City Launches COVID-19 Cluster Map Amid Rise in Hotspots

Indicated zones will undergo restrictions for a minimum of 14 days after the zone is identified. On October 7, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the launch of the ‘Find Your Zone’ map, the City’s newest tool to help New Yorkers stay informed about the spread of COVID-19. The map allows users to enter an address to identify if that location is in a COVID-19 hotspot and what restrictions may apply to that zone for <Read More>


NYC Officially Enters Phase 4 of Reopening

New York City becomes final region in state to reach Phase 4 of reopening. On July 20, 2020, New York City officially entered a modified Phase 4 of the State’s reopening plan. Phase 4 in New York City marks the final stage of the State’s plan but should not be understood to mean that all industries, businesses and practices are back to pre-COVID-19 operations. Phase 4 industries include low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment, professional sports … <Read More>


Nail Salons, Personal Services Reopen as Part of Phase 3

Indoor dining is still suspended. On July 6, 2020, New York City entered Phase 3 of its reopening. Phase 3 allows personal services like nail salons, spas, tanning salons, massage parlors and tattoo parlors to reopen, as well as courts for sports in City parks. The “personal services” industry under Phase 3 does not include hair salons and barbershops, which were allowed to reopen under Phase 2. 


HPD Announces Funding Secured to Convert Illegal Hotel to Single-Room Occupancy Units for Supportive Housing

235 West 107th Street will be converted to permanent supportive housing. The building was previously used as an illegal hotel. Image Credit: Google Maps.On March 29, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced that $38 million in financing has been secured to change an Upper West Side illegal transient hotel into permanent supportive housing. The property, known as the Morningside Inn and located at 235 West 107th Street, was previously operated as an illegal hotel by the owner. The building will now help provide permanent housing through single occupancy units to adults facing chronic homelessness.


City Announces New Operator for Loeb Boathouse in Central Park

On February 16, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced the new selection of Legends Hospitality for the operator of the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park for a ten-year term. The Loeb Boathouse is located on the eastern shore of the 72nd Street Lake, with a dining room that opens up onto the lake, and also includes an indoor bar, snack bar, an events room, a public courtyard, and rowboat rentals.


[UPDATE] Council Looks to Amend Third-Party Delivery Service Bills to Address Proper Timeframe

Small Business hearings takes dire tone. On August 13, 2020, the City Council Committee on Small Business held a remote public hearing, on three bills that would cumulatively limit third-party food delivery services and require the Department of Small Business Services to create reports on COVID-19 related small business grants and loans. Beyond the three bills, the hearing also delved into the state of small business in the City and potential action to alleviate stresses … <Read More>