All articles by Devin Gannon

NYC will resume issuing permits for youth sports leagues next month

Image by Hucklebarry from Pixabay

August 31, 2020

NYC will resume issuing permits for youth sports leagues next month

By Devin Gannon

The city's parks department will resume issuing permits for outdoor youth sports next month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday. While the fields and ballparks have been open throughout the coronavirus pandemic, NYC Parks will issue permits for organized, low-risk sports played outdoors starting on September 15. Sports leagues for baseball, softball, and soccer will be issued permits, but indoor sports, including swimming, will not be allowed.
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Policy

As NYC parks see growing garbage problem, city launches anti-trash campaign

Photo by Timothy Krause on Flickr

August 31, 2020

As NYC parks see growing garbage problem, city launches anti-trash campaign

By Devin Gannon

Coronavirus-related budget cuts and an increase in use may be to blame for the growing garbage problem across New York City green spaces. As Gothamist reported, the number of 311 complaints about garbage and litter increased by 120 percent from the same period last summer. To address this increase in green space litter and to encourage New Yorkers to "show your park some love," the city's Parks Department launched a new "Toss Your Trash" campaign last week.
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New IKEA, LEGO collaboration makes it fun to clean up toys

Courtesy of IKEA

August 28, 2020

New IKEA, LEGO collaboration makes it fun to clean up toys

By Devin Gannon

For parents tired of picking up and stepping on their kids' pesky LEGO blocks, a new collaboration between the toy company and IKEA may be a perfect solution. The companies on Thursday unveiled their BYGGLEK collection, which includes a series of storage boxes for kids that have LEGO studs on them, perfect for both storing the toys and playing with them. The collection will be available at IKEA stores beginning October 1.
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NYC Council extends cap on food delivery fees until indoor dining resumes

Photo by Patrick Connor Klopf on Unsplash

August 28, 2020

NYC Council extends cap on food delivery fees until indoor dining resumes

By Devin Gannon

The New York City Council on Thursday voted to extend the cap on commissions that restaurants are charged by third-party delivery services. The legislation, first enacted in May, restricts fees services like Grubhub and Uber Eats can charge to 20 percent per order during a state of emergency. The cap will now be in effect until restaurants are able to resume indoor dining at maximum occupancy and 90 days following. There is still no plan to bring back indoor dining, despite the city meeting the state's coronavirus metrics.
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Massive Two Bridges projects can move forward without City Council approval

Rendering: SHoP Architects

August 27, 2020

Massive Two Bridges projects can move forward without City Council approval

By Devin Gannon

Three projects that include the construction of four towers and the creation of nearly 3,000 housing units in Two Bridges meet all zoning requirements and can move forward without City Council approval, an appeals court ruled Thursday. The Appellate Division of State Supreme Court reversed a lower court's ruling that had stopped the Manhattan megaproject from going ahead.
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Revel electric mopeds return to NYC with strict safety rules

Photo by Arun D on Flickr

August 27, 2020

Revel electric mopeds return to NYC with strict safety rules

By Devin Gannon

About a month after Revel suspended service following the death of two riders, the popular electric mopeds returned to New York City streets on Thursday. But before New Yorkers take the rideshare scooters for a spin, the company is requiring riders to complete new in-app safety training and snap a helmet selfie before every ride. Revel, which first launched in 2018, is also increasing penalties for rule-breaking by using moped data to find riders who ride the wrong way down one-way streets, on sidewalks, and a number of other offenses.
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Transit

The best NYC apartments for sale under $500K

August 27, 2020

The best NYC apartments for sale under $500K

By Devin Gannon

Like New York City, the real estate market is slowly starting to recover, with hundreds of new apartment listings posted each day. With some industry experts calling it a buyer's market due to an increase in inventory citywide, we're taking a look at some of the best deals for apartments on the market that are listed for under $500,000. From a spacious two-bedroom with a balcony and an outdoor pool in Riverdale to a charming studio with unique architectural details in Prospect Heights, find out what $500,000 can get you in NYC right now.
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Distinctive Homes

Coney Island’s colorful Mermaid Parade will take place virtually this weekend

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

August 26, 2020

Coney Island’s colorful Mermaid Parade will take place virtually this weekend

By Devin Gannon

Coney Island's beloved Mermaid Parade returns this weekend with a twist. The annual event will be live-streamed online Saturday, August 29 as a "Tail-a-Thon," a parody of a telethon that will raise real money for charity. Marchers, dancers, and musical groups will be performing live from remote locations and available to view online, starting at 1:30 p.m.
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Events & Things To Do

Without federal aid, MTA says subway and bus service could be cut by 40 percent

Photo credit: Billie Grace Ward via Flickr

August 26, 2020

Without federal aid, MTA says subway and bus service could be cut by 40 percent

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday laid out a grim plan detailing service cuts and fare hikes that could be implemented without additional federal aid. Without at least $12 billion in funding from Washington, subway and bus service could be cut by up to 40 percent, a devastating blow to millions of New Yorkers and the city's economy. During a board meeting on Wednesday, Chair Pat Foye said the coronavirus crisis has had a far larger toll on ridership and revenue than the Great Depression a century prior.
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Central Park’s first statue of historical women unveiled

Photo by Emily Dombroff

August 26, 2020

Central Park’s first statue of historical women unveiled

By Devin Gannon

The "bronze ceiling" has officially been broken in New York City's most famous park. A new statue depicting women's rights activists Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton was unveiled in Central Park on Wednesday, becoming the park's first monument of real-life women. The new statue comes on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which granted some women the right to vote.
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Events & Things To Do

Popular Articles

New York Fashion Week is still on for next month

Photo by Art Comments on Flickr

August 25, 2020

New York Fashion Week is still on for next month

By Devin Gannon

One of fashion's biggest events will still take place in New York City next month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced that New York Fashion Week will be held September 13-17 for a mix of live and virtual fashion shows, under stringent coronavirus restrictions and capacity limits. Indoor events will be able to take place at 50 percent capacity and with no spectators, according to the governor.
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NYC cultural institutions would be allowed to put on performances outdoors, under proposed bill

Photo by Paulo Silva on Unsplash

August 25, 2020

NYC cultural institutions would be allowed to put on performances outdoors, under proposed bill

By Devin Gannon

A New York City Council member will introduce a bill this week that would allow cultural institutions to set up events and exhibits outdoor, the New York Daily News first reported. Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, who represents parts of Queens and is chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee, wants the city to give nonprofit groups space to perform on parking lots, streets, and parks. "The city of New York is the cultural capital of the world and right now it's a city that's a little sad," Van Bramer told the Daily News. "The city of New York without music and dance and theater is just not the same New York."
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New York is setting up COVID-19 testing sites at JFK and LaGuardia airports

Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 25, 2020

New York is setting up COVID-19 testing sites at JFK and LaGuardia airports

By Devin Gannon

New coronavirus testing sites will be set up at John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports to limit the spread of the virus from out-of-state visitors, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday. The testing sites will allow "faster testing of people coming in, including hospital staff," the governor said during a press briefing. The additional measure comes as New York saw a record low COVID-19 test positivity rate of 0.66 percent on Monday, making it the 17th straight day with a positivity rate below 1 percent.
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Policy

See designs for the Brooklyn park dedicated to LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

Renderings courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office and NY State Parks

August 25, 2020

See designs for the Brooklyn park dedicated to LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday dedicated Brooklyn's East River State Park to Black transgender rights activist Marsha P. Johnson, making it the first state park in New York named after an LGBTQ person and transgender woman of color. Located on the Williamsburg waterfront and known for hosting popular outdoor market Smorgasburg, the park will feature a new colorful public art installation honoring Johnson, who played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising and was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front. The dedication comes on what would have been Johnson's 75th birthday.
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Policy

Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

Model residence at 350 West 71st Street; photos courtesy of MW Studio/ Nina Poon

August 24, 2020

Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

By Devin Gannon

The condo building at 350 West 71st Street manages to maintain its historic allure while providing residents all of the perks of modern living. Designed by DXA Studio, the seven-story development on the Upper West Side measures just 75,000 square feet, but still packs in an impressive amenity package, including a library, fitness center, playroom, and large landscaped rooftop with grill and lounge areas. The boutique building sits within the West 71st Historic District, designated 30 years ago for its uniqueness as a tree-lined cul-de-sac and the distinct Beaux-Arts architecture found across the properties.
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NYC unveils outdoor learning option for schools

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza tour New Bridges Elementary in Brooklyn to observe the school’s PPE delivery and reopening preparations; Photo: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 24, 2020

NYC unveils outdoor learning option for schools

By Devin Gannon

New York City schools can use backyards, streets closed to cars, and certain parks for outdoor learning, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday. Unveiled just weeks before school is expected to open next month, the new option takes the "best ideas from around the world" to make school safe for students, teachers, and school staff, according to the mayor. "We know the disease doesn't spread the same outdoors," de Blasio said. "We want to give schools the chance to do as much outdoors as they can."
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Policy

Car-free blocks with diverse outdoor dining options open in Queens

DineOut opens in Jackson Heights; Photo by Kamila Harris for Rockwell Group

August 24, 2020

Car-free blocks with diverse outdoor dining options open in Queens

By Devin Gannon

Two neighborhoods in Queens hit especially hard by the coronavirus are slowly getting back on their feet thanks to a new communal dining experience. David Rockwell and his firm Rockwell Group unveiled last week two new community outdoor dining areas on car-free blocks in the Queens neighborhoods of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, part of the firm's DineOut initiative. Both communities, which are considered to be among the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City, offer a variety of cuisines, including Tibetan, Nepali, Indian, Thai, and more.
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Food & Dining

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

Courtesy of Aufgang Architects

August 20, 2020

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 37 middle-income units at a new rental in Brooklyn. Located on the Clinton Hill-Fort Greene border, 810 Fulton Street (also known as 475 Clermont Avenue) rises 12 stories and contains 363 apartments. The building boasts a number of amenities, including a parking garage, children's playroom, fitness center, and a large landscaped rooftop with grills, a catering kitchen, and an outdoor movie theater. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from a $2,370/month studio to a $3,063/month two-bedroom.
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Affordable Housing

NYC restaurant group threatens lawsuit over indoor dining ban

Courtesy of the Times Square Alliance

August 20, 2020

NYC restaurant group threatens lawsuit over indoor dining ban

By Devin Gannon

Although New York City's coronavirus infection rate hit an all-time low this week since the start of the pandemic at 0.24 percent and reopening plans for museums, schools, and bowling alleys have been announced, there is still no return date for indoor dining. The New York City Hospitality Alliance, a group representing the city's restaurants and nightlife venues, called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio this week to develop a plan to resume indoor dining in New York City, the only region in the state to not permit it. During a press conference on Wednesday, the group said they are considering suing over the indoor dining ban, which they see as unlawful, according to Crain's.
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Tour Central Park with this free virtual guide

Belvedere Castle; Courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy

August 20, 2020

Tour Central Park with this free virtual guide

By Devin Gannon

Exploring the 840+ acres of Central Park and all of its historic sites just got easier, thanks to a free new digital guide. The Central Park Conservancy this week launched a new guide to the park on the Bloomberg Connects app. Although official tours and programs are on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, green space lovers can still learn about the park's natural habitats, historic statues, and landmarked structures through photos, audio clips, and video, easily accessed from their smartphones.
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City Living

Slight jump in COVID-19 cases in Borough Park linked to large wedding

Photo by Christopher Macsurak on Wikimedia

August 19, 2020

Slight jump in COVID-19 cases in Borough Park linked to large wedding

By Devin Gannon

City health officials this week discovered an uptick in coronavirus cases in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Borough Park. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday said 16 new cases were found in the last week, with some linked to a large wedding that recently took place in the community. The mayor said the city will work with local leaders and organizations to spread the word about testing and social distancing and distribute masks at houses of worship.
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Policy

See which NYC neighborhoods have the highest rates of COVID antibodies

Courtesy of NYC Health Department

August 19, 2020

See which NYC neighborhoods have the highest rates of COVID antibodies

By Devin Gannon

The city on Tuesday released the results for roughly 1.5 million coronavirus antibody tests conducted since mid-April. The new data confirms earlier reports that the virus has hit people of color and low-income communities harder than more well-off neighborhoods in New York City. At 33 percent, the Bronx saw the highest rate of people who tested positive for COVID-19; in Manhattan, 19 percent of antibody tests were positive. A new map and table released by the city's health department break down antibody testing rates by ZIP code, age, borough, sex, and neighborhood poverty.
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Policy

This is what a landscaped ‘green block’ would look like in the Flatiron District

Courtesy of WATG

August 19, 2020

This is what a landscaped ‘green block’ would look like in the Flatiron District

By Devin Gannon

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic in New York City, fewer cars were on the road, leading to cleaner air and less noise pollution. And with nearly everything temporarily shut down, New Yorkers sought solace in open green spaces, parks, and open streets closed to cars. As the city is in the midst of reopening, WATG, a global multidisciplinary design firm, has proposed a plan to make the streets of New York greener while helping small businesses recover in the process.
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On 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, NYPL releases feminism reading list

Courtesy of NYPL

August 18, 2020

On 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, NYPL releases feminism reading list

By Devin Gannon

On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving some women the right to vote under federal law. In celebration of the milestone's centennial, the New York Public Library on Tuesday released a list of over 100 non-fiction titles about feminism, with a mix of current and historic materials. The "Essential Reads on Feminism," offers diverse perspectives on the fight for gender equality as well as reflects the limitations of the early suffrage movement, especially for women of color.
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City Living

Chelsea Market opens massive outdoor dining experience

Photo by Colin Miller

August 18, 2020

Chelsea Market opens massive outdoor dining experience

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's first food halls moved outside this week, offering one of the largest outdoor dining spots in the city. Chelsea Market on Monday launched a block-long dining experience on 15th and 16th Streets with more than 115 socially-distanced tables and food and beverage options from more than a dozen vendors.
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Food & Dining

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