Image Credit: New York City Department of Transportation

Today marks NYC’s official Phase 2 reopening. On June 22, 2020, New York City officially entered Phase 2 of the State’s COVID-19 reopening plan. In preparation for the reopening, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an executive order directing the Department of Transportation, with aid from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Small Business Services, to administer the “Open Restaurants” plan. The Open Restaurants plan will generally permit restaurants and bars to expand their outdoor seating onto sidewalks, curb lanes, backyard patios, plazas and Open Streets. To read CityLand’s coverage of the Open Restaurants Plan at the City Council, click here.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio outlines NYC’s Phase One guidelines on May 28, 2020. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

Starting June 8th, retail, manufacturing, construction and other industries can resume operations with restrictions. On May 28, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio laid out the additional guidance for industries that will be allowed to reopen under Phase One of the State’s reopening plan, NY Forward. While other parts of the state have already been allowed to reopen, New York City has remained shut down to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As the number of positive COVID cases, hospitalizations, and patients in the ICU continues to decline, the City is expected to reach the target thresholds to reopen June 8th. (more…)

Elected officials and local residents cut the ribbon on Parque de los Niños after a $4.35 million reconstruction project. Image Credit: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila

Reconstruction project cost $4.35 million and features a new track and ballfields. On August 13, 2019, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced the reopening of Parque de los Ninos, located on the corner of Morrison Avenue and Watson Avenue in the Soundview section of the Bronx. Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, was joined by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York State Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo, New York City Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr, members of Bronx Community Board 9 and local residents to celebrate the reopening of the playground. (more…)

Community groups opposed fence on the City’s oldest bridge. On April 5, 2011, Landmarks approved the City’s proposal to build an eight-foot fence and undertake other alterations to the High Bridge footpath spanning the Harlem River between Washington Heights in Manhattan and the Highbridge section of the Bronx. The High Bridge was built in 1848 as part of the Old Croton Aqueduct to bring fresh water into Manhattan. It is the City’s oldest bridge.

The City in 1917 ceased using the bridge as an aqueduct. In 1927, the City replaced five of the bridge’s original fifteen masonry arches with a central steel span to allow large ships to pass underneath. The bridge gained notoriety in the late 1950s after children threw rocks at a passing Circle Line tour boat. After the High Bridge was closed to the public in 1970, Landmarks designated the  bridge as an individual City landmark. The City in 2009 announced plans to restore and reopen the High Bridge to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. (more…)

Agency and elected officials join P.S. 9 and community members in celebrating the reopening of Naples Playground. Image Credit: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila.

NYC Parks spent $3.115 million in reconstructing the park’s basketball courts and play area. On June 1, 2023, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Council Member David Carr, Principal Deanna Marco and students from P.S. 9 joined other community members to celebrate the reopening of Naples Playground in Concord, Staten Island. The park, which had been closed for renovations since April 2022, reopened in April 2023. (more…)