Governor Andrew Cuomo providing details about changes to COVID-19 guidance and restrictions on December 11, 2020. Image Credit: Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo

Indoor dining will be suspended in New York City while gyms and salons can operate on new guidelines. On December 11, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced changes to COVID restriction guidelines starting Monday, December 14th. Among these changes, indoor dining would be suspended across New York City due to the increase in COVID-19 hospitalization rates. Outdoor dining and takeout/delivery are still permitted. Indoor dining will be allowed to continue at only 25 percent capacity across the rest of the state.  (read more…)

The Fountains. Image Credit: NYC HPD

Project will result in 1,163 affordable homes. On October 20, 2020 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the completion of the initial phase of the Fountains of Brooklyn project that is being constructed on the site of the State’s former Brooklyn Developmental Center in East New York, which closed in 2015. This project is a 6.7-acre mixed-use complex that will ultimately offer 1,163 affordable homes. The first two completed buildings of the project will include 332 affordable apartments and supportive services for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities so these individuals can live independently. (read more…)

Governor Cuomo addressing the COVID-19 Crisis Image Credit:
Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

The State has taken several actions to protect residential and commercial tenants. On September 28, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the statewide moratorium on COVID-19 related residential evictions will be extended through January 1, 2021. The moratorium has been in effect since March 20th and has been extended multiple times. (read more…)

Governor Andrew Cuomo discusses restaurant reopening requirements on September 9, 2020. Image Credit: Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo/Twitter

Restaurants will be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity. On September 9, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that restaurants may resume indoor dining on September 30th as long as they meet specific requirements. Indoor dining has been shut down since last spring at the start of the pandemic, and restaurants have been limited to take out and outdoor dining.  (read more…)

Park Rendering Image Credit: Governor’s Office

First ever state park dedicated to a LGBTQ person. On August 14, 2020, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the dedication of East River State Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to LGBTQ activist Marsha P. Johnson. The dedication comes on Johnson’s seventy-fifth birthday and marks the first state park dedicated to LGBTQ person and a transgender woman of color. Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a seven-acre waterfront park located along the East River. It offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline, a play area for children and open green space for relaxation and recreation.

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