Policy

New design for Marsha P. Johnson State Park adds more greenery, scraps rainbow-striped mural

All renderings courtesy of NY State Parks/ Starr Whitehouse, unless otherwise noted

May 11, 2021

New design for Marsha P. Johnson State Park adds more greenery, scraps rainbow-striped mural

By Devin Gannon

A new design was unveiled last week for Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg following backlash regarding the state's original proposal. During the local community board's Parks and Waterfront Committee meeting last Thursday, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners presented a revised plan that incorporates more greenery and plantings to the Brooklyn waterfront site and ditches the rainbow-striped plastic mural that opponents criticized, as first reported by Brooklyn Paper.
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Policy

Vaccines coming to Grand Central, Penn Station, and more subway and train stations

Photo by Stephen H on Unsplash

May 10, 2021

Vaccines coming to Grand Central, Penn Station, and more subway and train stations

With vaccination rates declining, the state is continuing to come up with incentives for New Yorkers to get the shot, from free Yankees and Mets tickets to free admission to museums. The latest is a partnership with the MTA to bring vaccines to busy subway, LIRR, and Metro-North stations, including Grand Central and Penn Station. Those who receive the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at these locations will receive a free seven-day MetroCard or two free one-way trips on the LIRR or Metro-North.
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Policy

All U.S. residents aged 16+ can get the COVID vaccine in New York

Mayor Bill de Blasio tours the new vaccine site at the American Museum of Natural History on April 23, 2021. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

May 10, 2021

All U.S. residents aged 16+ can get the COVID vaccine in New York

By Devin Gannon

Any resident of the United States who is at least 16 years old is now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine in New York. In vaccination guidance updated last week, the state's Department of Health ditched the work or residency requirement to previously needed to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The policy change comes as Mayor Bill de Blasio said he wants to set up mobile vaccination hubs at popular tourist destinations, like Central Park and Times Square, to vaccinate visitors to the Big Apple.
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Policy

New York City wants to vaccinate tourists in Times Square and Central Park

Photo of Mayor Bill de Blasio at the Empire State Building on May 1, 2021 courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

May 6, 2021

New York City wants to vaccinate tourists in Times Square and Central Park

By Devin Gannon

With tourism expected to ramp up this summer, New York City wants to be able to vaccinate visitors. On Thursday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to set up mobile coronavirus vaccination sites at tourist hotspots, like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Central Park. While the mayor said these hubs could be set up as early as this weekend, the state must first approve the plan as well as change a rule to allow non-New Yorkers to receive the vaccine.
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Policy

See restoration plans for the historic Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx

View of the Upper and Lower Promenades, Cafeteria, and South Loggia, Looking South (1936); Images courtesy of Marvel/ NYC Parks/ NYCEDC

May 5, 2021

See restoration plans for the historic Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx

By Devin Gannon

The landmarked bathhouse and pavilion at Orchard Beach in the Bronx will be restored to its original 1930s design and become more accessible to the public. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to approve plans from architecture firm Marvel, the Parks Department, and the city's Economic Development Corporation to reconstruct the deteriorating architectural gem. The project includes reinstalling and restoring limestone cladding, repairing the upper-level loggias, adding an ADA accessible ramp, and building an enclosed restaurant or event space.
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Yankees and Mets opening at full capacity for vaccinated fans, will offer vaccines at games

Photo by Matt Boulton via Wikimedia Commons

May 5, 2021

Yankees and Mets opening at full capacity for vaccinated fans, will offer vaccines at games

Are you a baseball fan who's still not vaccinated? Starting May 19, you can attend a game, get a free ticket, AND receive the Covid vaccine. In a press conference today, Governor Cuomo was joined by Yankees President Randy Levine and Mets President Sandy Alderson to announce the new initiative. He also announced that starting May 19, both New York City baseball stadiums will be able to increase capacity to 100 percent for vaccinated people and 33 percent with six-foot distancing for unvaccinated people. There will be two separate seating sections, both of which will require fans to wear masks.
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Policy

Broadway is coming back on September 14

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

May 5, 2021

Broadway is coming back on September 14

In a press conference today, Governor Cuomo announced that tickets for future Broadway shows will go on sale on May 6, as performances are expected to resume at 100 percent capacity on September 14. All of New York City's 41 Broadway theaters closed on March 12, 2020, due to the Covid pandemic. "Broadway is at the core of our New York identity, and a big part of our economy which employs countless performers and show creators, and beginning this September, the show will go on," the governor said.
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Policy

Landmarks approves scaled-down South Street Seaport mixed-use project

The approved design. All renderings courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill / Howard Hughes Corporation

May 5, 2021

Landmarks approves scaled-down South Street Seaport mixed-use project

By Devin Gannon

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to approve plans for a debated mixed-use project and a new museum in the South Street Seaport. The Howard Hughes Corporation presented a revised proposal for 250 Water Street that includes one 324-foot tower to be built on a parking lot instead of the two 470-foot structures originally proposed in January. The project also involves constructing a new building for the South Street Seaport Museum at 89 South Street.
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Most capacity restrictions to be lifted in New York on May 19

Via Public Domain

May 3, 2021

Most capacity restrictions to be lifted in New York on May 19

By Devin Gannon

Most state-mandated capacity restrictions in New York will be lifted on May 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday. According to the governor, this means restaurants, stores, gyms, salons, amusement parks, and offices can reopen at 100 percent capacity for the first time in 14 months. The six-foot social distancing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will remain in effect at these places, which could still limit capacity depending on the space available. In anticipation of the reopening, on May 17, 24/7 subway service will resume.
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NYC’s Open Streets program to be made permanent under new legislation

Photo looking south on open West End Avenue, taken by 6sqft on 5.16.20

April 30, 2021

NYC’s Open Streets program to be made permanent under new legislation

By Devin Gannon

The popular program that closed streets to cars for pedestrian use will be made permanent under legislation passed by the New York City Council on Thursday. The "Open Streets" initiative first launched last spring as a way to make social distancing easier and to reduce crowds at parks during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in the city. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would provide some funding and resources to the largely volunteer-led program while ensuring the open streets are fairly allocated among communities.
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Popular Articles

New York City will fully reopen on July 1 says Mayor de Blasio

Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash

April 29, 2021

New York City will fully reopen on July 1 says Mayor de Blasio

In an appearance on Morning Joe this morning, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he plans to lift all Covid-related restrictions in New York City by July 1st, arguably the biggest step towards a return to normalcy. According to his timeline, this summer, restaurants, stadiums, and museums will all start operating at 100 percent capacity, schools will fully reopen in the fall, and Broadway will return in September. "We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength," said the mayor.
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Walk-up COVID vaccinations open for all New Yorkers at city- and state-run sites

Photo of NYCHA vaccination site at Nostrand Houses in Brooklyn by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 27, 2021

Walk-up COVID vaccinations open for all New Yorkers at city- and state-run sites

By Devin Gannon

In a press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that starting April 29, all state-operated mass vaccination sites will accept walk-in appointments for anyone age 16 and up. This includes the Javits Center, Medgar Evans College, and the Aqueduct Racetrack. Last Friday, the same rule went into effect for city-run sites. Previously, walk-up shots were restricted by age.
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Policy

Cuomo expands capacity at museums, movie theaters, and sports arenas

Photo by Taylor Heery on Unsplash

April 26, 2021

Cuomo expands capacity at museums, movie theaters, and sports arenas

By Devin Gannon

Entertainment and cultural venues in New York will soon welcome more visitors. Starting April 26, capacity limits at museums and zoos will be raised to 50 percent and to 33 percent at movie theaters. Starting May 19, large indoor sports arenas can increase capacity from 10 percent to 25 percent, and outdoor venues from 20 to 33 percent. In addition, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that as of May 15, offices can increase capacity from 50 to 75 percent, casinos and gaming facilities from 25 to 50 percent, and gyms outside of NYC from 33 to 50 percent.
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Vaccine hub opening at Museum of Natural History with slots set aside for cultural institution workers

Photo by D. Finnin/ ©AMNH

April 19, 2021

Vaccine hub opening at Museum of Natural History with slots set aside for cultural institution workers

Those who work at cultural institutions, as well as public housing residents, will be prioritized at a new COVID-19 vaccine site opening on Friday at the Upper West Side's American Museum of Natural History. Mayor de Blasio made the announcement in a press conference this morning, noting that "literally you can get vaccinated below the blue whale," who is now sporting a giant bandaid. In a show of support, the Museum will give complimentary general admission on a future visit for a group of four to anyone who receives their vaccine at the site.
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Policy

New Yorkers 50+ can now get vaccinated at NYC sites without an appointment

The vaccination site at Citi Field is now accepting walk-in appointments; Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 19, 2021

New Yorkers 50+ can now get vaccinated at NYC sites without an appointment

By Devin Gannon

New Yorkers aged 50 years and older can now get vaccinated without an appointment, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Saturday. Previously, these no-appointment slots were set aside for those 75 years old and above. The walk-up shots are currently available at 31 city-run sites; pharmacies and mass vaccination sites run by the state still require advance registration. On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced walk-in vaccinations would be open to those aged 60+ at 16 state-run sites starting Friday, April 23.
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Policy

Waterfront restaurant and bar approved for the South Street Seaport

Renderings by Mancini Duffy, courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

April 14, 2021

Waterfront restaurant and bar approved for the South Street Seaport

By Devin Gannon

While the Howard Hughes Corporation has so far failed to get their South Street Seaport residential project approved, even with a scaled-down design, another plan from the developer in the same neighborhood was given the green light on Tuesday. The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve plans for an open-air restaurant and bar that would sit in front of the Tin Building, which was home to the original Fulton Fish Market and is now being reconstructed. The accepted proposal differs quite significantly from the one first presented last July; it's in a new location with a design by a different architecture firm.
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COVID vaccination site opens in Times Square for theater, film, and TV workers

Photo by Andrae Ricketts on Unsplash

April 12, 2021

COVID vaccination site opens in Times Square for theater, film, and TV workers

By Devin Gannon

A coronavirus vaccination site with appointments set aside for theater, film, and television workers opened in Times Square on Monday. Last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to open a vaccine hub on Broadway for the theater industry ahead of The Great White Way's expected reopening later this year. The newly opened site, located at 20 Times Square, will now have vaccine slots designated for TV and film actors and crew members.
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Mobile vaccine bus launches in New York City this week

Photo courtesy of NYC Mayor’s Office

April 6, 2021

Mobile vaccine bus launches in New York City this week

As of today, all New Yorkers ages 16+ are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, and one of the ways the city is making the process easier is through a new mobile vaccine bus. The bus can administer 150-200 doses per day and will be focused on NYC's most vulnerable residents. To that end, during its first week, the bus will focus on vaccinating restaurant and delivery workers. Currently, the city's mobile vaccine fleet includes 20 vans.
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All New Yorkers will be eligible for the COVID vaccine on April 6th

A vaccination site in Co-Op City in the Bronx on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

March 29, 2021

All New Yorkers will be eligible for the COVID vaccine on April 6th

In a press release today, Governor Cuomo announced that New Yorkers ages 30+ will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as of Tuesday, March 30th, and those ages 16+ on April 6th. This means New York will make eligibility universal nearly a month earlier than President Biden's May 1 deadline.
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Policy

New York launches digital COVID-19 vaccination pass as part of reopening effort

Photo courtesy of Governor Cuomo’s office

March 29, 2021

New York launches digital COVID-19 vaccination pass as part of reopening effort

New York on Friday became the first state to officially launch a digital passport for the coronavirus, which involves a smartphone app that shows proof of an individual's vaccination or recent negative test. Developed in partnership with IBM, the "Excelsior Pass" is designed like a mobile airline boarding pass and is part of the state's plan to reopen businesses, entertainment venues, and wedding reception halls. Following a pilot program tested at a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center and at a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden earlier this year, the app will expand to smaller arts and culture venues and theaters on April 2, the same day live performances can return to New York.
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New Yorkers aged 50+ will be eligible for the COVID vaccine

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

March 22, 2021

New Yorkers aged 50+ will be eligible for the COVID vaccine

By Devin Gannon

The group of New Yorkers eligible for the coronavirus vaccine is set to expand again this week. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced that New Yorkers aged 50 years and older will be able to sign up for a vaccine appointment starting 8 a.m. on March 23. "We are dropping the age as we're vaccinating more people," the governor said during an event at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
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Policy

New York pharmacies can now vaccinate those with underlying conditions

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

March 22, 2021

New York pharmacies can now vaccinate those with underlying conditions

By Devin Gannon

New Yorkers with certain underlying health conditions can now receive the coronavirus vaccine at pharmacies across the state, greatly expanding the number of people these stores are able to serve. Previously, pharmacies in the state were only able to administer the vaccine to those 60 years and older and teachers. The state's eligibility expansion comes as more than 7.5 million total COVID vaccine doses have been administered across New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Sunday.
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Policy

Baseball is back: New York announces increased capacity for sports venues

Photo by Matt Boulton via Wikimedia Commons

March 18, 2021

Baseball is back: New York announces increased capacity for sports venues

In a press conference this morning, with guest appearances by former Mets and Yankees pitchers Al Leiter and CC Sabathia, Governor Cuomo announced that as of April 1, professional sports leagues that play in large outdoor stadiums can reopen at 20-percent capacity. What does this mean for baseball season? When Yankee Stadium has its home opener on April 1st, it'll be able to accommodate 10,850 fans; on April 8th, Citi Field will have 8,384 fans.
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Radio City Music Hall is getting a rooftop park and skybridge

Rendering by G3 Architecture Interiors Planning; Courtesy of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission

March 16, 2021

Radio City Music Hall is getting a rooftop park and skybridge

By Devin Gannon

A skybridge that leads to a landscaped rooftop park is coming to Radio City Music Hall. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved plans from G3 Architecture Interiors Planning and Tishman Speyer to construct a simple pedestrian bridge clad in statuary bronze that would connect the building at 1270 Avenue of the Americas to the planned roof garden atop the historic theater, which will be amenity space for Rockefeller Center tenants. Interconnected green terraces were part of the original architectural vision for the Rockefeller Center complex and this project, to be called Radio Park, will finally bring the plan to fruition.
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Brooklyn Municipal Building renamed after Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray deliver remarks at the renaming ceremony of the Brooklyn Municipal Building in honor of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. March 15, 2021. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

March 16, 2021

Brooklyn Municipal Building renamed after Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By Devin Gannon

The Brooklyn Municipal Building on Monday was officially renamed after late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The idea to honor the Brooklyn native was introduced three years ago by Borough President Eric Adams, who launched a campaign in 2018 calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to sign off on the name change. Following Ginsburg's death in September, the mayor agreed to rename the building located at 210 Joralemon Street.
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