The New NYC Housing Connect Image Credit: HPD

NYC Housing Connect tool intends to make affordable housing searches a more user-friendly experience. On June 16, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the launch of “NYC Housing Connect,” an online tool for finding and applying for affordable housing. The new system provides upgrades from its predecessor through a collaborative effort by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, user-design experts and collected public feedback.

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Image Credit: DSNY

The new regulations will remain in effect throughout the summer. On June 23, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia announced that Alternate Side Parking (ASP) street cleanings will be reduced from two days a week to no more than once per week, per side, starting on Monday, June 29. (read more…)

Rhinelander Avenue in Morris Park, Bronx, one of many streets open to pedestrians and cyclists under the Open Streets program. Image Credit: CityLand

The plan will aim to add 100 miles of open streets, widened sidewalks and protected bike lanes. Note: This article has been updated to continuously reflect the added streets as those announcements are made. Please continue to check back for further updates.

On April 27, 2020, the Mayor’s Office announced a plan along with Council Speaker Corey Johnson to implement street closures, sidewalk widening, and the addition of bike lanes as part of the City’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The plan aims to close off streets to cars to provide more space for social distancing for pedestrians and cyclists as the weather gets warmer and more people are expected to go outside.  (read more…)

This year’s Macy’s Fireworks display will not be the traditional extended show over the East River as seen here. Instead, the City is planning on several smaller unannounced displays to discourage large crowds from gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic. Image Credit: Diana Robinson/Mayoral Photography Office

The Macy’s Fireworks announcement comes on the same day as the creation of an illegal fireworks task force. On June 23, 2020, Mayor de Blasio established a task force to investigate illegal fireworks sales following a large increase in complaints about the increase of illegal firework use across the City. All types of consumer fireworks are prohibited in New York City.  (read more…)

City beaches will finally reopen July 1st. Image Credit: CityLand

Visitors are still encouraged to maintain social distancing measures on beaches. On June 24, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that New York City’s 8 public beaches will reopen for swimming starting on July 1, with social distancing precautions still in place. Lifeguards will be on duty every day from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, but the Mayor reminds the public that swimming is strictly prohibited when lifeguards are not present. (read more…)