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. (more…)

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Image Credit: NYC City Council

Public Hearing hinges on interest rates and how property tax deferments affect the City budget. On June 18, 2020, the City Council officially introduced two bills that would defer July 1, 2020, property tax liabilities for COVID-19 impacted property owners. One bill addresses the tax liabilities of primary residences and the other addresses the tax liabilities of businesses affected by the pandemic. The bills were originally heard as preconsidered bills at the June 10, 2020, Committee on Finance public hearing.

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Playgrounds have been closed since April 1st, but are now allowed to reopen as the City moves into Phase 2. Image Credit: CityLand

Over 1000 playgrounds will be reopened and cleaned, but equipment will not be sanitized. On June 18, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that playgrounds would be reopened as part of Phase 2, which began Monday, June 22nd. While NYC parks generally remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many facilities within parks were closed and restrictions were placed to limit the activity allowed in parks in an effort to stop overcrowding and the spread of COVID-19. On April 1, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced the closure of all NYC playgrounds, as the density within them was too high. For CityLand’s prior coverage of park closings, click here. (more…)

A dedicated bus lane. Image Credit: NYC DOT

The nine projects will benefit almost 750,000 daily riders. On June 8, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced nine busway and dedicated bus lane projects across the City. As the City begins to reopen, and commuters return to work, the new bus options are intended to increase bus speeds and address vehicular traffic concerns.  (more…)

Mayor Bill de Blasio announcing curfew lift and criminal justice reforms Image Credit: Mayor’s Press Office

Curfew lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, but not necessary in New York City. On June 1, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio collectively instituted a citywide curfew following four evenings of protests, which although mostly peaceful, included some instances of chaotic behavior which resulted in vandalism and property damage. The protests were in response to the death of George Floyd, police brutality, and racial injustice.  George Floyd’s killing while in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department on May 24, 2020 and has been followed by demonstrations throughout the Country, including New York City. The Mayor lifted the curfew on June 7, 2020, a day before the expected expiration and a day before the State’s scheduled Phase 1 reopening. To read CityLand’s coverage of the Phase 1 Reopening click here.

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