All articles by Devin Gannon

Apply for 63 mixed-income units at new FiDi high-rise with rooftop terraces, from $1,329/month

Renderings courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

September 7, 2021

Apply for 63 mixed-income units at new FiDi high-rise with rooftop terraces, from $1,329/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched this week for 63 mixed-income apartments at a new 34-story tower in the Financial District. The mixed-use building 7 Dey Street is conveniently located next to the Fulton Center transit hub and boasts amenities like multiple outdoor spaces, a fitness center, a co-working room, and more. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 70 or 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from $1,329/month studios to $3,235/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

What you need to know about NYC’s basement apartments

Photo courtesy of HPD

September 3, 2021

What you need to know about NYC’s basement apartments

By Devin Gannon

This week, Hurricane Ida brought record rainfall and historic flash flooding to New York City, which ultimately led to the deaths of at least 13 New Yorkers. A majority of the people killed lived in basement apartments, where water was able to get in and block the only way out. These "hidden" units have always been prevalent in New York City, which is home to roughly 50,000 basement apartments, although that number is likely much higher as many of them are considered illegal. The tragic events of this last week have renewed calls from advocacy groups and elected officials to legalize basement apartments to make them safe for the more than 100,000 New Yorkers who live in them. Ahead, learn about the difference between a legal and illegal basement apartment, what can be done to protect tenants, and what the future holds for these homes, seen as a critical component of the city's insufficient affordable housing stock.
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Hurricane Ida brings historic flash flooding across NYC, second record rainfall in 10 days

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

September 2, 2021

Hurricane Ida brings historic flash flooding across NYC, second record rainfall in 10 days

By Devin Gannon

Less than two weeks ago, New York City experienced the most rainfall ever recorded in a single hour with 1.94 inches documented in Central Park on August 21. That record was smashed on Wednesday night when the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit the region, bringing 3.15 inches of rain to the park between around 8:50 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. The historic rainfall caused a flash flood emergency to be issued in the city for the first time ever, brought the subway system to a standstill, and ultimately left at least 12 New Yorkers dead.
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Policy

New York extends eviction moratorium until early 2022

Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash

September 2, 2021

New York extends eviction moratorium until early 2022

By Devin Gannon

The New York State Legislature on Wednesday extended a temporary freeze on evictions until early next year during a rare special session. Expected to protect hundreds of thousands of tenants who have faced financial hardships as a result of the pandemic, the move comes one day after the state's eviction moratorium expired and a week after the United States Supreme Court overturned the federal moratorium. Lawmakers also modified the moratorium so it complies with the court's decision, which found it inconsistent with due process laws. Most evictions in New York will now be on hold until January 15, 2022.
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Policy

Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss buy Puck Building penthouse last listed for $42.5M

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

September 2, 2021

Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss buy Puck Building penthouse last listed for $42.5M

By Devin Gannon

Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss are in contract to buy the largest penthouse at the historic Puck Building, a condo project in Nolita developed by the venture capitalist's family's real estate company. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, Penthouse 1 measures an incredible 7,241 square feet and contains five bedrooms, seven and a half baths, and sprawling outdoor space. The final sales price hasn't been released, but the home was last listed for $42.5 million.
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New exhibit on NYC photographer Bill Cunningham to open during New York Fashion Week

Credit: ESI Design

September 1, 2021

New exhibit on NYC photographer Bill Cunningham to open during New York Fashion Week

By Devin Gannon

A new installation dedicated to the life of legendary New York City fashion photographer Bill Cunningham will open this month. The immersive exhibit, called "Experience The Times of Bill Cunningham," will feature large-scale reproductions of the photographer's famous photos, audio and video segments, and artifacts, like his trademark Biria bicycle and his blue worker’s jacket. Coinciding with the start of New York Fashion Week, the exhibit opens at the South Street Seaport on September 12 and runs through October 30.
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100 years after WWI, all-Black unit Harlem Hellfighters awarded Congressional Gold Medal

New York’s famous 369th (Old 15th) Infantry Regiment arrives home from France. From the National Archives via Wikimedia Commons

September 1, 2021

100 years after WWI, all-Black unit Harlem Hellfighters awarded Congressional Gold Medal

By Devin Gannon

One of the most decorated all-Black American regiments is finally getting nationally recognized more than a century after World War I. President Joe Biden last week signed into law the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act, which posthumously honors the 369th Infantry Regiment. Made up mostly of New Yorkers, the Harlem Hellfighters spent 191 days on the front-line trenches, longer than any other American unit. Despite their courage and sacrifice, the soldiers returned home to face racism and discrimination.
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Jean Nouvel’s condo tower 53W53 reveals lavish wellness amenities

All photos by Evan Joseph

August 31, 2021

Jean Nouvel’s condo tower 53W53 reveals lavish wellness amenities

By Devin Gannon

The private club and wellness center at Jean Nouvel's residential tower in Midtown West is a work of art. New images of the lavish full-floor space at 53 West 53, which rises adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art, were released this week, unveiling for the first time the club's elegant gym, squash court, golf simulator, saunas, and 65-foot lap pool that is surrounded by a green wall made up of 3,500 plants.
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Shake Shack and Milk Bar team up for limited-edition birthday-inspired shakes

Shake Shack

August 31, 2021

Shake Shack and Milk Bar team up for limited-edition birthday-inspired shakes

By Devin Gannon

Two New York City companies have announced a sweet new collaboration. Shake Shack and Milk Bar have teamed up on two limited-edition milkshakes: the chocolate birthday cake shake and the cornflake chocolate drizzle shake. The delicious treats combine Shake Shack's famous frozen custard with Milk Bar's unique desserts.
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Apply for 35 affordable studios at former Bronx army reserve center for $892/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

August 27, 2021

Apply for 35 affordable studios at former Bronx army reserve center for $892/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 35 studios set aside for low-income New Yorkers. Located at 555 Nereid Avenue in Wakefield, the building sits on the site of the former Joseph A. Muller Army Reserve Center. The newly redesigned four-story site, dubbed the Muller Residences, now contains roughly 90 units, with 54 apartments set aside for formerly homeless veterans and 35 for those earning 60 percent of the area median income, which are available through this current housing lottery. Applicants must earn between $30,583 annually for a one-person household and $57,000 annually for a two-person household to qualify for the $892/month studio apartments.
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Affordable Housing

Popular Articles

35 affordable apartments up for grabs near Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, from $1,650/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

August 26, 2021

35 affordable apartments up for grabs near Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, from $1,650/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched this week for 35 middle-income apartments at a brand new Bronx building. The residential building is located at 761 East 233rd Street in the neighborhood of Wakefield, just a few blocks from the huge and historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 120 percent of the area median income, or between $56,572 annually for a one-person household and $154,680 annually for a two-person household, can apply for the units, which include $1,650/month studios, $1,750/month one-bedrooms, and $2,000 two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Waitlist opens for 55 middle-income units in Kips Bay, from $1,458/month

Streetview of 325 East 25th Street; Map data © 2021 Google

August 25, 2021

Waitlist opens for 55 middle-income units in Kips Bay, from $1,458/month

By Devin Gannon

Located where Gramercy Park and Kips Bay meet, the residential building at 325 East 25th Street is now accepting applications for over 50 mixed-income apartments. Designed by SLCE Architects, the nine-story tower is reopening a housing lottery for nine vacant apartments, although all eligible applicants will be placed on the waitlist for any future vacancies. New Yorkers earning 80, 120, 145, and 165 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which range in price from $1,458/month two-bedrooms to $2,612/month one-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Only 0.33% of fully vaccinated New Yorkers tested positive for COVID, NYC health officials say

Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 25, 2021

Only 0.33% of fully vaccinated New Yorkers tested positive for COVID, NYC health officials say

By Devin Gannon

Between January and August, 0.33 percent of fully vaccinated New Yorkers tested positive for the coronavirus, according to new data published on Wednesday. New York City health officials say the data prove breakthrough cases of Covid-19 are rare, with unvaccinated people 13 times more likely to be hospitalized due to the virus compared to fully vaccinated people. "The vaccines continue to prevent the outcomes we most want to avoid: hospitalizations and death," Dr. Dave Chokshi, the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner, said.
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Policy

Take a tour of Untermyer Gardens, one of the world’s finest Persian gardens, just north of NYC

Photo © 6sqft

August 24, 2021

Take a tour of Untermyer Gardens, one of the world’s finest Persian gardens, just north of NYC

By Devin Gannon

Located just over an hour from Grand Central Terminal on Metro North’s Hudson line, the renowned Untermyer Gardens is a 43-acre historic park in Yonkers that features a Persian Paradise garden, a small amphitheater, a classical pavilion, the “Temple of Love,” and a “Vista” staircase. The park was developed in the early 20th century by philanthropist Samuel Untermyer, who purchased the estate in 1899. For 40 years, Untermyer transformed the sprawling greenery into some of the most acclaimed gardens in the United States, known today as “America’s Greatest Forgotten Garden.” Following his death, the property was not well maintained and fell into disrepair. For the last ten years, the Untermyer Garden Conservancy has worked to restore the site to its former glory and to provide a beautiful public space for all.
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The Grand Central Oyster Bar will reopen after 17-month closure

Photo by Jazz Guy on Flickr

August 24, 2021

The Grand Central Oyster Bar will reopen after 17-month closure

By Devin Gannon

The subterranean, century-old oyster bar in Grand Central Terminal will finally reopen next month after nearly a year and a half. The historic Grand Central Oyster Bar announced it will open its doors on September 7 at 100 percent capacity, as Gothamist first reported. After a temporary Covid-related closure last March, the Midtown East restaurant and bar resumed indoor dining that September, only to close again less than two weeks later.
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Food & Dining

Original copy of the Bill of Rights, lock of Beethoven’s hair on display at new NYPL treasures exhibit

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

August 23, 2021

Original copy of the Bill of Rights, lock of Beethoven’s hair on display at new NYPL treasures exhibit

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library's much-anticipated permanent exhibition of rotating rare objects and artifacts finally opens to the public next month. First announced in 2018, the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures features 250 unique, historic items from the library's incredible holdings, which includes more than 45 million objects in its research collections. Highlights include Thomas Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Dickens' writing desk, a letter written by James Baldwin to Angela Davis, the 1811 Comissioners' Map and Survey of Manhattan Island, and much more.
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New York City mandates Covid vaccinations for all public school teachers, staff

Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

August 23, 2021

New York City mandates Covid vaccinations for all public school teachers, staff

By Devin Gannon

New York City is requiring Department of Education employees to receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine by September 27, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday. The new mandate applies to the agency's 148,000 employees, including teachers, custodians, and central office workers and comes three weeks before the first day of school for the city's one million public school students. The policy takes away the option for DOE staff to submit for weekly testing instead of being vaccinated, which was part of a previous order announced last month.
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Policy

Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition is now open

The distillery’s atrium; Photos courtesy of Great Jones Distilling Co.

August 23, 2021

Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition is now open

By Devin Gannon

Manhattan's first legal whiskey distillery in over 100 years is now open. Great Jones Distilling Company officially opened on Saturday at a stunning four-level space at 686 Broadway in Noho, overcoming city regulations and construction issues to build the first legitimate whiskey distillery in the city since the Prohibition era. At the space, visitors can enjoy tours and tastings, as well as an underground speakeasy, a private event space, and a restaurant helmed by Chef Adam Raksin, all set to open in the coming weeks.
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Food & Dining

You can ride an 11-story Ferris wheel in the middle of Times Square

Artist rendering by Anthony George

August 20, 2021

You can ride an 11-story Ferris wheel in the middle of Times Square

By Devin Gannon

A new attraction coming to Times Square next week hopes to wheel in tourists. A 110-foot high outdoor Ferris wheel will open next Tuesday on the plaza between West 47th and West 48th Streets, as the New York Post first reported. Dubbed the Times Square Wheel, the limited experience runs from August 24 through September 12. The pop-up attraction is part of a larger effort by the Times Square Alliance to promote the neighborhood as the city continues to recover from the pandemic.
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Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka list their five-story Harlem townhouse for $7.3M

All photos courtesy of Will Ellis / DDreps

August 20, 2021

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka list their five-story Harlem townhouse for $7.3M

By Devin Gannon

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka are selling their five-story townhouse in Harlem for $7,325,000. The couple paid $4,000,000 in 2013 for the 19th-century home at 2036 Fifth Avenue, which was renovated by interior designer Trace Lehnhoff in collaboration with architecture firm Povero & Company. Designed for entertaining, the five-bedroom townhouse has a theater, music room, wine cellar, a rear garden, third-floor deck with an outdoor jacuzzi, and an irrigated rooftop.
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75% of adults in NYC have received at least one Covid vaccine dose

Photo courtesy of the New York National Guard on Flickr

August 19, 2021

75% of adults in NYC have received at least one Covid vaccine dose

By Devin Gannon

New York City hit a major milestone in its vaccination campaign this week. According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, 75 percent of all adults have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. "This is a big, big deal," the mayor said on Thursday. "This is the kind of number we want to see." The city's vaccination rate is slightly above the nationwide percentage of adults vaccinated, which is 72.3 percent with at least one dose.
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Policy

NYC’s West Indian American Day, Mermaid Parades canceled over Covid

Mermaid Parade 2018; Photo Credit: © Norman Blake

August 19, 2021

NYC’s West Indian American Day, Mermaid Parades canceled over Covid

By Devin Gannon

Two of New York City's most vibrant parades won't take place in person this summer for the second year in a row. Due to the spike in coronavirus cases, organizers of both the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island and the West Indian American Day Carnival along Brooklyn's Eastern Parkway have postponed their in-person parades until next year.
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What New Yorkers need to know about the Covid-19 booster shot

Courtesy of Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

August 18, 2021

What New Yorkers need to know about the Covid-19 booster shot

By Devin Gannon

President Joe Biden's administration on Wednesday said most Americans who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus should get a third shot of the vaccine. Citing concerns over the highly contagious Delta variant and the reduction in the protection of the vaccine over time, officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said booster shots will be available to all residents as early as September 20 and administered to individuals eight months after receiving the second dose. In response, Mayor Bill de Blasio this week said New York City is more than prepared to deliver and administer the vaccine quickly to New Yorkers.
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Policy

Jeff Bezos buys fifth apartment at Flatiron building for $23M

Rendering of 212 Fifth Avenue by Visualhouse; Photo of Jeff Bezos via Wiki Commons

August 18, 2021

Jeff Bezos buys fifth apartment at Flatiron building for $23M

By Devin Gannon

Shortly after returning to Earth following a quick journey into space last month, billionaire Jeff Bezos bought another apartment at a Flatiron building for an otherworldly $23 million. As first reported by the New York Post, Bezos has picked up a four-bedroom unit at 212 Fifth Avenue, where he already owns a three-story penthouse and three residences below it. With this latest addition to his real estate portfolio, the Amazon founder now owns $119 million worth of apartments in this condo building.
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New NYC Ferry route connecting Staten Island and Midtown West launches this month

Photo: NYC Ferry

August 17, 2021

New NYC Ferry route connecting Staten Island and Midtown West launches this month

By Devin Gannon

Starting next week, commuters from Staten Island will have another way to get to Manhattan. Launching Monday, August 23, the newest NYC Ferry route takes riders up the Hudson River for the first time and stops in Midtown West, with a total travel time of about 35 minutes from St. George. With this latest route, NYC Ferry now officially serves all five boroughs.
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