All articles by Devin Gannon

July 15, 2021

New York City’s marriage bureau will reopen for in-person weddings

Save the date! New York City's marriage bureau will reopen next week for in-person appointments, nearly 16 months after the department closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The city's five marriage bureaus had been closed since 2020, although the city did permit virtual license appointments and ceremonies. The marriage bureau will reopen on July 19 with the first marriage licenses given out starting July 23, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced during a press briefing on Thursday.
Get the details

Outdoor beer garden Smorgasbar is now open on the Jersey City waterfront

Photo courtesy of Smorgasburg

July 15, 2021

Outdoor beer garden Smorgasbar is now open on the Jersey City waterfront

By Devin Gannon

A massive new beer garden is now open along the Jersey City waterfront. Earlier this summer, open-air market Smorgasburg opened its first-ever New Jersey location at the Harborside campus. This month, the founders of the popular food market opened "Smorgasbar," a 300-seat outdoor venue with incredible Hudson River and Manhattan skyline views.
Find out more

Food & Dining

For $750K, a charming home in the Bronx with a secret terraced garden

All photos by Christian Atherton

July 14, 2021

For $750K, a charming home in the Bronx with a secret terraced garden

By Devin Gannon

A single-family home in the Bronx with an enviable backyard is on the market for $750,000. Located at 3459 Irwin Avenue in Kingsbridge, the charming, shingle-sided home has just two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms but feels more spacious thanks to the lush garden and tucked away deck. Constructed in 1932, the residence boasts original details, like a decorative fireplace and some doors, as well as modern features, like a gut-renovated kitchen and separate laundry room.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Over 8,300 Covid deaths prevented by NYC’s vaccination effort, study says

A vaccination site in Co-Op City in the Bronx on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

July 14, 2021

Over 8,300 Covid deaths prevented by NYC’s vaccination effort, study says

By Devin Gannon

New York City's coronavirus vaccination campaign saved more than 8,300 lives and averted roughly 250,000 cases and 44,000 hospitalizations, according to a new study by epidemiologists at Yale University. The analysis, which was supported by the Commonwealth Fund, determined the city's swift rollout of the vaccine has "played a pivotal role in reducing the COVID-19 burden and in curbing surges from more transmissible emerging variants," Dr. Alison Galvani, the director of the Yale Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, said on Wednesday.
Learn more

Policy

NYC says unvaccinated young people are behind Staten Island’s uptick in Covid cases

Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

July 13, 2021

NYC says unvaccinated young people are behind Staten Island’s uptick in Covid cases

By Devin Gannon

Some neighborhoods in New York City are seeing a slight increase in the number of coronavirus cases for the first time in weeks, as vaccinations slow and the Delta variant continues to spread. According to the city's Health Department, the city's seven-day average rate of positivity increased to 1.28 percent as of Monday, the highest rate in nearly two months, with 363 new cases on a seven-day rolling average. With a seven-day positivity of over 2.4 percent as of July 9, Staten Island has the highest test positivity rate of any borough. City officials point to those who remain unvaccinated, "particularly younger people," as the reason for this uptick.
Find out more

Policy

Climate change-themed mini-golf course opens at Two Trees’ waterfront site in Williamsburg

All photos courtesy of Two Trees Management, unless otherwise noted

July 13, 2021

Climate change-themed mini-golf course opens at Two Trees’ waterfront site in Williamsburg

By Devin Gannon

On the site of a proposed mixed-use development in Williamsburg, a temporary climate change-themed miniature golf course has opened. Two Trees Management on Monday announced visitors can now enjoy Putting Green, an 18-hole course designed by local groups that focuses on sustainability and climate issues, as well as a 25,000-square foot sustainable farm. The pop-up mini-golf course sits on the future site of the developer's project "River Ring," which includes two huge towers designed by Bjarke Ingels with more than 1,050 units of housing, a new YMCA, and a public beach.
Get the details

Uncategorized

Mark Twain’s former Tuscan-inspired mansion in Connecticut asks $4.2M

Photos by Bernadette Queenan for William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, unless otherwise noted

July 12, 2021

Mark Twain’s former Tuscan-inspired mansion in Connecticut asks $4.2M

By Devin Gannon

The Connecticut mansion once owned by the author Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, is on the market for $4,200,000. Located in the Fairfield County town of Redding, the yellow home, built in the style of a Tuscan villa, sits on nearly 29 private acres and contains four bedrooms. Twain, who lived at the property from 1908 until his death in 1910, called the home "Stormfield" after his own short story titled "Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven."
See inside

July 12, 2021

See the 900-unit affordable complex designed by Adjaye Associates coming to East Flatbush

By Devin Gannon

A 900 unit affordable housing complex with public green space and community amenities is coming to Brooklyn's East Flatbush neighborhood. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday announced the state selected the proposal to redevelop 7.2 acres of the Kingsboro Psychiatric Center Campus following a request for proposals last summer. Designed by Sir David Adjaye's Adjaye Associates and Studio Zewde, the $400 million project includes affordable and supportive housing, senior housing, opportunities for homeownership, and two new homeless shelters that will replace existing, outdated ones.
Get the details

Magnolia Bakery is giving out free banana pudding across NYC this weekend

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

July 9, 2021

Magnolia Bakery is giving out free banana pudding across NYC this weekend

By Devin Gannon

Not only can you enjoy Magnolia Bakery's internationally renowned banana pudding for free this month, but you also don't have to travel very far to eat it. To celebrate its 25th birthday, the iconic Manhattan shop is taking to the streets with its "banana pudding-mobile" and handing out the sweet treat for free in several locations across New York City over two weekends in July.
Get the details

Apply for 95 affordable apartments at stylish high-rise in New Rochelle, from $1,082/month

Rendering courtesy of Beyer Blinder Belle

July 9, 2021

Apply for 95 affordable apartments at stylish high-rise in New Rochelle, from $1,082/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for 95 affordable apartments at a newly constructed rental tower in the "city outside the city." Located at 14 LeCount Place in downtown New Rochelle, the 27-story luxury building is the latest mixed-use development to rise in the bustling Westchester city. Eligible applicants must earn 50 or 70 percent of the area median income, between $44,650 annually for a one-person household and $89,250 annually for a four-person household. Applications are now being accepted for studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, ranging in price from $1,082/month to $1,953/month.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

For $1.62M, a mid-century modern home surrounded by woods in the Bronx’s historic Fieldston

By Devin Gannon

Nestled among woodland and rocky landscape, this mid-century modern home in the historic Bronx neighborhood of Fieldston is now available. Asking $1,625,000, the property at 4710 Grosvenor Avenue offers quiet and space that comes with suburban living, but also still benefits from its proximity to Manhattan. In addition to being surrounded by nature, the five-bedroom home is architecturally noteworthy, with 14-foot-high beamed ceilings, a library loft, and a terrace built into the rock outcroppings.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Everything you need to know about using a guarantor in NYC

Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash

July 8, 2021

Everything you need to know about using a guarantor in NYC

By Devin Gannon

After finally finding that perfect New York City apartment, it's time to prove you can actually pay for it. Many NYC newbies and even natives can't meet landlords' strict criteria, like having a high credit score or a salary that equals 40 to 45 times the monthly rent, for example. This is where guarantors come in. A guarantor is a co-signer who guarantees payment on the lease if it otherwise can't be made. But this is an entirely additional process, from finding someone who fits the bill to gathering all of the necessary paperwork. Ahead, find out everything you need to know about using a guarantor, as well as some tricks of the trade.
Find out the basics

You can now book a visit to Governors Island’s lavish new Italian spa

Photo by Riccardo Piazza

July 8, 2021

You can now book a visit to Governors Island’s lavish new Italian spa

By Devin Gannon

Photo by Riccardo Piazza Get ready to relax. Ticket sales officially launched on Thursday for QC NY, a lavish European day spa on Governors Island. The spa will feature outdoor thermal pools with views of Manhattan, steam rooms and saunas, and a wellness-focused cafe. Tickets will be sold for dates starting September 1, with limited preview tickets available in August.
Learn more

City Living

Summer Streets is back this August with seven miles of car-free NYC blocks

Summer Streets 2019; Photo courtesy of New York City Department of Transportation on Flickr

July 7, 2021

Summer Streets is back this August with seven miles of car-free NYC blocks

By Devin Gannon

New York City's original "Open Streets" return this August. The Department of Transportation announced "Summer Streets," the annual initiative that transforms seven miles of Manhattan streets into a car-free oasis, will take place on August 7 and August 14. While the city's popular Open Streets program was established last year in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Summer Streets is now in its 13th year.
More here

Cuomo’s ‘Circle of Heroes’ monument proposed for Battery Park City will be relocated after protests

Rendering courtesy fo Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

July 6, 2021

Cuomo’s ‘Circle of Heroes’ monument proposed for Battery Park City will be relocated after protests

By Devin Gannon

A new monument honoring essential workers will no longer be built in Battery Park City's Rockefeller Park after the community protested its location. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last month plans to construct at the Lower Manhattan park a "Circle of Heroes" memorial, which would include a circle of maple trees and an eternal flame. Opponents argue the monument would reduce green space and called out the governor's office for not working with the community. As seen in a video posted on Instagram last week and as first reported by Gothamist, George Tsunis, the chair of the Battery Park City Authority, told local residents: "This site is going to change. It's going to be a new site."
Get the details

Policy

Dating app Bumble is opening a restaurant in Nolita for in-person meet-ups

All images courtesy of FLOAT Design Studio

July 6, 2021

Dating app Bumble is opening a restaurant in Nolita for in-person meet-ups

By Devin Gannon

Dating app Bumble is opening its own restaurant in Nolita this month, helping New York City singles shift to in-person meet-ups after months of direct messaging and video chats. Bumble Brew, originally scheduled to launch in 2019, will open its doors at 98 Kenmare Street on July 24. The all-day cafe and wine bar won't just be for a romantic rendezvous, but also as a way to make new friends or potential business connections after more than a year apart.
Find out more

Food & Dining

First new futuristic subway cars arrive in NYC for testing

All photos: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

July 2, 2021

First new futuristic subway cars arrive in NYC for testing

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Thursday unveiled the first batch of subway cars of a brand new fleet that will serve passengers starting next summer. With wider doors and better signage, the long-awaited R211 cars are designed to increase capacity and provide commuters a more modern experience. The test cars that arrived this week fall under a $1.4 billion order from Kawasaki Rail Car Inc., which includes 535 subway and Staten Island Railway R211 cars. A few of the cars will hit the rails in the coming weeks, but won't serve passengers until next September.
Find out more

Transit

On its way to becoming Brooklyn’s first supertall, 9 DeKalb is now the tallest tower in the borough

Photos by Michael Young

July 1, 2021

On its way to becoming Brooklyn’s first supertall, 9 DeKalb is now the tallest tower in the borough

By Devin Gannon

Brooklyn's first supertall hit a major milestone this week. In Downtown Brooklyn, the skyscraper under construction at 9 DeKalb Avenue reached 721 feet, developer JDS Development Group announced on Wednesday. Designed by SHoP Architects, 9 DeKalb is now more than halfway to its pinnacle of 1,066 feet, officially snatching the title of the borough's tallest tower from Extell Development's 720-foot-tall Brooklyn Point. A building is labeled as a supertall if it reaches over 300 meters, or 984 feet.
See more here

July 1, 2021

Asking $69M, this Spanish Colonial-style mansion in East Hampton lists for the first time in 75 years

By Devin Gannon

It's not often a property like the one at 201 Lily Pond Road becomes available. Built in 1925, the East Hampton mansion sits on 2.7 acres of land and boasts 400 feet of ocean frontage. On the market for the first time in 75 years, the Spanish colonial-style residence is asking $69 million, as The Real Deal first reported.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, & Jennifer Hudson to headline Central Park ‘mega-concert’ this summer

Global Citizen Festival in Central Park on September 23, 2017.Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 1, 2021

Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, & Jennifer Hudson to headline Central Park ‘mega-concert’ this summer

By Devin Gannon

Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and Jennifer Hudson will headline the massive concert happening this August in Central Park, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. Last month, the mayor said he asked music producer and Brooklyn native Clive Davis to put together the concert, marketed as a celebration of New York's comeback following the pandemic. The full lineup of performers will be announced in the coming weeks, but de Blasio said the event will be "one of the greatest Central Park concerts in history."
Find out more

July 1, 2021

The Mets and Airbnb team up to offer baseball fans an overnight stay at Citi Field

By Devin Gannon

For baseball fans, this Airbnb stay is pretty Amazin'. The New York Mets and Airbnb are teaming up to offer a one-night stay for four at Citi Field this month for $250. Not only does the promotion include a once-in-a-lifetime sleepover, but the winning guests will also get a VIP private suite to watch two games and throw out the first pitch during one of them.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

Greenpoint tower with outdoor pool opens lottery for 127 middle-income units, from $2,370/month

All images courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development, unless otherwise noted

June 30, 2021

Greenpoint tower with outdoor pool opens lottery for 127 middle-income units, from $2,370/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for 127 middle-income apartments at a brand new rental tower in Greenpoint. Two Blue Slip, one half of a pair of luxury towers developed by Brookfield Properties and Park Tower Group, is a 40-story building located on the waterfront at the northern end of the Brooklyn neighborhood. New Yorkers with combined household incomes between $81,258 and $192,400, or 130 percent of the area median income, can apply for the apartments, which start at $2,370/month studios, $2,542/month one-bedrooms, $3,063/month two-bedrooms, and $3,530/month three-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

40 middle-income apartments available at luxury high-rise in Midtown East, from $1,281/month

All renderings courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

June 30, 2021

40 middle-income apartments available at luxury high-rise in Midtown East, from $1,281/month

By Devin Gannon

Here's an opportunity to live in a luxury Manhattan rental for cheap (relatively). The Gilroy, a new 40-story tower at 232 East 54th Street, is currently accepting housing lottery applications for 40 middle-income apartments, set aside for New Yorkers earning 70 and 130 percent of the area median income. Available apartments start at $1,281/month for a studio, $1,375/month for a one-bedroom, and $1,660/month for a two-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Lottery launches for middle-income units at new Clinton Hill rental, from $2,431/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

June 29, 2021

Lottery launches for middle-income units at new Clinton Hill rental, from $2,431/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for about a dozen apartments in Brooklyn's charming Clinton Hill neighborhood. Located at 445 Vanderbilt Avenue, the development is part of a larger complex that also includes seven three-story townhouses currently under construction on the other side of the property. The "affordable" units available through the housing lottery don't provide much of a discount, with apartments set aside for New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income. Units include three $2,431/month studios, $2,592/month one-bedrooms, and $3,090/month two-bedrooms. The current median rental price in the neighborhood is $2,825/month, according to data from CityRealty.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

All articles by Devin Gannon

Pitch a Story

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Interested in seeing the property in person?

Distinctive Post Form

Get in Touch

Send us a Tip

Interesting in learning more about purchasing a new home?

Thinking about selling your home?

Sell a Home (Footer)

Before You Move On from this Page.

Your Daily Doseof NYC Life!

Before You Move On
from this Page.

Your Daily Dose
of NYC Life!