City Living

You can pick your own tulips on Park Avenue

Photo courtesy of East Midtown Partnership on Flickr

May 24, 2022

You can pick your own tulips on Park Avenue

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Get your trowels ready! The Park Avenue Tulip Dig is back, giving New Yorkers the opportunity to dig up and take home tulip bulbs planted along the famed thoroughfare between the north side of East 54th Street and the south side of East 86th Street. Approximately 60,000 tulips are planted every year in a new color by the non-profit Fund for Park Avenue, as reported by Patch. This year's flowers are a pink tulip known as "Darwin Hybrid Apricot Pride."
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NYC public libraries want you to read these 10 commonly banned books

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

May 23, 2022

NYC public libraries want you to read these 10 commonly banned books

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Public libraries in New York City are calling on New Yorkers to take a stand against book banning. The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library on Monday launched the citywide "Banned Books Challenge," urging New Yorkers to read 10 books that explore issues of race, sexuality, religion, and history, subjects that have been targeted for censorship in recent months. To kick off the challenge, the libraries made Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, available for free with no waits on e-reader apps until June 26.
See the list
NYC to celebrate Biggie Smalls’ 50th birthday with Empire State Building tribute, special MetroCards

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

May 18, 2022

NYC to celebrate Biggie Smalls’ 50th birthday with Empire State Building tribute, special MetroCards

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One of hip-hop's most influential artists will be paid tribute by his hometown this weekend. On May 21, the Empire State Building will turn its lighting to red and white, with a crown spinning atop its mast, in honor of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., who would have turned 50 on Saturday. In Brooklyn, videos of Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, will be shown at the Barclays Center entrance and special MetroCards featuring the icon will be sold at three nearby subway stations, Variety reports.
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Several blocks of Rockaway Beach will be closed this summer due to construction

Photo by Malaya Sadler on Unsplash 

May 13, 2022

Several blocks of Rockaway Beach will be closed this summer due to construction

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With just two weeks until the unofficial start of summer, the city announced it would close several blocks of Rockaway Beach. NYC Parks on Thursday said six blocks will be temporarily closed with no sand, swim, or recreation access from May through September as part of an ongoing resiliency project to protect the coast from severe storms.
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All the free outdoor concerts happening in NYC this summer

Photo of Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances by Ryan Muir

May 4, 2022

All the free outdoor concerts happening in NYC this summer

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New York City once again will be full of exciting opportunities to see live music for free. From old standbys like SummerStage in Central Park and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! fest in Prospect Park to the newly announced Summer for the City festival at Lincoln Center, music lovers can enjoy a wide variety of performances spanning all genres, in all five boroughs, all for free.
See the list
NYC lawmakers call for mandatory citywide compost program at residential buildings

Photo courtesy of the Department of Sanitation

April 29, 2022

NYC lawmakers call for mandatory citywide compost program at residential buildings

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A bill introduced in the New York City Council on Thursday calls for the creation of a mandatory citywide composting program at residential buildings. Under the legislation, sponsored by Council Member Shahana Hanif, New Yorkers would be required to separate organic waste from other waste for curbside collection. Pickup of organic waste from residential buildings would begin by the middle of 2023.
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10 of the best running spots in New York City

Photo via PxHere

April 27, 2022

10 of the best running spots in New York City

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For avid runners and beginners alike, New York City offers a wide range of places to hit the pavement, from its iconic bridges to green trails nestled in the city's parks. The scenic routes provide unbeatable views of the river and skyline that can keep you motivated to keep going when you're ready to give up. Ahead, we round up the 10 most iconic spots to go for a run in the city, fit for regular marathoners, treadmill-devotees looking for a change of scenery, and total newbies.
Lace up those sneakers...
Adams announces nearly $1B investment for NYC Streets Plan

Image courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 25, 2022

Adams announces nearly $1B investment for NYC Streets Plan

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City officials are continuing their efforts to ensure the safety of New Yorkers traveling the streets. Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday announced a historic $904 million investment to help fund the NYC Streets Plan and address the city's traffic violence problem by creating a safer and more environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure. Over the next five years, the investment will be used to expand bike lanes and bus lanes throughout the city and will be put towards the creation of new pedestrian spaces.
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These giant sculptures in the Garment District ‘wave hello’ to New Yorkers

All images courtesy of Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

April 18, 2022

These giant sculptures in the Garment District ‘wave hello’ to New Yorkers

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New Yorkers will be greeted with outstretched arms the next time they walk through Midtown. Located on Broadway between 38th and 41st Streets, Here is a public art exhibition featuring 14 oversized sculptures with their hands raised high above their heads. Created by artist Santi Flores, Here is meant to represent unity, diversity, and individuality, and is dedicated to all New Yorkers. The installation is the latest public art exhibition to be sponsored by the Garment District Alliance and is free and open to the public until August 29.
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A roller skating rink is now open at Rockefeller Center

Credit: © Albert Vecerka/Esto

April 15, 2022

A roller skating rink is now open at Rockefeller Center

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Rockefeller Center's ice rink has been transformed just in time for the warm weather. Starting Friday, The Rink at Rockefeller Center will instead be Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace, a retro-themed outdoor roller skating rink that will include a food program, viewing deck, and a retail store. Opened by Liberty Ross, the rink will include weekly and seasonal programming, DJ sets, and live music.
See more here
NYC public libraries fight book banning by giving readers across the U.S. access to free e-books

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

April 13, 2022

NYC public libraries fight book banning by giving readers across the U.S. access to free e-books

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New York City's public libraries are taking on book banning. The New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library this week announced separate initiatives to provide access to books to readers across the country. Under its "Books for All" effort, the NYPL made electronic copies of commonly banned books, including The Catcher in the Rye and Speak, available through their e-reading app, SimplyE, to anyone in the United States. Similarly, the BPL launched "Books UnBanned," which gives free digital library cards to teens and young adults nationwide.
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100 streets across NYC to go car-free for Earth Day

Image courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

April 8, 2022

100 streets across NYC to go car-free for Earth Day

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In celebration of Earth Day, the city's Department of Transportation is hosting the annual Car Free Earth Day, connecting over 100 open streets across the five boroughs, 22 plazas, and over 1,000 miles of the city's bike network on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. City agencies and community organizations will host programming along the streets to promote environmental activism and education about climate change, sustainability, and other related topics. DOT will also partner with local artists who will be putting on live performances.
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New program offers artists chance to live and work at glamping resort on Governors Island for free

Photo courtesy of Collective Retreats

April 6, 2022

New program offers artists chance to live and work at glamping resort on Governors Island for free

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NYC Culture Club and glamping resort Collective Retreats are offering a select number of artists the chance to live and work on Governors Island for free. Under the new artist residency program, six slots are available in 2022, with month-long residencies running from May to October, as first reported by Time Out New York. Preference will be given to artists from outside of the city, but all are welcome to apply.
Details this way
Council wants additional $3.1B to build up ‘NYC Streets Plan’

Photo by Jim.henderson on Wikimedia

April 5, 2022

Council wants additional $3.1B to build up ‘NYC Streets Plan’

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The New York City Council is calling on Mayor Eric Adams to allocate an additional $3.1 billion to build more bike lanes, bus lanes, and space for pedestrians. In a response to the mayor's preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2023 published this week, the council said the mayor would not be able to fulfill his campaign promise of building 300 miles of protected bus lanes during his first term due to a lack of funding. According to the council, the increased investment would allow for 500 miles of protected bike lanes, 500 miles of bus lanes, and 38 million square feet of open pedestrian space, according to the Council's proposal.
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New York City projected to see 70% increase in tourism in 2022

Photo by Kevin Rajaram on Unsplash

April 1, 2022

New York City projected to see 70% increase in tourism in 2022

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After the Covid pandemic brought the city's tourism industry to a near standstill, officials say they expect visitors to return in greater numbers this year. In a new report released this week, NYC & Company, the city's tourism agency, projects that New York City will see a 70 percent increase in tourism in 2022, including approximately 8 million international visitors. However, the city will be missing out on its fasting growing source of tourism, as China is still not permitting its citizens to travel abroad.
Learn more here
Target opens new store in the heart of Times Square

All photos courtesy of Target

March 31, 2022

Target opens new store in the heart of Times Square

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Target next month will open a new location in one of the busiest pedestrian blocks in the city. The company's 92nd store in the greater New York City area opens in Times Square on Monday, April 3, bringing a 33,000-square-foot location to 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Fitting in with its neon neighbors, the exterior of the new store features an illuminated sign of the company mascot Bullseye.
Details this way
Abandoned Art Deco gem Metro Theater to return to the UWS as multi-screen cinema

Photo by Enniferj on Wikimedia

March 23, 2022

Abandoned Art Deco gem Metro Theater to return to the UWS as multi-screen cinema

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An 89-year-old Art-Deco movie theater that has sat vacant on the Upper West Side for years has finally been purchased and will be restored to its former glory. The landmarked Metro Theater, abandoned since 2005, was purchased by an unidentified buyer from California who intends to change it into a restaurant theater in which patrons can purchase food and drinks while enjoying their movies, previous owner Albert Bialek told the West Side Rag. The space will also offer restaurant facilities and community meeting rooms on a rental basis.
More this way
Track the blooming buds and flowering trees of spring in NYC

Magnolias in Herbert Von King Park (2020). Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

March 22, 2022

Track the blooming buds and flowering trees of spring in NYC

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A reward for getting through winter, the first blooms of spring have been spotted in New York City, ushering in a new season of warmer, longer days and outdoor activities. While cherry blossoms are a definite favorite, there are a variety of flowers and trees that bring new life and vibrancy to parks in every borough. The city's Parks Department last week released a "signs of spring" timeline to keep track of the season's flowering plants. Plus, the cherry blossom trackers from both the New York Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which follow the progress of trees from bud to blossom, are back for the season.
Find what's blooming near you
New York City’s first net-zero energy library opens on Staten Island

All images courtesy of The New York Public Library

March 17, 2022

New York City’s first net-zero energy library opens on Staten Island

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The New York Public Library on Wednesday opened its 14th branch on Staten Island and the first net-zero energy library in New York City. Located in the Bricktown Commons shopping center on the South Shore in Charleston, the $17 million, 10,000-square-foot building was designed by Ikon 5 Architects to be energy efficient, with solar panels providing nearly 100 percent of the energy the building will use. Managed by the city's Economic Development Corporation with the Gilbane Building Company, the new branch offers patrons a variety of amenities, including dedicated spaces for adults, teens, and children and flexible multi-purpose rooms for programs and classes.
See more here
Open Data Week highlights NYC’s Open Data Portal with art, design, squirrels and more

Jen Ray, Jason Forrest, “Find the Secret Data Message, NY Alive.” Photo credit: Data X Design.

March 7, 2022

Open Data Week highlights NYC’s Open Data Portal with art, design, squirrels and more

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New York City loves an opportunity to show off its smarts and find innovative ways technology, art and daily life are intertwined. Data Through Design (DxD), an exhibition happening from March 5 - 13 throughout the five boroughs, is a perfect example. DxD is a central component of the broader NYC Open Data Week, which in turn highlights the city's Open Data Portal and the many things that can be done with access to data. Design and art events offer visitors a chance to interact with the city through life-sized art pieces. Even the city's bushy-tailed rodents get involved in the fun.
Art, design, rats and squirrels, this way
A luxurious wellness spa is now open on Governors Island

All images courtesy of QC NY

March 4, 2022

A luxurious wellness spa is now open on Governors Island

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QC Terme Spas & Resorts' long-anticipated day spa has opened today within three historic buildings on Governors Island. QC NY is the luxury resort brand's first property outside of Europe and features relaxation rooms, themed saunas, Vichy showers, infrared beds, foot baths, hydro jets, steam baths, and other amenities meant to induce bliss. The resort will be the island's first year-round commercial tenant.
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How Planter Rob is growing a community of plant lovers & affordable housing advocates in NYC

All images courtesy of Breaking Ground

March 2, 2022

How Planter Rob is growing a community of plant lovers & affordable housing advocates in NYC

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Plant entrepreneur Robert Jeffery, aka Planter Rob, recently teamed up with New York's largest supportive housing provider Breaking Ground and plant company The Sill to donate nearly 200 houseplants to residents of Edwin's Place, an affordable housing development in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Jeffery has also started his own "Welcome-Home Plants" program; an initiative that aims to cultivate a diverse community of plant lovers who advocate for affordable housing and reap the benefits plant care brings, like a feeling of belonging and accomplishment. As someone who once faced homelessness, Jeffery can speak on the impact plant care had on his life once he was able to have a place for himself. We spoke with Planter Rob on what influenced him to become involved with houseplants, important issues in the plant community, and how he began his work with Breaking Ground and Edwin's Place.
Meet Planter Rob and learn more about his mission
NYC Council approves zoning amendment in move toward permanent outdoor dining

Maiden Korea, 316 5th Avenue; Courtesy of Alfresco NYC

February 25, 2022

NYC Council approves zoning amendment in move toward permanent outdoor dining

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The New York City Council on Thursday approved the Open Restaurants zoning text amendment to NYC’s Zoning Resolution, an important step in the path to making permanent outdoor dining a part of city life. The zoning amendment expands the areas where outdoor dining can be considered to all NYC neighborhoods. The amendment joins proposed legislative changes that would cut red tape for restaurant owners.
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The 10 most romantic spots in NYC
February 10, 2022

The 10 most romantic spots in NYC

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It’s sometimes hard to see New York’s romantic potential, considering the city’s sheer quantity of subway rats and mysterious street sludge. But despite some of New York’s less love-inspiring qualities, there are a lot of beautiful, heart-stopping spots that set the right tone for romance, even if you have to contend with yellow snow on your way home. Just in time for Valentine's Day, we've rounded up our 10 favorites, from a medieval monastery to a cozy restaurant haunted by Aaron Burr to tried-and-true favorites like the top of the Empire State Building.
Love is in the air
SNL’s Pete Davidson and Colin Jost rescue retired Staten Island Ferry boat for $280K

The MV John F. Kennedy in 2015. Photo: Godsfriendchuck via Wikimedia commons

January 21, 2022

SNL’s Pete Davidson and Colin Jost rescue retired Staten Island Ferry boat for $280K

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"Saturday Night Live" stars Pete Davidson and Colin Jost, along with comedy club owner Paul Italia, were the high bidders for the retired Staten Island Ferry boat John F. Kennedy, the NY Post reports. The boat, recently retired from the Staten Island Ferry fleet, was listed for $125,000 at a public auction that ended Wednesday. The auction price of the vintage vessel, retired after over five decades of service, had been slashed in half, but its new owners bid $280,000 in a last-minute bidding war, armed with plans to transform the ferry into a live entertainment venue.
More on the JFK, this way
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