By Devin Gannon

The Howard Hughes Corporation has worked since 2010 to revitalize the Seaport District as a destination for New Yorkers, bringing more than 400,000 square feet of cultural and culinary space to the waterfront. The highlight of the $731 million redevelopment remains Pier 17, a four-story building designed by Achim Menges with a see-through canopy, dining options, an iPic theater, retail and more. The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved the revised designs for the project in December and the New York Post has just learned more information about the project's timeline, with nearly everything set to open at some point this year.
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Design competition proposals call for fish tanks and mini-golf in the middle of Park Avenue

Rendering courtesy of Eric Spencer

February 26, 2018

Design competition proposals call for fish tanks and mini-golf in the middle of Park Avenue

By Devin Gannon

In November, Fisher Brothers first launched a design competition to bring life to the boring traffic medians along Park Avenue, between East 46th and East 57th Streets. The privately-funded contest, dubbed "Beyond the Centerline," aims to spur creative thinking and unique ideas never before considered for the traffic medians. After the developer received more than 150 submissions from landscape architects and urban planners, the list has been narrowed to 17 finalists (h/t New York Times). Stand out proposals from the finalists include a mini-golf course, a glass aquarium and a curvy, elevated park.
More details here

Architecture And Design

More than half of NYC’s 20 most expensive sales were at One57 and 432 Park

432 Park Avenue via CIM Group/Macklowe Properties

February 26, 2018

More than half of NYC’s 20 most expensive sales were at One57 and 432 Park

By Devin Gannon

The buyer of One57's $100 million penthouse was unveiled as Michael Dell last week, finally solving the mystery of which billionaire set New York City's record for the most expensive home ever sold. The reveal sparked CityRealty's interest in finding out where other costly buildings fall in comparison. Unsurprisingly, Midtown's One57 and 432 Park make up 12 out of the city's 20 priciest homes ever sold with single units going for $100.47 million and $91.5 million, respectively. While those two buildings on Billionaires' Row easily take the top three spots, 15 Central Park West ranks fourth, with its $88 million penthouse sold in 2012.
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Real Estate Trends

The Chinese government now owns the Waldorf Astoria

Photo via Wikimedia

February 23, 2018

The Chinese government now owns the Waldorf Astoria

By Devin Gannon

The Chinese government has taken control over debt-ridden Anbang Insurance Group, a Beijing-based firm known for snatching up prominent properties around the world for billions of dollars. One of those high-profile properties includes New York City's iconic Waldorf Astoria, which the group purchased for $1.95 billion in 2014. According to the New York Times, the government takeover comes after Abang violated regulations, although the exact violations committed are unclear so far. Anbang will be overseen for one year by a group that includes China's central bank, the country's securities and banking regulator, the regular of foreign exchanges and other government agencies.
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Events & Things To Do

MTA approves more than $200M in cosmetic improvements for eight subway stations

Two stations at 34th Street will be renovated; photo via dog97209 on Flickr

February 23, 2018

MTA approves more than $200M in cosmetic improvements for eight subway stations

By Devin Gannon

The board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved on Thursday a $213 million plan to rehabilitate eight subway stations, despite objections from the authority's city representatives. Under Gov. Andrew Cuomo's $1 billion Enhanced Station Initiative, the stations--six in Manhattan and two in the Bronx-- will get outfitted with USB ports, LED lighting, digital countdown clocks and artwork (h/t New York Times). The board first delayed the vote on the construction contracts in January after board members, appointed by Mayor de Blasio, questioned the necessity of these cosmetic improvements when the system's infrastructure remains in desperate need of repair.
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