All articles by Devin Gannon

How to apply for New York’s new COVID-19 rent relief program

Via CityRealty

July 14, 2020

How to apply for New York’s new COVID-19 rent relief program

By Devin Gannon

Update 7/31/20: The deadline to apply for the rent relief program has been extended by one week to Thursday, August 6. A new rent relief program launched Tuesday that provides subsidies to eligible low-income New Yorkers financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic. First signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month, the assistance program helps low-income households experiencing increased rent burden due to a loss of income because of COVID-19 by sending a one-time subsidy directly to landlords. The payment covers the difference between a household's rent burden on March 1 and the increase in rent burden for up to four months. Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements to qualify for the program.
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High Line Nine galleries transform into socially-distanced ‘living storefronts’

Image by Vicky Barranguet

July 14, 2020

High Line Nine galleries transform into socially-distanced ‘living storefronts’

By Devin Gannon

As New York City slowly reopens with some semblance of normalcy, art galleries are also returning. Earlier this month, the High Line Nine introduced a new initiative that transforms five of its galleries into "living storefronts." The High Line Nine Artist Residency, titled "Dare to Reimagine," allows visitors to walk through the corridor in Chelsea and view artists at work through glass-walled studios. And all works on display will be available for purchase through scannable QR-codes on-site.
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Smorgasburg returns to Williamsburg next week as takeout-only ‘Smorg To Go’

2018 Smorgasburg; Photo by Scott Lynch

July 14, 2020

Smorgasburg returns to Williamsburg next week as takeout-only ‘Smorg To Go’

By Devin Gannon

Popular outdoor food market Smorgasburg returns to Williamsburg next week with a new takeout-only model. As Eater New York first reported, "Smorg To Go" will launch on Monday, July 20, with 10 vendors serving fare at 51 North 6th Street at Kent Avenue, a block from the market's typical summer location at Marsha P. Johnson State Park. The new takeout market will operate seven days per week with a rotating list of vendors.
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Empire State Building’s observatory reopens next week with new air purification system

Photo by Neil Cooper on Unsplash

July 14, 2020

Empire State Building’s observatory reopens next week with new air purification system

By Devin Gannon

One of the world's most iconic buildings will reopen its observatory to the public next week. The Empire State Building announced on Monday that visitors can return to the skyscraper's 86th- and 102nd-floor observatory spaces starting Monday, July 20. Capacity will be reduced by more than 80 percent, temperatures will be checked, and face coverings will be required. Plus, the building is deploying a number of improvements for ventilation, including MERV 13 filters, an air purification system, and mechanisms to bring fresh air into the space. New York City could enter phase four as early as July 20, but no official announcement has been made yet.
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City Living

Six-acre private island in Connecticut with a charming cottage asks $2.5M

Photo by Carlos Marques, Marcott Studios

July 13, 2020

Six-acre private island in Connecticut with a charming cottage asks $2.5M

By Devin Gannon

A nearly six-acre private island off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut has hit the market for $2.5 million. The property, called Copps Island, features an adorable three-bedroom, two-bath cottage with a huge screened-in porch. The home, which measures about 2,620 square feet, sits on the island's highest point, providing serene views of the Long Island Sound from every room.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

NYC public libraries reopen 22 branches for grab-and-go service

Photo of Todt Hill-Westerleigh branch; credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

July 13, 2020

NYC public libraries reopen 22 branches for grab-and-go service

By Devin Gannon

New York City's public libraries on Monday opened 22 branches for limited grab-and-go service as part of a phased reopening process. The joint plan involves a gradual reopening of physical locations in stages, with seven to eight branches opening for contactless pickups and book returns to start. All libraries were forced to close in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ murals popping up on streets across New York City

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer’s office

July 10, 2020

See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ murals popping up on streets across New York City

By Devin Gannon

First announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio as a celebration of Juneteenth last month, giant murals spelling out Black Lives Matter have been popping up across New York City, with the streets also officially co-named after the movement. There are eight large-scale murals total: Centre Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Manhattan, Richmond Terrace on Staten Island, 153rd Street in Queens, Joralemon and Fulton Streets in Brooklyn, Morris Avenue in the Bronx, and on Fifth Avenue in front of Trump Tower.
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Events & Things To Do

White Horse Tavern temporarily loses liquor license over social distancing violations

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

July 10, 2020

White Horse Tavern temporarily loses liquor license over social distancing violations

By Devin Gannon

The state's liquor authority this week suspended the liquor license of the White Horse Tavern, charging the 140-year-old West Village bar with more than 30 violations. The New York State Liquor Authority on Wednesday said the business repeatedly violated Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive order mandating bars and restaurants to comply with social distancing guidelines. It's the first establishment in New York City to temporarily get its liquor license revoked since the start of the city's open restaurants program last month, Eater New York first reported.
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Here’s what a car-free, pedestrian-friendly NYC could look like

If parking was removed and private cars banned on West 45th Street; courtesy of PAU

July 10, 2020

Here’s what a car-free, pedestrian-friendly NYC could look like

By Devin Gannon

In a city that currently has the most streets closed to cars in the country, with plans in store to add more designated busways and charge vehicles entering its busiest streets, is New York ready to be car-free? Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti and his firm Practice for Architecture and Urbanism think so. The New York Times took a look at PAU's plan, "N.Y.C. (Not Your Car)," which calls for a ban of private motor vehicles in Manhattan and an expansion of sidewalks and pedestrian-only space.
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NYC cancels all large events through September

Photo by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft

July 10, 2020

NYC cancels all large events through September

By Devin Gannon

All major events that require a city permit have been canceled through September 30, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. The city said it will not issue a permit for any event that would be located within a designated Open Streets or Open Restaurants area, an attempt to "prioritize open spaces for public use." This means annual street fairs and parades, like favorites the Feast of San Gennaro and the West Indian-American Day Carnival, will not take place this year.
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Events & Things To Do

Popular Articles

See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural in front of Trump Tower

All photos by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

July 9, 2020

See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural in front of Trump Tower

By Devin Gannon

After announcing last month that he'd be painting "Black Lives Matter" in front of Trump Tower, Mayor de Blasio today helped paint the mural in bright yellow letters outside the building on Fifth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets. "Let’s show Donald Trump what he does not understand, let’s paint it right in front of his building for him," the mayor said today.
Details here

Policy

See the design proposals that would make the Brooklyn Bridge a pedestrian oasis

“Back to the Future,” Bjarke Ingles Group and Arup

July 9, 2020

See the design proposals that would make the Brooklyn Bridge a pedestrian oasis

By Devin Gannon

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of public space, especially in a city like New York, where residents lack private backyards and most common spaces are too narrow for proper social distancing. A design contest launched earlier this year looking for ideas on how to improve the overcrowded pedestrian promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge, where thousands of walkers and cyclists fight for space daily. The Van Alen Institute and the New York City Council on Thursday announced the six finalists for the "Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge" design contest, with selected proposals calling for less space for cars and more for people.
See the designs

Manhattanhenge returns to New York City’s grid this weekend

Photo via d26b73 on Flickr

July 9, 2020

Manhattanhenge returns to New York City’s grid this weekend

By Devin Gannon

Despite all of the life changes New Yorkers are currently grappling with, some things remain the same. The annual magic of Manhattanhenge has officially returned, bringing a much-needed moment of zen to the city. Twice a year the sunset aligns perfectly with Manhattan's street grid, providing a picture-perfect glow radiating between two skyscrapers. As first reported by Gothamist, the phenomenon took place on May 30, with the second event happening on July 12.
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190-year-old Neir’s Tavern reopens for outdoor dining in Woodhaven

Photo courtesy of Neir’s Tavern

July 8, 2020

190-year-old Neir’s Tavern reopens for outdoor dining in Woodhaven

By Devin Gannon

After nearly shutting its doors earlier this year because of a rent increase and then temporarily closing in March because of the coronavirus, it's been a tough few months for Neir's Tavern, a bar in Queens founded more than 190 years ago. But, with support from regulars, the historic establishment in Woodhaven reopened this month for outdoor dining, the New York Post reported.
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Food & Dining

Governors Island will reopen on July 15 with limited capacity

Photo by Kreg Holt

July 8, 2020

Governors Island will reopen on July 15 with limited capacity

By Devin Gannon

Summer is not totally canceled in New York City. Governors Island will officially reopen to the public next week for passive activities only and with a new reservation system for ferries. The Trust for Governors Island announced on Wednesday a system that lets visitors reserve tickets for ferry trips to the 172-acre site for the first time ever, as a way to allow for social distancing. Originally planned to open for the season in May, the Trust had postponed its opening in April because of the coronavirus.
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City Living

Brooklyn’s most photographed block opens for outdoor dining

Courtesy of the Dumbo Improvement District

July 6, 2020

Brooklyn’s most photographed block opens for outdoor dining

By Devin Gannon

Over the weekend, nearly two dozen streets currently closed to cars opened to outdoor dining, including one of New York City's most photographed blocks. In the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo, outdoor dining was expanded onto several streets, like on Washington Street between Water Street and Front Streets, where the Manhattan Bridge is perfectly framed between buildings. As part of the expanded open restaurants program, the Dumbo restaurants can take over the streets on Friday nights and weekends only.
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Food & Dining

Three acres of new green space open at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Photo by Alexa Hoyer

July 6, 2020

Three acres of new green space open at Brooklyn Bridge Park

By Devin Gannon

Three acres of new parkland opened at Brooklyn Bridge Park on Monday, putting construction of the waterfront park one step closer to completion. Located east of Pier 2, the Pier 2 Uplands features a 6,300 square foot lawn and a new water play area made up of salvaged pieces of Pier 3. Runoff water from the play area will be caught by an underground retention tank and will be reused for irrigation throughout the site.
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Uncategorized

The High Line will reopen next week with timed-entry reservations

Photo by Iker Alonso on Flickr

July 6, 2020

The High Line will reopen next week with timed-entry reservations

By Devin Gannon

The High Line will reopen to the public this month with a new timed-entry reservation system. The elevated park, which had been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus, will open on July 16, with free reservations available starting 10 a.m. on July 9. A limited number of walk-up passes will be available at the entrance at Gansevoort and Washington Streets each day.
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City Living

Lottery opens for 126 affordable apartments in the Bronx’s Longwood, from $471/month

Credit: Peter Clements Architect P.C

July 2, 2020

Lottery opens for 126 affordable apartments in the Bronx’s Longwood, from $471/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched this week for 126 affordable and moderate-income apartments in the Bronx neighborhood of Longwood. Located at 975 Tiffany Street, the rental features a fitness center, a community facility, bike storage, and a laundry room. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from a $471/month one-bedroom to a $1,200/month three-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

$2B project in Astoria calls for massive mixed-use district with 2,700 housing units

Rendering the civic park at Innovation QNS courtesy of ODA

July 2, 2020

$2B project in Astoria calls for massive mixed-use district with 2,700 housing units

By Devin Gannon

A proposal to build a mixed-use district in Queens that would encompass five blocks and create thousands of new housing units was unveiled this week. Dubbed "Innovation QNS," the $2 billion project would bring 2,700 units of mixed-income housing, 250,000 square feet of creative office space, 200,000 square feet of retail, a new school, two acres of public open space, and new neighborhood amenities to Astoria. With ODA Architecture as the architect of the master plan, the mixed-use district is a joint private venture led by Silverstein Properties, Kaufman Astoria Studios, BedRock Real Estate Partners.
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Real Estate Trends

Stonewall Inn gets $250K lifeline to avoid COVID-19 closure

Photo by Rhododendrites on Wikimedia

July 1, 2020

Stonewall Inn gets $250K lifeline to avoid COVID-19 closure

By Devin Gannon

New York City's iconic Stonewall Inn got a much-needed lifeline this week after receiving a $250,000 donation from the Gill Foundation. The Greenwich Village bar, considered the birthplace of the LGBTQ rights movement, has been closed since March because of the coronavirus pandemic and has struggled to keep up with bills, including its $40,000/month rent. But thanks to the donation, and more than $300,000 raised as part of an online fundraiser, the national historic landmark will able to survive a little longer.
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Food & Dining

New law protects New Yorkers from eviction for unpaid rent during COVID-19

Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash

July 1, 2020

New law protects New Yorkers from eviction for unpaid rent during COVID-19

By Devin Gannon

New York tenants cannot be evicted for any unpaid rent accrued during the coronavirus crisis, according to a law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday night. Sponsored by State Sens. Brad Hoylman and Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, the Tenant Safe Harbor Act protects renters who have not paid rent between March 7 and the to-be-determined date when their region fully reopens, as long as they can prove they experienced financial hardship during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Policy

To-go cocktails will continue in New York for at least another month

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

June 30, 2020

To-go cocktails will continue in New York for at least another month

By Devin Gannon

Takeout alcoholic beverages will be legal in New York for at least one more month, under an executive order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week. As mandated by the governor and the New York State Liquor Authority in March in response to the shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, businesses can continue to sell to-go beer, wine, and liquor until July 26. The relaxed liquor rules, which have been extended every 30 days since instated on March 16, proved popular with restaurants and bars looking for alternative ways to bring in revenue.
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New Jersey delays indoor dining as COVID-19 cases spike in other states

Photo of Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten by cogito ergo imago on Flickr

June 29, 2020

New Jersey delays indoor dining as COVID-19 cases spike in other states

By Devin Gannon

Restaurants and bars in New Jersey will no longer be able to resume indoor service on Thursday as planned, Gov. Phil Murphy announced. The governor on Monday said the pause of this part of the state's reopening plan comes as coronavirus cases spike across the country and more photos and videos of maskless crowds at establishments have surfaced. "It brings me no joy to do this, but we have no choice," Murphy said during a press briefing.
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Lottery opens for 94 affordable senior apartments in the heart of Harlem

Photo of Victory Plaza courtesy of Camber Property Group

June 29, 2020

Lottery opens for 94 affordable senior apartments in the heart of Harlem

By Devin Gannon

A lottery has opened for 94 affordable units for seniors at a new building in Harlem, with 41 of the units for formerly homeless seniors. Victory Plaza, located at 11 West 118th Street, is a 100 percent affordable building developed jointly by Camber Property Group, the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, and New York City. To apply, New Yorkers must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older, qualify for Section 8 benefits, and earn $51, 200 or less, annually. Eligible applicants will pay 30 percent of their income for the studio and one-bedroom apartments.
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Affordable Housing

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