All articles by Devin Gannon

City seeks historic boat concession at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6

Photo by Lukas Schlagenhauf on Flickr

February 18, 2020

City seeks historic boat concession at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6

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A historic vessel could soon permanently dock at Brooklyn Heights' waterfront park. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation this month issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking operators for the long-term docking of a ship with historical significance to serve as an educational or cultural center at the park's Pier 6. Historic boats have previously operated at the pier on a seasonal basis, but the group is looking for a more permanent amenity, as the Wall Street Journal first reported.
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Oval Office replica opens at the New-York Historical Society

Photo by Glenn Castellano, New-York Historical Society

February 14, 2020

Oval Office replica opens at the New-York Historical Society

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This Presidents' Day, visit Washington, D.C. without leaving New York City. The New-York Historical Society on Friday opened a special permanent gallery that features a detailed replica of the White House Oval Office. The "Meet the Presidents" exhibit allows visitors to play POTUS for a day, with the classic Resolute Desk set up for photo ops.
See the exhibit
All Barneys New York stores to close by end of the month

Photo by Jim.henderson on Wikimedia

February 14, 2020

All Barneys New York stores to close by end of the month

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It's the end of an era. Once an icon in the luxury fashion world, Barneys New York is officially closing its doors this month. All stores will shutter on Feb. 23, the New York Post reported on Thursday, with 719 employees losing their jobs at the retailer's flagship location at 660 Madison Avenue, its store in Chelsea at 101 Seventh Avenue, an outlet in Central Valley, and its corporate offices at 575 Fifth Avenue. Barneys California stores in Beverly Hills and San Francisco will also close Feb. 23.
More here
Looking for your next great read? Here are 125 books NYPL hopes you’ll love

Photo: Jonathan Blanc/NYPL

February 14, 2020

Looking for your next great read? Here are 125 books NYPL hopes you’ll love

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Forget the roses and chocolate, spend this Valentine's Day enjoying a new book. As part of its 125th-anniversary celebration, the New York Public Library on Friday released an expertly-curated list of 125 books that inspire a love of reading. A team of librarians spent a year debating and choosing its 125 Books We Love list, which includes fiction and non-fiction titles published after May 23, 1895, the year the library was incorporated.
The full list, here
CNN anchor Don Lemon is selling his stylish Harlem condo for $1.75M
February 13, 2020

CNN anchor Don Lemon is selling his stylish Harlem condo for $1.75M

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CNN journalist Don Lemon has listed his condo in a luxury Harlem apartment building for $1.75 million, according to the New York Post. Located at 2280 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, the tower, known as 2280 FDB, is a few short blocks from Morningside Park and all that Central Harlem has to offer. The TV news anchor first bought the three-bedroom home for $1.48 million in 2013, followed by a neighboring one-bedroom unit for roughly $867,780 the next year. He sold the smaller unit in 2017 for $969,000.
Take the tour
Fascinating photos show the 20th-century construction of NYC’s subway system

Lexington Avenue, between 105th and 106th Streets, Manhattan, 1913. Photograph by Pierre P. Pullis, Lundin Collection, Courtesy of the New York Transit Museum

February 13, 2020

Fascinating photos show the 20th-century construction of NYC’s subway system

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A new photo exhibit at the New York Transit Museum provides a unique look at the construction of the city's subway system, as well as its enduring impact. Opening Thursday, Streetscapes & Subways: Photographs by Pierre P. and Granville W. Pullis shows what it was like before and after the subway system was constructed, as well as the architectural and cultural changes occurring simultaneously above ground.
See the photos here
450-unit affordable housing development planned for New York Botanical Garden property

Corner of Webster Avenue and Bedford Park Boulevard; Map data © 2020 Google

February 12, 2020

450-unit affordable housing development planned for New York Botanical Garden property

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A two-building development with 450 affordable housing units will be constructed on property owned by the New York Botanical Garden, developers announced Tuesday. Douglaston Development has entered a 99-year lease with NYBG for a lot on Webster Avenue and Bedford Park Boulevard, located about a block from the 250-acre garden.
More this way
LPC approves Rafael Viñoly’s revamp of National Academy building, but without rooftop addition

Street view of 3 East 89th Street; Map data © 2020 Google

February 12, 2020

LPC approves Rafael Viñoly’s revamp of National Academy building, but without rooftop addition

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The plan to restore a historic Upper East Side townhouse and transform it into a new art gallery was partially approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission Tuesday. The neo-Renaissance townhouse at 3 East 89th Street in the expanded Carnegie Hill Historic District, as well as two connecting buildings, was formerly home to the National Academy Museum. Salon 94 owner Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn purchased the property last summer with the intention of consolidating her three art galleries at the property. Led by Rafael Viñoly Architects, the revamp includes a facade rehabilitation, new central gallery space, and a restoration of the original porte-cochere from 1915. While there was overwhelming support for the new gallery space, the LPC rejected the project's proposed sixth-floor rooftop addition, with most commissioners having issues with its bulk and visibility.
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City launches design competition to fix Brooklyn Bridge congestion problem

Image by Ali Vidler from Pixabay

February 11, 2020

City launches design competition to fix Brooklyn Bridge congestion problem

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The city is looking for ideas to fix the jam-packed promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge. City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and the Van Alen Institute on Tuesday launched a design competition seeking creative improvements to the 137-year-old structure's narrow walkway, where thousands of pedestrians and cyclists fight for space each day. The overcrowded conditions have made the number of cyclists crossing the bridge drop to about 3,000 daily riders, compared to 3,600 two years prior, the Wall Street Journal reported.
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You can have a sleepover at IKEA in Red Hook next month

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

February 10, 2020

You can have a sleepover at IKEA in Red Hook next month

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Lull yourself to sleep surrounded by ready-to-assemble furniture and Swedish meatballs during a sleepover at Ikea's showroom in Brooklyn next month. The home goods store is launching a raffle to give shoppers a chance to spend the night at its Red Hook store on March 13. Coinciding with World Sleep Day, the "Swede Dreams" event aims to help the "tired, weary and sleep-deprived fans" of the store, according to a press release.
Get the details
Plans for NYC’s first soccer stadium inch forward in the Bronx

Image by A.V. Flores from Pixabay

February 10, 2020

Plans for NYC’s first soccer stadium inch forward in the Bronx

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The long-anticipated plan to build a home stadium for New York City's soccer team in the Bronx inched forward last week, the New York Times first reported. The group of developers and the New York City Football Club are close to reaching a deal with the city to bring a 25,000-seat stadium to the South Bronx as part of a $1 billion development plan that also includes a hotel, new school, and affordable housing. New York City F.C., which has been looking for a permanent home for years, currently plays games at nearby Yankee Stadium.
More here
Affordability, climate change take center stage during de Blasio’s ‘State of City’ address

Billionaires’ Row © 6sqft

February 7, 2020

Affordability, climate change take center stage during de Blasio’s ‘State of City’ address

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Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday laid out his vision to "save" New York City, pledging to focus on affordability, climate change, and protections for small businesses during his last two years in office. "This city and everything it stands for must be saved. And we are the ones who have to save ourselves," the mayor said during his State of the City address. De Blasio's vision involves building on initiatives his administration has put forward during his tenure, including creating more affordable housing, increasing tenant protections, legalizing basement apartments, and launching the second phase of the Green New Deal.
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Why are the tracks of the Times Square-Grand Central shuttle curved?

The Times Square shuttle platform, Photo by Helvetica Fanatic on Wikimedia 

February 6, 2020

Why are the tracks of the Times Square-Grand Central shuttle curved?

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At the platform of the Times Square-Grand Central shuttle, a train track is hidden in plain sight. At both ends of the two-station line, tracks are numbered 1, 3 and 4, with no Track 2 to be found. As the New York Times explained, Track 2 once ran in its appropriate spot, between Tracks 1 and 3, but was taken out of operation nearly 100 years ago. After an attempt to expand the original 1904 line turned to major confusion for commuters, transit officials covered Track 2 with wooden flooring to make it easier for New Yorkers to walk to the new tracks.
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New York renters no longer have to pay broker fees

Photo by Rachel Martin on Unsplash

February 6, 2020

New York renters no longer have to pay broker fees

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Renters in New York will no longer have to pay a broker fee when they lease an apartment, the state ordered Tuesday. In an updated set of guidelines for last year's rent reform laws, the state department said real estate brokers hired by landlords "cannot be compensated by the prospective tenant." While brokers can still charge a fee, landlords are now responsible for paying it, according to the revised rules. However, if a renter hires a broker to find apartments on their behalf, a fee can be collected.
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Live off trendy Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, from $1,174/month

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

February 5, 2020

Live off trendy Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, from $1,174/month

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Two new buildings in prime Williamsburg are launching affordable housing lotteries this week. The rental at 196 North 4th Street is accepting applications from New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income for studios to two-bedroom apartments, starting at $1,174/month. At 660 Driggs Avenue, those earning the same AMI can apply for units, starting at $1,458/month for a two-bedroom and going up to $2,320/month for a one-bedroom.
Details this way
Lottery launches for 121 units at new Essex Crossing rental, from $562/month

180 Broome Street on left; Rendering by Moso Studio

February 4, 2020

Lottery launches for 121 units at new Essex Crossing rental, from $562/month

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An affordable housing lottery is set to launch Wednesday for 121 mixed-income units at a brand new Lower East Side rental. The Artisan, located at 180 Broome Street, is part of the nine-site Essex Crossing development. The tower contains 263 apartments, retail at street level, office space on levels two through five, and underground access to the Market Line. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 60, 130, or 165 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $562/month studios to $3,770/month three-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?
For just $200K, you can buy your own Jersey Shore island

Photo by Runa Parvin, courtesy of Private Islands, Inc.

February 4, 2020

For just $200K, you can buy your own Jersey Shore island

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Listings for private islands are already rare, but to find a property listed below $1 million is nearly inconceivable. Asking just $200,000, this 19-acre private island off the coast of a Jersey Shore resort town wants to make your archipelago-owning dreams come true. Christened "No Mans Island," the undeveloped property sits in the Grassy Sound near West Wildwood, located at the southern tip of the state, and is only accessible via boat.
Any takers?
See the car-free pedestrian plaza opening outside of Grand Central and One Vanderbilt this summer

Aerial rendering of Vanderbilt Plaza courtesy of SL Green

February 4, 2020

See the car-free pedestrian plaza opening outside of Grand Central and One Vanderbilt this summer

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A car-free public space will open this summer between Grand Central Terminal and Midtown's newest, tallest office building, One Vanderbilt. Renderings released this week, which were first spotted by the New York Post, show a new plaza on a strip of Vanderbilt Avenue between East 42nd Street to East 43rd Street, situated at the southern end of the iconic terminal. The open space, dubbed "Vanderbilt Plaza," is part of SL Green's commitment to invest $220 million in transit improvements in exchange for zoning changes agreed to by the city in 2014.
See the plaza
Lenox Terrace rezoning in Harlem gets green light from City Planning

Photo: Lenox Terrace Aerial; Credit: Davis Brody Bond

February 4, 2020

Lenox Terrace rezoning in Harlem gets green light from City Planning

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A plan to bring a mixed-use development with five buildings and 1,600 apartments to Central Harlem got a much-needed approval on Monday. The City Planning Commission voted in favor of an application from the Olnick Organization to rezone part of the neighborhood, clearing the way for five 28-story luxury towers to be constructed at the existing Lenox Terrace complex.
More here
Live in the artsy section of Astoria, from $990/month

Part of the Welling Court Mural Project; via Wikimedia

February 3, 2020

Live in the artsy section of Astoria, from $990/month

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Located just steps from the Welling Court Mural Project and Socrates Sculpture Park, a new rental building in Astoria has launched an affordable housing lottery. Fifteen newly constructed units are up for grabs at the Amana Astoria, located at 14-47 29th Avenue. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 70, 80, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from a $990/month studio to a $2,770/month two-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify
Williamsburg park to be renamed after LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

Photo of East River State Park by Harold Navarro on Flickr

February 3, 2020

Williamsburg park to be renamed after LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

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Brooklyn's East River State Park will be renamed after black transgender rights activist Marsha P. Johnson, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday. The park, located on the waterfront in Williamsburg and known for hosting outdoor market Smorgasburg, will become the first state park that honors a member of the LGBTQ community. Johnson, who passed away in 1992, played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising and helped found the advocacy group the Gay Liberation Front.
Find out more
Win a private dinner for two ‘under the stars’ of Grand Central Terminal this Valentine’s Day

Photo courtesy of Grand Central Terminal

February 3, 2020

Win a private dinner for two ‘under the stars’ of Grand Central Terminal this Valentine’s Day

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One of the most unique Valentine's Day events in New York City is happening at one of the city's busiest transit hubs. Grand Central Terminal announced it will provide one couple a romantic, private evening under the stars of its iconic main hall as part of a new contest announced Monday. The winning couple, who will get the space to themselves on February 14 between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., will enjoy a three-course dinner provided by Michelin-starred restaurant Agern and a live piano performance from a Steinway Artist, all under the terminal's constellation ceiling.
How to enter
Proposed property tax overhaul could lessen burden for low-income homeowners in NYC

Photo of Park Slope brownstones by Josh Wilburne on Unsplash

January 31, 2020

Proposed property tax overhaul could lessen burden for low-income homeowners in NYC

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Owners of multi-million dollar co-ops and condos in New York City would have to pay property tax at full market value under a recently released proposal to overhaul the current system. The city's Advisory Commission on Property Tax Reform on Thursday unveiled its long-awaited report detailing reforms of the complex system that would tax properties of similar values at equitable rates. Currently, homebuyers pay property tax based on assessed value, rather than the market rate, which puts a bigger tax burden on low- and middle-income homeowners.
Get the details
16 places to celebrate Black History Month in NYC
January 31, 2020

16 places to celebrate Black History Month in NYC

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February marks Black History Month, a nationwide celebration of African American culture and history. New Yorkers will have plenty of opportunities to honor the contributions made by the black community, with live performances, guided tours, comedy shows, art installations, and more events happening across the city. From the Apollo Theater's open house celebration to spoken word performances at Brooklyn barbershops, pay tribute to the achievements of black Americans this February, as well as all year round.
The full list, ahead
Restaurant with outdoor patio space proposed for Williamsburg’s McCarren Park

Proposed outdoor seating facing the park; Rendering by Inca Architecture, courtesy of NYC Parks

January 30, 2020

Restaurant with outdoor patio space proposed for Williamsburg’s McCarren Park

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A restaurant with outdoor seating could be coming to McCarren Park in Brooklyn next year. The city's Parks Department is working with the owners of the entertainment venue Brooklyn Night Bazaar, which closed its doors permanently last fall, to bring a new concession to the McCarren Park House, a structure built in the early 20th century and designed by McKim, Mead, and White. As Brooklyn Paper first reported, the restaurant, expected to open in spring 2021, would help finance a $1.2 million renovation of the crumbling comfort station's facilities.
See the proposal
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