For $9.3M, be the first to live in this designer Tribeca penthouse

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

April 23, 2020

For $9.3M, be the first to live in this designer Tribeca penthouse

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Does quarantine have you dreaming about more apartment space? How about 3,000 square feet inside and 2,200 square feet outside? That's what you'll get at this penthouse at 430 Greenwich Street in Tribeca. The lucky new owner who drops $9,275,000 on the co-op will be the first tenant; previously a raw loft space, it was recently renovated and custom-designed by architect Robert Marino. Not only did he add an irrigated roof garden with an outdoor kitchen, but he complimented the interior's original features like exposed timber beams and steel supports with super-chic additions including imported Italianate bronze work.
You'll want to see more of this one
Most NYC sidewalks are too narrow for proper social distancing

Photo by Enrique Alarcon on Unsplash

April 23, 2020

Most NYC sidewalks are too narrow for proper social distancing

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In a dense city like New York, social distancing is no easy task. Garbage piles, sidewalk sheds, and people make it hard to maintain six feet from others, the recommended distance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. A new interactive map created by urban planner Meli Harvey shows the width of each sidewalk in the city, with the most narrow highlighted in red and the widest in blue. As expected, there's a lot of red on the map.
Explore the map here
Mike Bloomberg donates $10.5M to develop New York region’s contact tracing program

Photo by Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons

April 22, 2020

Mike Bloomberg donates $10.5M to develop New York region’s contact tracing program

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After receiving positive news last night from the White House in regards to federal support for testing, Governor Cuomo today revealed new details on the contact-tracing-isolation program that the state will begin implementing immediately in conjunction with increased testing. Former NYC Mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg has volunteered to help develop this program, which will operate across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Bloomberg Philanthropies has also made a financial contribution of $10.5 million.
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De Blasio announces more testing and supplies for NYCHA residents, support for seniors

Photo of the Alfred E. Smith Houses by Ken Lund on Flickr

April 22, 2020

De Blasio announces more testing and supplies for NYCHA residents, support for seniors

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Six new coronavirus testing sites with a priority for residents of the city's public housing system will open starting this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday. Community testing sites will open on Friday in Fort Greene, Mott Haven, and on the Lower East Side, with three additional sites opening next week at New York City Housing Authority buildings, including Jonathan Williams Houses, Woodside Houses, and St. Nicholas Houses. The news comes after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced earlier this week a pilot program to bring on-site health services and more testing to NYCHA residents, beginning with eight developments across the five boroughs.
More here
See the giant heart design on Bryant Park’s lawn

Photo by Jane Kratochvil for Bryant Park Corp.

April 22, 2020

See the giant heart design on Bryant Park’s lawn

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A giant heart was mowed into Bryant Park's lawn this week as a message of support for the city's healthcare personnel and essential workers. The park, which recently transformed its Winter Village ice skating rink into its famed lawn, will reopen its green space to the public in early May. Social distancing regulations will be in effect, according to the Bryant Park Corporation.
Find out more
Following meeting with Trump, Cuomo says New York will double COVID testing capacity

Photo of Donald Trump via Wikimedia Commons; Photo of Governor Andrew Cuomo via Wikimedia Commons

April 22, 2020

Following meeting with Trump, Cuomo says New York will double COVID testing capacity

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It was a question of friend or foe leading up to Governor Cuomo's meeting at the White House yesterday, but it looks like the governor, who has been referred to as the "Trump whisperer," came out of the chat with some concrete federal commitments when it comes to advancing coronavirus testing in the state. After the meeting, the governor announced a partnership with the federal government that will double the current daily testing capacity from 20,000 to 40,000, which includes both diagnostic and antibody tests. The state will manage the actual tests in its laboratories, but the federal government will be responsible for handling the international supply chain issues associated with testing that are out of the state's purview.
More details
LPC approves design for condo conversion at 120-year-old Hotel Wales

Rendering of the proposed cornice at Hotel Wales by Form4Design Studio and Higgins Quasebarth & Partners, LLC; via LPC

April 22, 2020

LPC approves design for condo conversion at 120-year-old Hotel Wales

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The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved plans to retrofit Carnegie Hill's historic Hotel Wales, which is set to be converted into luxury condominiums. The proposal from Form4 Design Studio and Higgins Quasebarth & Partners retains the hotel's Beaux-Arts facade, terra cotta elements, and scroll-bracketed balconies, as CityRealty reported. But the biggest alteration planned for the Carnegie Hill Historic District building is the new cornice and rooftop addition, the design of which the LPC on Tuesday said needs to be modified.
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NYC Council bill wants to block evictions for unpaid rent for a full year

Photo by Lucia Gherra on Unsplash

April 21, 2020

NYC Council bill wants to block evictions for unpaid rent for a full year

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Amidst calls for a statewide rent strike, the New York City Council will introduce a COVID-19 relief package tomorrow that extends the eviction moratorium for those affected by the coronavirus crisis until April 2021. "We must #cancelrent, but in the meantime, the Council is working to give tenants peace of mind so New Yorkers won’t suffer irreparable harms," tweeted Council Speaker Corey Johnson this afternoon. The bill, which the Council will introduce tomorrow at their first-ever remote hearing, extends the amount of time both residential and commercial tenants have to repay rent and blocks debt collection.
More details here
$6M Hamptons country home has a huge pool and a killer kitchen game

Listing photos by Lena Yaremenko

April 21, 2020

$6M Hamptons country home has a huge pool and a killer kitchen game

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The warm weather is upon us, and it's undoubtedly going to make staying indoors harder. But not if this East Hampton home is where you're be sheltering in place. The incredible 7,000-square-foot residence has six bedrooms, seven-and-a-half bathrooms, and outdoor space that'll make you drool. The pool is a whopping 20' x 50' and has a sun shelf and hot tub. There's a covered dining area and an outdoor kitchen with a built-in gas grill and stainless steel refrigerator and drink drawers (did someone say pool-side cocktails?!).
The interior isn't too shabby, either

Distinctive Homes

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Personal assistant app Hello Alfred offers guaranteed delivery service in NYC for $25/week

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels

April 21, 2020

Personal assistant app Hello Alfred offers guaranteed delivery service in NYC for $25/week

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As New Yorkers look to avoid in-person grocery shopping amid the coronavirus pandemic, the demand for delivery services has exploded across the city. Hoping to provide an alternative to the currently overwhelmed system, Hello Alfred, a company that provides a digital personal assistant for city dwellers, has launched a new delivery service for $25 per week for out-of-network users, as Eater NY first reported.
More here
When NYC reopens, there will be a ticker-tape parade for health care workers and first responders

Photo by Spurekar via Flickr cc

April 21, 2020

When NYC reopens, there will be a ticker-tape parade for health care workers and first responders

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"The first thing we will do, before we think about anything else, is we will take a time as only New York City can do, to throw the biggest, best parade to honor these heroes," said Mayor de Blasio in his morning press conference, referring to his announcement that the city will hold a ticker-tape parade down the Canyon of Heroes for health care workers and first responders as soon as things reopen. "This parade will mark the beginning of our renaissance."
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Coogan’s in Washington Heights closes after 35 years

Coogan’s Restaurant in Washington Heights, via CityRealty

April 21, 2020

Coogan’s in Washington Heights closes after 35 years

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An iconic Irish pub is closing its doors after 35 years in Washington Heights because of the coronavirus pandemic. The owners of Coogan's restaurant and bar, located on Broadway between 168th and 169th Streets, announced on Monday "a fond farewell" in a Facebook post. "Ironically, this past March 17 would be the last time Coogan's closed its doors," owners Dave Hunt, Tess O'Connor McDade, and Peter Walsh wrote. "We had hoped to open them again but sadly that is not possible."
Get the details
Sweet Upper West Side one-bedroom is a great first place for $525K

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

April 21, 2020

Sweet Upper West Side one-bedroom is a great first place for $525K

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It might feel like the coronavirus crisis has halted life, but many New Yorkers still need to move. And for those looking to buy their first place, this adorable one-bedroom co-op at 46 West 65th Street could be the perfect place. First, there's the prime Upper West Side location just across from Lincoln Center. Then there's the cozy layout and modern finishes. And most importantly, the price is right at $525,000
Check it out
This week’s NYC sing along goes national with ‘Lean on Me’

Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash

April 21, 2020

This week’s NYC sing along goes national with ‘Lean on Me’

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Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash On April 3, three-time Grammy Award winner Bill Withers passed away at the age of 81. Among his top hits were "Ain't No Sunshine," "Lovely Day," and "Lean on Me," which will be the song New Yorkers will sing to out their windows this Thursday evening. Volunteer community choir Peace of Heart Choir kicked off the city-wide sing along last week with Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” This week, the event is planned to reach the entire nation.
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Cuomo to expand COVID-19 testing at NYC public housing

Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City is one of the NYCHA developments to get testing services; Photo via Wikimedia

April 20, 2020

Cuomo to expand COVID-19 testing at NYC public housing

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A pilot program to bring on-site health services and expanded COVID-19 testing to residents of New York City's public housing will roll out this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday. The news follows preliminary data released by the city and state earlier this month that shows minority and low-income communities are facing disproportionate rates of infection and death from the coronavirus. "People in public housing always seem to pay the highest prices," the governor said on Monday.
More this way
Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jon Stewart and more will perform on ‘Jersey 4 Jersey’ benefit

Photo by Takahiro Kyono via Wikimedia Commons

April 20, 2020

Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jon Stewart and more will perform on ‘Jersey 4 Jersey’ benefit

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On Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00pm, the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund will host a star-studded benefit to support those in need in the severely impacted state. The event will include performances streamed from the homes of  New Jersey natives Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa, Halsey, SZA, and Charlie Puth, as well as Tony Bennett, who long had a studio in the state. Others who hail from the state will make special appearances including Whoopi Goldberg, Kelly Ripa, Chelsea Handler, Saquon Barkley, Jon Stewart, and Chris Rock.
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7 things you didn’t know about Central Park
April 20, 2020

7 things you didn’t know about Central Park

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Although it's one of the most visited city parks in the world, Central Park is chock-full of hidden spots and historic treasures that even native New Yorkers don't know about. Designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the 840-acre park has served as an oasis for city dwellers for over 150 years. Ahead, learn about some of Central Park's lesser-known sites, from its waterfalls and whisper bench to a Revolutionary War-era cannon.
Get the full list
255 affordable apartments available in Grand Concourse Historic District, from $331/month

Photo via Wikimedia

April 20, 2020

255 affordable apartments available in Grand Concourse Historic District, from $331/month

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More than 250 affordable and middle-income apartments are up for grabs at a three-building development in the South Bronx. The rentals, found at 741 Concourse Village West, 702 Grand Concourse, and 180 East 156th Street, are located within the Grand Concourse Historic District and next to Franz Sigel Park. Qualifying New Yorkers earning between 30 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which start at $331/month studios and go up to $2,406/month three-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?
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NYC cancels Pride March, Puerto Rican Day Parade along with all June gatherings

Photo by Josh Wilburne on Unsplash

April 20, 2020

NYC cancels Pride March, Puerto Rican Day Parade along with all June gatherings

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Though Governor Cuomo has only extended New York Pause through May 15, Mayor de Blasio went one step further and canceled all non-essential permitted events in June. Most notably this includes the Pride March (for which it would have been the 50th anniversary), the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, and the Celebrate Israel Parade. In addition to parades, concerts, rallies, and large gatherings will be canceled through June.
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New York tenant groups call for mass rent strike

Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash

April 17, 2020

New York tenant groups call for mass rent strike

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A coalition of housing and tenant advocacy groups is calling for a statewide rent strike on May 1 with the goal of pressuring Gov. Andrew Cuomo to cancel rent for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. Led by the Upstate Downstate Housing Alliance, the coordinated protest is seeking cancellation of rents for at least four months, a freeze on rent for every tenant, and a plan to house homeless New Yorkers.
Find out more
Lions, tigers, & bears, oh my! The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium go virtual

Screenshot of feeding time at the aquatic bird house via Bronx Zoo

April 17, 2020

Lions, tigers, & bears, oh my! The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium go virtual

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Looking for a new show to stream? The Wildlife Conservation Society is bringing animals of the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium to your living room through live cams, as Gothamist first spotted. Check in with your favorite creatures, from lemurs and little blue penguins to sharks and giant octopi.
Learn more
Jeff Bezos now owns $96M worth of apartments in Flatiron condo

Rendering of 212 Fifth Avenue by Visualhouse; Photo of Jeff Bezos via Wiki Commons

April 17, 2020

Jeff Bezos now owns $96M worth of apartments in Flatiron condo

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Amazon behemoth and richest person in the world Jeff Bezos has been making headlines in recent weeks for his $100 million donation to U.S. food banks. He's also become $24 billion richer since the coronavirus crisis sent Amazon's stocks surging. And it looks like he's taking a very small percentage of that fortune and expanding his real estate investment in NYC. The Post reports that Bezos just dropped $16 million on an apartment in the Flatiron condo 212 Fifth Avenue. Last June, he bought three units in the building totaling $80 million, making it the largest deal to ever close in New York south of 42nd Street. Now he can create a mega-mansion in the sky.
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55 years and 37,000 designations later, Landmarks releases anniversary story map

Photo by Cody Nottingham on Unsplash 

April 17, 2020

55 years and 37,000 designations later, Landmarks releases anniversary story map

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Just a few years after the demolition of the original Penn Station, the city founded the Landmarks Preservation Commission, in part, to make sure beautiful historic buildings were never destroyed again. When Mayor Robert Wagner signed the Landmarks Law on April 19, 1965, the commission was officially tasked with protecting sites that represent New York's history and culture. During its 55 years in existence, the LPC has designated more than 37,000 buildings and sites. In honor of this anniversary, the commission this week released an interactive story map highlighting its work over the last five decades, from its first individual landmark, the Claesen Wyckoff House, to its first LGBT designation, the Stonewall Inn.
Explore the map
NYC Council wants to open up to 75 miles of streets for pedestrians during COVID-19

The city’s “Summer Streets” program in 2019; Photo of NYC DOT on Flickr

April 17, 2020

NYC Council wants to open up to 75 miles of streets for pedestrians during COVID-19

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Up to 75 miles of city streets could soon be closed to cars under new legislation set to be introduced by the City Council next week. Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Carlina Rivera on Friday announced a proposal to open streets to pedestrians and cyclists during the coronavirus pandemic to allow for proper social distancing. The plan comes after Mayor Bill de Blasio launched an open-streets pilot last month, only to end the program 10 days later.
More here
NYC’s $20M fund will provide emergency relief to immigrant workers and their families

Photo by Colton Duke on Unsplash

April 17, 2020

NYC’s $20M fund will provide emergency relief to immigrant workers and their families

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Federal stimulus checks started hitting bank accounts this week, but to qualify for the IRS' Economic Impact Payments one must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien and have a social security number. This omits about 7.6 million undocumented immigrant workers across the country, roughly 4.3 million of whom pay taxes using a taxpayer identification number, as CNN and Market Watch reported. Here in the city, however, Mayor de Blasio has announced the New York City COVID-19 Immigrant Emergency Relief program, a $20 million fund that will "reach 20,000 immigrant workers and their families with direct, one-time emergency relief." The program is funded by George Soros' Open Society Foundations.
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$9.87M Noho penthouse has three terraces and a huge skylight

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

April 17, 2020

$9.87M Noho penthouse has three terraces and a huge skylight

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When you have three separate outdoor spaces and a massive atria skylight, cabin fever will definitely be less of a problem. All that and more is on offer at this $9,875,000 Noho condo. Located at 27 Great Jones Street, a traditional cast-iron loft, the duplex also has oversized windows, original wood-beamed ceilings, contemporary finishes, and views of the surrounding neighborhoods and all the way down to the World Trade Center.
Have a look around
NYC releases $170M plan to feed New Yorkers throughout coronavirus crisis

Mayor Bill de Blasio visits The Campaign Against Hunger food pantry in Brooklyn. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

April 16, 2020

NYC releases $170M plan to feed New Yorkers throughout coronavirus crisis

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With schools closed, seniors and vulnerable populations unable to leave their homes, and unemployment growing, many New Yorkers are facing unprecedented food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Bill de Blasio this week released a $170 million plan to boost existing food delivery systems and secure the city's food supply. "Whoever you are, wherever you are, if you need food, we're here for you, and there should be no shame," de Blasio said during a press briefing on Wednesday. "I want to emphasize this. There's no one's fault that we're dealing with this horrible crisis. Anyone needs food? We're here for you."
Find out more

THE 6SQFT SHOP

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NYC outdoor pools will be closed all summer because of coronavirus pandemic

Photo of the Floating Pool Lady in Baretto Point Park by Danny Avila for NYC Parks

April 16, 2020

NYC outdoor pools will be closed all summer because of coronavirus pandemic

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Outdoor public pools will be closed all summer as the city looks to make major budget cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday. Facing a staggering $7.4 billion loss in tax revenue, the city plans to make over $2 billion in cuts to its executive budget. According to the mayor, closing the pools for the 2020 season, which runs from late June to Labor Day, will save the city $12 million.
Details here
This $8M Upper East Side townhouse feels like an Italian Chateau

Listing photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

April 16, 2020

This $8M Upper East Side townhouse feels like an Italian Chateau

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Let's talk about these ceilings--soaring 21 feet with dramatic archways, they are undoubtedly the highlight of this $7,995,000 Upper East Side Townhouse. Add in architectural details like wrought iron railings, etched glass windows, ornate moldings, and carved marble fireplaces, and it feels like you've stepped into an Italian Chateau. In reality, the four-bedroom house is located at 234 East 61st Street, part of the exclusive, two-block Treadwell Farm Historic District.
Take the tour
SNL’s Michael Che to pay rent for 160 units at late grandmother’s NYCHA building

Photo by Jeffrey Blum on Unsplash

April 16, 2020

SNL’s Michael Che to pay rent for 160 units at late grandmother’s NYCHA building

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Comedian and "Saturday Night Live" cast member Michael Che on Wednesday pledged to pay one month's rent for all 160 apartments at a public housing building where his late grandmother lived. Earlier this month, Che, who grew up on the Lower East Side, announced he lost his grandmother, Martha, to complications from the coronavirus.
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Trains, buses, and ferries will #SoundTheHorn today at 3pm to honor transit workers

Image courtesy of the MTA

April 16, 2020

Trains, buses, and ferries will #SoundTheHorn today at 3pm to honor transit workers

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Image courtesy of the MTA The MTA is joining Amtrak, NJ Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NYC Ferry, and other regional transit agencies to take part in the #soundthehorn campaign. Today at 3pm, all in-service trains, buses, and ferries will give two horn blasts to honor transportation workers across the region. "Our employees are heroes," said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye. "They are courageously coming to work each day to perform their essential duties, which are critically important to this region during the pandemic."
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All New Yorkers must wear masks in public spaces, Cuomo orders

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels

April 15, 2020

All New Yorkers must wear masks in public spaces, Cuomo orders

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All people must wear a mask or face-covering in public in situations where social distancing is not possible, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. As part of an executive order, New Yorkers must wear a mask or cloth covering over their nose and mouth to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This includes wearing face coverings in crowded areas like busy sidewalks and public transportation. The new order will go into effect on Friday, the governor said.
Learn more
New York lays out phased reopening blueprint, will begin state-wide antibody testing

Photo by Guillaume LORAIN on Unsplash

April 15, 2020

New York lays out phased reopening blueprint, will begin state-wide antibody testing

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In his press conference today, Governor Cuomo gave the first concrete information about how the state will begin the process of reopening. A basic phased approach will take into account two factors: 1) How "essential" the business service or product is and 2) What the risk of "infection spread" of the business is. To get to that point, New York will begin state-wide antibody testing and tracing. Last week, the state Department of Health announced that it had developed its own such test and this week will begin 2,000 finger prick antibody tests per day. New York has also asked the FDA to expedite the process of a similar finger prick test that could test up to 100,000 New Yorkers a day.
More details ahead
19th-century Connecticut ‘manor’ has English gardens and a coachman’s cottage for $15.9M

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

April 15, 2020

19th-century Connecticut ‘manor’ has English gardens and a coachman’s cottage for $15.9M

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Here's an English manor right in Connecticut (h/t CIRCA). Listed for $15,900,000 (down from the original ask of $22,000,000), the 1891 home is located on the Belle Haven peninsula in Greenwich, an exclusive enclave that was built in the late 19th century as a residential park. Known as the Fairholme Estate, it features perfectly preserved interiors, a wrap-around porch, coachman's cottage, in-ground pool, and incredibly manicured gardens with maze-like hedges and climbing vines.
Tour the whole property
Family drops $27M on eight Waterline Square apartments as ‘safe’ investment during coronavirus

Rendering courtesy of Noe & Associates with The Boundary. L to R: Two Waterline Square by KPF, Three Waterline Square by Rafael Vinoly, One Waterline Square by Richard Meier

April 15, 2020

Family drops $27M on eight Waterline Square apartments as ‘safe’ investment during coronavirus

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A family from Peru has paid nearly $27 million for eight units at the new three-tower luxury complex Waterline Square on the Upper West Side, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The buyers went into contract and closed on the all-cash deal on the same day, Douglas Elliman agent Maria Velazquez told the newspaper. Velazquez said the family who bought the condo units see it as an investment, opting to put their money into real estate instead of a bank during the coronavirus pandemic. "They felt their money was safer in an apartment in New York than in a bank," she said.
More on the deal
Here are the top 10 books New Yorkers are reading during coronavirus shutdown

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

April 15, 2020

Here are the top 10 books New Yorkers are reading during coronavirus shutdown

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Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash The New York Public Library's most-check-out book of 2019 was Becoming by Michelle Obama. And it appears that during the current coronavirus shutdown, New Yorkers are still eager to learn about the former First Lady's life, as the NYPL has just released a list of the 10 most checked out e-books since the library temporarily closed on March 13, and Becoming takes the number-one spot. Of the 10 books, three are memoirs, two are part of Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale series, and number nine is a throwback with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
See the full list
NYC beaches may be closed for the summer

Photo by Brian Kyed on Unsplash

April 15, 2020

NYC beaches may be closed for the summer

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Photo by Brian Kyed on Unsplash The city is considering closing New York City beaches for the summer in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Post reported on Tuesday. Sources told the newspaper that the city's Parks Department has been directed by Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration to plan for "every scenario," which could mean full and partial closures of its 14 miles of beaches. The mayor also said this week that large gatherings may not be able to take place until the fall as the city continues to control the spread of the virus.
More here
$20.3M penthouse on the Brooklyn Heights waterfront is borough’s most expensive sale ever

Image courtesy of MOSO Studio

April 15, 2020

$20.3M penthouse on the Brooklyn Heights waterfront is borough’s most expensive sale ever

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Back in October of 2018, a $20 million penthouse in Brooklyn Heights' Quay Tower went into contract. It's now closed (virtually!) for $20,301,000, making it the borough's most expensive residential sale ever. It takes the crown from the $16.7 million penthouse Matt Damon bought in late 2018 at The Standish, also in Brooklyn Heights. Andrew Anderson of Douglas Elliman, who facilitated the sale, said: "Closing on the most expensive residential sale in Brooklyn history at this period in time is a testament to the beautiful, serene homes created at Quay Tower and the desirability of waterfront living in Brooklyn Heights."
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Landmarks Preservation Commission to resume public hearings virtually

Photo of One Centre Street by Alexander Lorenz on Flickr

April 14, 2020

Landmarks Preservation Commission to resume public hearings virtually

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The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission will resume its public hearings next week after being suspended for a month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. As first reported by Brownstoner, the meetings and hearings will be held virtually on the video conferencing app Zoom, with the first happening on Tuesday, April 21.
Learn more
$45M oceanfront estate is the priciest sale in the Hamptons since 2016
April 14, 2020

$45M oceanfront estate is the priciest sale in the Hamptons since 2016

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Mansion Global reports that the sprawling oceanfront estate at 26 and 32 Windmill Lane in East Hampton has closed for $45 million, as per sources close to the deal. Though they can't confirm the final sale price, Douglas Elliman does tell us that it's the most expensive sale in the Hamptons since 2016. The 6.7-acre property, which was listed for $60 million in July and most recently for $55 million, was built in 1989 for former Union Pacific president and chairman James Evans. There's a massive main house with beautiful beachy interiors and tons of outdoor space including a 50-foot pool, as well as a separate guest house.
Get a look around
The Met Opera will present a live-streamed gala with 40+ artists

Photo via Wikimedia

April 14, 2020

The Met Opera will present a live-streamed gala with 40+ artists

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The show must go on. The Metropolitan Opera on Monday announced plans to host a virtual "At-Home Gala" this month with over 40 artists participating around the world. On Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m., leading Met artists will perform live from their homes for a free three-hour concert. The event comes after the venue was forced to cancel the rest of its season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Get the details
By early May, NYC will start purchasing and producing 100,000 COVID tests per week

Photo of a COVID test by CDC via Wikimedia Commons

April 14, 2020

By early May, NYC will start purchasing and producing 100,000 COVID tests per week

By
"We have scoured the world looking for test kits on the open market. It's been extraordinarily frustrating," said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a press conference this morning. Therefore, he announced that Aria Diagnostics, a biotech firm in Indiana that donated 50,000 test kits to the city, has now confirmed that they can start producing this quantity on a weekly basis. Therefore, the NYC Economic Development Corporation will begin purchasing 50,000 of these kits per week starting Monday, April 20. In addition, by early May, local academic and commercial labs, manufacturers, and 3D printers will begin producing 50,000 more test kits per week, with the ambition of increasing this number.
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As NYC restaurants struggle amid COVID-19, GrubHub and other delivery services sued over fees

Photo by Patrick Connor Klopf on Unsplash

April 14, 2020

As NYC restaurants struggle amid COVID-19, GrubHub and other delivery services sued over fees

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A number of food delivery platforms were sued in New York on Monday for charging excess fees and forcing restaurants to raise prices for dine-in customers. Through contracts with restaurants, GrubHub, Uber Eats, Postmates, and DoorDash are able to determine the price of meals, even those ordered directly from the restaurant, according to the lawsuit. On top of that, the companies charge fees that can be high as 40 percent of revenue, eating away from the restaurant's profits. The legal battle comes as the city's restaurants struggle to survive during the coronavirus outbreak, with dining rooms temporarily closed and most businesses relying on take-out orders.
Find out more
Regional governors announce task force for reopening economy

Photo by Kevin Rajaram on Unsplash

April 13, 2020

Regional governors announce task force for reopening economy

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This afternoon, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York hosted a public conference call with Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey, Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania, Governor John Carney if Delaware, and Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island to announce a multi-state council that will "develop a fully integrated regional framework to gradually lift the states' stay at home orders while minimizing the risk of increased spread of the virus." The task force will include one health expert, one economic development expert, and the respective chiefs of staff from each state. The group will begin talking tomorrow. "We want a [timetable] ASAP, but we want it smart," said Governor Cuomo, also stating that it will be done sooner than weeks. Update 4/14/20: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker joined the group, becoming the first Republican governor to do so.
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NYC will move more homeless New Yorkers to empty hotel rooms to curb COVID-19 spread

Photo by Filip Mishevski on Flickr

April 13, 2020

NYC will move more homeless New Yorkers to empty hotel rooms to curb COVID-19 spread

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Starting this week, about 2,500 individuals experiencing homelessness in New York City will be transferred from shelters to hotels, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Saturday. The single adults who will be prioritized for the hotel rooms will include seniors and those who tested positive for the coronavirus or have symptoms of the disease. The move comes as 340 homeless New Yorkers have tested positive for COVID-19 and 20 have died, according to the city's Department of Social Services.
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31 apartments up for grabs at amenity-rich rental in Flushing, from $1,750/month

Photo by Chris Hamby on Flickr

April 13, 2020

31 apartments up for grabs at amenity-rich rental in Flushing, from $1,750/month

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A housing lottery kicked off on Monday for 31 new, middle-income apartments in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing. The rental at 144-74 Northern Boulevard contains 100 units and ground-floor retail, including the Korean supermarket H Mart and a Burger King. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,750/month studios to $2,400/month two-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?
De Blasio urges state to act on NYC rent relief proposals

Photo by Daryan Shamkhali on Unsplash

April 13, 2020

De Blasio urges state to act on NYC rent relief proposals

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Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday urged the state to act on a number of rent relief proposals amid the coronavirus pandemic, including a deferment of rents for tenants, the use of pre-paid security deposits in lieu of rent, and an extension of the current moratorium on evictions. The mayor has also called on the Rent Guidelines Board--the entity that determines yearly rent increases for the city's rent-stabilized units--to enact a rent freeze.
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These videos show the empty streets of NYC during coronavirus shutdown

Photo of Grand Central on Saturday, April 4 © James and Karla Murray

April 13, 2020

These videos show the empty streets of NYC during coronavirus shutdown

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Photographers James and Karla Murray have made their mark with their famous "Store Front" books, where they photograph mom-and-pop shops and restaurants around New York City and interview their owners. But these businesses, those which are very often the heart and soul of a neighborhood, are being hit especially hard by the current crisis. James and Karla, who are also husband and wife, have been continuing to highlight places offering delivery and takeout and those providing food to healthcare workers. They've also been filming the walks they're taking with their dog Hudson that show just how empty the city has become. Ahead, take tours of a deserted Times Square, Grand Central, Greenwich Village, and the East Village on a typically busy Saturday night.
Watch the videos
This $769,000 Billionaires’ Row studio is roomy and reasonable

Photo credit: VHT, courtesy The Corcoran Group

April 10, 2020

This $769,000 Billionaires’ Row studio is roomy and reasonable

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Old and new NYC collide in this $769,000 studio that's roughly 600 square feet. It's located at 100 West 58th Street, a classic 1928 Rosario Candela-designed apartment building. But today, this location, just a block south of Central Park at the corner of 6th Avenue, puts it smack in the middle of Billionaires' Row. And with a sizable separate kitchen and enough room for two distinct areas in the living space, it's quite a reasonable buy.
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