City Living

It makes sense that New Yorkers would want to know many positive cases of COVID-19 are in their neighborhoods, but can you really provide the information accurately? Yesterday, the Department of Health released a zip code-based map that shows the number of patients testing positive for coronavirus, which, as the Post first reported, alarmingly points to the fact that wealthier zip codes have far fewer positives. However, this does not take into account the rate of testing or population of a given area, leading many experts to say the map actually paints a picture of testing behavior, not positive cases. This is why the Mount Sinai Health System today launched an app where New Yorkers can self-report their symptoms and test results.
More details ahead

City Living

How NYC’s open-air greenmarkets are dealing with the coronavirus outbreak

Photo by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft

April 1, 2020

How NYC’s open-air greenmarkets are dealing with the coronavirus outbreak

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, grocery stores across New York City have adopted new policies to ensure the safety of both workers and customers. Similarly, the city's 50 open-air farmers markets--also deemed essential by the state-- are adapting to the health crisis, while continuing to serve fresh produce safely to New Yorkers who rely on them. And many shoppers are choosing to shop outside at GrowNYC farmer's markets over the confined, indoor space of a store.
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City Living

De Blasio’s open street pilot gets extended through Sunday

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT/Flickr

March 31, 2020

De Blasio’s open street pilot gets extended through Sunday

After receiving pressure from both Governor Cuomo and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson to close some streets to vehicular traffic in an effort to give New Yorkers more outdoor space to exercise, Mayor de Blasio finally launched a Safe Streets pilot from Friday, March 27, to Monday, March 30 that included a roughly six-block stretch in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, totaling 1.6 miles of the city's 6,000 miles of roads. Today, the Mayor's office announced that they'll be extending the pilot program through Sunday, April 5th with the same hours of 10am-7pm.
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A nightly music-to-light show launches at the Empire State Building to keep NYC bright

Photo by Anthony Quintano on Wikimedia

March 30, 2020

A nightly music-to-light show launches at the Empire State Building to keep NYC bright

A New York City landmark is looking to lift the spirits of New Yorkers and keep the light in the city bright during this challenging time. The Empire State Realty Trust on Friday launched a music-to-light show from the skyscraper's famous tower, in partnership with iHeartMedia. A new show, designed by lighting artist Marc Brickman, will premiere every Friday night and play nightly for one week.
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Can you move in NYC during the coronavirus outbreak?

Photo © Daxiao Productions – Fotolio

March 27, 2020

Can you move in NYC during the coronavirus outbreak?

While most of life seems to be put on hold at the moment, there are a few tasks that can't be avoided. This includes moving apartments, typically a dreadful experience for New Yorkers with or without an ongoing pandemic. But moving companies are considered an essential service, according to New York City and State officials. Ahead, find out what you need to know about moving in NYC during the coronavirus outbreak, from the extra protocols movers are taking to your rights as a tenant.
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Support local NYC artists and performers with this new subscription-based streaming service

Comedian Bridget Everett is participating in The Trickle Up; Photo by John Morton on Flickr

March 25, 2020

Support local NYC artists and performers with this new subscription-based streaming service

With theaters and performance venues closed as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the livelihoods of many artists in New York City continue to hang in the balance. A new subscription-based streaming service launched this week to support local artists affected by these coronavirus-related shutdowns. "The Trickle Up" charges subscribers $10 per month to access original performances from 50 different artists, with proceeds going to artists struggling financially.
Details this way

Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash

March 24, 2020

NYC is asking community spaces to sign up as possible emergency management centers

With four sites already identified as temporary hospitals--and construction underway on the largest, the Javits Center--the city is now looking for additional spaces that can be used to support NYC Emergency Management. The call is for community spaces with a large interior room such as community centers, places of worship, or campus facilities that can be utilized for outreach, training, or gathering during an emergency or as a disaster recovery center. Though it's not explicitly stated, NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson noted on Twitter that some of these spaces could be "suitable for converting to temporary hospital rooms."
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Meet the 7,000 ‘Invisible Hands’ delivering essentials to at-risk New Yorkers

Photos courtesy of Invisible Hands

March 24, 2020

Meet the 7,000 ‘Invisible Hands’ delivering essentials to at-risk New Yorkers

If you needed more evidence that New Yorkers come together in a time of crisis, look no further than Invisible Hands. The premise of the volunteer group is that low-risk people can help to bring groceries and supplies to those in demographics at high risk for COVID-19. Simone, Liam, and Healy — "healthy 20-somethings in NYC" — started the group just nine days ago, and today have amassed 7,000 volunteers across New York City and parts of Jersey City. Yesterday, we spoke with Liam Elkind about what it's been like starting this incredible group, how New Yorkers have been able to "pull together when it feels like the world is trying to pull us apart," and what Invisible Hands hopes for the future.
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Bodegas in NYC now have their own delivery app

Photo by Clément Falize on Unsplash

March 24, 2020

Bodegas in NYC now have their own delivery app

Deemed as essential by the state, bodegas in New York City are open during the coronavirus outbreak. For those craving a bacon, egg, and cheese from your local deli, but can't leave your apartment, a new app is here to help. As first reported by Eater, My Bodega Online is looking to give New Yorkers another option when it comes to ordering take-out and groceries for delivery, while simultaneously supporting local businesses.
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Brooklyn kids are hanging rainbow art in windows as part of a quarantine-style scavenger hunt

With school closed and playdates off-limits, New York City kids are staying connected with their friends in a creative and colorful way. Children in Brooklyn are drawing and painting pictures of rainbows and displaying them outside of their homes, creating a scavenger hunt perfect for one of the only quarantine-approved activities: a walk around the neighborhood.
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City Living

Governor Cuomo says NYC must develop an immediate plan to address density issues in parks

Photo of Central Park North on Saturday, March 21, 2020. Photo © Dana Schulz for 6sqft

March 22, 2020

Governor Cuomo says NYC must develop an immediate plan to address density issues in parks

Within 24 hours from Sunday morning, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson must come up with a plan to address continued density issues in the city, especially in parks. "It has to be done quickly, and it's going to have to be dramatic action," said the Governor in a press conference, following a personal visit to the city on Saturday during which he observed a major lack of social distancing in places like Central Park and the Grand Army Plaza Farmer's Market.
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New York State expands 90-day eviction moratorium to commercial tenants

Photo by Krisztina Papp on Unsplash

March 20, 2020

New York State expands 90-day eviction moratorium to commercial tenants

In a press conference this morning in which Governor Cuomo issued the tightest shut-down measures yet, he announced that the State of New York would be expanding its 90-day moratorium on evictions to commercial tenants. After New York City took the step last week to stop eviction proceedings for 90 days, the State of New York on Monday halted residential eviction proceedings indefinitely. With this now expanded to commercial tenants for 90 days, there is a bit more hope for the city's struggling small businesses and restaurants.
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15 NYC bookstores offering curbside pickup and delivery

Photo by Renee Fisher on Unsplash

March 19, 2020

15 NYC bookstores offering curbside pickup and delivery

Need a distraction? New York City's local bookstores are here to help. While many are not open for browsing, bookstores across the city are offering curbside pickup and delivery options instead. Get lost in a book (and take a break from reality) by supporting your neighborhood's shop from the comfort and safety of your home. Ahead, find 15 of our favorite stores offering pick-up and delivery, as well as other virtual resources, like live-streamed book clubs and author events.
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City Living

How grocery stores are adapting amidst coronavirus: Product limits, senior shopping times, reduced hours

Photo by Boris Dunand on Unsplash

March 17, 2020

How grocery stores are adapting amidst coronavirus: Product limits, senior shopping times, reduced hours

By now, we've all seen the lines wrapping around the block to get into Trader Joe's or the crazed shoppers buying 100 rolls of toilet paper. And all of this panic shopping and stockpiling, coupled with the state's new guidelines on businesses, has caused grocery stores in the region to adjust their hours and practices. From reduced hours to elderly-only shopping times to purchase limits, this is how businesses like Trader Joe's, Fairway, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and some more local spots are coping amidst the coronavirus health crisis.
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City Living

What you need to know about NYC’s school closures

Photo via Pixabay

March 16, 2020

What you need to know about NYC’s school closures

All New York City public schools will be closed for at least four weeks in response to the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Sunday. "This is a decision that I have taken with no joy whatsoever, with a lot of pain, honestly, because it's something I could not in a million years have imagined having to do," the mayor said. Starting Monday, the city's nearly 1,800 schools will be closed until April 20 at the earliest. The city, which is the largest public school system in the country with 1.1 million students, has pledged to provide grab-and-go meals to students, open enrichment centers to serve children of first responders and healthcare workers, and supply 300,000 iPads to students without access to devices.
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New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut impose tri-state set of coronavirus rules

Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash

March 16, 2020

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut impose tri-state set of coronavirus rules

The only region in the country so far to come together in such a coordinated way in the lack of federal uniformity, Governor Murphy of New Jersey, Governor Cuomo of New York, and Governor Lamont of Connecticut announced on a conference call this morning an overarching set of rules to "flatten the curve" of the coronavirus spread. This includes no gatherings of 50 or more people, no dine-in at restaurants and bars, and the closing of movie theaters, casinos, and gyms. Any non-essential travel between 8pm and 5am every day is also strongly discouraged.
More details available here

Amid coronavirus fears, subway ridership falls 20% while Citi Bike sees a 70% increase

Photo credit: Billie Grace Ward via Flickr

March 13, 2020

Amid coronavirus fears, subway ridership falls 20% while Citi Bike sees a 70% increase

By Alexandra Alexa

In the face of growing coronavirus concerns, many New Yorkers are avoiding public transportation and heeding advice to walk or bike whenever possible. As the Daily News reported, ridership on Wednesday was down nearly 20 percent on subways and 15 percent on buses compared to March 2019. A similar comparison on Thursday morning showed Metro-North ridership was down by 48 percent and Long Island Rail Road ridership down 31 percent. According to the New York Times, the number of cyclists crossing the East River bridges has doubled since the beginning of March and Citi Bike has seen a 70 percent increase in trips so far this month.
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How the NYC subway is preparing for coronavirus

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

March 3, 2020

How the NYC subway is preparing for coronavirus

After issuing their first response last Thursday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) issued an update today on the precautions the agency is taking in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), joining a coordinated effort by New York City and state to remain ahead of an epidemic whose impact could depend on how well communities and authorities respond to it. Now that there's been a confirmed case in Manhattan, as well as one in Westchester, the agency has taken additional measures to inform and protect its employees–and the eight million people who ride its subways, commuter trains and buses daily. The MTA will make sure that none of its trains, cars, or buses go more than 72 hours without undergoing sanitization.
More on how New York City is preparing for coronavirus below

By Friday, NYC will be able to get coronavirus test results in just hours

Image: US Department of Agriculture via Flickr.

March 2, 2020

By Friday, NYC will be able to get coronavirus test results in just hours

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced at a briefing on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in midtown Manhattan that the Wadsworth Center–a research-intensive public health laboratory located inside the State Department of Health–is partnering with hospitals to expand testing capacity to 1,000 tests a day statewide. Upon receipt of lab specimens, the Wadsworth Center can complete testing within three to five hours. The announcement followed Sunday's news that one person's test in New York came back with positive results.
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Billy Idol joins Mayor de Blasio in anti-idling message

Image courtesy of the Office of the Mayor

February 28, 2020

Billy Idol joins Mayor de Blasio in anti-idling message

Motorists are getting a new warning: If you idle on New York City's streets you'll get a fine from the city–and a snarl from rocker Billy Idol. The mayor’s penchant for geeky dad humor and a dose of Gen X nostalgia make the collab a natural, and while it might sound as if it's aimed at slackers in city government, the fresh and direct message is meant for the idling vehicles that befoul the city with noise and pollution.
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Trader Joe’s looks to open UES store in former Food Emporium space under Queensboro Bridge

Photo by missvancamp on Flickr

February 18, 2020

Trader Joe’s looks to open UES store in former Food Emporium space under Queensboro Bridge

Trader Joe's footprint in New York City is growing again. The popular grocery chain will likely open a new store on the Upper East Side in a space beneath the Queensboro Bridge. Formerly occupied by Food Emporium, the space features a 5,000-square-foot Guastavino-tiled arcade and was landmarked by the city in 1974 as part of the bridge's designation. Last month, Trader Joe's opened a new location in the East Village, its 10th store in the city, with possible plans to move to a condo tower in Long Island City.
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City Living

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

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

50-year-old R-42 subway cars are finally being retired

The final run of the R42 trains on the A line near Hammels Wye in the Rockaways on February 12, 2020. Photo by Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

February 12, 2020

50-year-old R-42 subway cars are finally being retired

The NYC subway rolls a little further into the 21st century today: The MTA is finally retiring its Nixon-era R-42 trains. The silver half-century-old R-42s, first rolled out in 1969 (the same year "Sesame Street" debuted), will make their last run today along the A line before being permanently retired, having already been mostly replaced by the R-160 fleet (h/t NYPost). The new R-179s cars will eventually replace them (h/t Gothamist). The R-42 cars were scheduled to disappear in December, but the R-179s were pulled from the system due to problems with their door-locking mechanisms.
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February 10, 2020

Renters insurance in NYC: Why you should get it right now