Search Results for: Long Island City

356 years ago, New Amsterdam became New York City

Jean Leon Gerome Ferris’s painting “The Fall of New Amsterdam, which shows New Amsterdam residents begging Peter Stuyvesant to surrender to the British. Via The Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

September 8, 2020

356 years ago, New Amsterdam became New York City

By Dana Schulz

On September 8th, 1664, Dutch Director-General Peter Stuyvesant surrendered New Amsterdam to the British, officially establishing New York City. To take part in the fur trade, settlers from the Dutch West India Company first established the colony of New Netherland in 1624, which would eventually grow to include all present-day boroughs, Long Island, and even parts of New Jersey. The following year, the island of Manhattan, then the capital, was named New Amsterdam. But when Stuyvesant's 17-year run as Governor (from 1647 to 1664) turned unfavorable, he ceded the island to England's Colonel Richard Nicolls, who had sent four ships with 450 men to seize the Dutch Colony. The name was promptly changed to honor the Duke of York and his mission.
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History

U Thant Island: Manhattan’s smallest island that’s off limits to the public

Photo via Wiki Commons

September 3, 2020

U Thant Island: Manhattan’s smallest island that’s off limits to the public

By Devin Gannon

Between the United Nations building and Long Island City sits a tiny 100-by-200 foot piece of land, known as U Thant Island. The East River man-made enclave is just south of Roosevelt Island and legally part of Manhattan. As Atlas Obscura discovered, the land did not exist until the 1800s when a trolley tunnel was dug beneath the River to connect Manhattan and Queens. While U Thant looks like a nice place to get some sun and relax, the island remains closed to the public as a bird sanctuary.
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History

Photo by sebastien cordat on Unsplash

August 21, 2020

Why can’t Coney Island’s rides reopen?

By Dana Schulz

On Monday, bowling alleys were allowed to reopen, and as of this Monday, gyms and fitness studios, as well as museums and indoor cultural institutions can also reopen at a reduced capacity. So why are Coney Island's amusements still closed? As reported by NY1, Coney Island's amusement operators have joined the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA) to advocate for a reopening before the end of the summer.
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Policy

August 20, 2020

New York City’s top 30 condos

By 6sqft

From supertall new developments and projects by some of the world's most famous architects to historic landmarks brought into the 21st century, 6sqft has rounded up the best condo buildings in New York City. Ahead, find out which condominiums made the list and what you can expect in terms of views, amenities, neighborhood, and more.
Read on for a guide to the city's top condo addresses

New looks and name for Islanders’ home venue, UBS Arena at Belmont Park

All renderings courtesy of UBS

July 28, 2020

New looks and name for Islanders’ home venue, UBS Arena at Belmont Park

By Devin Gannon

The future home for the New York Islanders hockey team has a name. Wealth management service UBS last week secured a 20-year naming rights agreement for the new sports and entertainment venue in Nassau County. The UBS Arena at Belmont Park is expected to open for the Islanders' 2021-2022 season, with the team returning to Long Island after playing home games at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn since 2015.
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Real Estate Trends

July 20, 2020

7 best hikes near New York City

By Rebecca Fishbein

Getting out of the city during the hot summer months has never felt so necessary, with the usual ways of staying cool by exploring an air-conditioned museum or taking a dip at a city pool. For those looking to reconnect with nature (while maintaining social distance), there are a number of escapes just outside of the city offering hikes and treks ranging in levels of difficulty. Some of these are easily accessible by Metro-North; some might require a car, and some happen to be in the city itself, provided you consider Staten Island within its borders. All of them feature great views, exercise, fresh air, and the occasional tree, how novel! Ahead, discover our favorites.
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Six-acre private island in Connecticut with a charming cottage asks $2.5M

Photo by Carlos Marques, Marcott Studios

July 13, 2020

Six-acre private island in Connecticut with a charming cottage asks $2.5M

By Devin Gannon

A nearly six-acre private island off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut has hit the market for $2.5 million. The property, called Copps Island, features an adorable three-bedroom, two-bath cottage with a huge screened-in porch. The home, which measures about 2,620 square feet, sits on the island's highest point, providing serene views of the Long Island Sound from every room.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Feltman’s via Boston Public Library

July 2, 2020

Before Nathan’s there was Feltman’s: The history of the Coney Island hot dog

By Dana Schulz

The name Nathan's has become synonymous with Coney Island, whether it be for the annual hot dog-eating contest or the childhood nostalgia of the boardwalk. It's also become arguably the biggest name in the hot dog world in general. But, believe it or not, Nathan's was not the first place to serve up franks in the seaside neighborhood. That distinction goes to Feltman's, which was begun in 1867 as a pushcart by German immigrant Charles Feltman, considered the inventor of the hot dog on a bun.
Find out how the Coney Island hot dog got its start

History

16 books about New York City by Black authors

Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

June 18, 2020

16 books about New York City by Black authors

By 6sqft

The Black Lives Matter movement has strong roots in New York City, and with this in mind, 6sqft has put together a list of books about or related to New York City, all by Black authors. Including fiction and nonfiction, our list includes classics like Paule Marshall's Brown Girl, Brownstones and James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time to contemporary works like Kiley Reid's Such a Fun Age and Elaine Welteroth's More Than Enough.
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Shop

With Long Island and Hudson Valley cleared to reopen, MTA boosts train service

Photo by Phillip Capper via Wikimedia

May 27, 2020

With Long Island and Hudson Valley cleared to reopen, MTA boosts train service

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is boosting service on the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North as two more New York regions are officially cleared to start reopening. The Hudson Vallery region and Long Island have met the state's metrics to begin reopening phase one businesses, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this week. Starting Wednesday, the MTA will increase capacity by 26 percent on Metro-North with 18 additional trains during peak service, as well as add 105 Long Island Railroad cars to meet restored demand for service.
Details this way

Policy

New photos show ‘Little Island’ offshore park making progress at Pier 55

Little Island in May 2020 © CityRealty

May 27, 2020

New photos show ‘Little Island’ offshore park making progress at Pier 55

By Devin Gannon

The much-anticipated offshore public park in the Hudson River is coming together, with its concrete tulip-shaped pots in place and the first trees planted. New photos of "Little Island" at Pier 55 show construction progressing ahead of its scheduled spring 2021 opening. The two-acre park, designed by Heatherwick Studio and MNLA, is meant to resemble a leaf floating on water, with its concrete base sitting above the river.
See it here

Architecture And Design

City to offer 140K free antibody tests to NYC residents

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

May 7, 2020

City to offer 140K free antibody tests to NYC residents

By Devin Gannon

The city will offer 140,000 free antibody tests to "everyday New Yorkers" in the coming weeks to help understand the spread of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. In partnership with BioReference Laboratories, the city will open initial testing sites in five neighborhoods with the goal of 1,000 tests per site per day. An additional 140,000 tests will also be available for the city's first responders and health care workers next week.
More here

Policy

Photo by Josh Wilburne on Unsplash

April 20, 2020

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

By Dana Schulz

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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Own three private islands off the Connecticut coast for $5.3M

Photo of Belden Island (top left) by Dan Milstein, photo of Jepson Island (top right) by Planomatic, and photo of Wheelers Island (bottom) by Dan Milstein

April 9, 2020

Own three private islands off the Connecticut coast for $5.3M

By Devin Gannon

Take social distancing to its full extent by living on a private island (or three). A trio of private islands off the coast of Connecticut has hit the market for a total of $5.3 million. The properties, part of the Thimble Islands and located in the Long Island Sound, was last for sale in 2016 as part of a $78 million eight-island package.
See the private escapes

Distinctive Homes

Squatters Colony, Red Hook Recreation Area, September 12, 1934, Courtesy of NYC Parks

February 26, 2020

Looking back at the Depression-era shanty towns in New York City parks

By Lucie Levine

Today, New York City’s rising cost of living has made affordable housing one of the most pressing issues of our time. But long before our current housing crisis--and even before the advent of “affordable housing” itself--Depression-era New Yorkers created not only their own homes, but also their own functioning communities, on the city’s parkland. From Central Park to City Island, Redhook to Riverside Park, these tent cities, hard-luck towns, Hoovervilles, and boxcar colonies proliferated throughout New York. Ahead, see some amazing archival photos of these communities and learn the human side of their existence.
Lots more history and photos

History

Group of Coney Island boardwalk businesses could see up to 400 percent increase in rent

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

January 15, 2020

Group of Coney Island boardwalk businesses could see up to 400 percent increase in rent

By Devin Gannon

Owners of six small businesses in Coney Island, Lola Star Boutique, Nathan's Famous, Ruby's Bar & Grill, Paul's Daughter, Tom's Restaurant, and the Coney Island Beach Shop, are currently negotiating new 10-year lease agreements with amusement park operator Zamperla. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the boardwalk businesses are facing rent increases of between 50 and 400 percent each. "We care about Coney Island and its future, and we are dedicated to making it as strong a community as possible," Alessandro Zamperla, the president of the company, told the Times. "This is why we've been working with our tenants to ensure their success and preserve the character of Coney Island." Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration has not come forward with a plan to mediate; according to the newspaper, the rent increases do not violate the agreement between Zamperla and the city.
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Real Estate Trends

The city helps save Queens’ 190-year-old Neir’s Tavern from closing

Photo by CaptJayRuffins on Wikimedia Commons

January 13, 2020

The city helps save Queens’ 190-year-old Neir’s Tavern from closing

By Dana Schulz

This past October, Neir's Tavern in Woodhaven, Queens celebrated its 190th anniversary. But last week, the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society reported on Twitter that the beloved and historic establishment would close its doors for good on Sunday. Originally opened in 1829 as a saloon called the "Old Blue Pump House," Neir's considers itself NYC's oldest bar. When the tavern was in danger of closing in 2009, a local FDNY member and a group of friends bought and restored it, but in December of 2018, the building was sold unbeknownst to them. According to a Facebook post by Neir's, they were unable to negotiate a new "affordable long-term lease" with the new owners. But when Mayor de Blasio heard the news, he and the city stepped in and saved the bar from closing.
How'd they do it?

Food & Dining

BQX streetcar plan rears its head, as city announces public meetings and updated timeline

Rendering via NYCEDC

January 10, 2020

BQX streetcar plan rears its head, as city announces public meetings and updated timeline

By Devin Gannon

The city is once again inching forward with its plan to bring a streetcar to run between Brooklyn and Queens, a problem-plagued $2.7 billion proposal first presented five years ago. The New York City Economic Development Corporation on Thursday launched a new website for the Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX) with information about public community meetings planned for February and March. According to the website, the city expects a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) on the project to conclude in the spring of 2021, with the final statement ready by that fall. But questions about the logistics of constructing the streetcar's 11-mile route and its growing price tag.
It's back

Transit

Plans filed for large apartment building on parking lot of classic Coney Island restaurant Gargiulo’s

View of 1517 Surf Avenue; Photo courtesy of Ace Aerial

January 9, 2020

Plans filed for large apartment building on parking lot of classic Coney Island restaurant Gargiulo’s

By Devin Gannon

The owner of a 100-year-old Italian restaurant in Coney Island has agreed to lease the establishment's neighboring parking lot to a luxury real estate developer. Gargiulo's Restaurant owner Louis Russo filed a 99-year ground lease for the lot at 1517 Surf Avenue, located about one block from the boardwalk, with developer LCOR, as first reported by the Brooklyn Paper. According to the developer, plans will likely involve a mixed-income residential development and ground-floor retail.
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New Developments

City Council votes to make Hart Island, nation’s largest public cemetery, more accessible

Photo of Hart Island by David Trawin on Flickr

November 15, 2019

City Council votes to make Hart Island, nation’s largest public cemetery, more accessible

By Michelle Cohen

On Thursday, the New York City Council approved legislation that transfers ownership of Hart Island, the nation's largest public cemetery where over 1 million people are buried, to the city's Parks Department. The 101-acre island off the coast of the Bronx contains a potters field that has been the final resting place for destitute New Yorkers as far back as the Civil War. The island is currently operated by the Department of Correction (DOC), with Rikers Island inmates paid $1 an hour to bury bodies there. This week's vote comes after a years-long fight to end the onerous process required of visitors who wish to pay their respects to loved ones buried there; its intent is to make the island more accessible to the public and improve its dilapidated conditions.
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Policy

Barry Diller’s $250M offshore Pier 55 park dubbed ‘Little Island’

Rendering courtesy of Little Island

November 13, 2019

Barry Diller’s $250M offshore Pier 55 park dubbed ‘Little Island’

By Devin Gannon

The offshore park currently under construction in the Hudson River has been officially christened "Little Island," the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation announced Wednesday. The Pier 55 project, which is being funded by billionaire Barry Diller and overseen by the Hudson River Park Trust, includes over two acres of public green space across a wave-shaped structure near West 13th Street in the Meatpacking District. First proposed in 2014 for $35 million, Little Island is expected to cost $250 million and open in the spring of 2021.
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Architecture And Design

The neighborhood of Mariner’s Harbor, near the wetlands in question. Image: Wikimedia cc.

October 29, 2019

State grants permit for developer to build BJ’s Wholesale Club on Staten Island wetlands

By Michelle Cohen

Despite opposition from residents and public officials, 18 acres of forest wetlands near Staten Island's north shore will be turned into a BJ's Wholesale Club, a gas station and a parking lot. Gothamist reports that the state has said it will issue a permit to allow the land's owner, real estate magnate Charles Alpert (operating as holding company Josif A. LLC), to destroy what activists say is an invaluable natural storm barrier in order for the project to move forward.
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New Developments

October 28, 2019

8 of New York City’s spookiest abandoned sites

By Lucie Levine

It often seems as if the jackhammer is the soundtrack to New York, as construction is a constant in this city. Given the frenetic pace of development in the five boroughs, it feels almost unbelievable that there are abandoned sites all over New York, left to go to seed as the steel skeletons of ever higher, newer, glassier structures rise around them. Here are eight of the most interesting abandoned sites in NYC, from the site of the city's first airport to a defunct freight line.
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History

City is heavily-subsidizing ferry rides for white, wealthy New Yorkers

Image © 6sqft

October 1, 2019

City is heavily-subsidizing ferry rides for white, wealthy New Yorkers

By Devin Gannon

A majority of New York City Ferry riders are white and wealthy, the Daily News reported on Monday. According to a survey conducted by the city's Economic Development Corporation, which operates the ferry system alongside Hornblower, more than 60 percent of NYC Ferry riders are white with an average annual income between $75,000 and $99,000. In March, a study from the Citizens Budget Commission found the NYC Ferry costs the city $10.73 per rider, about 10 times that of subway subsidies.
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September 26, 2019

18 places to celebrate Oktoberfest in and around New York City

By Devin Gannon

Grab some lederhosen and a giant beer, it's time to celebrate Bavarian culture in New York City. Oktoberfest has officially arrived in the five boroughs and beyond, offering the chance to travel to Munich without a passport. Festivities range from traditional stein-holding competitions and pig roasts to more out-of-the-box events, like the Voelker Orth Museum's Flushing-style Oktoberfest with sauerkraut and kimchi eats and brews in the zoo at Turtle Back Zoo.
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Events & Things To Do

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