All articles by Devin Gannon

All New York businesses will mandate masks indoors unless there’s a vaccine requirement

Photo courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office on Flickr

December 10, 2021

All New York businesses will mandate masks indoors unless there’s a vaccine requirement

By Devin Gannon

As coronavirus cases and hospitalizations rise statewide, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced a new mask requirement for all indoor public places in New York that don't require proof of vaccination for entry. The new measure comes as the state experiences a "winter surge." Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has jumped by 43 percent and hospitalizations have increased by 29 percent. "I have warned for weeks that additional steps could be necessary, and now we are at that point based upon three metrics: Increasing cases, reduced hospital capacity, and insufficient vaccination rates in certain areas," Hochul said in a statement.
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Policy

15 holiday trees in NYC that are not at Rockefeller Center

Photo by Charley Lhasa on Flickr

December 9, 2021

15 holiday trees in NYC that are not at Rockefeller Center

By Devin Gannon

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center may be the most popular conifer in New York City, with 125 million people visiting the tree each year, but it certainly is not the only one. Every holiday season, spruces adorned with colorful lights and ornaments pop up across the five boroughs. The city’s many holiday trees each offer a unique take on the tradition, which began in NYC in 1912 when the first public Christmas tree was erected in Madison Square Park. For those looking to skip the Midtown crowds this year, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best holiday trees, from the origami tree at the American Museum of Natural History to the flotilla of trees in Central Park’s Harlem Meer.
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Trader Joe’s new Williamsburg store opens this week

Trader Joe’s in Williamsburg. Courtesy of Trader Joe’s, ©2021

December 8, 2021

Trader Joe’s new Williamsburg store opens this week

By Devin Gannon

Brooklynites, rejoice: Trader Joe's third location in the borough is opening this week. Bright and early on Friday, December 10, the grocery store will open at 200 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. Kicking off at 8 a.m., the grand opening celebration includes live music and a reusable bag giveaway.
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Uncategorized

353 mixed-income apartments available at 25-story rental in Jamaica, from $683/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 8, 2021

353 mixed-income apartments available at 25-story rental in Jamaica, from $683/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for over 350 units of mixed-income housing in Jamaica, Queens. The luxury 25-story rental, called Alvista Rise, is located at 147-25 94th Avenue, across the street from a major train station, home to the subway, Long Island Air Road, and AirTrain to JFK Airport. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 50, 120, and 165 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced from $683/month for studios and up to $2,804/month for two-bedroom units.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

See the dramatic amenity space at Robert A.M. Stern’s 35-story tower on the Upper East Side

All renderings: DBOX

December 7, 2021

See the dramatic amenity space at Robert A.M. Stern’s 35-story tower on the Upper East Side

By Devin Gannon

An indoor pool room with vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling arched windows and French doors facing the city skyline is just one unique perk at Robert A.M. Stern's latest residential tower. Located on the Upper East Side at 200 East 83rd Street, the luxury condo launched sales in October for the building's 86 residences and soon after broke a record for priciest sale on Third Avenue when a penthouse went into contract for $27 million. Now, we're taking a look inside the amenity spaces, from the stunning 17th-floor pool room to the romantic "winter garden" and terrace.
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Turtle Bay two-bedroom with pair of enclosed terraces asks $1.9M

All photos by Rise-Media

December 7, 2021

Turtle Bay two-bedroom with pair of enclosed terraces asks $1.9M

By Devin Gannon

Next to the East River and just blocks to the United Nations, a recently renovated two-bedroom condo at 345 East 50th Street is available for $1,895,000. The Turtle Bay digs has a comfortable layout, with the two largest rooms, the living area and the primary bedroom, each benefiting from unique glass-enclosed terraces that stretch into balconies. While the building was constructed in 1900, the home, outfitted with modern conveniences like a built-in espresso machine and central air conditioning, very much meets a 21st-century standard of living.
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Distinctive Homes

Senator Schumer calls for free, at-home Covid tests in New York

Mayor Bill de Blasio is tested for COVID-19 in 2020. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

December 6, 2021

Senator Schumer calls for free, at-home Covid tests in New York

By Devin Gannon

Sen. Chuck Schumer on Sunday called for free rapid at-home coronavirus test kits to be available at community health centers across New York as the number of virus cases continues to grow. While last week President Joe Biden announced private health insurers will reimburse those who purchase over-the-counter tests starting January 15, Schumer said it's important to offer free tests to New Yorkers in the meantime, with the arrival of winter and the new Omicron variant.
Details here

Policy

New York City announces vaccine mandate for all private employers

Photo of NYC vaccine hub, The Jefferson by Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

December 6, 2021

New York City announces vaccine mandate for all private employers

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday announced a new coronavirus vaccination mandate for all private-sector employers in New York City, described as a "preemptive strike" to stop the spread of the Omicron variant. The city has already put in place a vaccine mandate for all city workers and for most indoor activities. The new mandate, considered to be a first in the United States, goes into effect on December 27.
Get the details

Policy

New York Public Library honors Stephen Sondheim with new tribute display

Photograph of Sondheim at the piano by Friedman-Abeles (Firm) Courtesy of the New York Public Library Digital Collections.

December 3, 2021

New York Public Library honors Stephen Sondheim with new tribute display

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library has opened a new exhibit honoring the legacy of the late Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim, considered one of the best musical theater composers of our time. Sondheim, the mastermind behind works in West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and many others, died last week at age 91. Free and open to the public until early next year, the display features letters and other objects related to Sondheim found in the archives of the Library of the Performing Arts.
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New rental with 400 units of affordable housing and a grocery store opens in Jamaica

Rendering courtesy of Omni New York

December 2, 2021

New rental with 400 units of affordable housing and a grocery store opens in Jamaica

By Devin Gannon

A new rental with nearly 400 affordable apartments and a low-cost grocery store officially opened in Jamaica, Queens this week. Located at 92-23 168th Street, Archer Green was developed by Omni New York and designed by ESKW/Architects. The development has 389 total apartments across two towers, one at 23 stories and the other at 20 stories, and will be home to an ALDI grocery store and 15,000 square feet of community space.
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Affordable Housing

Popular Articles

Ice skating, sledding, fire pits, and more coming to new winter village on Governors Island

Governors Island in winter; Photo: Trust for Governors Island

December 2, 2021

Ice skating, sledding, fire pits, and more coming to new winter village on Governors Island

By Devin Gannon

For its first winter season ever, Governors Island is pulling out all of the stops. The Trust for Governors Island on Thursday announced it will transform its historic Colonels Row into a winter village with an ice skating rink, fire pits, sled rentals, games, festive food and drinks, and more. Dubbed Governors Island Winter Village, the seasonal destination will open on December 17.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

$865K Greenwich Village studio is small in size, but big in style

Photo credit: Elizabeth Dooley

December 2, 2021

$865K Greenwich Village studio is small in size, but big in style

By Devin Gannon

Not all New York City studios are created equal, and this one in Greenwich Village, with its functional layout and exposed beams and brick, feels like a cut above the rest. Located at 43 East 10th Street, the co-op has been smartly renovated to include all of the essentials, including a surprisingly large kitchen with a dishwasher, a Sonos home sound system, and access to the shared roof deck. It's asking $865,000.
More here

Distinctive Homes

119th annual polar bear plunge is back in Coney Island this New Year’s Day

Photo by Kim on Flickr

December 1, 2021

119th annual polar bear plunge is back in Coney Island this New Year’s Day

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's oldest traditions may also be its coldest. The 119th annual New Year's Day polar bear plunge returns to Coney Island on January 1 for the first time since New Year's Day 2020. Hosted by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, the oldest winter bathing club in the United States, the event draws thousands of New Yorkers brave enough to jump in the Atlantic Ocean during the winter.
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Events & Things To Do

The 10 most over-the-top festive bars in NYC

December 1, 2021

The 10 most over-the-top festive bars in NYC

By Devin Gannon

When the weather outside is frightful, drinking seasonal spirits inside a cozy holiday-themed bar can be quite delightful. In New York City, there are many places to cure your winter blues while surrounded by over-the-top decorations and with an overpriced cocktail in hand. From Christmas classics like Rolf's and Pete's Tavern to high-end heated snow globes at the rooftop bar Mr. Purple, there is no shortage of festive spots to make the season merry and bright.
See the list

Events & Things To Do

For just under $700K, a cute Clinton Hill co-op designed by prolific NYC architect

All photos by Ben Fitchett

November 30, 2021

For just under $700K, a cute Clinton Hill co-op designed by prolific NYC architect

By Devin Gannon

The late architect Wallace Harrison had a major role in developing some of New York City's most iconic structures, including Rockefeller Center, the United Nations, and Lincoln Center. Harrison, who was a close friend to Nelson Rockefeller, also designed the Clinton Hill Co-ops, a 12-building complex spread across two campuses in Clinton Hill. A charming and sunny junior two-bedroom at the historic complex is now available for $699,000.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

New interactive installation in Flatiron asks New Yorkers to dream together

Photos by Martin Seck for the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership

November 30, 2021

New interactive installation in Flatiron asks New Yorkers to dream together

By Devin Gannon

A new public art installation opened in the Flatiron Public Plaza as part of the neighborhood's yearly "23 Days of Flatiron Cheer" event. This year's artwork, called Interwoven, comes from design firm Atelier Cho Thompson and features colorful interactive archways. When two or more people pass through sensors of the same color, corresponding lights and musical compositions by local artists are activated. Interwoven, selected by the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Van Alen Institute as the winner of the eighth annual Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition, also has a story wall that invites New Yorkers to share responses to the prompt: "I dream of a world where together we can…"
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Hochul declares a state of emergency for New York to prepare for omicron variant

Photo: Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

November 29, 2021

Hochul declares a state of emergency for New York to prepare for omicron variant

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday declared a state of emergency for the state of New York to prepare for the new omicron variant of the coronavirus. The order allows the Department of Health to stop non-urgent surgeries at hospitals with less than 10 percent of beds available. While the new variant has not yet been detected in New York, "it's coming," according to Hochul, who in her order said the state is now experiencing Covid transmission rates not seen since April 2020.
Get the details

Policy

For $4.5M, a palatial four-bedroom in prime Lincoln Square

All photos: Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images

November 29, 2021

For $4.5M, a palatial four-bedroom in prime Lincoln Square

By Devin Gannon

Here's a rare opportunity to own a four-bedroom on the Upper West Side for under $5 million. A sprawling condo located at 155 West 70th Street, within the cultural hub of Lincoln Square, is now available for $4,500,000. Mixing classic design with modern upgrades, the home boasts coffered ceilings and handcrafted moldings, along with a new home automation system and motorized shades.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Lottery opens for 26 luxury middle-income units on the Upper West Side, from $2,135/month

Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 29, 2021

Lottery opens for 26 luxury middle-income units on the Upper West Side, from $2,135/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 26 below-market-rate apartments at a luxury rental building on the Upper West Side. Located at 101 West End Avenue in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, the recently renovated towers contain over 500 apartments and nearly 15,000 square feet of amenities. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the available units, priced at $2,135/month for studios, $2,485/month for one-bedrooms, and $2,760/month for two-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

Celebrate Hanukkah in NYC at these menorah lighting ceremonies and celebrations

Menorah lighting at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn in 2016; Credit: Chabad of Park Slope / Chabad.org

November 27, 2021

Celebrate Hanukkah in NYC at these menorah lighting ceremonies and celebrations

By Devin Gannon

The Jewish Festival of Lights starts early this year, running from sunset on Sunday, November 28 through Monday, December 6. To mark Hanukkah, several organizations in New York City are hosting menorah lighting ceremonies and events throughout the eight-night holiday. Ahead, find a celebration near you, from the rival "world's largest" menorahs near Central Park and Prospect Park to a menorah made of ice at the Seaport.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

The best spots to watch the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Map courtesy of Macy’s Inc.

November 24, 2021

The best spots to watch the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Devin Gannon

The 95th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade returns on Thursday, welcoming the public back following a spectator-free event last year. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. from 77th Street and Central Park West and moves down its traditional route, ending in front of Macy's Herald Square. For those hoping to enjoy the parade in person, Macy's released a helpful interactive map highlighting the 2.5 miles of public viewing. The map also notes where parade-goers can find coffee, food, and restrooms.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC Council approves sweeping Gowanus rezoning

Photo by bobistraveling on Flickr

November 24, 2021

NYC Council approves sweeping Gowanus rezoning

By Devin Gannon

The New York City Council on Tuesday approved the biggest rezoning of Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration just weeks before his term ends. In a near-unanimous vote, the Council approved plans to upzone 82 blocks of Gowanus, a former industrial hub turned affluent residential neighborhood. As the first rezoning of de Blasio's administration in a predominantly white and wealthy neighborhood, the decision could pave the way for upzoning in similar communities, including the proposal to rezone Soho and Noho, scheduled for a vote next month.
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Policy

Sales launch for net-zero custom-built homes in the Catskill Mountains for under $1M

Photo: James Karpowicz

November 23, 2021

Sales launch for net-zero custom-built homes in the Catskill Mountains for under $1M

By Devin Gannon

One of the greenest new residential developments in New York launched sales recently, offering eco-conscious buyers a chance to custom design an energy-efficient dream home in the mountains. Located in Livingston Manor across 90 acres in the Catskill Mountains, The Catskill Project will feature 11 single-family homes designed to meet Passive House standards. Buyers will choose from three unique designs for their home, all of which will include solar energy and the opportunity for eco upgrades. Pricing starts at $895,000 for two-bedroom homes and $945,000 for three-bedrooms.
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Where to get takeout latkes and treats for Hanukkah in NYC

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

November 23, 2021

Where to get takeout latkes and treats for Hanukkah in NYC

By Devin Gannon

While many families were unable to gather for Hanukkah in 2020, this year, with vaccination rates high, getting together is possible again. The Festival of Lights arrives early this year, running from November 28 to December 6. If you plan to cook a big meal for Thanksgiving just days before and don't feel like doing it all over again, there are several New York City restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops offering takeout holiday meals and treats. Leave the latkes and lox to the professionals and place a to-go order with a local business during Hanukkah this year.
Full list ahead

Here are the best books of 2021, according to the NYPL

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

November 23, 2021

Here are the best books of 2021, according to the NYPL

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library on Tuesday released its annual list of the best books of the year, a tradition that started nearly 100 years ago. This year, committees of expert librarians selected nearly 300 titles across categories for kids, teens, and adults. From fiction to fantasy to graphic novels and poetry, the Best Books of 2021 list has something for every reader in your life.
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City Living

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