Policy

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will reopen August 29

Photo by Alex Proimos on Wikimedia

July 16, 2020

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will reopen August 29

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art will reopen to the public on August 29, as part of the city's phase four of reopening. The museum closed all three of its locations in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Met's Fifth Avenue building will open its doors five days a week, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. While The Cloisters is expected to open in September, museum officials last month announced that the Met Breuer will not reopen at all, with the building instead serving as the temporary home of the Frick Collection.
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Preservation group asks New Yorkers to suggest cultural sites for landmarking

Photo of the Stonewall Inn, a cultural landmark, by NPCA via Flickr cc

July 15, 2020

Preservation group asks New Yorkers to suggest cultural sites for landmarking

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When it comes to landmarking in NYC, some of the biggest news as of late is that the LPC has calendared a building in Downtown Brooklyn that was home to abolitionists before the Civil War. If landmarked, the decision will be based on the structure's cultural merit, not necessarily its historic architecture. And with more and more people realizing the importance of preserving cultural history, the Historic Districts Council is asking New Yorkers to suggest the cultural sites that they believe are worthy of landmark designation.
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Open-air cafe proposed along the East River in historic South Street Seaport

View from John Street Rendering courtesy of Woods Bagot/ NYC Parks

July 15, 2020

Open-air cafe proposed along the East River in historic South Street Seaport

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An open-air waterfront restaurant and bar could be coming to the South Street Seaport Historic District. The Howard Hughes Corporation and the city's Parks Department on Tuesday presented a proposal to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a new concession along the East River Esplanade under the FDR Drive overpass. Designed by Woods Bagot, the "Blockhouse Bar" would be a year-round establishment, with plans to add decking over the pavement, planters, and vinyl coverings during the winter months.
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How to apply for New York’s new COVID-19 rent relief program

Via CityRealty

July 14, 2020

How to apply for New York’s new COVID-19 rent relief program

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Update 7/31/20: The deadline to apply for the rent relief program has been extended by one week to Thursday, August 6.  A new rent relief program launched Tuesday that provides subsidies to eligible low-income New Yorkers financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic. First signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month, the assistance program helps low-income households experiencing increased rent burden due to a loss of income because of COVID-19 by sending a one-time subsidy directly to landlords. The payment covers the difference between a household's rent burden on March 1 and the increase in rent burden for up to four months. Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements to qualify for the program.
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For $14.50, you can own one of Governor Cuomo’s ‘New York Tough’ posters

Section of the poster, courtesy of the Governor’s Office

July 14, 2020

For $14.50, you can own one of Governor Cuomo’s ‘New York Tough’ posters

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The term Cuomosexual has gone as far as to make it into the Urban Dictionary. But if watching Randy Rainbow sing about the New York governor's COVID-era following is not enough to satiate your Cuomo fix, you can personally own one of his creative albeit interesting "New York Tough" posters. Governor Cuomo revealed the piece, meant to evoke the turn-of-the-century poster art that he's so fond of, in his press conference yesterday; it's available for pre-order for $14.50. The poster depicts the coronavirus mountain that the state scaled and came down, with illustrations of everything from a nose swab test to his press briefing team to his daughter's boyfriend who briefly quarantined with the family. Oh yeah, and Donald Trump is featured as "the man in the moon."
See the full poster here
Travelers from states with COVID surges must provide contact info at New York airports

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

July 13, 2020

Travelers from states with COVID surges must provide contact info at New York airports

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This weekend was a grim time for the nation's struggle against the coronavirus pandemic. Thirty-nine states are seeing rising COVID infection rates, and on July 10, the country set a new record with 66,281 new cases on a single day. On July 11, Florida set a new record for an individual state, with 15,300 new cases. New York, on the other hand, has seen its numbers decrease since it began reopening. And in order to help preserve this progress, Governor Cuomo announced today that travelers coming from problematic states must provide local authorities with their contact information at all New York airports in order to enforce the previously implemented 14-day quarantine.
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After NYC’s first day with no COVID deaths, Mayor warns of virus spread among 20-year-olds

Photo of New Yorkers drinking on St. Mark’s Place in May by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

July 13, 2020

After NYC’s first day with no COVID deaths, Mayor warns of virus spread among 20-year-olds

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On April 7, at the peak of the pandemic, New York City saw more than 800 COVID-related deaths in a single day. But on July 11, the city reported zero coronavirus-related deaths for the first time since March. Across New York State, that number has remained near or below 10 for several weeks. And though this is an incredible feat, especially considering that New York was the global epicenter of the pandemic not too long ago, Mayor de Blasio warned in his press conference today that the city is seeing a rise in positive cases among 20-29-year-olds. To remind these young adults that they're "not impervious," the city will launch a new outreach effort that includes messaging from social media influencers.
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NYC public libraries reopen 22 branches for grab-and-go service

Photo of Todt Hill-Westerleigh branch; credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

July 13, 2020

NYC public libraries reopen 22 branches for grab-and-go service

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New York City's public libraries on Monday opened 22 branches for limited grab-and-go service as part of a phased reopening process. The joint plan involves a gradual reopening of physical locations in stages, with seven to eight branches opening for contactless pickups and book returns to start. All libraries were forced to close in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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White Horse Tavern temporarily loses liquor license over social distancing violations

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr 

July 10, 2020

White Horse Tavern temporarily loses liquor license over social distancing violations

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The state's liquor authority this week suspended the liquor license of the White Horse Tavern, charging the 140-year-old West Village bar with more than 30 violations. The New York State Liquor Authority on Wednesday said the business repeatedly violated Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive order mandating bars and restaurants to comply with social distancing guidelines. It's the first establishment in New York City to temporarily get its liquor license revoked since the start of the city's open restaurants program last month, Eater New York first reported.
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Here’s what a car-free, pedestrian-friendly NYC could look like

If parking was removed and private cars banned on West 45th Street; courtesy of PAU

July 10, 2020

Here’s what a car-free, pedestrian-friendly NYC could look like

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In a city that currently has the most streets closed to cars in the country, with plans in store to add more designated busways and charge vehicles entering its busiest streets, is New York ready to be car-free? Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti and his firm Practice for Architecture and Urbanism think so. The New York Times took a look at PAU's plan, "N.Y.C. (Not Your Car)," which calls for a ban of private motor vehicles in Manhattan and an expansion of sidewalks and pedestrian-only space.
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See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural in front of Trump Tower

All photos by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

July 9, 2020

See the ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural in front of Trump Tower

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After announcing last month that he'd be painting "Black Lives Matter" in front of Trump Tower, Mayor de Blasio today helped paint the mural in bright yellow letters outside the building on Fifth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets. "Let’s show Donald Trump what he does not understand, let’s paint it right in front of his building for him," the mayor said today.
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See the design proposals that would make the Brooklyn Bridge a pedestrian oasis

“Back to the Future,” Bjarke Ingles Group and Arup

July 9, 2020

See the design proposals that would make the Brooklyn Bridge a pedestrian oasis

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The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of public space, especially in a city like New York, where residents lack private backyards and most common spaces are too narrow for proper social distancing. A design contest launched earlier this year looking for ideas on how to improve the overcrowded pedestrian promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge, where thousands of walkers and cyclists fight for space daily. The Van Alen Institute and the New York City Council on Thursday announced the six finalists for the "Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge" design contest, with selected proposals calling for less space for cars and more for people.
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New Jersey mandates that face masks be worn outside

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

July 8, 2020

New Jersey mandates that face masks be worn outside

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Nearly three months after Governor Cuomo mandated face masks be worn in outdoor public spaces in New York, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey has finally done the same. Murphy did mandate face masks be worn indoors back in April, but it wasn't until an appearance this morning on MSNBC's Morning Joe that he said he'll be signing an executive order today. "They’ve been strongly recommended out-of-doors. We’re gonna turn that up a notch today... If you can’t socially distance, it’s gonna be required." His announcement comes
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NYC enters phase three of reopening today

Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash

July 6, 2020

NYC enters phase three of reopening today

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New York City is officially the final region in the state to begin phase three of reopening, but unlike other parts of New York, the city's third phase will not include indoor dining. However, outdoor recreation like basketball and tennis courts, dog runs, and personal-care services like nail salons and tattoo parlors will reopen with social-distancing measures in place. The decision to postpone indoor dining came from the governor's office last week amidst a surge in COVID outbreaks across the country and a continued presence of large gatherings in the city.
More details ahead
New law protects New Yorkers from eviction for unpaid rent during COVID-19

Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash

July 1, 2020

New law protects New Yorkers from eviction for unpaid rent during COVID-19

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New York tenants cannot be evicted for any unpaid rent accrued during the coronavirus crisis, according to a law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday night. Sponsored by State Sens. Brad Hoylman and Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, the Tenant Safe Harbor Act protects renters who have not paid rent between March 7 and the to-be-determined date when their region fully reopens, as long as they can prove they experienced financial hardship during the COVID-19 crisis.
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New York City postpones indoor dining

Photo inside Red Eye Grill by James and Karla Murray

July 1, 2020

New York City postpones indoor dining

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Last week, Mayor de Blasio was excited to announce that the city was on track to enter phase three of reopening on Monday, July 6, which most notably includes indoor dining. However, Governor Cuomo began questioning if moving ahead with this next step for restaurants is a smart idea, considering the surge in COVID outbreaks across the country and a continued presence of large gatherings in the city for which he believes the local government is not addressing. Therefore, the mayor and governor announced today that indoor dining will be postponed "until facts change and it is safe and prudent."
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To-go cocktails will continue in New York for at least another month

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

June 30, 2020

To-go cocktails will continue in New York for at least another month

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Takeout alcoholic beverages will be legal in New York for at least one more month, under an executive order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week. As mandated by the governor and the New York State Liquor Authority in March in response to the shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, businesses can continue to sell to-go beer, wine, and liquor until July 26. The relaxed liquor rules, which have been extended every 30 days since instated on March 16, proved popular with restaurants and bars looking for alternative ways to bring in revenue.
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New Jersey delays indoor dining as COVID-19 cases spike in other states

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

June 29, 2020

New Jersey delays indoor dining as COVID-19 cases spike in other states

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Restaurants and bars in New Jersey will no longer be able to resume indoor service on Thursday as planned, Gov. Phil Murphy announced. The governor on Monday said the pause of this part of the state's reopening plan comes as coronavirus cases spike across the country and more photos and videos of maskless crowds at establishments have surfaced. "It brings me no joy to do this, but we have no choice," Murphy said during a press briefing.
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NYC will legalize e-bikes and e-scooters

Photo by Thomas Loizeau on Unsplash

June 26, 2020

NYC will legalize e-bikes and e-scooters

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The New York City Council voted on Thursday to legalize electric bikes and scooters citywide and create a pilot program that would bring a shared e-scooter program to neighborhoods underserved by public transit. State lawmakers approved the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters statewide in April, leaving the decision to local officials on how to regulate the vehicles.
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Crown Heights subway stations to be renamed in honor of Civil Rights icon Medgar Evers

Photo of Franklin Avenue Station © 6sqft

June 25, 2020

Crown Heights subway stations to be renamed in honor of Civil Rights icon Medgar Evers

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Two subway stations in Brooklyn will be renamed after Medgar Evers College and the Civil Rights activist for whom the historic black college is named. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced that Franklin Avenue and President Street stations in Crown Heights will formally be renamed this fall, with MTA maps and signage updated this summer. The new stations--Franklin Avenue-Medgar Evers College and President Street-Medgar Evers College--aim to honor the contributions of the institution ahead of its 50th anniversary.
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New York reopening guide: What’s open and what you need to know

Photo by Victor He on Unsplash

June 24, 2020

New York reopening guide: What’s open and what you need to know

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In early May, Governor Cuomo revealed that businesses across New York would reopen in four phases. He divided the state into 10 regions and created seven metrics that would determine when a region could begin the process. As of Monday, New York City finally entered phase two, which permits outdoor dining, in-store retail, hair salons, playgrounds, and more. To help make all the transitions a bit easier, we've put together a guide that breaks down what exactly is being monitored to determine reopening, what businesses are allowed to reopen in each phase, and other important info like transportation and testing.
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NYC beaches will open for swimming July 1

Photo of Coney Island by Dan DeLuca on Flickr

June 24, 2020

NYC beaches will open for swimming July 1

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Swimming will be allowed at New York City beaches starting July 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday. Although Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave the green light for state beaches to reopen last month in time for Memorial Day Weekend, the mayor had said the city was "just not ready" to handle the crowds of beachgoers, particularly on public transit. But with the city now in phase two of reopening, the ocean is no longer off-limits, as the Wall Street Journal first reported.
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New Jersey will open indoor dining and outdoor amusement parks ahead of July 4th weekend

Photo of the Seaside Heights boardwalk by SurFeRGiRL30 via Flickr cc

June 23, 2020

New Jersey will open indoor dining and outdoor amusement parks ahead of July 4th weekend

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Yesterday, Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey will allow indoor dining and casinos to begin operating at 25-percent capacity on July 2. Today, he said on Twitter that outdoor amusement parks, including rides on the boardwalk, and outdoor water parks, can open on this date with 50-percent capacity. Playgrounds can reopen with no limitations. The governor's decision comes after he allowed beaches to open ahead of Memorial Day Weekend and restaurants to open for outdoor dining on June 15, but some are concerned about taking the next step prior to the busy July 4 weekend.
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NYC creates a task force to crack down on illegal fireworks

Photo by Alexander Kagan on Unsplash

June 23, 2020

NYC creates a task force to crack down on illegal fireworks

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"It is not just a quality of life problem and a noise problem," said Mayor de Blasio in his press conference this morning, discussing the issue of illegal fireworks, "but it can also be dangerous." For these reasons and after a protest outside Gracie Mansion last night, he announced that the city has created an illegal fireworks task force, which will consist of members of the Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the FDNY, and the NYPD, all of whom will "go to the root cause" of the problem, which is those who are selling and profiting from the fireworks. As the New York Times reported over the weekend, the city is currently receiving 80 times as many firework complaints than usual.
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Manida Street in the Bronx becomes NYC’s 150th historic district

Streetview of 842 Manida Avenue, Map data © 2020 Google

June 23, 2020

Manida Street in the Bronx becomes NYC’s 150th historic district

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The Bronx has gained a new historic district, making it the 150th district to be landmarked in New York City. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to designate the Manida Street Historic, a block of semi-attached brick homes in Hunts Points. Residents first pushed for the South Bronx street to be recognized in 2010, as development began to accelerate in the neighborhood. "This gem of a district is a complete district that still exists and is not only a reminder of the 20th-century residential development of the South Bronx, but it’s also a reflection and testament to the commitment of its current community," LPC Chair Sarah Carroll said on Tuesday.
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