Andrew Cuomo

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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See what a renovated Penn Station could look like

View from 33rd Street, a shared space for pedestrians

April 22, 2021

See what a renovated Penn Station could look like

By Devin Gannon

A dark and cramped Penn Station could soon be replaced with a light-filled transit hub with more space for commuters. Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled on Wednesday two possible options for the reconstruction of the Midtown train station as part of his broader Empire Station Complex project, which would unify an upgraded Penn Station and the new Moynihan Train Hall. The interconnected station would increase train capacity at the site, which is considered the busiest in the country. It could serve 830,000 daily passengers by 2038, up from 600,000 the station served each day before the pandemic.
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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

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

A memorial honoring Hurricane Maria victims opens in New York City

Photos courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office on Flickr

March 29, 2021

A memorial honoring Hurricane Maria victims opens in New York City

A memorial honoring the thousands of victims of Hurricane Maria, which struck Puerto Rico in 2017, opened in Battery Park City last week. Designed by Puerto Rico-based architect Segundo Cardona and artist Antonio Martorell, the memorial, "My Cry Into the World," features an ascending glass spiral that evokes both a hurricane and a shell, symbolizing protection for "living organisms against a hostile environment." The memorial is located at the overlook near Chambers Street.
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Events & Things To Do

Hudson River tow pound at Pier 76 to open as a public park in June

All photos courtesy of NY State Parks on Flickr

March 24, 2021

Hudson River tow pound at Pier 76 to open as a public park in June

By Devin Gannon

A former New York City Police Department tow-pound on the Hudson River will open as a public park this summer, more than 20 years after the state designated the lot as future open space. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday said work at Pier 76 has already begun, with an expected opening date as early as June 1. The plan for the 5.6-acre park aligns with the governor's ambitious $51 billion redevelopment of over 100 acres of Midtown West, announced earlier this year.
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Architecture And Design

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

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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Indoor dining capacity in NYC can increase to 50% on March 19

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

March 10, 2021

Indoor dining capacity in NYC can increase to 50% on March 19

By Devin Gannon

Restaurants in New York City will soon be able to serve more customers inside. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced capacity can increase from the current 35 percent to 50 percent starting March 19. The announcement comes about a month after indoor dining returned in the city following a two-month closure starting in December.
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New Yorkers 60+, government and nonprofit employees eligible for COVID vaccine this month

A short-term mass vaccination site that utilizes the Johnson & Johnson vaccine opened at Marist College. Credit: Don Pollard/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

March 9, 2021

New Yorkers 60+, government and nonprofit employees eligible for COVID vaccine this month

By Devin Gannon

The group of New Yorkers eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine will significantly expand this month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced New Yorkers aged 60 years and older can sign up to receive the vaccine starting this Wednesday and public-facing government, non-profit, and building workers on March 17. Originally, New Yorkers aged 75 years and older were included in the first phase of the vaccine rollout along with healthcare workers and nursing home residents and staff, but Cuomo agreed in January to lower the age prerequisite to 65 years and older.
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Policy

Popular Articles

New York seeks proposals for new hotel or mixed-use development across from Javits Center

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Wikimedia

March 4, 2021

New York seeks proposals for new hotel or mixed-use development across from Javits Center

By Devin Gannon

New York on Thursday issued a request for proposals for a Midtown West site located directly across from the Javits Center. Referred to as Site K, the parcel at 418 11th Avenue is one of the last remaining vacant lots in the area. In the RFP, the Empire State Development requests proposals that could be a commercial or mixed-use development, with interest made in hotels that are "complementary" to the neighboring convention center.
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New Developments

Limited live performances and events can resume in New York in April

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

March 3, 2021

Limited live performances and events can resume in New York in April

By Devin Gannon

After being closed for over a year, events, arts, and entertainment venues can reopen at a limited capacity next month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced that as soon as April 2, live performance venues will be able to open indoor spaces at 33 percent capacity or up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of a negative coronavirus test prior to entry, capacity can increase to 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors, according to the state.
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New York lawmaker proposes converting empty offices and hotels into affordable housing

Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash

March 3, 2021

New York lawmaker proposes converting empty offices and hotels into affordable housing

By Devin Gannon

A state lawmaker introduced legislation this week that would allow New York to buy financially distressed commercial buildings and convert them into housing for low-income and homeless New Yorkers. The Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act, sponsored by State Sen. Michael Gianaris, includes the purchase and conversion of office buildings and hotels that are up for sale, as the Wall Street Journal first reported. The proposed legislation comes as commercial districts and tourist hubs have yet to recover fully from the impact of the coronavirus and as the housing crisis, particularly in New York City, continues.
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New York will administer Johnson & Johnson vaccine overnight at Javits Center, Yankee Stadium this week

The mass vaccination site at Yankee Stadium opened in February for Bronx residents only; Photo: Don Pollard / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

March 2, 2021

New York will administer Johnson & Johnson vaccine overnight at Javits Center, Yankee Stadium this week

By Devin Gannon

New York this week will start administering the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine during overnight hours at three state-run mass vaccination sites, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday. Vaccine hubs at the Javits Center, Yankee Stadium, and the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse will distribute the single-dose vaccine, which was granted emergency authorization by the Food and Drug Administration over the weekend, to eligible New Yorkers starting this Friday, March 5. Appointments will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday for vaccinations at Yankee Stadium and 8 a.m. on Thursday for the Javits Center and the Fairgrounds.
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Policy

FEMA community-based vaccination sites open in Brooklyn and Queens this week

Photo by Jules Antonio on Wikimedia

February 22, 2021

FEMA community-based vaccination sites open in Brooklyn and Queens this week

By Devin Gannon

Two coronavirus vaccination sites run by the state with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open in Queens and Brooklyn on Wednesday, with appointments set aside for residents of specific ZIP codes. Appointment slots opened over the weekend for vaccinations at Medgar Evers College in Crown Heights and York College in Jamaica, starting this Wednesday. According to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, there are many appointments still up for grabs.
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Policy

Massive Empire Station Complex project that will revamp Penn Station area moves forward

Rendering of new entrance on 8th Avenue to Penn Station via Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office

February 19, 2021

Massive Empire Station Complex project that will revamp Penn Station area moves forward

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to build an interconnected public transportation hub and revitalize Penn Station took a major step forward this week. The Empire State Development's Board of Directors on Thursday adopted the General Project Plan (GPP) and certified the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed Empire Station Complex project, which would link an upgraded Penn Station, the newly opened Moynihan Train Hall, and a tentative new terminal one block south of Penn Station. The board also set a public hearing on the project for March 23, followed by a 30-day public comment period.
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Coney Island amusements can finally reopen in April

Photo by sebastien cordat on Unsplash

February 17, 2021

Coney Island amusements can finally reopen in April

By Devin Gannon

Looking ahead to warmer months, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday said outdoor amusement parks, indoor family entertainment centers, and overnight summer camps in New York will be allowed to reopen. If the state's coronavirus positivity rate continues to trend downward, indoor entertainment centers can reopen starting March 26 at 25 percent capacity, outdoor amusement parks and rides on April 9 at 33 percent capacity, and eventually, overnight summer camps in June.
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Policy

NYC subway to restore some overnight service

Photo: Patrick Cashin / MTA New York City Transit

February 16, 2021

NYC subway to restore some overnight service

By Devin Gannon

Overnight subway service in New York City will partially resume this month following more than nine months of closure. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Monday plans for a phased reopening of the subway starting February 22, which includes closing the system for cleaning from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. instead of from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Cuomo last May ordered the closure of 24/7 service, a first for the system, as part of a rigorous coronavirus disinfection plan and an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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New York stadiums and arenas can reopen February 23 with COVID-19 testing

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

February 10, 2021

New York stadiums and arenas can reopen February 23 with COVID-19 testing

By Devin Gannon

Large stadiums and arenas in New York can welcome back fans and audiences starting February 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. Venues that reopen must operate at 10 percent capacity and with coronavirus testing requirements in place. According to the governor, this could apply to sports, music, and performance venues. The Barclays Center has already been approved to reopen for a Brooklyn Nets game against the Sacramento Kings on February 23.
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‘Arts Revival’ program to include 300+ outdoor pop-up performances and events around New York

Photo of The Shed by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

February 8, 2021

‘Arts Revival’ program to include 300+ outdoor pop-up performances and events around New York

By Devin Gannon

Starting this month, more than 300 outdoor pop-up events and performances will take place across New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday. "NY PopsUp" kicks off on February 20 at the Javits Center with a special performance dedicated to healthcare workers and runs over the course of 100 days. The effort is part of the governor's "Arts Revival" initiative aimed at bringing back art and culture to the state and as part of its recovery from the coronavirus.
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Events & Things To Do

New Yorkers with underlying health conditions eligible for COVID vaccine as of February 15

Photo from the opening of COVID-19 Vaccination Site at St. Luke’s Church in the Bronx, via Governor Cuomo’s office/Flickr

February 8, 2021

New Yorkers with underlying health conditions eligible for COVID vaccine as of February 15

Governor Cuomo announced on Friday, that beginning Monday, February 15th, New Yorkers of any age 16+ with certain comorbidities and underlying health conditions will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. This includes conditions such as moderate to severe asthma, pregnancy, heart disease, and type 1 or 2 diabetes.
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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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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

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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Policy

Port Authority reveals plan to raze and replace Midtown bus terminal

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

January 22, 2021

Port Authority reveals plan to raze and replace Midtown bus terminal

By Devin Gannon

Nearly ten years and 30 proposals later, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Thursday unveiled a plan to replace the dilapidated Midtown bus terminal. The agency on Thursday presented its final scoping report for the project, which involves demolishing the existing bus station to make way for a larger, state-of-the-art terminal. According to the Port Authority, the new plan would increase the capacity for commuter and intercity buses at the world's busiest bus terminal by nearly 40 percent.
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