City Living

June 17, 2020

NYC is ready to enter phase two on Monday

With this Sunday marks 14 days since New York City entered its first phase of reopening, the question posed to Mayor de Blasio has been whether or not the city will enter phase two this coming Monday. In his press conference this morning, the mayor said he believes it's more likely to occur in early July, as he wants to monitor the COVID testing rates in light of recent protests. However, in a press conference just a couple hours later, Governor Cuomo said the city will enter phase two on Monday. "The same metrics we use in New York City are the same metrics we've used in every region across the state, and they have all shown to be accurate and effective. We don't change the rules for New York City," he said, adding that the purpose of a phased approach is to allow local governments "to get their acts together."
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Nathan’s Famous will hold 2020 hot dog eating contest without fans

Photo by Chun-Hung Eric Cheng on Flickr

June 16, 2020

Nathan’s Famous will hold 2020 hot dog eating contest without fans

By Devin Gannon

While most of New York City's annual summer activities and celebrations have been canceled or postponed this year because of the coronavirus, one event will still take place. Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest will forge ahead in Coney Island on July 4, but with no fans, fewer eaters, and social distancing measures in place.
More details

INTERVIEW: Architect Morris Adjmi on how Nomad’s 30 East 31st Street helps define a changing city

Renderings by The Neighbourhood, courtesy of Morris Adjmi Architects

June 16, 2020

INTERVIEW: Architect Morris Adjmi on how Nomad’s 30 East 31st Street helps define a changing city

By Michelle Cohen

Among the recent architectural contributions to New York City designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, a tall, slender tower at 30 East 31st Street from developers EDG and The Pinnacle Group is quietly turning heads in the northern part of the Manhattan neighborhood known as Nomad. The 479-foot-high, 42-unit condominium tower, officially named 30E31, is now ready for occupancy. 6sqft caught up with architect and designer Morris Adjmi to get the creator's viewpoint on the notable new Manhattan residence, from his thoughts on the relatively new neighborhood to his contextual exterior design and custom interiors.
The full interview with Morris Adjmi, this way

Harlem’s Schomburg Center releases list of books that celebrate and explore the black experience

Book cover photos courtesy of NYPL

June 9, 2020

Harlem’s Schomburg Center releases list of books that celebrate and explore the black experience

By Devin Gannon

As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to grow across the country, take this opportunity to learn more about the experience of black Americans. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture on Tuesday released a list of 95 books that foster a greater understanding of black history and culture. The Black Liberation Reading List was curated by Schomburg staff and focuses on works by black writers and scholars.
Learn more

City Living

Here are the NYC museums and theaters opening their lobbies to help protestors

Photo by Eden, Janine, and Jim on Flickr

June 8, 2020

Here are the NYC museums and theaters opening their lobbies to help protestors

By Devin Gannon

Although cultural institutions in New York City remain closed to the public because of the coronavirus, some are opening their lobbies to provide Black Lives Matter protestors a safe space, a restroom, snacks and water, WiFi, face masks, or just a place to recharge. The social media account "Open Your Lobby" launched last week on Twitter and Instagram to track the museums and theaters that are repurposing their space in support of protesters. According to the organizers, there are more than 70 organizations participating nationwide, with more than two dozen in New York City alone.
See the list

Photo courtesy of Course of Trade

June 4, 2020

How this Brooklyn non-profit is producing 500,000+ isolation gowns for NYC hospitals

By Dana Schulz

As of this week, Industry City-based nonprofit workforce development organization Course of Trade has produced 219,279 hand-sewn isolation gowns for New York City hospitals, with an ultimate contract of 520,800 from the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Course of Trade was started by Malia Mills’ production director Libby Mattern to offer free sewing instruction and job placement assistance in the garment industry. When COVID hit the city, Libby knew it was time to innovate yet again, and she put in place a partnership with the city in which a 300-person team across South Brooklyn is sewing these life-saving gowns.
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The Met Opera will not resume performances until New Year’s Eve

Photo by Seth Hoffman on Unsplash

June 2, 2020

The Met Opera will not resume performances until New Year’s Eve

By Dana Schulz

After last performing on March 11 and facing revenue losses nearing $100 million, The Met Opera has announced that it's cancelling its fall season with hopes to resume with a New Year's Eve gala. The opera's general manager Peter Gelb told the New York Times that "It’s transparently obvious that social distancing and grand opera cannot go together. It’s not just the audience; it’s the health of the company. You cannot put a symphony orchestra inside a pit, and performers and a chorus in intimate proximity on the stage of the Met."
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Hoboken will allow gyms to use parks and fields for outdoor workout classes

A yoga class at Pier A from a previous Fitness in the Park class

May 28, 2020

Hoboken will allow gyms to use parks and fields for outdoor workout classes

By Dana Schulz

Hoboken, New Jersey Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla signed an executive order yesterday that permits fitness clubs to "utilize certain City fields and parks in order to facilitate safe, socially distanced outdoor workouts." Because of reopening measures outlined by Governor Murphy that will reduce capacity at indoor gyms and fitness facilities, Mayor Bhalla is encouraging owners of such businesses licensed in Hoboken to apply to host outdoor classes of up to 15 people with "strict social distancing guidelines of at least six feet between each participant at all times." With the permission of property owners, gyms can also hold outdoor classes in parking lots.
More details here

Jack holds a box of face shields ready to be delivered

May 27, 2020

Meet iMakr, the Brooklyn 3D-printer that’s made 5,000 face shields for NYC’s healthcare workers

By Dana Schulz

When the Mayor and the Governor spoke out about the city's dire need for PPE, many hero companies stepped up to the plate, including Industry City's iMakr, an outpost of the world's largest 3D-printing and 3D-scanning store. They knew they had enough equipment and the know-how to create simple but much-needed face shields, and so their three-man team in Brooklyn immediately got to work. To date, they've distributed more than 5,000 face shields to more than 20 local hospitals. Ahead, we chat with Jack Keum, iMakr's business manager, to learn more about the company's mission to help our frontline workers through this crisis.
Hear from Jack

New York Public Library considering curbside pickup service

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

May 27, 2020

New York Public Library considering curbside pickup service

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library is reviewing plans for curbside pickup service as the organization prepares to reopen after the coronavirus pandemic. As first reported by THE CITY, cardholders would be able to order books or other materials by phone or online for grab-and-go pickup, under one plan being considered. Books could be picked up in the lobbies or on the sidewalks of some branches.
Details here

City Living

NYC landmarks will ‘go green’ to honor parks workers

By Dana Schulz

At sunset on Thursday, May 21, the Empire State Building, Central Park Arsenal, Washington Square Park Arch, Coney Island's Parachute Jump, and the Bronx's Ranaqua Park will "go green" to honor parks workers, who have been part of the city's essential workforce during the current COVID crisis. #GoingGreenForParkies "is the ultimate acknowledgment and thank you for all their hard work," which has kept public parks well-maintained "in support of the mental and physical health of all visitors," according to a press release.
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NYC politicians call for outdoor restaurant seating on sidewalks, streets, and parking spots

Outdoor seating in the West Village, photo by cultivar413 via Flickr cc

May 18, 2020

NYC politicians call for outdoor restaurant seating on sidewalks, streets, and parking spots

By Dana Schulz

There's still a way to go before restaurants in New York City can fully reopen (they'll be in phase three of the plan), but the struggling industry is hoping that the city will help in the form of outdoor seating. As Eater first reported last month, restaurant owners are advocating for the Mayor to extend his current open streets from pedestrians to al fresco dining to allow for more social distancing. And now, local elected officials are joining the call, hoping that sidewalks, streets, and parking spots can be used for outdoor service starting this weekend. The call comes after crowds were spotted gathering on sidewalks and drinking since the city has allowed bars and restaurants to sell to-go drinks.
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Domino Park puts social-distancing circles in place to control crowds

Photo by Amanda Dombrowski on Instagram: @amanda.dombrowski

May 18, 2020

Domino Park puts social-distancing circles in place to control crowds

By Dana Schulz

After continued overcrowding despite the city's social distancing mandates, Domino Park has taken a unique approach to control crowds. Over the weekend, the Williamsburg waterfront park implemented painted white circles to delineate the appropriate spacing for persons or groups. As Greenpointers first noticed, photos on social media seem to show people sticking within their circles and even waiting nearby for circles to open up.
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City Living

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT/Flickr

May 13, 2020

NYC opens 12 more miles of open streets

By Dana Schulz

This brings the total to nearly 21 miles since Mayor de Blasio first announced that he'd be opening up 40 miles of streets to pedestrians by the end of the month, with an ultimate goal of 100 miles throughout the current COVID crisis. In his press conference this morning, the mayor announced the third round of open streets totaling 11.7 miles would be opening tomorrow, along with 9.2 miles of protected bike lanes by the end of May. Some of the new open streets include those in Hudson Yards, the first on the Upper West Side and in Long Island City, and those adjacent to seven more parks in Brooklyn.
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Artwork titled “Now & Forever” by Tristan Eaton created exclusively for Montefiore and Alto New York’s 2020 “Heroes” campaign

May 12, 2020

Street artist Tristan Eaton reveals new Midtown mural thanking NYC’s nurses

By Dana Schulz

Los Angeles-based painter and designer Tristan Eaton is well known for his street murals, which he's brought to NYC through a collaboration with Montefiore Hospitals. The towering artwork, which sought to capture the heroism of our healthcare workers, is located on 34th Street and 8th Avenue and is part of a larger appreciation campaign for National Nurses Week sponsored by Montefiore and its creative company of record, Alto NY. They wanted to create a "digital" ticker-tape parade and "extend the Canyon of Heroes to the doors of every hospital in New York." Using Eaton's mural as a template, New Yorkers can create their own hero image by uploading a photo on the website or through Instagram. In addition, Montefiore has created a moving video thanking all the brave nurses.
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40+ ways New Yorkers are helping healthcare workers

Photo by Luis Melendez on Unsplash

May 11, 2020

40+ ways New Yorkers are helping healthcare workers

By 6sqft

While most New Yorkers are working from home or finding ways to entertain themselves while indoors, our health care community is on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis, with many pulling double shifts and working seven days a week. To show gratitude for this heroic community, many local companies are stepping up to the plate, offering free meals, lodging, transportation, and even footwear. Ahead, 6sqft has begun compiling a list of the resources available to NYC's front-line responders. This list was last updated at 4:30 pm on Monday, May 11, 2020.
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Photo by Maksim Axelrod

May 8, 2020

The Sill is delivering 10,000 orchids to healthcare workers for Mother’s Day

By Dana Schulz

Sure, it's going to be hard on everyone to be apart this Sunday, but think about all of our healthcare heroes who will be working on the frontlines this Mother's Day. To show their gratitude, local houseplant haven The Sill and its orchid partner Just Add Ice are donating 10,000 orchids to frontline healthcare workers at Mount Sinai’s seven NYC hospitals. They delivered the first 5,000 yesterday and will be distributing the rest today.
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City Living

East Village landmark Gem Spa has permanently closed

Photo by Alex Lozupone on Wiki Commons

May 8, 2020

East Village landmark Gem Spa has permanently closed

By Devin Gannon

A fixture on the corner of St. Marks Place and Second Avenue in the East Village for 100 years, Gem Spa has permanently closed. The store, considered home to New York's best egg cream, had been struggling financially due to the gentrification of the neighborhood, as well as the loss of its cigarette and lottery licenses last year. While a fundraising effort launched last fall by current owner Parul Patel helped temporarily, the coronavirus pandemic "ultimately sealed the fate" of the institution.
Details this way

City Living

‘Save a seat’ fund gives free Broadway tickets to frontline workers

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

May 7, 2020

‘Save a seat’ fund gives free Broadway tickets to frontline workers

By Devin Gannon

An initiative launched this week to donate free Broadway show tickets to frontline workers. As first reported by Variety, the ticket website TodayTix has started the "Save a Seat" fund to reserve the best seats at shows for essential workers when theater returns following the coronavirus pandemic. The site has also rebranded as TommorrowTix, to give artists and theater lovers something to look forward to during this difficult time.
Learn more

JetBlue is doing a NYC flyover tonight to honor healthcare workers

Airbus A320, take off, photo courtesy of JetBlue press

May 7, 2020

JetBlue is doing a NYC flyover tonight to honor healthcare workers

By Dana Schulz

Yesterday, JetBlue announced its Healthcare Hero program through which the airline will provide roundtrip flight certificates for two to anywhere JetBlue flies for 100,000 healthcare workers. To coincide with the initiative, they'll "bring the Clap Because We Care movement to the skies with a three aircraft, low altitude flyover salute above New York City" tonight at 7 pm. The flyover will be done by three New York-themed painted JetBlue planes, honoring the FDNY, NYPD and I LOVE NY/Empire State Development.
See the flight path

Most new COVID cases in New York are non-essential workers staying at home

Slide from Governor Cuomo’s 5/6/20 press presentation

May 6, 2020

Most new COVID cases in New York are non-essential workers staying at home

By Dana Schulz

New York State has been on a downward trajectory for the past couple of weeks when it comes to COVID-related deaths and ICU admissions. However, even as the number of new cases trends down, it still is a strikingly large number considering all of the shut-down measures. It was only at the very end of April that the number of new daily COVID cases entering the hospital system dropped below 1,000. Yesterday, there were 601 new cases and 659 and 717 the days prior. To understand this, Governor Cuomo asked hospitals to begin surveying these new patients. There was a lot of speculation that the data would show essential workers riding public transit or vulnerable groups such as those in nursing homes or the prison system. However, the reality is that most of the recent new COVID cases are non-essential workers who are at home and not riding public transit.
See the data ahead

City Living

NYC is handing out 7.5 million free face coverings

Photo by Julian Wan on Unsplash

May 6, 2020

NYC is handing out 7.5 million free face coverings

By Devin Gannon

The city will distribute 7.5 million free face coverings to New Yorkers in parks, grocery stores, public housing, and near transit, ramping up an earlier effort launched last week. During a press briefing on Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said "wherever you turn, you're going to be offered a face covering," over the next few weeks. Last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order requiring New Yorkers to wear a face mask or face-covering in public spaces where social distancing is not possible.
Find out where to get a free mask

Second set of NYC open streets launches tomorrow in collaboration with local BIDs

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

May 6, 2020

Second set of NYC open streets launches tomorrow in collaboration with local BIDs

By Dana Schulz

After finally getting on board with the idea of opening New York City streets to pedestrians, Mayor de Blasio closed the first wave of streets to cars earlier this week. This totaled 4.5 miles inside parks and 2.7 miles adjacent to parks; eventually, the city will open up to 100 miles of streets. The next group will open up tomorrow, which includes 1.5 miles in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx done in collaboration with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), as well as 0.4 miles in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Get the full list of streets

Photo by Toni Reed on Unsplash

May 5, 2020

The 10 best bike shops in New York City

By Devin Gannon

Considered an essential business, bike shops in New York City are staying open to keep cyclists moving during this unprecedented crisis. With gyms and playgrounds closed, and many avoiding public transit, New Yorkers are taking to two wheels to get exercise and fresh air, especially as the weather starts to warm. With modified hours and social distancing measures in place, bike shops across the five boroughs are taking their role as essential businesses seriously. For both newbie bikers and veteran cyclists alike, we've rounded up some of our favorite local shops that remain open.
Roll on this way

City Living

First wave of NYC open streets plan to start next week

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

May 1, 2020

First wave of NYC open streets plan to start next week

By Devin Gannon

The first phase of the city's plan to close up to 100 miles of streets to cars will start on Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday. The first streets to open to pedestrians include 4.5 miles inside parks and 2.7 miles adjacent to parks, according to the mayor. "The goal here is more space, more social distancing," de Blasio said.
Get the details

City Living

NYC is ready to enter phase two on Monday

Nathan’s Famous will hold 2020 hot dog eating contest without fans

INTERVIEW: Architect Morris Adjmi on how Nomad’s 30 East 31st Street helps define a changing city

Harlem’s Schomburg Center releases list of books that celebrate and explore the black experience

Here are the NYC museums and theaters opening their lobbies to help protestors

How this Brooklyn non-profit is producing 500,000+ isolation gowns for NYC hospitals

The Met Opera will not resume performances until New Year’s Eve

Hoboken will allow gyms to use parks and fields for outdoor workout classes

Meet iMakr, the Brooklyn 3D-printer that’s made 5,000 face shields for NYC’s healthcare workers

New York Public Library considering curbside pickup service

NYC landmarks will ‘go green’ to honor parks workers

NYC politicians call for outdoor restaurant seating on sidewalks, streets, and parking spots

Domino Park puts social-distancing circles in place to control crowds

NYC opens 12 more miles of open streets

Street artist Tristan Eaton reveals new Midtown mural thanking NYC’s nurses

'Secret' live-work compound on Tribeca's skybridge street lists for $30M

40+ ways New Yorkers are helping healthcare workers

The Sill is delivering 10,000 orchids to healthcare workers for Mother’s Day

East Village landmark Gem Spa has permanently closed

‘Save a seat’ fund gives free Broadway tickets to frontline workers

JetBlue is doing a NYC flyover tonight to honor healthcare workers

Most new COVID cases in New York are non-essential workers staying at home

NYC is handing out 7.5 million free face coverings

Second set of NYC open streets launches tomorrow in collaboration with local BIDs

The 10 best bike shops in New York City

First wave of NYC open streets plan to start next week

144 Vanderbilt Avenue in Clinton Hill

City Living

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