Policy

NYC restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity to 35% next week

Photo by Marcus Herzberg from Pexels

February 8, 2021

NYC restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity to 35% next week

By Devin Gannon

New York City restaurants can expand indoor dining capacity from 25 to 35 percent starting February 26, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday. "That will be consistent with New Jersey," the governor said during a press conference, referring to the 35 percent capacity. After closing indoor dining in December, Cuomo said city restaurants could serve customers inside again on February 12, citing the end of the "post-holiday" surge of coronavirus cases. The governor last week also extended the closing times for bars, restaurants, and other businesses from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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Citi Field’s mass vaccine site opens this week for TLC drivers, food delivery workers, and Queens residents

Mayor de Blasio with Mets owner Steve Cohen and Mr. and Mrs. Met. Photo credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

February 8, 2021

Citi Field’s mass vaccine site opens this week for TLC drivers, food delivery workers, and Queens residents

The Mets will join the Yankees in offering their stadiums to serve as mass COVID vaccination sites. Just as Yankee Stadium is earmarked for Bronx residents, Citi Field's appointments will be set aside 50 percent for drivers with TLC licenses and food delivery workers and 50 percent for Queens residents, Mayor De Blasio announced today in a press conference. The Flushing, Queens site will open this Wednesday, February 10th at 10:00am.
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Policy

See the mass vaccination site now open at Yankee Stadium for Bronx residents

Photo by Daniel Vargas on Unsplash

February 5, 2021

See the mass vaccination site now open at Yankee Stadium for Bronx residents

By Devin Gannon

As of today, the mass coronavirus vaccination site is open at Yankee Stadium. Appointments are reserved for Bronx residents only who meet phase 1a and 1b eligibility requirements, and the site will operate every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gov. Mayor Bill de Blasio, wearing a Yankees cap (he's a vocal Red Sox fan), was at the stadium and spoke with Yankees president Randy Levine, manager Aaron Boone, and legendary player Mariano Rivera, all of whom encouraged people to sign up for vaccines. As of today, 13,000 of the 15,000 available appointments through next week had been filled.
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Policy

NYC seeks new operators for Central Park ice rink and carousel after canceling Trump contracts

Photo of The Wollman Rink by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

February 5, 2021

NYC seeks new operators for Central Park ice rink and carousel after canceling Trump contracts

By Devin Gannon

New York City on Friday issued two requests for proposals to operate an ice rink and carousel in Central Park formerly run by the Trump Organization. Following the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the city would terminate agreements with former President Donald Trump's company for the operation of the Wollman and Lasker Rinks, the Central Park Carousel, and the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. The city's Parks Department this week announced it is looking for new companies to operate and manage the Wollman Rink and the Carousel.
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Policy

NJ loosens COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings, lifts restaurant curfew

Photo of Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten by cogito ergo imago on Flickr

February 3, 2021

NJ loosens COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings, lifts restaurant curfew

By Devin Gannon

Starting Friday, New Jersey restaurants and bars can serve more customers and stay open later. Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed an executive order relaxing some coronavirus restrictions for indoor gatherings, pointing to a decrease in new daily cases and hospitalizations across the state. Under the order, which goes into effect ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, indoor dining capacity can increase from 25 percent to 35 percent and the 10 p.m. curfew at restaurants will be lifted.
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19th-century abolitionist home in Downtown Brooklyn is now a city landmark

227 Duffield Street; Map data © 2020 Google

February 2, 2021

19th-century abolitionist home in Downtown Brooklyn is now a city landmark

By Devin Gannon

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to designate a Brooklyn property that was home to known abolitionists, likely saving it from demolition. Harriet and Thomas Truesdell, members of the anti-slavery movement before the Civil War, lived at the Greek-Revival row house at 227 Duffield Street from 1851 to 1863. The commission recommended 227 Duffield for designation because it represents a rare surviving home to known abolitionists and marks Brooklyn's pre-Civil War abolitionist movement. The push for landmarking the site was accelerated in 2019 when a developer filed permits to raze the three-story structure and replace it with a much taller mixed-use building.
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NYC vaccination data shows ‘profound’ racial gaps

Vaccination center at NYCHA Van Dyke Houses in Brownsville, Brooklyn on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Photo credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

February 1, 2021

NYC vaccination data shows ‘profound’ racial gaps

By Devin Gannon

Black and Latino residents in New York City have received far fewer doses of the coronavirus vaccine than white New Yorkers, according to preliminary data released by the city on Sunday. Of the roughly 300,000 city residents vaccinated with at least one dose, 48 percent of them were white, 15 percent Asian, 15 percent Latino, and 11 percent Black. Mayor Bill de Blasio called the racial disparities "profound," since Latino and Black residents make up 29 and 24 percent of the city's population, respectively.
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Policy

Starting March 15, wedding receptions in New York can resume with rapid COVID testing

Photo by Alasdair Elmes on Unsplash

January 29, 2021

Starting March 15, wedding receptions in New York can resume with rapid COVID testing

Anxious brides across the state just got some good news. Starting March 15th, wedding receptions in New York can take place with 50 percent of a venue's capacity, up to 150 people. These events will also require all guests to receive a rapid COVID test and be approved by the local health department, Governor Cuomo announced today. Currently, there is a maximum of 50 people allowed at weddings, with a six-foot distance required between guests.
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Preservationists, pols fight to save Washington Heights home with Underground Railroad ties

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. (1937). Riverside Drive, no. 857, at 159th Street, Manhattan, courtesy of the New York Public Library.

January 25, 2021

Preservationists, pols fight to save Washington Heights home with Underground Railroad ties

By Devin Gannon

Preservationists and local politicians are pushing the city to reverse their decision to not landmark a historic home with abolitionist history in Washington Heights. The two-story wood-frame home at 857 Riverside Drive in Upper Manhattan was owned by anti-slavery activist Dennis Harris who may have also been an Underground Railroad conductor. Despite a demolition permit filed by the current owner, the Landmarks Preservation Commission last November still rejected landmark status for the home because of the architectural alterations made to the original structure.
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NYC running out of COVID vaccines, reschedules 23,000 appointments

Dr. Michelle Chester of Northwell Health in Queens prepares to administer the first coronavirus vaccine in New York State; Photo: Scott Heins for the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

January 20, 2021

NYC running out of COVID vaccines, reschedules 23,000 appointments

This past Friday, Mayor de Blasio began warning that New York City was likely to run out of COVID-19 vaccines in a week. And yesterday he confirmed these fears in his daily press briefing. "We will begin to run out on Thursday... And we will have literally nothing left to give as of Friday." The city did not receive any additional doses, and therefore, has cancelled 23,000 appointments and closed its 15 vaccination hubs. This comes as the state has more than 9,000 people hospitalized from the virus, the highest number since May 4.
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Policy

Popular Articles

How Joe Biden will affect NYC’s renters, real estate, and recovery

Photo by Gage Skidmore on Flickr

January 20, 2021

How Joe Biden will affect NYC’s renters, real estate, and recovery

By Devin Gannon

After Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, his immediate focus will be getting the coronavirus pandemic under control and providing direct relief to Americans. In addition to immediate actions related to COVID-19, Biden's Day 1 housing priorities include extending the federal nationwide moratorium on residential evictions through the end of September and sending an additional $25 billion in rental assistance to states. Down the road, Biden has proposed fewer developer-friendly policies than his predecessor, including a repeal of the 1031 exchange and reform of the Opportunity Zone tax program. But overall, there is optimism among New York City real estate industry experts who see a Biden Administration as a way to restore stability and consumer confidence. With a pledge to defeat COVID-19 and send federal support to New York City, there's hope on the horizon for the city's recovery.
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NYC offers free rides to COVID-19 vaccine sites for seniors

Mayor Bill de Blasio visits a vaccination site at Hillcrest High School, Queens. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

January 19, 2021

NYC offers free rides to COVID-19 vaccine sites for seniors

By Devin Gannon

New York seniors who are unable to get to and from their coronavirus vaccine appointments will now be provided a free ride from the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Sunday. Residents aged 65 and older who are unable to make their own arrangements to a city-operated vaccination site can sign up for transportation starting Monday. According to the city, about 10,000 rides will be offered each week.
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Policy

Cuomo reveals $51B plan to redevelop Midtown West, replace Port Authority

All renderings courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

January 15, 2021

Cuomo reveals $51B plan to redevelop Midtown West, replace Port Authority

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday unveiled an ambitious plan to transform over 100 acres of Midtown West as part of a new "transit-oriented" development. The $51 billion proposal adds a new train hall south of Penn Station, replaces the Port Authority Bus Terminal, extends the High Line, and adds up to 1,400 units of new affordable housing. The project is one part of the governor's proposed $306 billion infrastructure plan, introduced on Thursday during his fourth 2021 State of the State address.
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See the mass vaccination site now open at the Javits Center

All photos courtesy of Don Pollard/ Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

January 13, 2021

See the mass vaccination site now open at the Javits Center

By Devin Gannon

Nearly 10 months after the Jacob K. Javits Center became a temporary hospital during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in New York, the convention center has now opened as a mass vaccination hub. The state-run Manhattan site officially opened on Wednesday for those eligible under expanded phases 1A and 1B, which includes healthcare workers, essential workers, and New Yorkers aged 65 and older. Appointments are required at the Javits Center site. Find out if you are eligible to receive the vaccine and schedule an appointment here.
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Policy

Hudson Yards’ 150-foot Vessel temporarily closes after third suicide

Photo © James and Karla Murray for 6sqft

January 13, 2021

Hudson Yards’ 150-foot Vessel temporarily closes after third suicide

By Devin Gannon

After the third suicide in less than a year was reported at the Vessel this week, the 150-foot climbable structure has temporarily closed. On Monday, a 21-year-old man from Texas jumped to his death from the bronzed steel and concrete sculpture. Hudson Yards developer Related Companies is now looking to address ways to prevent future tragedies at the Manhattan site, as Patch first reported.
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Policy

NYC will cancel Trump Organization contracts after Capitol riot

Photo of Wollman Rink by subherwal on Flickr

January 13, 2021

NYC will cancel Trump Organization contracts after Capitol riot

By Devin Gannon

New York City will cancel three contracts with the Trump Organization after last week's deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday announced plans to terminate agreements for two ice rinks at Central Park, the Central Park Carousel, and the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx. President Donald Trump still owns the organization but has given his sons Eric and Donald Jr. control over the business. "Goodbye to the Trump Organization," de Blasio said during a press briefing. "We're not doing any business with you."
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Policy

Cuomo’s ‘Arts Revival’ initiative will bring outdoor pop-up performances and events across New York

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

January 12, 2021

Cuomo’s ‘Arts Revival’ initiative will bring outdoor pop-up performances and events across New York

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday unveiled the "New York Arts Revival" initiative, a plan to bring art and culture back to the state after the coronavirus pandemic has brought much of the industry to a standstill. As part of a public-private partnership, the effort will bring a series of pop-up performances and arts events across New York starting February 4. According to the governor, who made the announcement during his multi-day State of the State address, the events will feature performers like Amy Schumer, Chris Rock, Wynton Marsalis, Renée Fleming, Hugh Jackman, and others. "We will not let the curtain fall on their careers or the future of our cities," Cuomo said.
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New Yorkers 65+, teachers, first responders eligible to receive COVID vaccine as of this week

Dr. Michelle Chester of Northwell Health in Queens prepares to administer the first coronavirus vaccine in New York State; Photo: Scott Heins for the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

January 12, 2021

New Yorkers 65+, teachers, first responders eligible to receive COVID vaccine as of this week

After a very public disagreement between the governor and the mayor over vaccine eligibility, Governor Cuomo announced on Friday that he's expanding eligibility to the initial groups of phase 1B starting this week. Previously, only healthcare workers and nursing home residents and staff were eligible. The expansion initially allowed education workers, first responders, public safety workers, public transit workers, public-facing grocery store workers, and New Yorkers 75+ to receive the vaccine. But in a Tuesday press conference, the governor expanded this list further, allowing those 65+ and immunocompromised persons to be eligible. This now qualifies roughly 7 million New Yorkers, however, the state is only receiving about 300,000 doses per week.
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24/7 mass vaccination site will open at Citi Field this month

A mass vaccination site at NYC Health + Hospitals/ Bathgate in the Bronx; Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

January 12, 2021

24/7 mass vaccination site will open at Citi Field this month

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday announced some "Amazin'" news. A 24/7 coronavirus vaccination site will launch at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens later this month with the capacity to vaccinate between 5,000 and 7,000 people each day. "The Mets organization has stepped up to the plate to help us out," de Blasio said during a press briefing. "I really appreciate the fact that the Mets wanted to do this. They wanted to be part of solving this problem, helping the Queens community, and helping all of New York City." Launching the week of January 25, the vaccine hub will be run by NYC Health + Hospitals and open to New Yorkers eligible under the first phase of distribution, "even Yankees fans," the mayor said.
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Policy

This website tells you if you’re eligible for the COVID vaccine in New York

A state COVID vaccination form. Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office via Flickr

January 11, 2021

This website tells you if you’re eligible for the COVID vaccine in New York

As of today, New York state expanded the eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to the initial groups of phase 1B, which includes education workers, first responders, public safety workers, public transit workers, public-facing grocery store workers, and New Yorkers 75+. This is in addition to the healthcare workers and nursing home residents and staff in group 1A. Now that roughly five million New Yorkers qualify, the state has launched a new website that will tell you if you're eligible. If you are, you'll be directed to a list of providers that you can call to make an appointment.
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Policy

See Cuomo’s proposal to extend the High Line to the new Moynihan Train Hall

Courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

January 11, 2021

See Cuomo’s proposal to extend the High Line to the new Moynihan Train Hall

By Devin Gannon

The High Line will be extended from its current 10th Avenue terminus to the entrance of the newly opened Moynihan Train Hall, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce during his 2021 State of the State address on Monday. As the New York Times first reported, a new L-shaped elevated walkway will link the existing public park at 30th Street to a pedestrian plaza at Manhattan West, a six-building mixed-use development from Brookfield Property Group that stretches from 9th and 10th Avenues and 31st to 33rd Streets.
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Policy

See new renderings of controversial South Street Seaport towers and museum expansion

All renderings courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill / Howard Hughes Corporation

January 5, 2021

See new renderings of controversial South Street Seaport towers and museum expansion

By Devin Gannon

Plans to construct two 470-foot towers and expand a museum in the historic South Street Seaport neighborhood were met with mixed feedback during a public Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing on Tuesday. The Howard Hughes Corporation presented a proposal for a $1.4 billion mixed-use project consisting of rentals, condos, and office space at 250 Water Street, as well as a new building for the South Street Seaport Museum at 89 South Street. While those in favor of the project say it will bring much-needed affordable housing to a neighborhood that has almost none and help the museum stay open, opponents claim the project is out of scale with the rest of the district. New renderings of the proposed expanded museum show plans for a copper-clad exterior, flexible gallery space, an outdoor terrace, and a connection to the historic structure.
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New York City has administered just 25% of COVID vaccine allocation

Mayor de Blasio attends first vaccinations at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst in Queens last month. Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

January 4, 2021

New York City has administered just 25% of COVID vaccine allocation

The latest city-state discrepancy comes in the form of vaccine distribution. Last week, Mayor de Blasio announced his goal of administering one million COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of January. However, in a press conference today, Governor Cuomo turned attention to New York City, as their 11 publicly run hospitals have administered just 31 percent of their vaccine allocation. And on a whole, the city has administered a mere 25 percent of those doses received, according to its own vaccine tracker.
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Policy

NYC wants to offer renters alternatives to lump-sum security deposits

Photo by Jeffrey Blum on Unsplash

January 4, 2021

NYC wants to offer renters alternatives to lump-sum security deposits

By Devin Gannon

Before lawmakers passed sweeping rent reform legislation in 2019, New York City renters moving to a new apartment paid a hefty lump sum, typically including an application fee, broker fee, and a security deposit. With the new law limiting application fees to $20 (and broker fees next on the chopping block), city officials are now looking to make it even easier to move into a new home. The city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Housing Development Corporation last week issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) seeking companies that would provide alternatives to paying a security deposit all at once at city-financed affordable properties.
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Policy

NYC extends Open Storefronts program through next fall

Photo by ozgecan on Flickr

December 29, 2020

NYC extends Open Storefronts program through next fall

By Devin Gannon

New York City's Open Storefronts program, which allows small businesses to use outdoor space in front of their stores to sell goods, has been extended through the fall of next year. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday signed an executive order extending the program, which was originally expected to end December 31, through September 30, 2021. The program will also expand the number of restaurants and retail stores that can use sidewalks to sell take-out. "We think that's going to help them as they fight to survive in this environment," de Blasio said Tuesday.
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