70 Mulberry Street, prior to the January 2020 fire. Image Credit: Google Maps
The fire displaced several non-profits that served the Chinatown community. On July 2, 2020, Mayor de Blasio and Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Lisette Camilo announced $80 million in funding and the creation of an advisory committee to rebuild 70 Mulberry Street, the historic building and social service center that was ravaged by a five-alarm fire on January 23, 2020. 70 Mulberry Street, lovingly referred to as “The Heart of Chinatown,” housed five nonprofit organizations that provided Chinatown with essential community services such as hot meals for seniors, arts and cultural activities, and ESOL classes. As Council Member Margaret Chin explained, “after the fire, Chinatown immediately lost critical senior, cultural, career development, youth, and adult literacy services that immigrant families depended on for generations.” (read more…)
Mayor Bill de Blasio. Image credit: CityLand
Events will not be permitted to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. On July 9, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all large events that require a permit will be canceled through September 30th. The City will instead prioritize social distancing and dedicating open spaces to public use. (read more…)
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…)
