All articles by Devin Gannon

Cuomo’s $2.1B AirTrain to LaGuardia gets federal approval

Rendering courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

July 21, 2021

Cuomo’s $2.1B AirTrain to LaGuardia gets federal approval

By Devin Gannon

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey can move forward with its proposal to build a $2.1 billion AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration announced on Tuesday. The 1.5-mile elevated rail would run between the airport and the eastern Queens neighborhood of Willets Point, with a connection to the subway and Long Island Rail Road. The agency's final decision was delayed last month after community groups and elected officials raised concerns about the review process and the logistics of building the AirTrain.
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New looks for the performing arts space coming to the World Trade Center

The Perelman at night, facing south © Luxigon

July 20, 2021

New looks for the performing arts space coming to the World Trade Center

By Devin Gannon

About a month after the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC) topped out at the World Trade Center complex, new renderings of the unique project were released this week. As first spotted by Yimby, images showcase the flexible cube-shaped building and its glowing marble facade, the grand staircase, theaters, bar and restaurant, and terrace space. First envisioned nearly two decades prior, PAC is expected to open in 2023.
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Ariana Grande’s former condo at Zaha Hadid’s High Line building sells for $12M

Photo by Tim Fisher, Courtesy of Related Companies

July 20, 2021

Ariana Grande’s former condo at Zaha Hadid’s High Line building sells for $12M

By Devin Gannon

The apartment where pop star Ariana Grande and ex-fiance Pete Davidson once lived has sold for roughly $12,000,000. Located at 520 West 28th Street, the condo building on the High Line designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, the residence measures an impressive 4,000 square feet, with five bedrooms and four and a half baths. As 6sqft previously reported, the apartment was listed for $16,000,000 in 2018 when the Grammy Award winner moved in.
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New York City pol calls for renewal of indoor mask mandate as cases climb

Photo by Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

July 19, 2021

New York City pol calls for renewal of indoor mask mandate as cases climb

By Devin Gannon

As New York City sees an uptick in coronavirus cases for the first time in months, an elected official is calling for the renewal of an indoor mask mandate. Council Member Mark Levine, who also chairs the Council's Committee on Health, plans on asking the state Health Department to reinstate the face-covering rule, even for those fully vaccinated, as the New York Post first reported.
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Construction set to begin on five-building Alloy Block development in Downtown Brooklyn

Renderings courtesy of Alloy

July 19, 2021

Construction set to begin on five-building Alloy Block development in Downtown Brooklyn

By Devin Gannon

After securing $240 million in financing, Alloy Development announced construction will kick off this month on its huge mixed-use, multi-building project in Downtown Brooklyn. Formerly known as 80 Flatbush, Alloy Block includes five buildings with 850 apartments, 200,000 square feet of office space, 40,000 square feet of retail, and two public schools designed to meet Passive House standards. Since first announcing the project roughly four years ago, developers have cut the height of the residential towers, swapped out planned office space for additional residences, and pushed back the expected completion date.
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Delta is now the dominant variant of Covid in NYC

Photo by Laura James from Pexels

July 16, 2021

Delta is now the dominant variant of Covid in NYC

By Devin Gannon

Data released this week by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene show the contagious Delta variant now accounting for a majority of new coronavirus cases. Of the cases analyzed by the city between June 27 and July 3, Delta made up 69 percent, as first reported by Gothamist. That is up from 44 percent of cases the week prior. City officials say the growing spread of the Delta variant is behind the city's recent uptick in new virus cases, reported in nearly all residents who remain unvaccinated.
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Policy

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

Photo by Emma Bauso from Pexels

July 15, 2021

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

By Devin Gannon

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Policy

Popular Articles

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

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.
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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.
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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.
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Affordable Housing

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

All photos by Rosie Fiore for Compass

July 9, 2021

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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