Where To Watch This Year's 4th of July Fireworks

The talented folks behind the hotly anticipated Macy’s Fourth of July live fireworks spectacular happening next Thursday evening have provided a detailed guide to the prime Manhattan spots for watching the night sky light up. Read on to get the scoop on official viewing points–and some unofficial favorites–and use the interactive map to make sure you’re in the right place when the pyrotechnics start at the Brooklyn Bridge.

The map includes subway information and directions and specifies which areas are handicapped accessible. This year’s patriotic light show will be launched from four barges stationed along the East River between Broad Street and the Brooklyn Bridge. You can locate entry points for prime viewing spots on the map. As fireworks veterans know, space is limited, so plan ahead and arrive early.

The map includes neighborhood guides so you’ll have a list of things to do and see once the show is over. The main event site provides all the info you need including times, rules and regs.

As any New Yorker knows, there are plenty of “unofficial” viewing spots, but the show’s launch location changes from year to year, so make sure your favorite rooftop still has a clear view of the action. Time-tested locations for this year’s show include Brooklyn Bridge Park (see the map above for which sections will be open to the public) and the rooftop at Brooklyn Bridge Park restaurant Fornino, One World Observatory and Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, Queens. Rooftop access tends to come with steep ticket prices, so check before you go.

If you’re hoping to hit the water to watch the ‘works, Circle Line, American Princess, Capital Princess and New York Water Taxi are offering fireworks cruises setting sail from Manhattan, Brooklyn IV, Nautical Princess and Freedom Cruises sail from Brooklyn and Island Current Fleet sets sail from City Island (h/t Mommy Poppins).

For a list of great buildings in Manhattan to watch the ‘works, look no further than CityRealty’s top 10 lists.

29 Contracts Signed At $4M+ Last Week

LUXURY MARKET REPORT 2019

Report on Contracts Signed
Manhattan Residential Properties
$4 Million and Above

June 17-23, 2019

29 Contracts Signed

Twenty-nine contracts were signed last week at $4 million and above, the highest total of the year. More good news: Last week also marked the highest dollar volume of the year---$290,535,000.

Which prompts the question: Was last week’s robust totals a function of falling interest rates, the big June bounce in the stock market, or perhaps a combination of the two?

Stat Geek Alert: So far, the 2nd quarter of 2019 is heading for a 13 % decline in the number of contracts signed over 2018. This despite the fact that buyers had the chance to close before the increase in the New York State Mansion Recording Tax, which comes into effect on July 1. Which brings us to…..

The No. 1 contract was PH94A at 432 Park, asking $41 million. This unit had an executed contract and then closed on the same day. The one thing I can tell you about the sale was that the unit closed for less than $40 million—and the savings on the New York State Mansion Tax was over $1 million! PH94A is a corner unit with 3,952 square feet including 3 bedrooms, a library, and 3.5 bathrooms. It features a 29’ x 29’ living room, an eat-in kitchen, and a 30-foot master suite. The unit has spectacular Central Park, Hudson and East River views. (Also selling last week in the same building was 36A, owned by Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez. It was asking $17.5 million.)

432 Park is 96 stories high, a concrete-and-glass edifice designed by Rafael Vinoly that can be seen from almost anywhere in the 5 boroughs. Amenities include a fitness center, a 75-foot swimming pool, private dining room, parking, a garden, and a children’s playroom.

The No. 2 contract was the Terrace Duplex at 1010 Park Avenue, asking $28.5 million. This 7,888-square-foot unit has 6 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, plus a 32’ x 42’ terrace. It is in a new 11-unit condo building that started marketing in June 2017. It was the 2nd contract signed in the building. The first sale happened at the end of May. Amenities include a doorman, 50-foot salt water pool, a fitness center, children’s playroom, and a screening room.

2025 Broadway, Unit 24A

2025 Broadway, Unit 24A

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

1 Bed  |  1 Bath  |  Co-Op | Doorman

Offered At $749,000

 

Enjoy high-floor views and gorgeous light in this move-in ready one-bedroom, one-bathroom in vibrant Lincoln Square.


This 735-square-foot layout is among the largest one-bedrooms in all of Nevada Towers, so you'll have plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy western high floor views. The expansive living room is paved in wide-plank hardwood and offers a generous footprint for seating areas, while the adjacent dining alcove awaits your next dinner party. Step into the lovely kitchen to find cherry cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, including a gas range and dishwasher. The bedroom easily accommodates a king-size bedroom set, and the windowed bathroom is beautifully equipped with fine cabinetry and marble. Well-placed, spacious closets in the bedroom, hall and entry ensure storage will not be a concern, and central HVAC provides year-round comfort in this serene Lincoln Center abode.


Nevada Towers is a full-service, postwar cooperative offering full-time doorman, live-in superintendent and porters, laundry, storage, bike room and a glorious roof deck. Generous board policies permit pets, pieds-à-terre, subletting, parents buying for children, gifting and in-unit washer/dryers. Eighty percent financing allowed, and common charges are 72 percent tax deductible.


Located in the loveliest section of Lincoln Square, this home offers direct access to world-class entertainment and culture at Lincoln Center, Beacon Theater and the Natural History Museum. There's fantastic shopping at the Shops at Columbus Circle and along Broadway, and epic outdoor space awaits at both Riverside Park and Central Park. Transportation is a breeze with 1/2/3, B/D and A/C trains all nearby.

NYC Sites That Will Light Up In Honor Of WorldPride

This month, 19 buildings throughout the five boroughs will be lighting up rainbow in honor of WorldPride and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The city-wide display is part of NYC and Company’s Project Rainbow, a marketing initiative led by the city’s official tourism organization. Among the sites listed are the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and the World Trade Center.

“New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement and has played a significant role in the progress the global movement has made,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement. “Lighting our skyline will remind LGBTQ people around the world that New York City will always be a beacon of hope and a place to call home.”

The Empire State Building image ® is a registered trademark of ESRT Empire State Building L. L. C. and is used with permission

With an expected attendance of 4.5 million people at the NYC Pride March, this year is anticipated to be the largest LGBTQ+ event in the world. WorldPride kicks off June 26th with a benefit concert at the Barclays Center and runs until the end of June.

The Empire State Building image ® is a registered trademark of ESRT Empire State Building L. L. C. and is used with permission

In addition, NYC and Company has declared 2019 the Year of Pride. Although Pride Month ends on June 30th, events highlighting the art and contribution of members of the LGBTQ+ community will continue through the year.

The sites set to light up for Pride Month are:

Manhattan

  • Bloomberg Headquarters: June 30.

  • City Hall. June 10- 30.

  • Empire State Building: June 30.

  • Helmsley Building: June 24–30.

  • Javits Center’s Crystal Palace: June 26–30.

  • Madison Square Garden: June 30.

  • One Bryant Park: June 28–30.

  • One World Trade Center: Base, June 26–30; Spire, June 28–30.

  • 151 West 42: June 28–30.

  • Pershing Square-42nd Street Viaduct (Grand Central Partnership & MTA Metro-North): June 26–30.

  • Pier 17: June 26–30.

  • 30 Rockefeller Plaza: June 26-30

Brooklyn

  • Barclays Center: June 24-26; June 29-30.

  • Coney Island Parachute Jump in cooperation with Luna Park NYC: June 26–30.

  • Weylin, together with Brooktech: June 26–30.

The Bronx

  • The Bronx Borough President’s Office: June 25–30.

  • Hutchinson Metro Center: Every evening through June 30.

Staten Island

  • Empire Outlets: Every evening through June 30.

Queens

  • Resorts World Casino New York City: June 30.

$13M Private Island Just Outside NYC

This unique home located in New Rochelle just outside New York City is not only situated on a pair of private islands with over five acres of land, but with a year’s worth of fuel oil, the islands are completely self-sustaining for off-the-grid living right in Westchester County. An inspired renovation by the current owner means custom everything and integration with nature without sacrificing comfort. Asking $13 million, Columbia and Pea Islands–and a 5,625-square-foot home–are definitely not your ordinary property.

Accessed by boat, Columbia Island is home to an innovative residence with four bedrooms and two baths. The home’s current owner is a former physician, a real estate developer, film and stage producer, actor and activist who took on the challenge of creating a livable dream retreat amid nature and water.

Built on bedrock—the same geologic feature that supports Manhattan skyscrapers–the Columbia Island house is surrounded by seawall and landscape decking. An open kitchen and dining area overlook Long Island Sound.

The home’s massive great room is ideal for entertaining with stunning water views from every angle.

The home’s lower level space features exposed brick walls and high ceilings. The space can be used for a media/game room or art studio, just to name a few creative possibilities.

Up on the roof you’ll find New York City views from your own private perch. It’s a rare opportunity to be inspired by nature and enjoy solitude–or throw unforgettable parties.

The modern home was constructed to be completely self-sufficient. Systems include a solar-supplied electricity and diesel generator back-ups with quadruple redundancy; a reverse osmosis water filtration and desalination system, the same state-of-the-art system used in surgical settings to provide extremely pure water; and triple-redundant flood and storm protection that the system’s builder calls “considerably better than lower Manhattan’s.”

There’s in-floor radiant heat with triple redundant boilers and hot water heat exchanger and a sewage system. The property is protected by multiple on-site fire suppression systems since the island isn’t accessible to municipal fire trucks.

Within paddling distance, the nearly-five-acre Pea Island is a mini-sanctuary offering spectacular views and raw natural beauty including open beach with lush indigenous plants. It has development potential, but it could also just serve as an undeveloped backyard.

Columbia Island got its name from CBS, its owner rom the 1940s-60s. CBS constructed a concrete transmitter bunker, providing emergency accommodations for 10 workers and a broadcast tower that served the New York metro area until 1963.

TV and radio entertainers Peter Lind Hayes and Mary Healy were the next owners, and used the space to broadcast a “breakfast conversation” talk radio show.

[Listing: 1 Columbia Island by Patti Anderson for Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty]

350 Albany Street, Unit 6A

350 Albany Street, Unit 6A

BATTERY PARK CITY, MANHATTAN

1 Bed  |  1.5 Bath  |  Condo | Doorman

Offered At $819,000

Make iconic harbor views your backdrop in this expansive, move-in ready one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom home in a full-service Battery Park City condominium right on the Hudson.


Both spacious and well-planned, this 833-square-foot home's layout places living and sleeping quarters at opposite ends for optimal peace and privacy. Deep-stained wide-plank floors and tall ceilings provide a chic and airy setting for living and dining areas, while the wide west-facing window frames breathtaking treetop and river views. Enjoy a bright pass-through kitchen filled with beautiful cabinetry, granite countertops and full-size appliances, including a gas range and dishwasher.


Head to the palatial master bedroom to find more than enough room for a king-size bedroom and extra furniture complemented by two large closets and a pristine en suite bathroom filled with fine stone and modern fixtures. Two more roomy closets and a powder room near the entry add convenience, and central heat and air ensure year-round comfort in this peaceful BPC beauty.


Hudson Tower is a handsome brick condominium with a prime Battery Park location on a quiet cul-de-sac right along the river. Residents of the full-service building enjoy 24-hour concierge service, live-in superintendent, luggage room, laundry room on each floor, fitness room, storage, bike room, onsite parking garage, courtyard and a gorgeous rooftop deck with shimmering water views. Sorry, no pets.
The surrounding neighborhood is filled with phenomenal waterfront outdoor space, including the Battery Park City Esplanade, Rector Park and The Battery. World-class shopping, dining and entertainment are minutes away thanks to the phenomenal Brookfield Place and Westfield World Trade Center. Transportation is effortless with 1/2/3, N/R/W and 4/5 trains and the World Financial Center Ferry Landing all nearby.

100 Best Things To Do In New Jersey

100 Best things to do in New Jersey

by Your RV Lifestyle Staff

New Jersey is also known as the ‘Garden State’. It is well-known for the wonderful crops such as corn, tomatoes, and blueberries that are grown there. Additionally, it is known as the ‘Diner Capital of the World’ with many delicious foods regarded as local cuisine.

Historically, over 100 battles were fought on New Jersey soil, and the state is regarded as the Pathway of the Revolution.

Did you know that New Jersey has more horses per square mile than any other state? The first baseball game was played in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1845?

Whatever you plan to do on your holiday, you will find many interesting things to see and do in this state.

1. The Jersey Shore

This is more an area than a specific place. It is the shoreline of the state which runs for 141 miles from Perth Amboy to Cape May Point.

‘The shore’ is famous for the boardwalks along the way. Many of them are filled with arcades and amusement parks. All of them have plenty of places to buy food so you may want to check into a hotel along the shoreline and stay a few days.

2. Ellis Island

This is found in Upper New York Bay. It was the entrance point for over 12 million immigrants from 1892 – 1954.
The original island was far smaller than what you see today. The Statue of Liberty monument is now a part of the island, and you will find a museum on the island.
You can access the island by means of boats which are readily available on the mainland.

3. Liberty State Park


You will find this on Upper New York Bay in Jersey City. The park is bordered on three sides by water and is directly across from both Liberty Island and Ellis Islands, so the views of the islands are marvellous.
This is a great park to take a packed lunch on a sunny day and enjoy the outdoors.

4. Montclair Art Museum

This is found in Montclair, just a few miles west of New York City. There are over 12,000 exhibits dedicated to American Art and Native American art forms.
The School of Art, which is based there offers classes for both professional and amateur artists, and there is an extensive programme of art education for all ages.
Allow yourself a full day to see the museum. There is a cafe where you can get lunch.

5. Reeves-Reed Arboretum

This is found in the town of Summit and is the only arboretum in the state. The nice thing about this is that it is free to enter, making it a good day out for a family.
The rose garden was added in 1925 and the herb garden in 1968. Try to visit the garden in May, when it is ablaze with Azaleas, Roses, lilacs, and many more. Make sure you see the Rose garden which contains 286 rose bushes. The garden also explodes with colour from 30,000 daffodils in April.

205 Third Avenue, Unit 7LM

205 Third Avenue, Unit 7LM

GRAMERCY PARK, MANHATTAN

3 Bed  |  2 Bath  |  Co-op | Doorman

Offered At $2,375,000

This beautifully gut-renovated and combined three-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers expansive living areas, designer details and private outdoor space in an esteemed white-brick Gramercy cooperative.


Arrive in this approximately 1,600-square-foot home via a gracious entry flanked by large closets and a full bathroom. Ahead, the sunny main living space welcomes you home with golden light thanks to the wide glass doors leading to an oversized west-facing balcony. Enjoy morning coffee or an after-dinner drink al fresco while dramatic views stretch all the way to the iconic Met Life Tower. Back inside, hardwood floors will guide you past the large breakfast bar to the beautifully renovated kitchen. Custom cabinetry spoils chefs with a pull-out spice rack and under counter pull out refuse bin, a large pantry and vertical shelving. Caesarstone countertops and chic glass tile surround new stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, dishwasher, wine refrigerator and built-in microwave.


Three spacious bedrooms are arranged around a large hall alcove that can easily serve as a family room, home office or playroom , and pin-drop quiet will lull you to sleep thanks to CityQuiet windows and thorough sound insulation. In the master suite, you'll enjoy plenty of room for a king-size bed and furniture plus a massive walk-in custom closet, and the en-suite master bathroom is a serene escape featuring a large walk-in shower. No detail was overlooked to create a home of effortless ease, including Elfa shelving systems in all closets, water filtration in the kitchen, brand-new HVAC units, and new interior doors and hardware throughout. 


Gramercy Park Towers is a revered postwar co-op offering luxury services and amenities, including 24-hour doorman and concierge, fitness center with Peloton bikes, Zen garden, on-site parking, bike storage, and a spectacular roof deck with 360-degree views. With immediate access to Union Square, the Flatiron District and Greenwich Village, there's seemingly no end to the nearby dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife. Nearby N/Q/R, 4/5/6 and L trains put the rest of the city mere minutes away. There is a monthly $236 utility fee regardless of utility usage.

The Monthly Update - June 2019

Could There Be a Change in This Buyers' Market?


It's been widely recognized in many real estate forums that the falling rental prices over the past few years have contributed significantly to the softening of the sellers' market in New York City. But, during the first quarter of this year, and in the second quarter thus far, we've begun to see an increase in rental prices as more buyers decide not to move forward in the sales market. As this demand continues to push rental prices upwards, sponsors and landlords have been less likely to give concessions. Further, this overall stiffening of rental prices while demand starts to outweigh supply could be a key turning point in the future of Manhattan real estate, for the short term at least. This was documented in a couple of recent news articles in Bloomberg [link here] and The Real Deal [link here].

Will rental prices go high enough to match mortgage amounts on a monthly basis? Sellers sure hope so, but if you're a buyer in this marketplace hoping to take advantage of super-low real estate prices and steady interest rates — your time is now! Trust me when I tell you that trying to time the market has been the downfall of many hopeful buyers and their agents.

In the News

MTA's New Tap-To-Pay System is Here

Have you noticed anything different about the MTA turnstiles lately? The recently installed tap-to-pay screens will go into effect starting the first week of June. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to continue swiping your traditional Metrocard through 2023. For those interested, check out this article by 6sqft, which details the upcoming technology shift. READ MORE

Compass.com Has a New Look

We've revamped our homepage and added even more functionality to make it easier than ever to find homes you'll love. Click over today to check out properties in your area that you won't find anywhere else!  SEE IT HERE

Local Events

SummerStage 2019

June 1 - September 24 
Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage returns with nearly 100 free and benefit performances from 200 artists in Central Park and 17 neighborhood parks across New York City. Click here for more information. 

Amazing Father's Day Scavenger Hunt 

Sunday, June 16 

This Father's Day, dads across the city will meet at Slattery's Midtown Pub to embark on a scavenger hunt following a series of clues that send them around the city to complete mental and physical challenges. Put dad to the test! Get your tickets here. 

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The Daily Habits of Supremely Happy People — And How To Implement Them

Happiness — as a concept, you may find it laughable; elusive to the point of hilarity. But what if we have it all wrong? What if we regularly confuse perceived perfection with happiness, rendering it inherently unattainable? That would explain a lot about perceived unhappiness, wouldn’t it? So, if happiness is attainable after all, what’s the secret? 

Martin Seligman, the originator of positive psychology, posits that 60% of the happiness equation is determined by genetics and environment, and 40% by our personal attitudes and approaches. Sounds like a solid theory to me. 


Here are 6 daily habits of the supremely happy among us:

1. Spending time with other happy people

As human animals, we possess the rare ability to seek and find hell or heaven in other people. The many types of toxic relationships that drag us down into the depths are oh-so-easy to come by, so it follows that the best antidote to a whole lot of potential unhappiness is surrounding oneself with positive people. Doing so has been linked to higher confidence, creativity, and straight-up fun. Joy is contagious, after all.

Researchers who studied the proliferation of happiness over 20 years found those surrounded by happy people more likely to be happy in the future. Think of it as an investment in yourself, then— a retirement fund of sorts.

2. Taking time to celebrate the good stuff

The importance of celebrating victories, particularly small ones, is often understated in the pursuit of always-greater ambitions. Unsurprisingly, many happy people take time to appreciate everything that goes well, which can be very rewarding and mood-boosting.

Choosing to see the silver lining offers health benefits too, like reduced stress, less pain, and longevity among those with heart disease. Happy people know how important it is to be present, appreciating a good meal, a deep connection, or a sunny day. Just as negative thoughts are often self-fulfilling, so too are positive ones!

3. Exercising the power to give

Even the smallest of good deeds — like buying a friend an art piece or book — can do wonders for your happiness. Helping others not only makes them happy, but also triggers a surge of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine in the giver, all of which instigate decidedly happy feelings.

Research project Americans’ Changing Lives found people of all ages who volunteered were happier and healthier physically, experiencing what is known as the “helper’s high,” a euphoric state often experienced by people who give of their time, energy, or money.

4. Taking time to listen — in person, when possible

According to David Mezzapelle, author of Contagious Optimism, “When you listen you open up your ability to take in more knowledge versus blocking the world with your words or your distracting thoughts.” 

A person who knows how to listen often leaves a conversation feeling purposeful. In this vein, one study found those who take part in more substantive conversation (as opposed to small talk) feel more satisfied.

Additionally, having in-person interactions with friends — rather than online ones — cultivates pleasant feelings and reduces anxiety.

5. Smiling shamelessly

No one, and I mean no one, wakes up feeling happy every day. But some people really work at it. Even if you’re not feeling positive, seeking a happy thought within yourself, and then summoning a genuine smile in response to it can boost your happiness levels and make you more productive.

It’s as shockingly simple as it seems: the mere act of trying to be happy is tantamount to choosing to be happy, and it very often works.

6. Cultivating resilience

According to psychologist Peter Kramer, resilience — rather than happiness — is the opposite of depression. Developing a thick skin and knowing how to recover and bounce back after a failure is key to succeeding at life, and therefore integral to happiness, which should be our chief success indicator.

As the great Johnny Cash once said, “You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone… You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.”

NYC Bans Plastic

As local politicians scramble to change decades of waste and bad habits, businesses are often in a better position to have an impact on the planet, and some are eager to oblige. Whole Foods just announced they’d be ending the use of plastic straws in their juice bars and cafes and packaging rotisserie chickens in bags instead of plastic cartons, the New York Post reports. And grocery megachain Wegmans says they’ll be bagging single-use plastic bags by the end of this year, ahead of a statewide ban. Recently Mayor Bill De Blasio weighed in with NYC’s own Green New Deal; the mayor announced in April that the city has passed an executive order intended to mobilize resources to combat climate change. In addition to addressing the more obvious plastic, the plan includes the phasing-out of processed meat purchased by government-run facilities like hospitals and schools–but not street vendors, restaurants or stores.

The mayor’s executive order, which has been well-received by local pols, bans the purchase of unnecessary single-use plastics in favor of compostable alternatives by the year’s end. According to Metro, New York City currently purchases 1.1 million pounds of single-use plastic foodware–flatware, cartons and lids, for example–annually. The ban will trim a whopping 95 percent of all single-use plastics, reducing NYC’s carbon emissions by about 500 tons a year.

Under the new law, no new contracts will be signed for single-use plastic foodware items (except to keep a supply on hand for customers who request them, as the American Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that they be made available on request). Businesses and agencies are expected to have a reduction plan ready within 120 days and implement it by the end of the year. As far as the processed meat cutback, the aim is to curtail methane gas-blasting, resource-hogging beef.

Mark Chambers, director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, said in a statement, “Let’s call single-use plastic what it is: pollution. We need to leave these harmful plastics behind, and reducing the city’s use of plastic foodware is a huge step in that direction.”

MTA’s New Tap-To-Pay System Starts Replacing MetroCards Next Week!

Before you get too distraught–you’ll still be able to swipe (and “swipe again”) your MetroCard until 2023. But for those techier New Yorkers, as of May 31st you’ll be able to take advantage of the MTA’s new tap-to-pay fare system when a pilot launches at 16 Manhattan and Brooklyn subway stations on the 4, 5, and 6 lines between Grand Central-42nd Street and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, as well as all Staten Island buses. The new payment system, called OMNY (One Metro New York), will employ e-readers that can accept contactless credit, debit, or reloadable prepaid cards, along with digital wallet apps on mobile phones and wearables. Additionally, Google announced that they’ve teamed up with the MTA to enable Google Pay as a payment option.

The new $574 million system was developed by Cubic Transportation Systems, the same company that replaced subway tokens with MetroCards over 30 years ago. OMNY is projected to be available throughout the entire subway, bus, and commuter rail systems by late 2020. Until then, it’s only available on a full-fare, pay-per-ride basis. Free transfers will only apply if transferring at another OMNY-equipped station; otherwise, you’ll need to keep using your MetroCard.

When the 2020 milestone arrives, the MTA will add additional fare options such as weekly and monthly passes and reduced and student fares. There won’t be a cash option initially, but starting in 2021, the MTA will sell contactless transit cards at retail locations. In 2022, they’ll be available for sale through 2,000 vending machines in subway and commuter rail stations.

Google Pay’s partnership with the MTA is part of a larger initiative in which Google is working with transit agencies in 30+ cities around the world. In NYC, they will also have a real-time Google Assistant feature that will tell you the ETA of the next train and walking directions to stations. In the next few weeks, Google Maps will also note which subway stations accept Google Pay.

As Bloomberg reports, the impending MetroCard phase-out has banks working overtime to update their cards to feature contactless technology. Currently, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp, and Wells Fargo & Co. have the tap-and-go technology for all of their credit and debit cards. JP Morgan leads the pack, having issued 20 million contactless cards thus far. And by the end of 2020, Visa predicts the number of contactless cards in the U.S. will triple to 300 million.

To manage the new payment system, OMNY will have accounts where riders can access a personalized dashboard showing 90 days of travel and transaction activity and manage their payment methods. The OMNY app will be available for iOS and Android by late 2019.

If all this information has your head spinning, keep in mind the MTA’s inspiration behind the OMNY moniker. “[OMNY] is based on the prefix ‘omni,’ which means ‘all’ or ‘of all things.’ We believe that transportation is an essential service that connects communities and brings the diversity and energy of New York together. OMNY is the newest way to experience all that our region offers.”

All About Fleet Week NYC 2019

Hello, sailors! Fleet Week in NYC at its essence is a seven-day celebration to honor the members of the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. Every year, the weeklong bash starts with the Parade of Ships—a flotilla of visiting vessels and tall ships that cruise along the Hudson river—and continues with military demonstrations, a Memorial Day ceremony and more outstanding things to do and parties around the city. In our guide to the annual affair, we share everything you need to know from where to visit in-service ships docked at NYC piers to awesome Fleet Week concerts to check out. For more things to do in May, be sure to check our NYC events in May calendar.

When is Fleet Week NYC?

The 31st annual Fleet Week in NYC will take place from Wednesday, May 22, 2019 to Tuesday, May 28, 2019.

Where is Fleet Week NYC?

A range of New York venues host the weeklong itinerary of events for Fleet Week, including Milller Field on Staten Island, Central Park, New York Harbor, Fort Hamilton, South Street Seaport, Washington Square Park, Pier 88, Pier 86, Times Square and more. For a full list of this year's events and services, click here. 

Where can I visit the Navy ships during Fleet Week? 

There are a number of vessels you may tour during Fleet Week 2019. This year's ship and pier locations include Pier 88, Pier 86, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Homeport Pier, Kings Point and Bronx/SUNY Maritime College. For more information on which ships offer public tours, click here. 


60 East 8th Street, Unit 16F

60 East 8th Street, Unit 16F

GREENWICH VILLAGE, MANHATTAN

1 Bed  |  1 Bath  |  Con-Op

Offered At $1,099,000

MM: $1,248/Mo.

 

Meticulous renovations and a fantastic downtown location combine to create the perfect one-bedroom, one-bathroom in a full-service Greenwich Village condop building that allows immediate unlimited subletting with no board interview for sale or rent, investors and pieds-à-terres welcome.


Chic wide-plank floors, tall art walls and gorgeous sunlight make an inviting first impression in this 650-square-foot, high-floor beauty. Wide north-facing windows frame sprawling open-sky views anchored by the iconic Empire State Building creating a stunning backdrop in the spacious living and dining areas. Chefs will love the ultra-contemporary kitchen filled with gleaming cabinetry, marble countertops and premium appliances by Fisher & Paykel and Bertazzoni.


The allure of the midtown skyline greets you in the large bedroom where two oversized closets create the perfect dressing area. Ahead, the modern bathroom has been beautifully designed with a sleek vanity cabinet, large-format tile and a bathtub/rain shower with handheld sprayer. Thoughtful details abound in this well-planned home: a stylish frosted window between bedroom and entry maximizes sunlight, central HVAC provides year-round comfort, and two additional closets provide room for coats and pantry storage.


Georgetown Plaza is a sought-after full-service Greenwich Village condop offering all the best features of condominium living without the higher purchase price or closing costs. The pet-friendly building allows immediate unlimited subletting and no board interview for sale or rent, and investors, pieds-à-terre, parents buying for children and guarantors are all allowed. Here, residents enjoy full-time doorman service, live-in superintendent, laundry on every floor, storage, bike room, onsite parking plus a spectacular landscaped roof deck with a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool and stunning 360-degree views.


Located at the intersection of Greenwich Village, the East Village and NoHo, this home is at the epicenter of fantastic Downtown living with amazing nightlife, restaurants, markets and boutiques at every turn. Washington Square Park, Union Square and Tompkins Square Park offer lovely outdoor space and great events nearby. And, with N/Q/R/W, 4/5/6, L, A/C/E and B/D/F/M trains within minutes of your front door, there's no more accessible neighborhood in the city.

Art Deco-Inspired Food Hall Will Open In The Garment District This Summer

Manhattan’s Garment District is getting a new food and beverage concept this summer. Located at 231 West 39th Street, The Deco Food + Drink will include a food hall, cocktail bar, and event space aimed at appealing to both office workers in Midtown and tourists known to flock to the neighborhood. To pay homage to the historic Garment District and 1920s New York, the food hall boasts an Art Deco design by Carpenter & Mason, as the New York Post reported last August.

Nine local vendors, yet to be announced, will offer diverse, fast-casual options, including Brazilian, Filipino, Chinese, and French cuisines. The food hall, expected to open in September, will operate on the ground floor of the 12-story building.

Founded by Doris Huang, a former executive of Godiva Chocolate, the eatery will focus on local restauranteurs and New York-brewed beer and spirits. And instead of catering to only a lunch crowd, the Deco will be open seven days a week, with a cocktail bar open late and available for parties and corporate events.

The new concept joins other food halls nearby, including the new restaurants at Hudson Yards, like the Spanish food hall by Chef José Andrés, and the Cipriani-branded Italian food hall at Waterline Square.

685 West End Avenue, Unit 4B

685 West End Avenue, Unit 4B

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

3 Bed  |  2 Bath  |  Co-op

Offered At $2,650,000

MM: $2,742/Mo.

Grand proportions and lovely prewar details abound in this sprawling three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence in a historic Upper West Side cooperative.

Spanning approximately 2,120 square feet, this 1920s residence is filled with fantastic updates and abundant prewar charm, including soaring ceilings, original hardwood floors, glass doors and handsome millwork. Flanked by convenient closets, the gracious gallery entry provides an ideal flow for entertaining. To the right, a sizeable living room looks out over West End Avenue, and to the left, a stunning designer kitchen is filled with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, a Viking range with six gas burners and two ovens, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher. A convenient pass-through opens to the adjacent dining room which is smartly equipped with matching buffet cabinetry housing a wine refrigerator, extra freezer and in-unit Bosh washer-dryer.

This home's well-planned layout places three large bedrooms in a private wing, each separated for optimal privacy and tranquility. The exceptional master suite includes a western exposure, two large closets and a lovely dressing area with built-in cabinetry. The en suite master bathroom features an original cast-iron bathtub and separate shower stall. Two more bedrooms, facing east and west, include large closets of their own and easy access to the second full bathroom. This spacious layout could easily accommodate the addition of a fourth bedroom, and this home is conveyed with a large basement storage enclosure.


Built in 1928, 685 West End Avenue is a stately buff-brick building with stunning Neo-Renaissance and Gothic influences. Today's residents of the pet-friendly, established cooperative enjoy 24-hour doorman service, live-in superintendent, storage, bike room, and a landscaped communal roof deck with breathtaking Hudson River views. Pieds-à-terres and 75 percent financing permitted.


Beautifully positioned within the Riverside-West End Historic District, this gorgeous Upper West Side enclave calls to mind the style and elegance of a bygone era. Leafy Riverside Park and the Hudson River Greenway are at the end of the block, and Central Park is just four blocks east. The renowned dining, nightlife and gourmet shopping of the Upper West Side run along Broadway, and the nearby Columbus Square shopping center features a Whole Foods, Michaels, HomeGoods and more. Access to transportation is excellent with 1/2/3, B and C trains and abundant bus service all nearby.

Mark Your Calendars May 29th & 30th - Manhattanhenge

An event that makes even locals stop and stare returns to New York City this month. Manhattanhenge, when the sunset aligns with the east-west streets of the borough’s grid, is happening on May 29 and May 30, at 8:13 p.m. and 8:12 p.m., respectively (h/t I Love the UWS). Not only does the setting sun sit perfectly between Manhattan’s many skyscrapers during this biannual event, but an orange-yellow glow hits north and south side streets, creating a picture-perfect moment.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson coined Manhattanhenge, a play on “Stonehenge,” which is the circle of stones in England built to align with the movement of the sun. Manhattan’s grid does not run exactly north-south and east-west, as everything is rotated about 29 degrees clockwise.

During the summer solstice, the sun will set about 32 degrees north of true west. This means a few weeks before and after the solstice, the sun sets at the same angle as Manhattan’s grid, 29 degrees north of true west.

As 6sqft previously noted, Tyson recommends east-west cross streets for the best views, including 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets. In a blog post for the American Museum of Natural History, he writes: “The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building render 34th Street and 42nd Streets especially striking vistas.”

On Wednesday, May 29 at 8:13 p.m. there will be a “half sun,” which means half of the sun sits above the horizon with half below the horizon. And on Thursday, May 30 at 8:12 p.m., the full sun will be visible, meaning it’s totally above the horizon.

If you can’t make it to this month’s Manhattanhenge, there are two more opportunities this year, after the summer solstice. Catch the phenomenon on Friday, July 12 at 8:20 p.m. and Saturday, July 13 at 8:21 p.m.

[Via I Love the Upper West Side]

420 East 51st Street, Unit 2A

420 East 51st Street, Unit 2A

BEEKMAN PLACE, MANHATTAN

2 Bed  |  2 Bath  |  Co-op

Offered At $700,000

MM: $4,180/Mo.

 

Discover your private indoor-outdoor hideaway in this two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a fairytale garden in Midtown East's storied Beekman neighborhood.


Wrapped in windows on three exposures, this spacious approximately 1,375-square-foot home is a bright and airy haven in the heart of the city. In the expansive great room, you're greeted by hardwood floors, a decorative fireplace and beautiful built-in cabinetry. The windowed dining area welcomes gracious entertaining while the adjacent updated kitchen is filled with ample cabinet space, quartz countertops and full-size stainless steel appliances.


Enjoy plenty of space for a king-size bed and additional furniture in the extra-large master suite featuring two California closets and an en suite marble bathroom. Just outside, the serene landscaped garden provides a delightful backdrop for outdoor dining and relaxation. This home's second bedroom features more smart built-ins and easy access to the second full bathroom. Plenty of additional closets and resident storage attend to wardrobe and belongings in this peaceful Beekman residence.


The Morad Beekman is a lovely postwar co-op where residents enjoy 24-hour doorman service, a stunning double-height marble lobby, cold storage, bike room, a fantastic new roof deck and onsite parking garage. This land lease co-op offers incredible value and generous board policies that permit pets, co-purchasing, subletting and pieds-à-terre. The building even offers discounted cable packages for shareholders.


Located just inches from beautiful Peter Detmold Park and the East River promenade, this location combines Beekman residential serenity with Midtown accessibility. Great shopping and dining lines the nearby streets, and transportation is effortless with easy access to E, M and 6 trains, the Midtown Tunnel and 59th Street Bridge.

Macy’s Moves July 4th Fireworks To Brooklyn Bridge

For the first time since 2014, Macy’s will move its Fourth of July fireworks to the Brooklyn Bridge, and this year’s display will “add three times more pyrotechnic firepower,” according to a press release, with more spectacular effects being set off across the entire bridge, as well as from four barges off the shore of the South Street Seaport District’s Pier 17. The 43rd annual event, the largest July 4th celebration in the nation, will see the launch of “tens of thousands of shells and effects.”

In 2015, 2017, and 2018, the fireworks were launched from seven barges in the East River between East 23rd and 40th Streets, providing perfect views for Midtown Manhattan and Long Island City. In 2016, the barges were situated closer to Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. With this year’s opening of Hunter’s Point South Park, many thought the event would still be centered around Long Island City, but it’s the Brooklyn Bridge that will be the star.

Last year’s event was Macy’s largest since the year 2000, with 75,000 shells (3,000 of which were fired off every minute) and 20 new special effects. Macy’s will release more specifics on this year’s show in the coming months, but it will begin at 9:20pm and last 25 minutes. The best neighborhoods to see the display are Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, the west side of the Financial District, and the southern part of the Lower East Side.

Christie Brinkley Sells Her $18M Sag Harbor Vacation Home

hristie Brinkley’s idyllic Sag Harbor home officially has a new owner. The sale closed this week for just under the final asking price of $17,990,000, though the precise amount has yet to be confirmed. The supermodel bought the five-bedroom residence in 2004 for $7,150,000 and first listed it back in 2010. As 6sqft previously reported, the 5,500-square-foot property sought its highest asking price in 2016—a cool $25,000,000 with Enzo Morabito of Douglas Elliman. The price tag was lowered incrementally until it hit $17,999,000 last summer, as Brinkley continued to search for the right buyer.

Built in 1843, the historic Hamptons home is remarkably intact, boasting a number of period details such as the majestic entryway flanked by columns, exposed wood and iron beams, wide-plank pine floors, and multiple fireplaces throughout. The Colonial-style home sits on 4.5 acres and offers panoramic harbor views. Best of all, the sprawling property includes 337 feet of private beach and there’s even a bayside Gunite pool.

Inside, the spacious residence comprises multiple living and dining areas—some formal, others more cozy—a study, and a mud room. The kitchen features classic soapstone and marble counters. Vintage signage throughout brings a whimsical character to the space. Virtually every room boasts impressive harbor views. There are five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms in total, including a stunning master suite with its own sitting room and terrace.

Brinkley has another historic Hamptons home on the market, also listed with Morabito. The expansive 20-acre compound known as Tower Hill has been on and off the market since 2002. According to the New York Post, Brinkley (who has been renting in Tribeca while her Hamptons mansions were on the market) once said she would “live in whichever one doesn’t sell first.”

Your new home awaits.