The Monthly Update - September 2023

Gearing Up for The 2023 Fall Market in NYC

After a rollercoaster summer when interest rates played a significant part in influencing pricing, purchasing power and overall mental outlook, many are looking towards the fall to sell or purchase a home. Savvy buyers and sellers are advised to start preparing for the fall market now, with the goal of closing a major chapter in their lives before the end of the year!

For Sellers

There are many aspects to selling a property, including preparing the home and creating outstanding marketing materials, including imagery/photography, a comprehensive description and an easy-to-read, accurate floor plan. However, the most important piece of the puzzle in the current market is pricing. 

• Preparing the home for buyer showings is imperative. You need to “knock their socks off“ when they see the property, so make sure it shines inside and out! That may mean a simple cleaning and decluttering, professional staging or even light renovations.

• To tempt buyers to come and see your property, you’ll need eye-catching imagery taken by a professional photographer. All home searches begin online, so photos and videos that enhance the beauty of your home and leave buyers wanting more are critical!

• Descriptions must be inviting and not too over-the-top, while the floor plan needs to assist the buyers in understanding the layout and dimensions. 

• These things are all important, yes, but pricing is the key. With interest rates rising to 22-year highs and diminishing buyer purchasing power, it’s so important to sit down with your agent and figure out the best pricing strategy for your market and property. At or just under the competition’s listing prices seem to deliver the best and strongest outcomes for closing your property. Still, every market is different, and every listing is different, so make sure you pay attention to the details of your agent’s expert pricing strategy. 

For Buyers

The key to buying in a competitive (or any) market is having your offers buttoned up! In New York City, buyers are represented by real estate attorneys who advise them in the transaction before signing a contract of sale and sending over their escrow/deposit money. If a property is well-priced and extremely attractive, there will be competition, even in today’s market. Right now, there is quite a bit of pent-up buyer demand for smartly priced, turnkey listings, so it’s not uncommon for there to be multiple offers on such properties, especially in Brooklyn! 

• Have your real estate attorney chosen and retained. 

• Make sure your updated bank pre-approval letter is at the ready. 

• Craft a bio about yourself and why you want to buy that home. This can often help the seller choose you rather than your competition! 

• When you see a property that fits eight of your 10 “must haves” – make an offer and do not delay! 

• Make the offer quickly, ensure it’s comprehensive, and put your best foot forward from the start. You’ll have a higher probability of securing your property if you act fast. 

• Offers are non-binding in NYC, so secure the property with an “accepted offer,” then have your real estate attorney do their due diligence on the home before you sign the contract of sale. 

• Above all, put yourself in a first-position opportunity sign! 

Good luck to buyers and sellers this fall. I think it’s going to be a busy one!

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Local Happenings

SEPTEMBER 4th WEST INDIAN

DAY PARADE

Staying in the city for Labor Day? Great! Head to Crown Heights to experience NYC's annual West Indian Day Parade, a culmination of New York Caribbean Carnival Week! From Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza along Eastern Parkway, this event is considered NYC's most exciting Labor Day Parade.

Click HERE to learn more!

SEPTEMBER 14–24

THE FEAST OF S

AN

GENNARO

The annual feast in Little Italy is back and better than ever! Make your way to the Mulberry Street area to experience 10 days of live music, parades, and some of the the best Italian cuisine the city has to offer.

Click HERE to learn more!

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Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

'Ugliest House in America' Reveals the One Astonishing Upside to Buying a Homely Home

As you can imagine, buyers are not exactly lining up to purchase these dingy dives...

Courtesy of Realtor.com

The Best Places to Live for the Weather

In these places, residents enjoy some of the best weather in the U.S.

Courtesy of US News

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It’s U.S. Open Time in NYC: What to Know Before You Go

The U.S. Open is upon us. In New York City, it’s one of the big social events on the calendar with a guest list that includes everyone from A-listers to the average New Yorker. The U.S. Open is part of the Grand Slam of tennis: the Australian, French, and U.S. Opens and Wimbledon Championships.

The Open traces its roots back to the U.S. National Championship, established in 1881, but the first iteration of the modern-day U.S. Open took place in 1968 with Arthur Ashe taking the men’s singles victory (his name now graces a stadium). In 1978, the tournament moved to its current location at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (then called National Tennis Center) in Queens. Past U.S. Open legends include Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Bob Bryan, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova.

Arthur Ashe Stadium. Image courtesy of Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

Planning on heading to the Open? Here’s what you need to know.

Where does the U.S. Open take place?
Since 1978, the U.S. Open has been held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadow Corona Park in Queens. The venue was named for the tennis legend in 2006. 

When is the U.S. Open 2023?
This year, the U.S. Open takes place Aug. 28 – Sept. 10, and multiple matches are held each day. 

Gates open at 9:30 a.m. for day sessions Aug. 28 – Sept. 6, and at 11 a.m. Sept. 7 -10. Gates open at 6 p.m. for night sessions Aug. 28 – Sept. 8. “Arthur Ashe Stadium will open at 6:30 p.m. or 40 minutes after the conclusion of the day sessions.”

Who are the players to watch in the U.S. Open?
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic are the names on everyone’s mind when it comes to men, and Poland’s Iga Swiatek is the frontrunner for women. 

How much is a ticket to the U.S. Open?

Ticket prices and packages vary. One-day passes are available for both day and evening times, and range in price from about $100 to upwards of $1,000 depending on seats. There are also weekly and series packages for those who don’t want to miss any of the action, but those packages are all sold out on the U.S. Open site. Luxury suites are also available and range in price to upwards of close to $3,000.

How to get to the U.S. Open?
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is reachable by subway, train, or car.

Subway: Take the 7 to Mets-Willets Point Station

Train: Take the LIRR to Mets-Willets Point StationCar: Paid parking is available at Mets Stadium (except on days when a Mets game is happening) or at ​​the Shops at Skyview. Rideshares will drop riders off at the New York State Pavilion, and they should walk or take a complimentary shuttle to the stadium.

Dining at the U.S. Open?
There are tons of food and beverage options at the U.S. Open from NYC eateries, including Eataly, Korilla BBQ, San Matteo NYC and Taqueria Nixtamal, among others. 

Aces is a full-service restaurant serving food from Michelin Star Chef Ed Brown, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Chef Kwame Onwuachi and Champions Bar & Grill serves food from Champions by Benjamin Steakhouse. Both are only available to Courtside Box seat holders and Luxury Suite guests, and reservations are required. Michelin-starred and Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s food is available in the South Plaza. Other sit-down options include Bar Tartine, Emirates Sports Cafe, Mojito Restaurant and Bar, U.S. Open Club, and Fly Fish @ Oyster Bar 7.

For libations, there is a Grey Goose bar, a Heineken bar, and sit-down bars Kimpton Lemon Bar and The Open Bar. Coffee is available at the Lavazza Cafe, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is on hand for dessert. 

Click here to see a complete list of food and drink options.

Shopping at the U.S. Open
Aside from typical event memorabilia, the U.S. Open has Ralph Lauren, Fila, Wilson, and Tennis-Point stores.

What to wear to the U.S. Open?
The U.S. Open is a casual but somewhat posh event, and some people use it as an opportunity to show off their style. There is no official dress code, but in 2022, Vogue recommended women wear all-white, tennis-inspired outfits or preppy summer dresses. In 2023, Town and Country posted inspo with a similar vibe. For footwear, comfortable shoes are a smart choice as you may need to walk around the stadium and to your transportation. 

Image courtesy of Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

Celebrity sightings at the U.S. Open
Why does it matter what you wear? Well, it doesn’t really, but the U.S. Open is famously crawling with celebrities, so you may want to look your best in case you rub shoulders with one! 

Among A-listers spotted last year were: Anne Hathaway, Kendall Jenner, Zach Braff, Anna Wintour, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Bon Jovi, Jason Biggs and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Karlie Kloss, Joe Jonas, and Emily Ratajkowski, just to name a few.

But 2022 was a big year as it was potentially Serena Williams’ last Open. The tennis megastar wrote in a Vogue essay that she was “evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.” However, a few months later, she said she was actually not retiring and that she would likely return to the sport. Williams is not playing in this year’s U.S. Open, but her sister, Venus was awarded a wild card into the women’s singles main draw. This will be her 24th main draw, according to the U.S. Open. 

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It’s U.S. Open time in NYC: What to know before you go

By Lidia Ryan

August 25, 2023

Images courtesy of Michael Vadon on Flickr & Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

Are Bigger, Wider and Better Electric Cargo Bikes On The Way?

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Transportation on Flickr

New York City is looking to permit bigger electric cargo bikes to deliver more goods more sustainably. The city’s Department of Transportation on Monday announced a proposed rule allowing the use of pedal-assist bikes that are up to 48 inches wide with four wheels, compared to the currently permitted 36-inch-wide bikes with three wheels. The extra width and wheel would make the bikes easier to use, reducing the number of delivery trucks on city streets and cutting vehicle emissions and traffic. The announcement kicks off the 30-day public comment period, with a public hearing scheduled for next month.

DOT first approved the use of commercial cargo bikes in 2019 as part of a pilot program. Throughout 2022, cargo bikes made over 130,000 trips and delivered more than five million packages, preventing the city from producing roughly 650,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, according to a press release.

Under the city’s proposed rule, the cargo bikes could measure up to 48 inches wide and have up to four wheels. The pedal technology is the same used on many of CitiBike’s most popular models and activates a small motor only when the rider is pedaling.

“Greater use of cargo bikes will bring incredible environmental and safety benefits for New York City by reducing the number of large, high-polluting trucks on our streets,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said.

“Just two cargo bikes can replace one box truck, increasing safety and reducing CO2 emission by 14 tons per year — equivalent to 30,872 passenger car miles traveled.”

In May, DOT unveiled its own cargo e-bike called “Cargi B.” The fully-electric, pedal-assisted cargo bike has a windshield and looks more like a small van with pedals than an electric bike.

A virtual public hearing on the new rule will be held on September 13 at 10 a.m. New Yorkers can submit feedback on the program here, or by emailing rules@dot.nyc.gov, mailing comments to DOT at 55 Water Street, or by faxing comments to 212-839-7777.

“Cargo-bikes are an increasingly important mode of freight and package delivery in New York City, helping to reduce the number of vehicles on the street as well as lower emissions on our roadways, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said.

“Wider cargo bikes will allow them to be more widely used as well as safer to operate, and I applaud DOT for starting this rule making process.”

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NYC pushing for bigger, wider electric cargo bikes

By Aaron Ginsburg

August 14, 2023

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Transportation on Flickr

1441 Third Avenue, Unit 15A

1441 Third Avenue, Unit 15A

UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$1,750,000

2 Bed  |  2.5 Bath | Condo

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Large and expansive 2 bedroom, 2 ½ bath condominium apartment in fabulous Upper East Side location. High floor, with westerly and easterly panoramic City and skyline views from the living area, dining area and bedrooms, plus north and south along Third Avenue. More than 1500 square feet of open space, with numerous roomy closets throughout the apartment. Potential to convert the dining area into a third bedroom which would leave a remaining generous living area of at least 350 square feet.

Gleaming morning sunshine in the bedrooms, and later afternoon in the living room and dining area through the atrium picture windows which also invite natural light to flow in throughout the day. Exceptionally wide windowsills the extensive length of the living and dining areas which are perfect for thriving plants as well as to showcase decorative art objects.

The kitchen provides ample cabinets and a direct pass-through to the dining area. Full-size appliances include dishwasher, refrigerator and stove which enables preferred gourmet cooking with natural gas.
The sizable master bedroom offers its own en suite dressing room and bathroom. The dressing room contains a wall of closets and additional vanity. The bathroom has two separate sections which also includes a bidet. The second full bathroom which houses a stall shower is adjacent to both bedrooms. All bathrooms are brightly lit with multiple LED bulbs.

There are three through the wall combination heating and air conditioning units in the living and dining areas, as well as units in each bedroom.

A clothes washer and dryer are contained in a separate hall closet.

A substantial storage bin exclusive to the apartment is located in the basement.

There is a current capital assessment of $874.21 with a limited time frame.

Le Trianon Condominium is a full-service, pet-friendly, postwar condominium with 24-hour doorman and live-in super. The gym area is presently undergoing major renovations which will expand the facilities and provide the latest equipment. The building also contains a children's playroom, a bike room, and a courtyard garden adjacent to the lobby.

Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, this home is steps away from wonderful shopping, restaurants and cafes. Near upper end clothing boutiques and food markets, including Eli’s Market, the 86th Street corridor, Whole Foods, Target and Fairway. Walk west merely a few blocks to Museum Mile along which you can admire world-class works of art, as well as Central Park's 842 acres of iconic scenery. Walk east merely a few blocks and you can enjoy the waterfront splendor of Carl Schurz Park and the East River promenade. Transportation is convenient and superb, with 4/5/6 and Q trains, excellent north, south and crosstown bus service, CitiBikes, and the nearby FDR.

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Repurposed Plastic Bottles Chandeliers Now Hang Above Park Avenue

A new installation along Park Avenue transforms trash into environmentally-mindful works of art. Artist Willie Cole designed four large-scale chandeliers made of 9,000 recycled plastic water bottles that can now be seen on the medians at 69th and 70th Streets. Titled “3000 Buddha Chandelier,” “Liberty Lantern,” “Soul Catcher,” and “Dirt Devil,” the sculptures aim to address the need for clean drinking water while recognizing the environmental damage caused by plastic bottles.

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Photo courtesy of Willie Cole

The art pieces were commissioned by the Fund for Park Avenue and the New York City Parks Department and created by Cole during his 2023 residency at Express Newark, a socially-conscious art and design center that is affiliated with Rutgers University.

As the New York Times reported, the chandeliers carry on Cole’s practice of repurposing ready-made objects as materials paired with his advocacy to address environmental issues.

In 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency declared Newark’s water supply unsafe to drink and required the city to replace roughly 23,000 lines of deteriorating lead pipes. Cole, who grew up in the city during the 1960s, was inspired to touch on the pressing issue through his art.

Using metal wire, Cole, Rutgers students, and members of the Newark community wove together thousands of recycled into elaborate shapes. The sculpture series aims to address the “world-wide issue of the single-use plastic bottle,” and highlight the need for fresh drinking water while “acknowledging the damage caused to the environment by its disposal,” according to a press release.

It’s not always easy to open up perception and see familiar objects in a fresh way. 9000 disposed water bottles created 4 beautiful chandeliers,” Cole says.

Photo courtesy of Zach Pontz

“The elegance of a Park Avenue address led me to choose chandeliers for my installation. The struggle between beauty and ugliness is embedded in my chandeliers: trash as treasure as teacher.”

Over the course of his career, Cole has used discarded items like shoes, steam irons, and musical instruments. One of his sculptures, Shine, is made from black high-heeled pumps and is currently on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Afrofuturist room. In May 2022, Cole debuted No Strings, a solo exhibition featuring sculptures made of guitars that were presented at the Alexander and Bonin art gallery.

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Chandeliers made of repurposed plastic bottles hang above Park Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

August 14, 2023

All photos courtesy of Zach Pontz and Willie Cole

17 East 131st Street, Unit 1B

17 East 131st Street, Unit 1B

Harlem, MANHATTAN

$350,000

2 Bed  |  1 Bath | HDFC Co-op

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Surround yourself with garden views and move-in ready interiors in this spacious, secluded rear-facing two-bedroom, one-bathroom HDFC co-op home in convenient Central Harlem. Income restrictions apply.

Inside this expansive home, you'll enjoy exceptional natural light thanks to large windows on all four exposures. Eight-and-a-half-foot tall ceilings rise over gleaming hardwood floors, amplifying the bright and airy ambiance. A gracious gallery entry with a coat closet ushers you to an oversized living/dining room with a ceiling fan and views over the rear garden and an adjacent private park that closes at dusk. The lovely open kitchen impresses with garden outlooks, abundant cabinetry, stone countertops, tile backsplashes and full-size appliances. Two king-size bedrooms each offer two roomy closets and easy access to a full bathroom with a large tub/shower, contemporary vanity and floor-to-ceiling tile. Currently configured as a two-bedroom, this home could easily accommodate the addition of a third bedroom or private home office.

17 East 131st Street is a pet-friendly HDFC co-op offering on-site laundry, a package room and Fios access.
Income restrictions are as follows:

Household income restrictions of 165% AMI apply:
1 Person = $163,185
2 People = $186,450
3 People = $209,715
4 People = $232,980
5 People = $251,625

From this tree-lined Central Harlem block, you're just blocks from outstanding outdoor space at Marcus Garvey Park, St. Nicholas Park and Harlem River Park, plus two playgrounds right across the street. The renowned Harlem dining and nightlife scene fills the nearby streets, and the great shops of 125th Street, including Whole Foods, are at your disposal. Head to the Eastside, Westside or Downtown with ease, thanks to 2/3, 4/5/6, A/C and B/D trains, Metro-North trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes all within nearby.

The Monthly Update - August 2023

The Value of a Great Banker/Lender

The majority of real estate deals across the country are financed. So, obviously, banks are extremely important to the success of most real estate transactions. As I see it, these financed deals include a buyer, a seller and a critical third party – your lender or bank. Unfortunately, many challenges can arise when bringing this trio together, especially if your banker is inexperienced or careless.

For example, a buyer could make an offer with an unvetted pre-approval letter. This will sabotage your deal when the underwriting department kills the transaction in the 11th hour when funding doesn’t come through. In a rush to satisfy a new client, bankers sometimes act short-sighted, even selfishly when doling out pre-approval letters that have not been carefully reviewed by underwriting. 

Other challenges can arise in new development condos as certain stipulations need to be met from the bank side in reference to the building itself. For example, most banks require a certain number of units to be in contract (under escrow) or sold and closed before they can lend in the building. If the banker does not do their necessary building due diligence even before the contract is signed, it could be fatal to your deal. 

Condo questionnaires can be another source of trouble in the lending process. In condo buildings, banks must have condo questionnaires filled out and submitted to underwriting. Occasionally, these questionnaires can have incorrect answers or information the bank isn’t willing to accept. Only good, invested bankers would review the questionnaire to ensure the data is accurate and the bank will lend in the building before submitting them to underwriting. I recently had a great banker from CitiBank suggest to the building involved that they should increase its insurance policy by $100,000 a year (which costs the building nothing) to garner better rates for prospective buyers looking to purchase there. Her out-of-the-box thinking and ability to identify this pitfall, not only to save the current deal but to better position the building long term, are just the qualities you need in your banker! There are so many booby traps, obstacles and challenges for this third party in your transaction to identify and overcome to save the deal. That’s why a strong banker is absolutely paramount to the process.

In New York City, there are a fair amount of cash transactions, and depending on the price point, cash deals range up to 40% of transactions. That’s great for those cash buyers because it eliminates the third party to the transaction and increases the probability of the deal closing. But the remaining buyers reliant on banks need a strong, smart and honest banker invested in completing the transaction. New York City agents tend to know two or three very good bankers. Most brokers (including yours truly) do many transactions, and we learn which bankers act faithfully to the buyer and the deal. We also become aware of those who aren’t as diligent and miss important deadlines or details. If your real estate broker suggests a banker, try them out. They’re doing so in your deal’s best interest in most cases. 

And for agents, getting buyers pre-approved with a banker you trust, whether you’re on the listing or purchase side, is the best thing you can do for your clients. Bankers who come from broker referrals want the referrals to keep coming, so in most cases, they’ll personally see that the transaction gets to the closing table. If a buyer insists on using a small, unknown mortgage lender who may not have any exposure to your market, sometimes insulating the deal by getting a backup lender involved is a great solution. Or, if you’re selling a property, write into the contract that if the buyer's current, unproven lender issues a denial letter, they are obligated to apply to the broker’s recommended, vetted, go-to banker. That’s a smart way to guard against rookie or selfish bankers blowing up your deal! 

Ensuring the deal is protected from the bank's perspective is a surefire way to ensure that your clients — sellers or buyers — can close the deal when a third party is involved in the transaction — the bank! 

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Local Happenings

AUGUST 2 - 16:

MOVIE NIGHTS IN PROSPECT PARK

It's that time of year again! Sprawl on Prospect Park's Long Meadow to experience four consecutive Wednesdays of movie nights presented by Paramount+ and Brooklyn Magazine, starting July 26th.

For more info, click HERE

AUGUST 12 - 18:

42ND ANNUAL BATTERY DANCE FESTIVAL

Make your way to Battery Park City's Rockefeller Park to experience six days of NYC's longest-running free public dance festival. Drawing a combined audience of over 47,000 viewers, Battery Dance is home to choreographed dance lineups from renowned artists.

For more info, click HERE.

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Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

The Best Paint Colors for Every Room

Paint colors matter. They convey a mood and a sense of style and can define a space.

Courtesy of US News

9 Contemporary Interior Design Tips You Haven't Heard Before

Current contemporary spaces have an easy, warm feel to them. Far from formulaic, they can be eclectic or even fun.

Courtesy of Forbes

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NYC Libraries Giving Out 15,000 Free Books This Weekend

New York City public libraries are giving away 15,000 books to families this weekend. The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library are gifting the books as part of the annual summer reading and learning programs, which motivate kids and teens to maintain their reading and critical thinking skills while on summer break. The free books will be available on a first-come first-served basis at select library branches on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29.

This will be the fifth summer that the New York Life Foundation has helped support the city’s library’s Summer Reading and Learning Programs. The Foundation estimates that summer break causes students to lose up to two months of instruction per year, leading them to fall behind in learning. Students from low-income families are usually affected disproportionately.

“At The New York Public Library, we are dedicated to ensuring every New Yorker has access to the transformative power of books. It is a unique privilege to support children and teens on their reading journey, providing them with wonderful stories that inspire and educate them,” Anthony W. Marx, President of NYPL, said.

“We are grateful to the New York Life Foundation for partnering with New York City’s libraries to give away thousands of books for young readers to take home, which will encourage them to read more and to visit their local library, where our dedicated staff can offer even more recommendations and new worlds to explore.”

Books will be offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese at select locations. The books will be available at the following library branches:

Brooklyn Public Library
Friday, July 28, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Kensington Library, 4207 18th Avenue

• Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Avenue

• Saratoga Library at Saratoga Park, 112 Howard Avenue

• Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue

Saturday, July 29, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• East Flatbush Library, 9612 Church Avenue

• McKinley Park Library, 6802 Fort Hamilton Library

New York Public Library
Friday and Saturday, July 28 and 29, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Manhattan

• 53rd Street Library, 18 Wwest 53rd Street

• Columbus Library, 742 10th Avenue

• Epiphany Library, 228 East 23rd Street

• Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, 455 5th Avenue

Staten Island

• Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, 2550 Victory Blvd

Bronx

• Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road

• Sedgwick Library, 1701 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

• Wakefield Library, 4100 Lowerre Place

Queens Public Library
Friday, July 28, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Arverne Library, 312 Beach 54th Street

• Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard

• Corona Library, 38-23 104 Street

• Flushing Library, 41-17 Main Street

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NYC libraries to give out 15,000 free books this weekend

POSTED TODAY, JULY 28, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG

Photo/Art: The book giveaway from 2022. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

MTA Announces 5 Fare-Free Bus Routes

New York City is testing out free fares on bus routes in every borough this fall. As part of a pilot program launching in late September, five bus lines will be free to riders for between six and 12 months, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the MTA announced Monday. The routes, which serve roughly 43,900 daily riders on an average weekday, were selected based on ridership, fare evasion, service quality, equity for low-income communities, and access to employment and commercial areas, according to the MTA.

The free routes include the Bx18 A/B in the Bronx, B60 in Brooklyn, M116 in Manhattan, Q4 LCL/LTD in Queens, and the S46/96 on Staten Island.

The free bus routes will be identifiable by easy-to-see “Fare-Free” decals with green and black destination signage, digital signage onboard the buses, decals on fareboxes, and OMNY readers. The pilot program will not include free transfers to other bus routes or subway lines.

“The MTA is the lifeblood of New York City, and I’m proud of the tremendous progress we’ve made in returning ridership to pre-pandemic levels,” Hochul said. “By establishing these fare free bus pilot routes, we are expanding access to public transportation across the city and improving transit equity to better serve all New Yorkers.”

More information about the participating bus routes can be found here:

Bx18 A/B: Operating daily during daytime hours between Undercliff Avenue or Sedgwick Avenue and Grand Concourse/E 170 Street, the Bx18 A/B bus route travels along Macombs Road, Tremont Avenue, Undercliff Avenue/Sedgwick Avenue, 168 Street, and 170 Street. It serves Morris Heights, Highbridge, and Mount Eden neighborhoods and connects to the 4, B, and D trains and several other bus routes.

B60: Operates between Williams Avenue/Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie and Williamsburg Bridge Plaza. The route runs along Rockaway Avenue and Wilson Avenue and serves the Canarsie, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, Bushwick, and Williamsburg neighborhoods. It makes connections to the 3, C, L, G, J, M, and Z trains and several other bus routes.

M116: Operates daily during daytime hours between W 106 Street /Broadway and E 120 Street/Pleasant Avenue. The route runs along 116 Street, Manhattan Avenue, and W 106 Street and serves the Harlem, East Harlem, and Morningside Heights neighborhoods. The route makes connections to the 1, 2, 3, 6, B, and C trains and several bus routes.

Q4 LCL/LTD: Operates between the Jamaica Ctr-Parsons/Archer E, J, and Z subway station and Linden Boulevard/235 Street. Some buses operate as Limited-Stop during morning and afternoon rush hours on weekdays. The route runs on Linden Boulevard, Merrick Boulevard, and Archer Avenue and serves the Jamaica Center, South Jamaica, St. Albans, and Cambria Heights neighborhoods. It makes connections to the E, J, and Z trains, the St. Albans Long Island Rail Road station, and several bus routes.

S46/96: Operates between South Avenue, West Shore Plaza Shopping Center, and the St. George Ferry Terminal, the S46 local route operates at all times and the S96 Limited route operates on weekdays only in the peak period, peak direction. The route runs along Castleton Avenue, Victory Boulevard, Walker Street/Brabant Street, and South Avenue. It serves St. George, Tompkinsville, West New Brighton, Port Richmond, Elm Park, Arlington, Bloomfield, and Chelsea neighborhoods and makes connections to the Staten Island Railway and Staten Island Ferry.

After the pilot program, the MTA will evaluate the program’s impact on metrics like ridership, route speeds, costs, security, and service levels, reverting the participating routes back to paid service, according to amNY.

The state budget, which was approved last May, included $50 million for the program.

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MTA announces 5 fare-free bus routes

POSTED TODAY, JULY 18, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG

Image courtesy of Patrick J. Cashin / Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Flickr

622 West End Avenue, Unit 4E

622 West End Avenue, Unit 4E

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN

$600,000

1 Bed  |  1 Bath | Co-op

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Your delightful garden terrace oasis awaits in this beautiful one-bedroom, one-bathroom Upper West Side co-op featuring prewar details, private outdoor space and incredibly low maintenance just one block from Riverside Park.

Inside this sun-splashed charmer, you'll find all the historic details you'd expect from a classic turn-of-the-century brownstone. Sky-high ceilings soar over beautiful inlaid floors, a stately decorative fireplace and oversized windows framing treetop views. Enjoy an expansive living room with plenty of space for seating, dining and home office areas, or step out to the spacious terrace for al fresco dining alongside historic rooftops and garden views. The separate kitchen features generous cabinet space and full-sized appliances, including a dishwasher.

In the bedroom, a space-saving loft bed offers pass-through terrace views and under-bed storage (although a traditional bed would fit just fine). Two large closets provide excellent storage, and the full bathroom is finished with a roomy vanity and a large tub/shower. Through-the-wall air-conditioning provides year-round comfort in this wonderful Upper West Side sanctuary.

622 West End Avenue sits among a row of eight beautiful brownstones designed by revered architect George F. Pelham in 1896. Residents of this handsome boutique cooperative enjoy low maintenance, laundry, storage and a bike room. Pieds-à-terre, co-purchasing and subletting permitted.

From this desirable location within the Riverside-West End Historic District, you're just inches from Riverside Park's loveliest gardens, bike paths, monuments and the beloved Hippo Playground. Central Park is just four blocks west, and in between, you'll find phenomenal dining, nightlife and shopping. Access to transportation is effortless with 1/2/3, B and C trains, excellent bus service and CitiBikes nearby.
*Assessment of $162.04 till August

Strategies for Ensuring Your Renters Feel Heard, Respected, and Appreciated

As a landlord, it is important to maintain positive relationships with your tenants. Establishing a good rapport will not only lead to a more pleasant rental experience for both parties, but it can also improve tenant retention rates and reduce vacancy rates. Here, The Hoffman Team presents some effective strategies for ensuring your renters feel heard, respected, and appreciated.

Offer a Fair Rental Price

One of the most important factors that tenants consider when looking for a place to rent is price. While you want to make a profit, it is also crucial to offer fair and competitive pricing for the market. To determine the appropriate price point, research similar rentals in the area to gauge the going rate. But you’ll also need to make sure that the payments cover your mortgage. If you don’t already own a property, look at the average home prices in your area to create a budget that you can use to set your price. 

You can also consider offering incentives such as discounts or waived fees for on-time payments or extended leases. And make sure that you have made all of the necessary updates and improvements to make the property worth what you are asking. A more luxurious property can have a higher asking price, but if you are keeping old hardware and peeling paint, don’t expect top dollar. By being transparent and fair with your pricing, your tenants will feel valued and respected.

If you’re looking for a new property to convert into a rental, contact The Hoffman Team. They can help you to find the perfect property for your real estate needs. 

Maintain Open Communication

Communication is key in any relationship, including the one between landlord and tenant. Make sure to establish a clear and open line of communication from the start. Provide your tenants with multiple ways to reach you, such as email, phone, or text message.

When communicating with your tenants, be prompt, courteous, and professional. Respond to their questions and concerns in a timely manner, and keep them informed of any changes or updates regarding their rental. By maintaining open communication, your tenants will feel heard and appreciated.

If you have multiple tenants, consider checking in regularly with them using an anonymous survey. Then you can get a real sense whether or not they feel like they can talk to you and if you are caring for the property as you should. You can use software that automatically sends out the survey and incentivizes it with a survey study gift card. Rewarding responses can entice even the most reluctant tenants to contribute their two cents. And it doesn’t have to be a large amount. Just something that shows you appreciate their time.

Stay on Top of Maintenance 

As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that your property is well-maintained and safe for your tenants. Make sure to provide convenient and timely maintenance services to address any issues that may arise.

Set up an easy-to-use system for tenants to submit maintenance requests and respond to these requests promptly. Hire reliable and skilled contractors to perform repairs and upkeep, and conduct regular inspections to identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems. By providing quality maintenance services, your tenants will feel safe, comfortable, and appreciated.

Always Respect Their Privacy

Respecting your tenants' privacy is essential to maintaining a positive relationship. Make sure to give tenants appropriate notice before entering their rental unit, and only enter for necessary repairs or maintenance. Avoid showing up unannounced or entering the unit without permission. Additionally, make sure to keep any personal information that tenants share with you confidential. By respecting their privacy, your tenants will feel respected and valued.

Treat Each Tenant as an Individual

Every tenant is unique, and it is important to personalize your approach with each one. Take the time to get to know your tenants and their needs and preferences.

Consider their communication style, work schedules, and lifestyle when interacting with them. For example, if you have a tenant who works a night shift, make sure to schedule maintenance appointments during the day when they are not sleeping. By personalizing your approach, your tenants will feel heard, respected, and appreciated.

Host Regular Activities That Foster Community

Hosting regular community-building activities is a great way to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for your tenants. Consider organizing events such as barbecues, game nights, or movie screenings. These events provide an opportunity for tenants to meet and build relationships with one another. Not only do community-building activities improve tenant satisfaction, but they can also help reduce tenant turnover rates. By creating a sense of community, your tenants will feel valued and appreciated.

Be a Respectful Landlord

Effective communication, responsive maintenance services, personalized approaches, and community-building activities are all important strategies for ensuring your renters feel heard, respected, and appreciated. By establishing and maintaining positive relationships with your tenants, you can create a successful and profitable rental business while providing a positive rental experience for your tenants.

Written by Bella Wilkinson for The Hoffman Team at Compass

houserich.biz | Bella.Wilkinson@houserich.biz

Image via Pexels

245 West 74th Street, Unit 1A

245 West 74th Street, Unit 1A

upper west side, manhattan

$1,500,000

3 Bed  |  2 Bath | Co-op

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Discover beautiful designer style, expansive living space and townhouse-like privacy in this recently gut-renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom maisonette in a historic Upper West Side cooperative.

Arrive via your private entrance and enclosed, tiled vestibule to discover a pristine, bright and airy home where 10-foot-tall beamed ceilings with stunning designer lighting soar over French oak wide-plank hardwood floors and crisp white art walls. The spacious south-facing great room is perfect for relaxing and entertaining with generous seating and dining areas positioned alongside a beautiful open kitchen. Gray and white custom cabinetry is topped with thick Caesarstone slabs and beveled subway tile, while the massive center island is perfect for meal prep and casual dining. Chefs will love the fleet of stainless steel appliances, including a vented Wolf six-burner gas range, Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and a microwave drawer. An adjacent nook is perfect for a home office or café table.

Sleep soundly in the king-sized owner's suite featuring two custom walk-in closets and a breathtaking en suite marble bathroom featuring radiant heat floors, a custom double vanity and a frameless glass shower with dual showerheads. Two spacious secondary bedrooms with roomy closets flank a beautiful guest bathroom with a large tub/shower, handsome trough-style vanity and gorgeous tile work. Additional closet space and an LG in-unit washer-dryer complete this spectacular like-new home.

The Alfie Arms is an elegant brick, limestone and terra-cotta co-op built in the Neo-Classical style by Sugarman, Hess & Berger in 1923. Residents of the pet-friendly building enjoy live-in superintendent service, a handsome lobby, laundry room, storage bins, a free bike room and a lovely common courtyard.

From this ideal location at the intersection of Lincoln Square and the Upper West Side, you're surrounded by iconic outdoor space, including Riverside Park on the next block and Central Park just three blocks east. Enjoy morning coffee in lovely Verdi Square, enjoy lunch at popular Café Luxembourg and explore the gardens and exhibits of the American Museum of Natural History. World-class entertainment awaits at Lincoln Center and the Beacon Theater, while outstanding dining, nightlife and shopping venues line the nearby streets, including Citarella, Trader Joe's and the original Fairway Market. Transportation is effortless with 1/2/3, B and C trains, excellent bus service, CitiBikes and the Henry Hudson Parkway within easy reach.

‘Summer Streets’ Coming To All Five Boroughs This Year

The “Summer Streets” program will expand to all five boroughs for the first time ever. The annual event, which began in 2008, closes several miles of Manhattan streets to cars for outdoor recreation and activities. This year, the popular program will also come to Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island over five Saturdays between July and August, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday.

The five-borough Summer Streets program will offer nearly 20 miles of car-free streets, doubling the size of last year’s program, which saw roughly 500,000 participants. In 2022, the city expanded the initiative to East Harlem for the first time, stretching it to East 109th Street. This year, the program goes even further in Manhattan, expanding to West 125th Street.

“This is a bold new vision for public space in New York City — a bold new way of empowering residents, supporting local businesses, and creating open spaces,” Adams said. “Every single New Yorker deserves access to safe, free, open space, and this administration is making it happen.”

The 2023 Summer Streets will operate between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. The schedule is as follows: 

Saturday, July 29
Queens: On Vernon Boulevard from 44th Drive to 30th Drive, along the waterfront between Long Island City and Astoria.

Staten Island: On Richmond Terrace from York Avenue to Bard Avenue in New Brighton.

Saturday, August 5, 12, and 1
Manhattan: The traditional route will be extended this year, from Brooklyn Bridge into Harlem, along Lafayette Street and Park Avenue to 109th Street. Then the program will continue on Central Park North from Fifth Avenue to Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard from 110th Street to 125th Street.

Saturday, August 26
Brooklyn: On Eastern Parkway from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue, linking Prospect Heights and Brownsville.

The Bronx: On Grand Concourse from East Tremont Avenue to Mosholu Parkway.

Summer Streets sponsors this year include Vita Coco, Cabot Creamery, I LOVE NY, C4 Energy, Forager Project, Super Coffee, Boxed Water, and Core Power Yoga. More details about this year’s programming will be updated online periodically.

Now in its 15th year, Summer Streets aims to promote fitness, fun, and culture. The program was halted in 2020 because of the pandemic and returned in 2021 for just two days. Last year, the program brought back three Saturdays for the first time since before Covid

“Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers have already enjoyed Summer Streets in Manhattan, so there is clearly sufficient demand to expand the program to Queens and throughout the city,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said

“The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the importance of providing access to ample public space in all of our communities, and the expansion of Summer Streets will strongly further our goal of equitably creating more such access in Queens and across the city.”

As part of the city’s broader Open Streets program this year, almost 300 blocks will be closed to cars, with roughly 160 open streets, including new locations in neighborhoods like Bushwick and Brownsville, South Jamaica, and Soundview.

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‘Summer Streets’ coming to all five boroughs this year

POSTED ON MON, JUNE 12, 2023

BY DEVIN GANNON

Summer Streets 2022. Photo credit: New York City Department of Transportation on Flickr

New Sculptural Exhibit Coming to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is hosting a new sculptural exhibition in three of its most well-known garden spaces this summer. Created by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, “The Flowers of Hypnosis” consists of six separate flower-like sculptures inspired by Othoniel’s passion and observations of nature and work on a landscape scale. The sculpture series, Othoniel’s largest exhibition in the United States since 2012, will be on view at the BBG from July 18 through October 22, 2023.

Jean-Michel Othoniel, Gold Lotus for The Flowers of Hypnosis at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Photo by Claire Dorn, Perrotin. © Jean-Michel Othoniel / ADAGP, Paris & ARS, New York 2023.

Jean-Michel Othoniel, Mirror Lotus for The Flowers of Hypnosis at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2023. Photo by Claire Dorn, Perrotin. © Jean-Michel Othoniel / ADAGP, Paris & ARS, New York 2023.

Located in BBG’s Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the exhibition’s “Gold Lotus” series is meant to “link the spiritual to the sensory,” according to a press release. “Gold Lotus” includes three separate lotus flowers made of gold leaf and stainless steel that lie throughout BBG’s serene Japanese garden. The lotus flower is known to represent spirituality, rebirth, enlightenment, and all things sacred.

Situated throughout BBG’s Fragrance Garden, a space meant to stimulate both the senses of smell and touch, is Othoniel’s “Gold Rose.” In the sculpture, the rose takes on the form of a kinetic structure made up of a “great corolla” of golden pearls set on top of a black steel rod. The perfect shape of the rose has been a motif present throughout Othoniel’s body of work, including in some of his paintings presented in the Louvre in 2019.

Jean-Michel Othoniel, view of the exhibition Narcissus Theorem at Petit Palais-Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris (France), 2021. Photo by Othoniel Studio. © Jean-Michel Othoniel / ADAGP, Paris & ARS, New York 2023.

“Mirror Lotus,” two gigantic mirror bead sculptures, are located in BBG’s Lily Pool Terrace and sit on the surface of the lily pools, responding to each other and immersing the viewer in their reflections.

“Gardens leave a great deal of space for the irrational, the inexplicable, the extravagant; they are places of mystery, magic, and secrecy. The large sculptures in gold and mirrors installed on the water are there to hypnotize us, to make us forget the world’s harshness, and to lift us out of the disillusionment of modernity and boredom,” Othoniel said.

“The garden of golden flowers is in between dream and reality, offering up, while you stroll through, a moment of reenchantment. The Flowers of Hypnosis carry within them the spell of the imaginary.”

“Jean-Michel has a passion for gardens, flowers, and the natural world that reveals itself in his works for The Flowers of Hypnosis, which respond to and enhance their garden settings,” Adrian Benepe, president of the garden, said.

“This exhibition offers unexpected sights and encounters around BBG, making a visit to the Garden even more enchanting. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is honored to share its world-renowned landscapes and gardens with an artist of international standing who shares our love for plants and gardens.”

Entrance to Othoniel’s “Flowers of Hypnosis” is free with Garden admission.

BBG is also currently hosting “Power of Trees,” an exhibition and program series that helps visitors better understand the importance of trees through science and art exhibitions, tours, family programs, and special events. “Power of Trees” also includes “Branching Out,” six site-specific works created by local BIPOC artists. The exhibition is on view until October 22, 2023.

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Hypnotizing flower-themed sculptural exhibit coming to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

POSTED ON WED, JUNE 28, 2023

BY AARON GINSBURG

The Monthly Update - July 2023

 When Opportunity Knocks

Now that the spring market is behind us – let’s review! 

In many ways, activity in Spring 2023 mirrored Spring 2019 numbers. We regularly saw 1,000 or more units going into contract each month, which is consistent with pre-COVID activity. However, this spring did have some head-scratching ups and downs. For example, one week would be extremely busy with tons of showings and offers. Then the next week would be completely dead. The spiky spring was evident with sellers and their new listings as well. One week would be consistent with historical norms of 500-600 apartments coming on the market in a single week, but seller listings would suddenly drop to 300 per week for no apparent reason.

This erratic behavior was seen in property values too. On the whole, property sale values skewed lower, giving buyers an advantage in negotiations. However, value also depended on when that seller released their property. Was it in a high week or a low week? Of course, results were swayed by the condition of the apartments. Fully renovated listings priced “right” according to buyers would often sell within 30 days and fetch the seller’s asking price or a little above. However, most sellers were finding out what that “right” price was while their property was on the market. That meant more days on the market and about a 10% discount from the original asking price.

So what does the summer hold? I think it holds opportunity! 

There are approximately 7,500 listings on the market as I’m writing this, and that number is starting to decline, which is normal for any summer. But sellers who are out on the market this summer are serious about moving their property. They could be the ones that “need to get out.” When I’m representing buyers right now (depending on the property), we’re getting some pretty nice opportunities. 

So, is this a good time to purchase? That all depends on you and your personal needs, but overall, yes! Sellers are ready to do deals. If they’re out there this summer, in this buyer’s market, they’re serious. They understand what’s happening and are choosing to stay on the market to cut a deal this summer.

If interest rates are holding you back, maybe it’s time to look beyond a typical 30-year fixed rate. A 15-year or even a 10-year interest-only product (if the co-op allows) will get you a lower rate for now, and you can always refinance your loan later when rates go down. Taking advantage of these much more fluid prices now, while opportunity is knocking, is the best way for you to stop wasting money on rent! Buyers who buy now will be very happy sellers in 5-7 years. 

If you’re looking to buy a Manhattan home, this summer could be very opportunistic! So between trips to the beach and Europe, take time to get pre-approved and buy your dream home!

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Local Happenings

4th of July Weekend

at Time Out Market

JUNE 30 - JULY 4

Celebrate America’s 247th birthday with Time Out Market New York, which will be providing live music, specialty cocktails, bottomless brunch and more all weekend long. The festivities begin on Friday, June 30th and continue through the 4th of July.

More Event Details

The Wedding: New York's Biggest Day

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Celebrate love at Lincoln Center with the 16-acre campus completely dedicated to a mass wedding celebration. For those getting married for the first time, renewing vows, or simply celebrating their love for the city—this wedding is for you! The celebration will bring people together for an inclusive multicultural ceremony with various faith leaders and live performances, followed by an iconic party.

Learn More

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Lifestyle Tips & News

The Hoffman Team Was Ranked the #15 Real Estate Team in New York!

Thank you to our valued clients for propelling us to this milestone. Your trust in our service encourages us to continually create an exceptional home buying and selling experience.

Four Location Factors to Consider For Real Estate Investments

When it comes to real estate investing, statistics can serve as a starting point - yet there's much more legwork to carry out when choosing the best spot.

Courtesy of Forbes

Wanted: More Housing!

Here are the 10 cities with the most - and the fewest - homes for sale right now.

Courtesy of Realtor.com

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Featured Listings

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179 Crown Street

179 Crown Street

crown heights, Brooklyn

$2,395,000

4 Bed  |  3 Bath | Townhouse

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Introducing 179 Crown Street, a historic four-bedroom, three-bathroom home meticulously reimagined for an elevated modern lifestyle with exceptional design and convenience, including a large backyard and private two-car parking. This Crown Heights showplace is perfect for lively entertaining and busy daily life just minutes from Prospect Park thanks to a spacious indoor-outdoor layout, gourmet kitchen, serene primary suite, and an English basement level with a rec room and home office.

Inside the 2,400-square-foot residence, ceilings trimmed with crown molding and designer lighting soar over refinished hardwood floors and new Andersen windows with custom remote-controlled shades. A gracious foyer invites you into a breathtaking living room wrapped in custom built-ins, extra-tall windows and an exquisite fireplace. Ahead, the formal dining room welcomes your next dinner party with coffered ceilings, a dramatic branched chandelier and a window seat. The newly opened and expanded kitchen wows with custom cabinetry and expansive counter space topped with chic black granite. Cooking and cleaning are a joy with a fleet of state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances, including a vented Bertazzoni five-burner gas range, Liebherr refrigerator, Fischer & Paykel dishwasher drawers, and a Bertazzoni microwave drawer.

Private quarters are tucked upstairs for optimal peace and privacy. Discover a tranquil owner's suite with an enviable walk-in closet/dressing room and a new en suite bathroom featuring a frameless glass shower, Duravit commode, Hansgrohe fixtures and marble tile. Two spacious and bright secondary bedrooms share a magazine-worthy hall bathroom where floor-to-ceiling marble penny tile and stylish brass hardware surround a shower, Duravit commode and a floating double vanity featuring Delta fixtures. Stretch out and relax in the English basement, where the rec room is perfect as a playroom, media lounge or family room. Here, the large home office is the ideal work-from-home destination, while a bonus room would be perfect as a homework or music room. A full bathroom with a soaking tub, a laundry room with an LG washer-dryer, and multiple closets add excellent convenience.

Lovely outdoor spaces front and back make al fresco entertaining and lounging irresistible. Off the kitchen, a large Ipe wood deck with steel railings overlooks paver and gravel seating areas flanked by planters. Ahead, your wide driveway with remote entry provides parking for two vehicles. In front, relax under a remote-controlled retractable awning while taking in the mesmerizing streetscape. A handsome brick façade and restored terraced gardens add dazzling curb appeal. Extensive upgrades, including electronic key entry, Wi-Fi lighting, three-zone HVAC, a tankless water heater and new roof coating, complete this truly special Crown Heights haven.

Built around 1915, 179 Crown Street sits among a development of houses touted for their revolutionary conveniences for the period, including convenient attached garages, "easy housekeeping" layouts and fine architectural details. Today, residents enjoy a delightful way of life that seems unlike any other in the city. Annual Block Association dues of $75 cover maintenance of the rear alley driveway gates.

Located on a gorgeous tree-lined street in vibrant Crown Heights, this home is just two blocks from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Library and Museum, plus Prospect Park's spectacular recreation, events and greenmarkets. Outstanding shopping, dining and nightlife are within easy reach, and transportation is a breeze with 2/3, 4/5 and Brooklyn Shuttle subway lines, excellent bus service and CitiBikes all nearby.

20+ Ways To Celebrate Pride Month In NYC

Featured events from NYC Pride

Image courtesy of the National Parks Conservation Association on Flickr

2023 Pride March
Sunday, June 25th, 12 p.m.
The NYC Pride March will begin at noon on June 25th from 25th Street and 5th Avenue. The grand marshals of this year’s celebration are Billy Porter, Yasmin Benoit, AC Dumlao, Hope Giselle, and Randolfe “Randy” Wicker. After crossing over 6th Avenue, the Pride March will continue on Christopher Street passing the Stonewall National Monument, then turn north on 7th Avenue, passing the New York City AIDS Memorial, before dispersing in Chelsea at 16th Street and 7th Avenue. The march is free to attend, but you can get VIP grandstand seating tickets here.

The official theme of this year’s Pride celebration is “Strength in Solidarity,” as NYC Pride highlights the power and resiliency of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies against a backdrop of increased challenges in the form of legislation and physical violence directed at trans and BIPOC individuals. Over 75 percent of groups participating in the massive march are non-profit organizations.

The NYC Pride March broadcast special, co-hosted by Angelica Ross, will return for its seventh consecutive year, featuring live performances and on-air interviews on ABC-7 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 as well as on ABC7NY.com, ABC News Live, and ABC7 New York’s Connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

Youth Pride
Saturday, June 24 at 12 p.m., location TBA
NYC Pride is proud to host this celebration of and for LGBTQIA+ and ally teens. Dance the day away with DJs, musical performances, and special guests. The free event will also feature games, beverages, snacks, and more.

Bliss Days
Sunday, June 25, 2 p.m. at The DL Rooftop & Lounge
Formerly known as Femme Fatale, NYC Pride’s Annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ Womxn features a full slate of DJs, dancers, performances, and special guests. Tickets start at $31 with proceeds benefiting NYC Pride and its annual free events.

PrideFest
Sunday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Greenwich Village
What’s a celebration without a street fair? In its 29th year, PrideFest brings exhibitors, entertainers, eats, activities, community leaders, and local business owners, to the streets and sidewalks of Greenwich Village, with talent from around the world performing at StageFest as a highlight.

Pride Island
Sunday, June 25, 2 p.m., Brooklyn Army Terminal
This year’s headliner is Christina Aguilera; in addition to a performance by the seven-time Grammy winner, this Pride Week wrap-up event promises dancing, lights, and music from DJs long into the night along with food and more at Brooklyn Army Terminal. Tickets start at $139.

Queer Liberation March
Sunday, June 25th, 2 p.m., Foley Square 
Reclaim Pride was formed to honor the spirit of the Stonewall rebellion “after years of seeing the annual NYC Pride March transformed into a 7, then 9, then 12-hour circus,” complete with police and barricades. The fifth annual Queer Liberation March will gather for a rally and march at Foley Square on Pride Sunday, June 25 at 2 p.m. This year’s theme is “Trans & Queer; Forever Here!”

Image courtesy of the New York Yankees

New York Yankees celebrate Pride
Wednesday, June 21, 7:05 p.m.
During select games in June, the Yankees will celebrate New York’s “Legacy of Pride,” with a portion of ticket sales benefiting The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Each ticket includes a New York Yankees hat with the Progress Pride Flag colors, a regular-sized hot dog, and your first drink. The Yankees welcome the LGBTQIA+ community, their allies, friends, and families in support of Pride Month at the team’s Pride Night on June 21. A portion of tickets will benefit Heritage of Pride. An on-field ceremony prior to the Yankees-Mariners game will highlight the Yankees-Stonewall Scholarship Initiative.

Gowanus Dredgers Pride Paddle,
Saturday, June 29th, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., 19th Street Bunker launch site
The famous Dredgers are planning a special voyage through Gowanus Bay and lower Canal for their fifth annual Pride Paddle. Bring your rainbow flags and colorful apparel to the 19th Street Bunker launch site (end of 19th Street off 3rd Avenue) at Gowanus Bay. Register for a reserved seat. Solo paddlers are welcome; they’ll be paired with other group members based on experience and comfort in a canoe.

NYC Dyke March
Saturday, June 24 at 5 p.m., starting at Bryant Park
Rather than a parade, this annual march considers itself a protest, free of permits or sponsors. In protest of discrimination, harassment, and violence, anyone who identifies as a dyke is welcome to march regardless of gender expression or identity, sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, race, age, political affiliation, religious identity, ability, class, or immigration status. After the march, there will be a protest in Washington Square Park.

Whitman in Love – Live Oak, with Moss and Other Poems
June 21-24, 7-8 p.m., Merchant’s House Museum
Celebrate Pride Month with the timeless poetry of Walt Whitman, presented by John Kevin Jones. Four performances only, in the Merchant’s House Museum’s 19th century “secret” garden. In Whitman in Love, Jones brings these poems to life as a tribute to Whitman’s courage, honoring his place in the history of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Parties and concerts
TEAZE
June 24, 2-10 p.m. at Club Lambda BK
This NYC Pride official 21+ queer party experience invites you to dance the day away with music from DJs and performers at one of the most inclusive party venues in Brooklyn, offering not one, but four, party experiences in a spot that provides BIPOC individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community a safe space all year ’round. Tickets start at $27; proceeds benefit NYC Pride and its annual free events.

Fever After Hours
Monday, June 26th, 4 a.m. at Polygon BK
Keep the party going with an LGBTQ+ after-hours event with an undersea theme, if you’re down to swim and dance with sexy sirens and mysterious deep sea creatures and DJs Las Bibas From Vizcaya, Alexis Tucci, Kurtis Jose, Danny Kim & Figge. The party happens Monday morning after events at the Brooklyn Mirage and Knockdown Center at New York’s only after-hours complex, Polygon.

Garden Party
Tuesday, June 20th, 6-9 p.m. at Pier 76
This year’s swank and sparkly Garden Party celebrates The Center’s 40th anniversary year of service, with an evening of extraordinary performances, music, special guests, and more. VIP and general admission tickets are available here.

Dreamland Pride in Central Park
Sunday, June 25, 3 p.m., Summerstage, Central Park at Fifth Avenue
This huge Pride outdoor music festival held at the iconic SummerStage is sure to be a hit, with special guests Paris Hilton, and Dan Slater.

Pride Weekend at Nowadays
Friday, June 23, 3 p.m. – 6 a.m., Nowadays, Bushwick
Bushwick venue Nowadays presents a veritable pride-a-thon to kick off the weekend: Queer|Art and Body Hack helm an extravaganza of indoor and outdoor festivities including a daytime queer vendor fair from 3 to 8 p.m. and an evening happy hour and dance party until 6 in the morning. The event will raise funding for three BIPOC trans-led organizations fighting to protect trans people in the states most impacted by anti-trans violence and new legislation.

Hot Rabbit Presents TRIPLE CROWN Daytime Rooftop PRIDE Party
Sunday, June 25, 3 p.m., Elsewhere
If you’re looking for a rooftop rager, look no further than Bushwick’s Elsewhere. The ticketed 21+ rooftop event is one of a month’s worth of Pride events at the cavernous Brooklyn club.

Kids pride party at Brooklyn Bowl
Sunday, June 25 at 12:30 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl
You don’t have to leave the kids at home for this family-friendly Pride celebration. The Rock and Roll Playhouse plays the music of Queen for this all-ages party at the popular BK venue.

LadyLand Festival
June 23, 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. under the Kosciuszko Bridge (The Arm at Van Dam Street and Meeker Avenue) in Greenpoint, Brooklyn
This outdoor queer music festival-slash-Pride party happens in a unique public space beneath the Kosciuszko Bridge, with a lineup that includes famous performers like Peaches, Honey Dijon and Big Freedia, plus many, many more lesser-known luminaries.

Alegria Pride 2023 
Sunday, June 25, 5 p.m. at Brooklyn Mirage, 40 Stewart Avenue
This day and night Avant Gardner event from Cirque du Soleil touring production Alegria happens at The Brooklyn Mirage, a massive indoor 15,000-square-foot space with a 5,000-square-foot dance floor. The theme is Alegria in Wonderland: expect to be amazed.

Pride in Times Square
Friday, June 23 – Saturday, June 24, 7th Ave, 45th-48th Sts.
Times Square is celebrating Pride weekend with a full dance card, featuring celebrities of stage and screen, Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, Pride Piano sessions, live DJ sets, the return of last year’s Big Broadway Disco, and more.

Pride at the Seaport
From a Dream Drag Queen Brunch every Sunday in June to a Solid Pink Disco on the rooftop and Seaport Kids X Pride, the Seaport is coming up rainbows. Additional highlights include the Rainbows on the Hudson Pride Parade to cap off the Pride Month festivities by getting out on the water with the Seaport Museum, and the Hester Street Fair’s fourth annual Pride Market with over 50 LGBTQIA+ businesses, artists, cooks, DJs, and performers participating.

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30+ ways to celebrate Pride Month in NYC

POSTED ON WED, JUNE 7, 2023

BY MICHELLE COHEN

Image courtesy of the:

National Parks Conservation Association on Flickr

New York Yankees

Anthony Quintano on Flickr CC

Met Museum Will Open A Science and Art Play Space For Young Visitors

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced it will open the 81st Street Studio, a free science and art play space for the museum’s youngest visitors, on September 9. The newly-designed space will occupy a 3,500-square-foot area in the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education at the Upper East Side museum; children aged 3 to 11 can enjoy interactive play to create new experiences and inspire exploration of the museum’s vast collection.

Designed by KOKO Architecture + Design, the 81st Street Studio is, according to the museum, an “interdisciplinary, multisensory drop-in discovery and play space that supports science learning in everyday life through art and materiality.”

Kids and their caregivers will be able to use digital and analog experiences that encourage making, investigation, critical thinking, and appreciation for the diverse attributes of various materials. Bluecadet, an experience design firm, served as a strategic digital design partner.

Drop-in, self-directed art and science will be offered during museum hours. A non-circulating children’s library will feature books on related subjects, and scheduled storytelling sessions will be led by Met staff.

Rendering of 81st Street Studio, designed by KOKO Architecture + Design. Image courtesy of Brick Visual

The studio will use seven interactive stations and the children’s library to feature a rotating selection of materials. The inaugural activities will be inspired by wood, for example, allowing kids to explore a variety of wood types and finishes and participate in woodblock carving and drum making, as well as digital tools to learn more.

Another highlight is a music station, designed by music and audio brand Yamaha, that will show young visitors how materials influence sound through a variety of instruments. Kids can also pick up a Met Field Guide which guides young explorers through the scientific aspects of The Met collection and Central Park while collecting stickers and badges.

81st Street Studio was conceived by Heidi Holder, The Met’s Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chair of Education, in consultation with other museum departments.

“With its focus on interdisciplinary learning through the five senses, the 81st Street Studio is a further catalyst for how The Met engages with all visitors,” Holder said in a statement, “It positions the Museum as a place where visitors can make delightful discoveries, take risks, and ask questions, activities that are imperative to reimaging the future role of museums in our communities.”

The 81st Street Studio will open on September 9th with a children’s festival. This full-day event will offer science- and art-based activities, play, games, music, and more in addition to introducing the creative new space.

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Met Museum will open a 3,500-square-foot science and art play space for young visitors

POSTED ON TUE, JUNE 13, 2023

BY MICHELLE COHEN

Rendering of 81st Street Studio, designed by KOKO Architecture + Design. Image courtesy of Brick Visual

175 West 12th Street, Unit 11C

175 West 12th Street, Unit 11C

WEST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN

$899,000

Alcove Studio  |  1 Bath | Condo

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Enjoy sun-splashed, high-floor living in the coveted West Village in this spectacular alcove studio featuring an expansive layout and excellent storage space in a full-service postwar condominium.

The moment you arrive in this nearly 500-square-foot studio, you'll be swept away by glorious natural light and wide-open views framed by a wall of south-facing windows. Positioned on the 11th floor in one of only two high-rise condominiums in this section of the Greenwich Village Historic District, the home enjoys exceptional, completely protected vistas over mid-rise buildings and leafy local parks. At 20 feet long, the main living space offers a generous footprint for seating, dining and home office areas surrounded by hardwood floors, soaring ceilings and custom under-window cabinetry. In the nicely arranged kitchen, you'll find ample counter and cabinet space surrounding a gas range, refrigerator and dishwasher. A separate 11-foot-wide sleeping alcove opens to a dressing area with two roomy closets. Ahead, the full bathroom is finished with a large tub/shower and pedestal sink. A large walk-in closet near the entry ensures storage will never be a concern in this wonderful West Village haven.

Built in 1960 and converted to condominium use in 1988, 175 West 12th Street is a well-maintained, pet-friendly enclave where residents enjoy 24-hour doorman service, a live-in superintendent, maintenance staff, laundry and an on-site parking garage.

Positioned near the border of the West Village and Greenwich Village, this home delivers a quintessential Downtown lifestyle with easy access to Chelsea, Hudson Square, Union Square and the Flatiron District. Take in world-class art at the Whitney and the galleries of West Chelsea, and enjoy a near-endless roster of local nightlife and dining options. Waterfront recreation and outdoor space await at the High Line, Hudson River Park and Chelsea Piers. Transportation couldn't be easier with F/M, L, 1/2/3, A/C/E, 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W and PATH trains, excellent bus service and CitiBike stations all nearby.

30 East 37th Street, Unit 6G

30 East 37th Street, Unit 6G

Murray hill, MANHATTAN

$619,000

Studio  |  1 Bath | Condo

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This delightful studio apartment is situated within a charming condominium building just a stone's throw away from the historic Morgan Library. Nestled at 30 East 37th Street, this home is in the heart of the city, providing convenient access to nearby shops, restaurants, and transportation. Its proximity to Grand Central Station makes it even more desirable.

Upon entering this apartment to discover beamed ceilings exude a sense of character, while the updated kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances (including a dishwasher) and granite countertops, is a true gem. The beautiful marble bathroom, along with a separate dressing area, adds a touch of elegance. Perfectly maintained parquet hardwood floors and three spacious closets contribute to comfortable living. Additionally, the apartment offers a picturesque treetop view overlooking 37th Street, creating a serene atmosphere.

Constructed in the 1950s by Emory Roth & Sons, the building ensures a pleasant living experience with its 24-hour doorman, live-in superintendent, and common laundry room. This apartment truly embodies the essence of a perfect Murray Hill home.
*There is an assessment of $170.63/mo