This is the story of Margot Gayle.

Who Was Margot Gayle

Born in 1908 in Kansas City, MO, Margot spent much of her childhood moving around due to her father’s job as an executive in the auto industry. Gayle didn’t grow up wanting to be a historical preservationist; she actually received a Masters in bacteriology from Emory University, but the Great Depression made it difficult to find a job. So she turned to politics and became an activist through her work. One of her early accomplishments was fighting to get the Georgia poll tax repealed. She was so passionate about the cause that many dubbed her “Poll Tax Margot.” 

Gayle moved to New York with her husband (divorced in 1957) and two daughters, where they lived in Greenwich Village. In New York, she continued to be involved in political activism, even running for City Council in 1957. It was through her work in politics, however, that she found her true calling: historical preservation. 

Jefferson Market Courthouse  

Located at 425 Avenue of the Americas, the Jefferson Market Courthouse – an iconic Victorian Gothic structure built in the late 1800s – was around the corner from Margot Gayle’s Greenwich Village apartment and from the notorious New York Women’s House of Detention. One of the most defining characteristics of the red brick structure was its spire-like clock tower. It was used as a courthouse until 1945, after which it sat vacant, the future of the historic building uncertain. In the late 1950s, rumors that the courthouse was for sale and in danger of being torn down prompted Margot Gayle to take action. 

With the help of friends and colleagues, Gayle formed the Village Neighborhood Committee. One of the organization’s first orders of business was to get the long-frozen clock ticking again, with the hope that it would raise awareness. It did just that. Next, the committee set out to ensure that the building itself could be preseved. A successful campaign to have the former courthouse converted into a public library sealed the deal. In 1961, the New York Public Library agreed to take over the structure, and in 1977 it was declared a National Historic Landmark. 

Reflecting on her work saving the Jefferson Market Courthouse, Gayle said in an interview with the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, “It was ‘act soon or lose it.’ There was no precedent for what we were doing, and there was very little community feeling about saving old buildings, so we couldn’t really use that. We just used every tool at hand and worked fast to keep the building from being auctioned off, really. I really am amazed to think how close that building came to being gone.”

The Jefferson Market Library is in full operation today. 

Formation of the Victorian Society 

The Jefferson Market Courthouse may have been Margot Gayle’s first big win, but it was hardly her last. In the 1950s and 60s in New York, the demolition of historic masterpieces to make way for modernization was plaguing the city. It was activists who saved some of NYC’s most iconic NYC fixtures – notably, Jane Jacobs’ successful 1958 battle to stop Robert Moses from building a highway through Washington Square Park. 

Unfortunately, not all could be saved. In 1963, the original Pennsylvania Station was demolished to make way for Madison Square Garden. Renowned for its beauty, the original structure was considered “the architectural embodiment of New York’s vaulted ambition and open arms.” Its demolition was devastating to residents.

Determined to ensure other historic cast-iron structures would not meet the same fate as Penn Station, in 1966, Gayle, in conjunction with historic preservationists Brendan Gill and Henry-Russell Hitchcock, founded the Victorian Society in America. Still in existence today, the Victorian Society is committed to “historic preservation, protection, understanding, education, and enjoyment of our nineteenth-century heritage.” The organization fulfills its promise through architectural tours, publications, and summer schools dedicated to educating interested parties on architecture, art, and preservation.   

Friends of Cast Iron Architecture 

The Victorian Society was not the only preservation organization that Margot Gayle helped create. In 1968, she attended a Victorian Society symposium during which she learned about the significance of cast iron buildings in New York and that they were largely unprotected. Inspired and enraged, Gayle made it her mission to fight for their survival. 

On March 18th, 1970, Gayle formed the Friends of Cast-Iron Architecture. The group’s goal was to “preserve structures such as cast-iron buildings, cemetery ironwork, and iron fountains – both nationally and internationally.” By raising awareness about the significance of cast-iron architecture in America, the organization has successfully prevented the majority of cast-iron structures from being demolished. It was through the Friends of Cast-Iron Architecture that Gayle was able to fight out one of her most consequential and important preservation battles.  

SoHo Cast-Iron District 

In the late 60s and early 70s, urban renewal in New York was the name of the game, and SoHo was under imminent threat. In 1969, the area faced the danger of demolition to make way for the LOMEX – Lower Manhattan Expressway – an elevated highway that would connect the Hudson to the East River. Thanks to outcry from residents, artists, and activists like Gayle, the project was halted permanently in 1969.  

Though the area was safe from an expressway, preservationists craved security to ensure the neighborhood would also be spared from modernization. Over the next few years, Gayle and the Friends of Cast-Iron Architecture worked tirelessly to get the area designated as the SoHo Cast-Iron District. Her partners in crime were the artists who called the area both home and work (the “SoHo model” has gone on to serve as an example for mixed-use artist spaces). Their joint efforts paid off in 1973, when SoHo received a Cast-Iron District designation from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, thereby protecting the historic architecture from demolition. 

Today, with rents higher than the buildings themselves (average rent for a one-bedroom is 4,650 according to RentHop), SoHo is hardly a haven for artists looking for a studio to work and live in. It has transformed into a glamorous shopping, eating, and working destination – likely in part, due to the district’s unique architecture. Much like the Jefferson Market Courthouse, by preserving the bones of the buildings, SoHo had the chance to change with the times while holding onto its history. And that is thanks to Margot Gayle.  

Ms. Gayle died in 2008, but her work will be remembered forever. On her passion for preservation, she once said: “If one person really puts his mind to something and can inspire a whole group around him, it’s amazing in this complicated world what can be achieved. How do you like that?” 

We like it very much, Margot. 

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Welcome To City Island

While visiting City Island, you might get asked by a curious resident, “Are you a Clamdigger or a Cusselsucker?” This nautical-themed neighborhood is famous for yachts and lobster, capturing the ambiance of a resort town with lasting success. But to island-born residents (called “Clamdiggers”) and non-native residents (Musselsuckers), it’s just home. Tucked into the northeastern corner of the Bronx and a bridge away from the worries of Manhattan, City Island welcomes tourists and residents alike with old-world style and small-town approachability. If you want a New England seaside experience without leaving New York City- this is the place for you. Come for a day trip, and don’t forget your appetite- City Island is famous for its seafood.

History

It’s easy to miss out on City Island. Heck, lots of New Yorkers barely even know it exists. Dangling off the backside of the Bronx and connected to Manhattan only by a bridge through Pelham Bay Park, it’s easy to feel like City Island is its own little world away from the rest.   

Few know that the island- a relatively small island of just 1.5 miles long- was at one point intended to be the commercial rival of Manhattan. Benjamin Palmer purchased the island in the 1700s but fell short of his dream of dominating the 13.4-mile-long, 2.3-mile-wide economy of Manhattan. While it did not become the powerhouse he envisioned, it did become a maritime cornerstone of New York.

Geographically located at the end of Long Island Sound, the island is south of Pelham Bay and east of Eastchester Bay. City Island is technically part of New York City and specifically the Bronx borough. It is also one of the Pelham Islands. These islands belonged to Thomas Pell in the 17th century and include The Blazes, Chimney Sweep Islands, Davids Island, Goose Island, and six others. Much of this land was later incorporated into New Rochelle.

City Island, the largest of the Pelham Islands, has 235 acres and is well situated for boating and maritime, given its easy ocean access. City Island has a quaint population of 4,387 people and 1,874 households, according to the most recent census. The median age of residents is 43 years old. According to population statistics, 84% of the City Island population is made up of white-collar workers, with 157 residents working as entrepreneurs and 420 at government institutions. Under 22% of households have children.

Of rich and dense history, the land of City Island changed hands a number of times over the years. These lands were the original home of the Siwanoy band of Lenape Indians. Their homes and lives would eventually be scattered by European settlers around 1614. First claimed by the Dutch, the Siwanoy people were forced off their lands.

In the mid-1600s, Englishman Thomas Pell purchased the land from the Siwanoy, refusing Dutch requests for departure. The Pell family stewarded the land until the mid-1700s when Benjamin Palmer purchased the island with the intention to revive it into a commercial rival of Manhattan. First called New City Island, the incoming population of shipbuilders and oyster fishermen began to refer to it as City Island. The island voted to become part of New York City in 1895, then was consolidated into the Bronx in 1898.

The shipyard dream of years before was eventually realized as City Island evolved into a shipbuilding outpost. During the World Wars, City Island contributed to United States war efforts through the construction of minesweepers, tugboats, and landing crafts. Following the war, the island continued to expand into a healthy yacht-building community. Over time, seven of the America’s Cup-winning yachts have come from City Island, making it a boat makers’ paradise.

The economy is composed of restaurants, yacht clubs, and marinas. You can find yacht clubs, sailing schools, marinas, sailmakers, lobster and fishing boats, and marine supply and repair shops all within walking distance on this modest but bustling island.

City Island remains a favorite day-tripping destination for visitors and a quiet and peaceful home for residents. There is little residential development on the island, and the population has been stable for a long time. A 43-unit condo complex built in 2015 was the first major residential building project since the year 2000.

City Island’s Maritime History 

Due to its location on Long Island Sound, City Island has always had a relationship with the sea. In the 1800s, oysters were an important food staple and protein source amongst locals. Around the 1850s, over 100 City Island families earned their living harvesting oysters in the bay. That would not last forever, and in 1862 the island’s first major boat builder appeared: David Carll Shipyard. Slowly but surely, the island turned from oysters to boat building, including rebuilding commercial, racing, and luxury yachts and boats. Of the 20 12-meter yachts built in the US between 1935 and 1980, 12 of those were constructed on City Island. 

“Virtually the yachting center of New York. No yachtsman in this vicinity will dispute the fact that the Sound has superior advantages over any other place in New York City for yachting,” said Rudder magazine in 1891, “Which alone proves that someday City Island will be the great building place of these waters. Already three or four more or less prominent builders have located here….” 

Wealthy New Yorkers began to keep their yachts moored on City Island. Hell Gate pilots from City Island would escort ships down the East River and back. City Island remained the convenient and obvious choice for boat servicing due to its location between north and south New York. 

While boats are no longer built on City Island, boating remains a cherished pastime. Numerous yacht and boating clubs dot the island: City Island Yacht Club, Morris Yacht and Beach Club, Harlem Yacht Club, Touring Kayak Club, North Minneford Yacht Club, and South Minneford Yacht Club. There are also sail lofts and boatyards. 

Manhattan’s Columbia University docks a fleet of dinghies at City Island Yacht Club. City Island is home to their sailing team, who travel from Manhattan four times a week to practice. Other local teams include Fordham University’s sailing team. 

Fishing excursions are available along Long Island Sound, and smaller boats can be rented for the day. A number of head boats will take passengers out fishing.

The America’s Cup and City Island’s Golden Touch

City Island’s true yachting fame lies within its role in the America’s Cups. The oldest recorded competition still being held in any sport, the America’s Cups are yacht sailing races held between the current trophy holders and any challenger. Prestige surrounding the America’s Cup has long attracted internationally famous sailors, yacht designers, and sponsors. Informally known as the Auld Mug, the America’s Cup is a trophy awarded in sailing. Teams often spend over $100 million per competition. Races generally occur every 3 to 4 years, the most recent being in March 2021. 

City Island contributed heavily to the winning side. In 1870, the first America’s Cup challenge took place in New York Harbor. The race was won by Magic, an American Yacht from Philadelphia. This marked the beginning of a 132-year winning streak; the United States won 23 more times until finally losing in 1983 to Australia. The majority of the ships participating over the years: Vigilant, Defender, Columbia, Shamrock I, Shamrock II, Defiance, Vanity, Shamrock III, and Shamrock IV were stored and serviced on City Island. All the Cup defenders until 1958 had City Island-local Ratsey & Lapthorn sails. This was a great source of pride and joy to the local community, who worked hard to support the racing teams. 

Where to shop

Businesses are staggered around the island’s City Island Avenue. Stores along the avenue include a gas station, pharmacy, supermarket, bank, and hardware store. Small shops include A Taste of Italy, Amadiz Cigars, and Dressed by Jess and Jill’s Cottage.

Tourists mainly venture to City Island for incomparable seafood. Famous for lobster, ocean bakes, and fried delicacies- there are countless delicious options to choose from amongst the seafood restaurants along the avenue or further south at Belden Point. 

The second most popular is shopping for antiques. There are a number of adorable antique shops along the drag while on the quest for turn-of-the-century antiquities and pre-colonial treasures. We listed a few local favorites here. And if that isn’t enough- jump to the end for a fun independent movie theater experience.

Early Ruth Antiques– Specializes in art and antiques. Open only on the weekends; call for an appointment.

Kaleidoscope Gallery Inc.- Open daily until 7pm this gallery specializes in jewelry, custom-designed jewelry, and repairs, as well as kids’ toys, art, and souvenirs. A great place to find a gift for someone.

Lollipop Antiques, Collectibles, and More- This business features antiques, collectibles, glassware, and jewelry. They claim ‘a bit of everything from the 1800s to the 1950s’.

239 Play!- A vintage toy shop and memorabilia store- find collectibles, rarities, and curios. Many dazzling old-school toys to play with.

Focal Point Gallery – Run by proprietor Ronald Terner, this art gallery and salesroom does much to support the local community and arts scene. Operating since the mid-1970s, the Focal Point gallery regularly puts calls out for local artists to submit work. The gallery work of all mediums.

Cinema on the Sound– Opened by a Bronx filmmaker, the 50-seat cinema brings moviegoers a unique opportunity to get close to the film. Owner Jerry Landi organizes to bring filmmakers, as often as possible, to watch and speak with the audience afterward. This theater space can also be rented.

Museums

Currently closed until May 2023, The City Island Nautical Museum is located in the corner of old schoolhouse PS 17 and is rumored to be built on an Indian burial ground. They have an interesting collection of artifacts, photos, and information on famous residents. Photographs and records detail how the island’s workers and industry supported the US efforts during WWII. The museum also contains exhibits such as the History of Oystering in New York and the Boat Building History of City Island. The museum is run by volunteers and asks for a $5 donation upon entry.

The City Island Pelham Masonic Historical Society is a local organization working to study and preserve island history. The Historical Society researches notable Bronx County families and businesses, presenting public exhibits on their findings. For information on genealogy research or public historical records, contact the center.

Where To Eat

It is truly all about seafood here. A popular specialty on the island, there are 30 different eateries to choose from. Some restaurants operate seasonally, but most are open year-round. A number of coffee shops include Clipper Coffee, Hip Hop Café, and Dunkin Donuts if you need to get a buzz!

City Island Diner: A longstanding favorite by tourists and locals alike, City Island Diner has all the greasy spoon options your heart desires. The breakfast menu includes omelets and pancakes, along with lunch favorites, burgers, paninis, and sandwiches. This old-fashioned diner features countertop seating and a seasonally rotating menu with specials. Take out and delivery upon request.

Johnny’s Reef: Slinging clams and slaw for over 60 years, this restaurant is a part of local culture. At the very end of the drag, get a good look at City Island while in line for some grub. With fun sides like fried frog legs or fried chicken livers, don’t forget to try the house favorite piña colada. On busy nights Johnny’s will have a separate line just for cocktails. Includes indoor and outdoor seating.

The Black Whale: What this restaurant lacks in water view, it makes up with history. Coming into its second lifetime now- The Black Whale first appeared in the 1960s as an antique shop that served coffee. This led to desserts, poetry readings, plays, and even a speech from a member of the Communist Party. Owner exhausted, the building eventually closed in 1998. Luckily a new owner came along to revitalize the community centerpiece. The Sunday brunch is a favorite amongst locals. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating, weather permitting. The regular menu includes seafood, pastas, sandwiches, steaks, and salads.

Sammy’s Shrimp Box: One family- two restaurants, for your choosing. On one side of the street is Sammy’s Fish Box, and across the street is Sammy’s Shrimp Box. For those of you who like sidewalk seating and reservations- this is your place. An old-school Italian seafood restaurant, you will leave with a load of leftovers. Specials include combos and shared platters.

Once seated, you are welcomed with a plate of antipasti, including cornbread and Italian bread. Sides include tostones, fries, or linguine. Open until midnight every night, Sammy’s offers dishes like Super Fried Seafood Combo Platter- with shrimp, fillet, scallops, and calamari, or the Clam Bake Special with corn on the cob. Also, a fine menu of steaks and pastas, including “Pot of Succulent Rope Mussels,” that sounds like poetry.

City Island Lobster House: Serving all varieties of lobster at far cheaper than standard New York prices, the Lobster House is where you’ll satisfy that lobster craving. Choose from lobster rolls, lobster bisque, lobster pasta, lobster paella, lobster tail surf and turf, and whole lobsters steamed or broiled. The list goes on, but luckily your hunger won’t.

Lickety Split: Eventually, you’ll get your fill of seafood. Lickety Split will be here when you do. The old-school dessert staple of City Island, some visit just for the fantastical cottage vibe. Like an ice cream parlor straight out of the 1950s, the handwritten menu features ice cream, soft serve, and gelato. Pull up a chair and enjoy a waffle cone, banana split, piece of pie, float, or shake! Seating includes an outdoor patio area to enjoy the sunset. With dozens of flavors of Breyers to choose from, take a break from seafood and enjoy something sweet. 

Where to live

If one is thinking of moving to City Island, there are so many gorgeous locations to live in with stunning views of the Sound and other scenic panoramas. Here are a few developments that are great places to get started in your search.

On The Sound

As recent as of 2016, On The Sound contains 43 units of waterfront development located on 5 acres of land. This private, gated community offers amenities like a clubhouse with a fitness center and lounge, playground, and a heated pool. Individual units built with luxurious detailing; maple wood cabinets, Caesarstone countertops, double sink master bathrooms, gas fireplaces, hardwood flooring, garage, and private laundry facilities. Some current availabilities include 28 Island Point, 46 Island Point, and 26 Island Point.

The Sailmaker at City Island Condos

The Sailmaker is a three-story, 34-unit “Boatel” converted from the former Ratsey & Lapthorn sailmaking loft. Converted in 1990, this building is prime waterfront property. Featuring post-war construction, the building includes a pool and an elevator. Individual units feature studio and one-bedrooms with fireplaces, large closets, and whirlpool baths. Originally pitched by developers as a “resort condominium” or “weekend retreat” the building kept original high ceilings, between 12 and 14 feet. Residents can purchase boat slips.

Parks and Outdoor Areas At City Island

There are a number of memorable parks to explore on City Island. Hawkins Park and City Island Park are the most popular.

Hawkins Park

Smack dab in the middle of City Island is Hawkins Park. The park is built in celebration of US Navy Seaman Second Class and City Island native Leonard Hilson Hawkins, who died in World War I. The park features a sizable granite monument honoring Hawkins and other City Island inhabitants who served in the war. Situated as a triangle-shaped plaza, this is a nice place to visit during your time on City Island.

City Island Park

City Island Park is on the waterfront between City Island Avenue and Bridge Street. There is a network of walking paths to enjoy. A favorite path leads to the green area along the water, overlooking Eastchester Bay. Benches are included for rest and leisure, and lampposts provide lighting in the evening.   

The only disappointment in visiting City Island is that there are no public beaches on the island itself. The closest beach to enjoy is the nearby Orchard Beach. Across the bridge on the edge of the Bronx, locals and residents love Orchard Beach for catching sun and playing with the family. Online calendars highlight local performances and summer concerts. Around the beach are hiking trails with a plethora of bird watching. Bird watchers are very satisfied with this area, reporting a number of sought-after species to marvel. 

How To Travel To City Island

At one point in time, you could only reach City Island by ferry. In the 1760s, this was a rope ferry, making travel difficult and time-consuming. The first bridge to the island was constructed in 1873, later replaced by a three-lane steel bridge built in 1901. This survived until the New City Island Causeway Bridge took its place in 2017. Nowadays, weekend roamers can easily drive or bus over to see what it’s all about.

While on the island, there are limited methods for transportation. Two bus routes through the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) run to and from City Island. The MTA Regional Bus Bx29 route operates from the Pelham Bay Park Station, while the BxM8 express route runs to Manhattan. Otherwise, take the 6 to the end of the line, then catch a bus. City Island itself is only 1.5 miles long, making it perfectly walkable for visitors.

Day Trip Itinerary To City Island

If you’re itching to give City Island a go but only have a limited amount of time, here’s the perfect day trip itinerary just for you: Take the bus to the end of City Island. Start at Johnny’s Reef, explore some fried seafood favorites on the patio, and enjoy a beverage or two. Wander up City Island Ave until you hit The Snug. This old-timer pub is laid back and charming. Meet some locals and enjoy a pint or two. For closing out, check out Lickety Split, situated right across the street. Grab a nice ice cream cone and, walk the island again, wander the bridge over to Pelham Bay Park. Add in Orchard Beach either before or after for some quality sun R&R and bird watching.

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The investment company purchased a pair of buildings that are adjacent to each other — one at 305 East 11th Street and the other at 310 East 12th Street. The last time the buildings changed owners was 1968. 

The two buildings are a relatively small 89 units combined, with about a third of them rent-stabilized. Meadow Partners usually purchases properties that are about 15 to 20 percent affordable, so this purchase is a bit out of the norm for the company. The firm’s managing partner Jeffrey Kaplan told Crain’s New York that the market-rate units in the two buildings are currently renting at below market value, but he sees an opportunity to increase rents as demand for rental space skyrocketed in Manhattan over the last year. 

Kaplan did note that the current growth in Manhattan rents can’t continue in the long term. Speaking to Crain’s, he explained that “it’s not sustainable, the level of rent growth we’ve seen, but there’s a little more room to grow,” he said. “We’re assuming there’s enough upside in the free-market portion that we can get the returns we want if the rent growth is just flat on the stabilized units,” Kaplan said.

What Happens When a Corporate Landlord Buys a Property

The Chissick family was the previous owner, serving as the landlord since 1968. When larger institutional firms buy up these smaller properties, rents often, but not always, go way up as a result. While Meadow Partners hasn’t revealed any future plans regarding these two East Village apartment buildings, institutional investors often have a short-term profit strategy over a long-term hold strategy. This often means that firms hope to increase the value of the building quickly before selling for a profit for their investors, which ultimately can leave tenants with huge rent increases. 

Heather Vogell, a reporter, spoke to marketplace.org about the rise of institutional, private equity firms buying apartments from smaller landlords. She said that “what really distinguishes this type of landlord from other types of landlords is that other types of landlords…create a steady stream of income through the rent, and over time hope that the property value will increase.” Speaking about private equity firms, she pointed out that “what’s different here is that you have a firm that’s coming in without a long-term-hold strategy in most cases.”

The other types of landlords she speaks about are often smaller landlords but can also include corporate landlords. The fear for tenants, obviously, is that when a larger corporate landlord buys their building, their strategy may be to increase the value and sell for a quick profit. They can do this by purchasing an older building and renovating/updating the property, resulting in higher rents.

Of course, there’s no clear indication that Meadow Partners has a short or long-term strategy yet. However, the fact that they purchased the properties from a smaller landlord is notable, as rents in the pair of buildings are currently cheaper than the neighborhood average. 

The post Meadow Partners Picks Up Two East Village Apartment Buildings appeared first on CitySignal.

Early 20th Century Crime

Several things happened at the beginning of the 20th century, and throughout the first half of it. World War I ended in 1918, after which Times Square experienced a period of rapid growth. But then Prohibition was officially enacted, from 1920-1933, along with the Great Depression, which lasted a decade, from 1929-1939. During this period of economic decline as well as afterwards, NYC gangsters established organized crime, and “Lucky” Luciano is credited with being the most powerful mafia boss of all, distributing power among the “big five” families.

Times Square had long been associated with having many theaters, but after the Great Depression, many of them were replaced with saloons, brothels, burlesque halls, vaudeville stages, and dime houses. Illegal gambling and prostitution were rampant. Times Square also became known as the main gathering place for awaiting big news or celebrating national events.

The 60s, 70s, and 80s: the Era of Sex, Drugs, and Violence

The next three decades would represent rapid decline for Times Square into the seediness of the sex and drug industries. Crime ruled the streets, and the area became known as one of the most dangerous spots in the city. Porn theaters replaced traditional theaters, and strip clubs became all-nude shows featuring live sex acts. Bright, blinking signs everywhere advertised fulfilling fantasies of every kind imaginable. Similar to barkers at a carnival, men stood outside entrances, calling out and trying to persuade people walking by to come inside.

Those who worked in and around Times Square could not walk through the area without being approached by stolen goods hustlers, con-men and extortionists, drug dealers, prostitutes, bums, pickpockets, and other criminals. The subway system was crawling with hustlers, pimps, drug addicts and drug dealers. The lowlifes of society could be found 24/7, in and around Times Square.

The element of danger had always been there, but during this time, young women and even children were vulnerable to being trafficked in Times Square. This is partly because many missing young people ended up on NYC streets, and there was no shortage of all types of violent predators.

In fact, during this time period serial killer Richard Francis Cottingham was active, also known as “the Times Square Killer.” He targeted young sex workers, luring them to another location where he tortured, raped, and ultimately killed them.

Recovery Process Begins

Going back to when Mayors Ed Koch and David Dinkins were in power, a long term plan to restore and revive Times Square was hatched. It would take some time, but slowly, the area began to heal. For context, the area between 40th and 50th Streets and Seventh and Ninth Avenues was getting over 15,000 complaints reporting crime every year.

During the 1980’s, Times Square experienced a commercial building boom. In 1987, the city enacted some highly unusual building requirements, just for the Times Square area. They required new commercial construction to use large, bright light signage, and with minimum brightness requirements. This was the only section in the entirety of Manhattan with this type of requirement, and additionally kept the area from getting too dark at night. These were just small changes, but resulted in an overall shift that was palpable.

Times Square in the 1990’s

In the 1990s, big things began to happen in Times Square. First, the State of New York took control of 6 out of the 9 historic theaters on 42nd Street. Secondly, the city established a nonprofit called The New 42nd Street, which was dedicated to the renewal of 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue, which was seen as one of the worst areas in Times Square. The organization was tasked with finding new uses for old theaters on the block. This was a daunting challenge because at that time, most of the street was littered with sex shops and strip clubs, even occupying once reputable theaters.

Then in 1992, the BID (Business Improvement District) was formed, now known as the Times Square Alliance. The TSA was a coalition of city, government, and local businesses dedicated to improving the quality of commerce and cleanliness in the district. Once this entity was formed, working in partnership with The New 42nd Street, things really started to change. Additionally, in the mid-90s, Mayor Rudy Giuliani led an effort to clean up Times Square. This resulted in pornographic businesses being closed and increased police presence and security. Tenants paying low rent or otherwise deemed ‘undesirable’ were pressured to relocate.

Giuliani has since been criticized by many, saying he was too aggressive, targeting the working class and resulting in the “Disneyfication” of the character of Times Square. Indeed, much of the changes that began occurring were due to the actions of the Walt Disney Company. They had purchased the New Amsterdam Theatre, and wanted to play a starring role in forming the “new” Times Square. Part of a contract with Disney thus required city and state officials to evict any pornographic theaters and businesses left, contracting instead with Madame Tussauds and AMC Theatres to move onto 42nd Street. This was a strategic play, as it ignited the construction of new office towers, hotels, and tourist attractions in and around Times Square.

The 2000s to Present

At the intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street, all four corners host towering developments that opened by the early 2000’s. The city experienced a change after 9/11 in 2001, and security in Times Square doubled, with over 7,000 officers on duty in the following months. Between 2000 and 2015, visitors to Times Square increased by 22.1 million. In February of 2009, Mayor Michael Bloomberg closed off part of Broadway from 42nd Street to 47th Street and Herald Square from 33rd Street to 35th Street to motorized traffic, for a trial period to see how it would work “at least to the end of the year.”

The pedestrian-only sections made sense, and the project to make it permanent, building a pedestrian plaza, moved forward exactly one year later, in February of 2010. This, too, has contributed to the successful reimagining and revitalization of Times Square. In 2011, Times Square became smoke-free. Today, popular attractions include ABC’s Times Square Studios, where Good Morning America is filmed live each day, Planet Hollywood Restaurant and Bar, and Hard Rock Cafe Times Square. Other notable establishments are the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company for seafood and Carmine’s for Italian food, among others. And of course, the Broadway shows!

Pedestrian Plaza

The permanent restructuring of the Broadway area to a complete pedestrian plaza was not finished until New Year’s Eve 2016. Safety bollards had been installed to prevent vehicular attacks (yet in 2017, a vehicle ramming took place that killed one person and injured 20 others). Presently, the pedestrian plaza has become known for topless women with only paint on their breasts called “desnudas,” as well as costumed street performers who work for tips in designated areas. Panhandlers are attracted to the plaza, although if seen by authorities will be asked to leave the area. It is a 5-block radius of fascinating characters of all varieties imaginable—a large part of the attraction for tourists is the amazing and unique cast of ever-changing, outrageous personalities.

Back, Revitalized, and Better Than Before

Today, despite a wobbly start post-covid, Times Square is back: It’s every bit the exciting, iconic place its reputation proclaims it to be, where you can safely bring your family.

Real estate in the neighborhood of Times Square is expensive, as this is the heart of the Theater District. Life here is definitely in the fast lane, and the median income in this zip code is $94,477. If the idea of living at the pulse of America itself thrills you, Times Square and the Theater District are where you should look for an apartment or in buildings like the Orion.

See You at the Crossroads

On New Year’s Eve this year, plan to come share the “new” Times Square with us! Watch the iconic ball drop and see the live entertainment right before your eyes. Countdown the seconds to midnight with the millions of people watching on television, all while taking in the unique sights and participating in the perpetually entertaining sport of people-watching. Meet your favorite Disney character, get their autograph and snap a picture. Stay at a hotel room at TSX Broadway, where the rooms have glass walls and face the Times Square plaza. The historic Palace Theatre is also now located smack-dab in the middle of TSX’s amazing new project, so you can catch a show while you’re there. See the “Crossroads of the World” in person, and choose your path forward—New York City welcomes you!

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Welcome to Jackson Heights, a quiet residential neighborhood that’s a cultural hotbed! When people think of Jackson Heights, they think of a suburban area that might as well be a commuter town. However, the neighborhood is closer to the action than you’d think. Surrounded by Astoria Heights, East Elmhurst, Corona, and Sunnyside, this neighborhood is full of families who have created an ideal community for themselves and the people who frequent the area. 

The History of Jackson Heights

For most of Jackson Heights’ early life, it was a marshland that wasn’t easily built on or cultivated. In fact, the land was largely undeveloped until 1909, when it was purchased by the Queensboro Corporation. From there, development came rapidly, with a grid and train lines installed by 1917.

The area was a haven for mostly wealthy citizens who found success in Manhattan. However, the wealthy families left the neighborhood for a variety of reasons, such as white flight and larger spaces further out on Long Island. The neighborhood was never empty, though, thanks to the Immigration Act of 1965. This dramatically shifted the population and created one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. 

Where to Shop in Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights is a large residential neighborhood, but it has plenty of shopping opportunities if you know where to look. Some of the coolest shops in the neighborhood include:

New Electro Antiques

Good antique shops are hard to find, but this is one of the best in the city. With a ton of beautiful old objects like chandeliers, vases, and vanities, this place carries the conversation piece your home needs.

Amba Jewelers

A staple in Jackson Heights for over 50 years, this jewelry store designs everything from rings to bracelets. They also include selections of religious jewelry with a special emphasis on Hindu pendants.

Karishma

This designer store sells all things beauty, and is one of the best Indian clothing brands in all of NYC. Designed by Bobby D, this store sells amazing gowns, jewelry, and  accessories that are perfect for any celebration.

Jackson Heights Landmarks

Jackson Heights was mostly built between 1920 and 1950, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of landmarks. Some of the most famous historical highlights are:

Jackson Heights Historic District

The majority of the original neighborhood is included in this national landmark, which houses over 2,000 buildings. This district was placed on the list of National Historic Places in 1999.

Lent-Riker-Smith Homestead and Cemetery

The oldest surviving house in the area, the oldest parts of the home dates back to the 1650’s. In fact, it’s the oldest building in Queens! The home is currently a cemetery and private residence.

Jackson Heights Post Office

Built in 1936, this post office is built in the colonial revival style of architecture, which has helped cement its landmark status. The interior design tells the story of Jackson Heights’ history. It became a landmark in 1988.

 

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Where to Eat in Jackson Heights

Known for being a foodie destination, Jackson Heights is extremely diverse and has a ton of restaurants that reflect that fact. Some of the best restaurants in the area include:

Black Thai ($$)

A fantastic Thai restaurant with an extensive menu, Black Thai is a great place to get takeout or go on a date. Try some of their specials like Panang Curry, Siam Roti, or their delicious Massaman Curry.

ChifaNYC ($)

A Peruvian-Chinese restaurant with some great prices, Chifa is a great place to score a meal. Their huge menu is full of delicious entrees like ceviche de pescado lenguado, pollo parrillada, and tai pa.

The Queensboro ($$)

This American restaurant is a popular spot in the neighborhood. The atmosphere is cozy and the food is wonderful, featuring classics like cheeseburgers, hanger steaks, and pizza.

Los Toldos ($$)

A Colombian restaurant with delectable bites, this place has a ton of options for people to choose from. With different specials for every day of the week, Los Toldos is the perfect place to try new things.

Fuskahouse ($)

This restaurant offers Bangladeshi street food, and great street food at that. Some of their best bites include beef chaap, mutton dopiyaja, and chicken jhalfry. This place is great if you’re seeking something quick and flavorful.

Getting Drinks in Jackson Heights

While Jackson Heights doesn’t exactly have a super active nightlife, there are still plenty of places to grab a drink. Some of the best bars in the area include:

Hombres Lounge ($$)

A gay bar with a fun and active atmosphere, Hombres Lounge is a great place to let your hair down. They have a ton of specialty cocktails, as well as events like karaoke nights.

Yeras ($)

A sports bar with a hip vibe, Yeras is the place to go when the big game is one. With cheap drinks and a ton of TVs, this place is perfect for those who like to loudly celebrate with their fellow sports fans.

Cassidy’s Ale House ($)

A cozy bar with some fun regulars, Cassidy’s Ale House has a wide variety of beer and classic bar food. Their wings go perfectly with a pint of beer, and their selection is constantly changing in amazing ways.

Friend’s Tavern ($$)

This gay bar is a Queens hotspot, with amazing happy hour specials, BBQ nights, and sexy dancers. There’s a party every night at this establishment, so make sure you and your friends check it out!

El Abuelo Gozon ($)

This sports bar is very popular in the neighborhood, offering a wide variety of food and drinks. They have multiple large TVs that are perfect for watching sports, and the community here is close and energetic.

 

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Cafes in Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights is a cozy neighborhood, which is probably why it has a ton of cafes. Some of the neighborhood favorites include:

Parva Bakeshop and Cafe

This artisanal bakery and coffee shop is very popular in the neighborhood. With coffee that comes straight from Colombia,and a variety of vegan and gluten free treats, this place is perfect for any coffee lover.

Ricky’s Cafe

Part classy cafe and part American restaurant, this cafe is very popular whether you need energy or a hamburger. The atmosphere is cute and cozy, with breakfast and lunch classics to go along with your beverage.

Espresso 77

Both a cafe and wine bar, this place is very popular with locals. It’s so popular that it has been expanded into Brooklyn. The food is just as good as the drinks here, and all of the pastries are delightfully decorated.

Where to Live in Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights is a very popular residential neighborhood that is perfect for families large and small. Most buildings here co-ops with some rental units available. Some of the best places to live in the neighborhood include:

Washington Plaza

This co-op from 1940 is a beautiful art deco structure. Most homes have been updated to fit modern design standards. The building has a doorman and a gorgeous outdoor space that is perfect on nice sunny days. Families will be very happy here.

32-25 88th Street

This co-op has a ton of spacious apartments that are flooded with natural light thanks to the number of windows each home has. There are also some useful amenities here like a large laundry room and storage. 

Southridge Co-op

A multi-building complex with several red brick structures. These buildings have a ton of spacious homes that are perfect for families. These homes have been altered due to owner renovation, but they are all still equally nice, featuring luxury appliances, large windows, and hardwood flooring.

The Bristol

This co-op has been renovated from a structure from 1951 and holds 90 units that are perfect for families or young professionals. These homes are modern and gorgeous, featuring stainless steel appliances and hardwood flooring.

Carlton House

This stunning red brick co-op is very popular thanks to its abundance of private outdoor space. Many of the complex’s residents enjoy terrific views from their balconies, which are large enough to fit some furniture or some plants. They also have access to a bike room and a large laundry facility.

Jackson 34

This brown brick co-op is in pristine condition, receiving regular upgrades and remodels since it was built in 1930. Homes here are lined with beautiful hardwood floors, and feature the original crown molding that came with the building.

Dunolly Gardens

This beautiful red brick building greets residents with a spacious courtyard at the entrance. They also have a private courtyard for their residents, with plenty of greenery and benches for people to sit and relax. The homes here are large and beautiful.

Wilsher House

With stately white doors greeting residents of this two-building co-op, people who live here can expect to enjoy a fitness center, parking garage, and private outdoor space. These spacious apartments are great for families and young professionals alike.

Evergreen

A stunning castle-like structure, this co-op is like living in a fairytale. Home here features arched doorways, high ceilings, and hardwood flooring that shine with natural light. These classy apartments are the envy of the neighborhood, especially given the space and the view they offer to residents.

Bradford House

A red brick co-op with a lot to offer residents, Bradford House has a ton of renovated homes, an enormous laundry facility, and a common garden that features a turtle pond! It’s truly a great place to leave.

Parks of Jackson Heights

As a residential neighborhood, Jackson Heights is full of green spaces and playgrounds. Some of the largest ones include:

Travers Park

Since 1948, this park has been serving the community and providing green spaces to the residents of the neighborhood. Named for community leader Thomas Travers, this park has athletic fields and an outdoor concert venue.

Gorman Playground

This playground has been around since the 1960’s, bringing joy to the families of Jackson Heights. The park is named for Denis Gorman, a civic leader who built over 20 Little League baseball fields in NYC in just five months.

LaGuardia Landing Lights

This interesting park follows the flight path of planes going to the Laguardia Airport. The landing lights here are beautiful to see, and the parks are a great place to sit and relax on a sunny afternoon.

Traveling in Jackson Heights

Since this neighborhood is a bit far out in Queens, traveling here can be a bit tricky. That said, there are plenty of options when it comes to traveling inside the neighborhood. Some of the easiest ways to navigate the neighborhood include:

Trains – The only subway lines that come to Jackson Heights are right on the southern border of the neighborhood. These trains include the E, F, and M trains. The Line that services the area the most is the 7, with four stops along Roosevelt Avenue.

Buses – The bus system here is the main form of public transportation that residents use to get around the neighborhood. The bus routes include the M60, Q19, Q32, Q33, Q47, Q48, Q49, Q66, Q69, and Q72.

Ride Shares and Bike Rentals – Most people who live in this neighborhood have a car or bike that they own. Due to the proximity of the Queen Expressway and Northern Boulevard, having a car is definitely the easiest way to get around. Unfortunately, Citi Bike docking stations are mostly absent in Jackson Heights. The only ones that can be found are in the far western portion of the area right on the border.

Jackson Heights is a diverse community with a lot to offer the people who live here. Families who reside here often stay for generations, planting roots in the community and building a future for their children. The people here are kind, the area guarantees privacy, and the cuisine selection is endless here. Head on over to Queens and see what Jackson Heights is all about. You will not be disappointed. 

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This shift in renter behavior contributes to what Venn identifies as “The Experience Era,” where customers are willing to pay more for a more pleasant consumer experience. Venn recommends property owners who want to improve tenant experiences and retention focus on implementing neighborhood-based amenities and features to connect tenants with their community. Between messaging portals, social events, and local small business subscription services, property owners can embrace The Experience Era to create better renter experiences. 

What is The Experience Era? 

Customers consider their overall experience when selecting which product to use in their day-to-day life. Consumers often opt for a product geared toward convenience and connection between industries, entertainment, transportation, and health and fitness. This desire influences purchase behavior, as customers value the experience of using the product as much as the product itself, contributing to The Experience Era. 

Venn points to several innovative products that have already successfully captured this type of consumer. Companies like Lyft and Netflix offer the same product to customers like taxis and cable television but focus on easing the experience of consuming that product. When a customer hails their car, handles payment, and communicates with the support team all through an app on their phone, they have a more direct experience and will likely continue to use that service in the future. 

The Experience Era also focuses on communication and connection, where consumers feel a sense of community. Fitness-based companies use online classes and programming to capture this audience and allow users to feel connected to those with similar interests. Outside fitness, consumers go to online groups, threads, and message portals to join communities and share their ideas. 

While many companies have created products to target customers purchasing in The Experience Era, one industry remains significantly neglected – real estate. Venn’s study suggests that property owners currently do not cater toward this experience-based purchasing behavior and can make changes that benefit themselves, their tenants, and their community. 

What have property owners been doing? 

Over the past decade, property owners implemented tech-based products and luxury communal areas for their tenants to satisfy their wants and needs effectively. While items like keyless entry and communal spaces like movie theaters may appeal to some residents, they remain vastly underutilized. Landlords commonly miss the mark when appealing to their renters, trying to find quick-fix solutions that immediately fix a particular problem in the building. 

According to Venn, many landlords do not financially interact with their tenants beyond collecting monthly rent payments. Most do not offer tenants the ability to pay for add-on services or features. Typically, tenants pay for building amenities through rent and do not make additional monthly payments. 

What do current renters value? 

Venn suggests that property owners do not cater to a tenant’s significant needs and desires. Less than half of the surveyed renters with access to technology-based amenities and common spaces found those features necessary when deciding whether or not to renew their lease. More than half of renters with access to unique amenities and technology do not heavily consider those factors in their decision-making process. 

What do renters value then? Over 80% report that they want to live in a neighborhood with a thriving array of local businesses, and around 75% claim that they want to expand their social network and know their neighbors. Additionally, 75% look for opportunities to improve their neighborhood through volunteer work. 

These statistics suggest that renters in The Experience Era crave easy access to a connected community. Yet many renters do not know their neighbors, limiting their local interaction and level of satisfaction with their neighborhood. Less than 40% of renters feel they belong in their community. 

How does The Experience Era impact moving behavior? 

When asked to identify factors that contribute to their likelihood of renewing their leases, 57% of participants identified one of the three following neighborhood-based contributors: 

• Friends, neighbors, and acquaintances in my neighborhood
• The local businesses in the neighborhood they regularly shop at
• The sense of belonging they feel in my neighborhood

Furthermore, renters with more than five close relationships in their neighborhood are one and a half times more likely to renew their leases. Tenants crave strong connections to their neighbors and community and are likely to continue living in the same unit as long as they feel that connection. Without a community and sense of belonging, renters will take their business elsewhere and move to a different neighborhood. 

What can property owners do to cater to neighborhood-focused renters? 

To better keep their tenants happy and renew their leases, property owners should shift away from luxurious gadgets and common areas, instead refocusing their resources toward experiences that connect their tenants to their community. Venn suggests that while landlords can still use technology to implement new features, they should use it to communicate with community members instead of just opening a front door. They, therefore, recommend property owners consider the following possibilities when considering how to foster a sense of community between tenants and their neighborhood. 

Messaging portal

Residents who can easily connect with community members and submit maintenance requests are more likely to renew their leases. By combining both sides of The Experience Era, ease and connection, into one cohesive app, landlords can retain their tenants and provide them the opportunity to communicate their wants and needs efficiently. 

Renters who can communicate with other tenants in their building or community are more likely to develop close relationships, contributing to the five close relationships the average tenant needs to stay in their area. Messaging portals and apps also allow tenants to submit maintenance requests, contact leasing departments, and easily ask for support as needed. Tenants who can easily reach out for help will likely have a better experience and therefore find the motivation to stay in their unit. 

The prospective financial gain may inspire property owners who are not motivated to connect their tenants with each other. Nearly two-thirds of survey participants are ready to pay an additional fee for services that connect them to their community. 

In-person events 

In a world driven by technology and digital connection, landlords can revisit in-person opportunities for social connection to help tenants develop friendships with their neighbors. Landlords can even attend community events to connect with their tenants and put a face to the name on a lease agreement. Renters who feel they have opportunities to develop friendships in their neighborhood are more than twice as likely to renew their lease than tenants who feel differently. 

One spot for community-based subscriptions

The average American renter spends hundreds of dollars monthly on grocery delivery, fitness and wellness services, and utilities. Between 63% and 82% of survey participants report wanting access to these services, with varying levels of interest based on the product. Therefore, property owners can best cater to their tenant’s needs by connecting them with local businesses that provide these kinds of services. 

Property owners can utilize technology to easily create neighborhood guides that renters can access to purchase subscription-based services and products conveniently. Keeping all businesses in the same app or website will make it simple for tenants to browse and buy all their desired products in one sitting, simplifying the purchasing process and connecting them to the businesses in their neighborhood. 

Connecting renters to local businesses will satisfy their desire to interact with their local community while investing money into those businesses and helping them stay in the neighborhood. Furthermore, these subscription programs will also encourage community members to start their small businesses, as they could immediately directly sell to their neighbors and reduce their barrier to entry. 

Conclusion

Venn’s recent study states that 1,500 American renters are more likely to renew their leases when they feel connected to and valued by their community. While property owners recently switched to implementing lush communal areas and technology-based apps to cater to tenants, these measures did not drastically impact a renter’s decision to stay in the building. 

Using technology and promoting social engagement, property owners can increase tenant renewal rates by connecting their residents through messaging portals and social events. They can further connect their building to the rest of their community through generating programs and websites that highlight local businesses and allow tenants to purchase products and subscriptions in one convenient place. 

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The Oldest Known Apartment Building in NYC

Located at 400 West 57th Street and erected in 1881, the Windermere is recognized oldest-known large apartment complex still remaining in NYC; Hell’s Kitchen itself was one of the first districts to hold apartment buildings.  Since 2005, the Windermere has been landmark-preserved, yet there has been an extensive period of time where the complex was in varying stages of decline. It’s recently experienced a slow crawl back to life, in the form of a much-needed, and complete, renovation. When it’s complete, it will re-emerge as a mixed-use building for office space, retail space, and even 20 affordable housing units—sort of like a caterpillar inside its cocoon that will one day emerge as a butterfly. 

The Early History Of The Windermere in Hell’s Kitchen

Rewind the clock to 1879, when NYC was still in the infant stages of building out its skyline, and opportunity was everywhere. The city was a businessman’s dream and drew in  three particularly ambitious young men with big dreams of being land speculators and getting rich. These men were 24-year-old William E. Stewart, a clerk who still lived at home, 25-year-old William F. Burroughs, a builder, and 37-year-old Nathaniel McBride, a lawyer. 

The men put their money together and bought the 12,500 ft² plot of land on the corner of 57th Street and 9th Avenue for $39,000. Then they hired architect Theophilus G. Smith to build a luxury apartment building for them which cost them another $350,000, and two years later, the result was the Windermere.  The building was state-of-the-art, combining stylistic features of Queen Anne, High Victorian Gothic (polychromatic brick and horizontal banding), and Romanesque (round-arched windows and cornices) architectural designs. The English Lake Windermere may have been the inspiration for the building’s name.

The Windermere Opens 

The building housed 39 luxury apartments with either five or six bedrooms each, and had eight stories and three wings with hydraulic elevators,  liveried servants, and telephone service, a brand new amenity back then. Each apartment featured a marble fireplace, parquet floors, and hazelwood molding. 

But being a time of major growth and competition, other large complexes were built. By 1884 the Chelsea Hotel and The Dakota opened, and in 1885 came the Osborne and the Central Park Apartments – all bigger, better, more luxurious buildings with even better amenities. The wealthy residents jumped ship, and suddenly Windermere was left mostly empty. The owners hired a new Superintendent, Henry Sterling Goodale, to run the place. He decided to try something different, having two daughters who were independent writers, he marketed apartments to a new group of exclusively women. He also decided to rent rooms, and let residents share a kitchen and a bathroom.  

The “New Women” At The Windermere

At the time, there was demand from a new demographic that was emerging. They were called the “new women” because they were single and financially independent. Some of the women were divorced, which was practically unheard of back then, but many were just not married or ready to be. This was an exciting time for women in general because they were spreading their wings of independence for the first time. The women’s suffrage movements had begun, and women were trying to show they were just as smart and capable as men. 

There was still a huge bias in most places against women, especially unmarried women. New York City offered jobs for women and represented hope in the form of a new, “big city” life. These women were previously relegated to boarding houses, and the Windermere was much more attractive. During that time, there were few places that offered single working women the independence of having their own place, along with the freedom to come and go whenever they pleased. It was uncommon to see an “unchaperoned” woman, back then and many buildings for women only came with restrictions and moral clauses. But by the late 1890s, most of the 200 residents were these new women. Over the next several decades, the Windermere was known to be a cheap place in a great location to rent a room or an apartment. 

Windermere Through The 60s & 70s 

Over time, the building attracted artists and creative types, and then beatniks, hippies, prostitutes, and drug addicts. In the 60s, the actor Steve McQueen was a resident, as was fellow struggling actor Yaphet Kotto, who later starred in the TV show “Homicide.” In fact, Steve McQueen left there still owing some money for rent. Later on, Kotto was filming a scene from his show, and as he was walking to his trailer, he realized he was in familiar territory – right in front of the Windermere. So familiar in fact that he got a knock on the door from the landlord, telling Kotto that McQueen owed him money for rent. According to Kotto, he gave him a couple of hundred bucks or so to cover it and later told the NYTimes that it was one of the happiest days of his life moving out of the Windermere.

The ’80s – A Dark And Dangerous Time For The Windermere

Then in 1980, Alan Weissman took ownership of the Windermere and had big plans for selling the building as prime real estate. But in order to do this, he first would have to get rid of the tenants who remained. The building by now was in terrible disrepair but, for some, it was still their only safe haven. The problems began when he hired aggressive managing agent Jerome Garland to get the job done. Garland, who oversaw the management team, along with Carl Saunders and Superintendent James Robinson, enlisted an organized gang that specialized in emptying buildings – for a fee, of course. Apparently, Saunders was offered a large incentive for every tenant he got to vacate. 

What transpired next is one of the worst cases of landlords harassing tenants in NYC history – and that’s saying a lot, especially with today’s egregious actions by landlords. 

Management Team Of The Windermere Convicted

This ruthless gang had flourished for a while, so there were surely other victims. However, since most residents were likely in the lowest income group, the group had operated untouched. A campaign against the holdout tenants began in earnest as the gang was let loose in the building. Court documents detail rooms being ransacked, doors ripped off the hinges, sex workers brought in, stories of assault and stolen possessions, and even death threats. These residents were tortured and harassed, likely for the better part of 3 years before gang members were arrested and the management team was indicted in 1983. The jury ultimately indicted 33 people, including 11 other landlords and the gang members. Since landlords are rarely ever even charged with the sometimes horrific crimes they commit, this case definitely went down in NYC history. 

The owners, Alan Weissman and his wife Vivien, lived in Connecticut and planned to sell the building once it was empty. They were not charged with anything, but they did make the 1985 Village Voice’s annual list, ”The Dirty Dozen: New York’s Worst Landlords.” This case brought enough outrage to actually change the housing laws, making tenant harassment such as this a criminal offense. And the funny thing is, even with all their efforts, the holdouts still remained! They were protected by housing laws and could not be evicted. Of course, the Weissmans sold the property just as soon as they could find a buyer. 

New Owners of The Windermere

In 1985, Toa Construction Corporation of Japan bought the building but neglected to give the remaining few tenants an address to send their rent to, inspiring a rent strike. Only about 7 residents remained, and eventually, they installed an aging Japanese landlord to collect rent in person, even though just one resident paid rent directly. They must’ve told him to hold his post no matter what, as he stubbornly stayed planted, tenacious as the tenants. The Windermere then began its lengthy decline. For approximately the next two decades, the once-stately building stood silent and forgotten. In 2005, it was given landmark status but remained a ‘problem building’ for the rapid gentrification of the neighborhood around it. Finally, in 2001, Toa Construction ‘quietly’ put the Windermere up for sale, with a reported asking price of $35 million. 

Final Tenants Of The Windermere

Then, a strange thing happened that no one saw coming. In December of 2006, a court of appeals overturned a previous decision to evict a mentally ill man from the Windermere Apartments. He was one of the last tenants who now hung on for dear life. Michael Tsitsires had a studio, or SRO, at the Windermere that he paid $104/month for with his monthly SSI checks. He’d lived there for 35 years, and although he spent nights on a park bench, he kept his belongings and received mail. 

He lived the lifestyle of a homeless person because he had “deep, longstanding emotional difficulties, fueled by a panic disorder and substance abuse problems,” the court found, and reversed the previous ruling by Civil Court Judge Gerald Lebovits. Toa Construction was still the owner at that time, and plaintiff in the case trying to evict. 

The Windermere Holdouts Finally Removed

In September 2007, the Fire Department finally deemed the building unsafe, evacuating the 7 remaining residents and taking them to a hotel, where they were staying until their housing court date. The tenants were helped by a nonprofit organization that assisted them in filing a lawsuit to compel the owners to remedy the building to livable status. They were likely ‘shell-shocked’ but knew they could not return until reparations were made. The lawsuit ended up finding in their favor, as far as requiring the landlord to make repairs. The law states the owner must keep a landmarked building in good repair. 

The city finally decided enough was enough and took Toa Construction to court to force them to make the necessary repairs. They requested the court’s permission to send an assessor inside the building to see inside, once and for all, what needed to be done. Justice Karen Smith of the State Supreme Court agreed and granted this request, ordering “the permanent repair and restoration” of the Windermere. Toa Construction scrambled, desperately looking for a buyer, slashing the price heavily rather than make the necessary repairs. 

We know they took a huge loss due to the fact that the next owner who came along paid just $13 million. In addition, they were fined over a million dollars for breaking the landmark laws. One story talked about the owner being an eccentric Japanese businessman on vacation who originally purchased the building from a tour bus, without ever stepping foot inside. It was probably Toa’s owner, who must’ve kicked himself a thousand times for the purchase. 

The Transformation Of The Windermere

Developer Mark Tress bought the Windermere in 2009 with plans to restore it to its former beauty and create something wonderful again. Then, the long and arduous climb to rebirth began. First, let’s be clear: the building was in terrible shape back in the 60s, and it had only gotten worse over time. The building is described in its decay; gaping holes in the ceilings, walls and warped floors, no electricity, heat or running water for the last decade or longer, pigeon crap blanketing the floor, broken out windows, water damage, and you can imagine the kinds of debris and trash littering the floors and every imaginable surface. 

Tress had his work cut out for him, no doubt about it. His vision was to create a luxury hotel, with a rooftop restaurant and retail space on the bottom floor. But the building was tangled up in other problems and legal issues that needed to be untangled before moving forward with any restoration plans. More than another decade went by, before anything could progress. 

Work Begins On The Windermere Renovations

Finally, in April of 2021, Yimby reported there were two possible scenarios proposed to the City Planning Commission for work to be done on the Windermere. They presented two options, one for a hotel as we previously mentioned, and if that didn’t work for them, the owner presented a plan ‘B’, for office space, retail space and the 20 affordable housing units that are required regardless, due to a prior court order, with any plans for redevelopment. In addition, the owner (now identified as Windermere Properties, LLC) also submitted a third option, albeit one the developer did not prefer, where he would bring the building up to code – as far as the city’s past records show – but leave it more or less intact. 

The plans include enlarging the 8th floor and constructing part of a 9th floor, raising the height of the building to 103 feet tall. A one-story wing at the southern end would be extended westward and northward, and the central court would be divided into two sections of open areas. And either way, the interior space will max out at 57,299 ft². Additionally, the third option is not a good solution because even if the exterior was restored and the interior was renovated and brought up to code, it would be past code requirements. Due to modern code changes, it would still be uninhabitable. 

In order to bring it up to modern code and be habitable again, the plans would necessarily involve the demolition of at least one full floor, partial demolition of the parapet, and other substantial changes. Additionally, because the building is located inside the Hell’s Kitchen special zoning district area of Clinton, zoning amendments and special permits are required before anything can begin. (Ah, for the days of Doris Diether again!

The Windermere Present Day

In September 2021, The Real Deal reported that the City Council’s land use committee voted to approve plans and grant special permits for the Windermere to become a mixed-use building, one that seems to be following a bit of both plans presented. The article states it will have approximately 55,000 ft² of office space, the 20 affordable housing units that are part of the original agreement, 6,400 ft² of ground-floor retail space, and a top-floor restaurant with a rooftop bar. Mark Tress is indeed still the owner, and apparently, he withdrew the hotel option. The full City Council had until October 12th to hold its own vote before Tress could break ground. 

Finally, on October 7th, 2021, the City Council voted to grant the special permit needed, giving Tress the green light to start reconstruction. Much of the exterior has already been beautifully restored, and windows replaced. It will certainly be exciting to see the finished product! 

The Gentrification of Hell’s Kitchen

One of the reasons the Windermere renovations are such a big deal is because of the huge changes that have transpired all around it. While the Windermere dilapidated to beyond unlivable, the neighborhood around it transformed itself from rags to riches – and came out as “Clinton.” Gentrification began for Hell’s Kitchen in the 1980s, and because of special zoning laws enacted with the purpose of restricting new development and maintaining the character of the neighborhood, much of the “Special Clinton District” remains preserved, adding to its charm. 

What was once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country, home to the most dangerous gangs in the country, slowly became one of the most affluent and coveted areas in Manhattan. The place that once inspired West Side Story, home of violent gangs and organized crime, is now one of the most expensive places to live in NYC. 

What it’s Like to Live in Hell’s Kitchen/Clinton Today 

Today, Hell’s Kitchen attracts a mix of actors, performing artists, students, and young professionals. There is a large LGBTQ+ population, and the energy there is high, upbeat and fun. One of the biggest draws is the location and easy transportation options within walking distance. Although most of the original population was working-class Irish immigrants, today, it’s much more diverse. The demographics are about 52% white, 20% Hispanic, 19% Asian, 6% Black, and 3% mixed. 

It is a popular neighborhood of affluent young professionals, having history and charm as well as modern luxury, depending on your taste. Residents enjoy the nightlife in Hell’s Kitchen and the variety of delicious and affordable restaurants from multiple ethnicities. The website Niche.com rates Hell’s Kitchen #2 best neighborhood to live in in NYC and #1 for young professionals. There’s a population of approximately 67,870 people, most of whom rent. 

Today, the median rent for an apartment in Hells Kitchen is $4,298 or about $70/a square foot, a far cry from the $100 a month prices from the glory days of the Windermere.

While the neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen has changed and morphed with the times, the Windermere still stands, looking unaged and ready to carry on decades more of NYC history.

The post The Life and Times of the Windermere in Hell’s Kitchen  appeared first on CitySignal.

Overview of Weeksville

Once upon a time, nestled into Crown Heights, sat a small African American village named Weeksville, formed during the post-abolition era. At that time, Weeksville and the surrounding Brooklyn area had one of the country’s densest rates of enslaved people. Brooklyn continued to develop, resulting in Weeksville’s absorption of the Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights neighborhoods. Despite the merger, echoes of Weeksville’s past still exist.

Location of Weeksville

Geographically, Weeksville was once much more prominent and sat where today’s Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant currently do in Brooklyn. The primary benefit of Weeksville’s location was that it had a slight separation from other areas in Brooklyn, thanks to the hills and valleys that Bedford Hills provided. Though Brooklyn is among the densest boroughs in New York today, prior to urbanization, the hills provided by surrounding settlements were crucial for the free African American village.

A Brief History of Weeksville

When it comes to African American history, particularly in New York, Weeksville remains at the forefront of that chronicle. Weeksville earned its name from a freed African American dock worker named James Weeks, who purchased a plot of land in the community following abolition in the state. Weeks was able to purchase two plots land from another free African American, Henry C. Thompson, in 1938, and so began the great real estate boom of what would later become Weeksville.

As word spread that African Americans like Weeks were making a living in New York, more would head to the area for the same opportunity as long-standing families continued to sell off their land in the Brooklyn area. In the 1850s, the population boomed to over 500 residents, comprised of East Coasters and Africans. Additionally, nearly half of the residents were originally born in the South. All with different stories and backgrounds, the occupations of these settlers included educators, health care professionals, and entrepreneurs. As time went on, the Weeks village would go on to operate a “colored” school, cemetery, senior home, and multiple churches. Not to mention, the village was amongst the highest rates for ownership of property and business among an African American settlement.

Weeksville quickly became a safe haven for African Americans throughout New York, particularly during times of conflict in New York, such as the New York Draft Riots. The community has changed over the years, but the history of Weeksville remains one of the most influential neighborhoods in New York State, particularly for African Americans.

Notable Weeksville Residents

Weeksville has been home to many important figures over the years, ranging in occupation and contributions to both Weeksville, surrounding areas, and the country as a whole.

Junius C Morel (1814-1874)

Playing a truly monumental role in Weeksville and the United States is Junius C Morel. Junius was not only an educator and presumed principal at Colored School No. 2 – which was the first school to integrate into the country – but he also participated in the National Convention of Colored Citizens as a member of the planning committee and contributed to a multitude of publications and newspaper. Morel was truly monumental in establishing a safe space for African Americans in Weeksville and beyond.

Sarah Smith Tompkins Garnet (July 31, 1831 – September 17, 1911)

Sylvanus Smith, one of the primary founders in Weeksville, was the father of Sarah Smith Tompkins Garnet. Following in the footsteps of her father’s monumental impact on the early days of Weeksville, Garnet would go on to implement major social changes of her own. She helped to found the Equal Suffrage League, a group supporting black women’s rights, including voting. As a teacher in Brooklyn, she advocated for equal rights for teachers of color, especially women

Joan Maynard (​​August 29, 1928 − January 22, 2006)

As Weeksville began to fade into the past and new Brooklyn developments sprouted up, many scrambled to preserve the heritage of Weeksville, including Dr. Joan Maynard. Maynard advocated for preserving Weeksville’s history and eventually helped to create and lead the Weeksville Heritage Center for decades.

Present Day Weeksville Community

Looking to retrace the history of Weeksville and get involved? Preservation of the village’s monumental role in history has continued into the 21st century. With homes being added to the National Register of Historic Places and the recognition that P.S. 243, formerly known as Colored School No. 2, was one of the first to integrate staff and students in the country, these are some options for learning more.

Weeksville Heritage Center

Committed to documenting, preserving, and interpreting the history of Weeksville, this center is paramount for learning about Weeksville. Historical, educational, and culturally rich, the Weeksville Heritage Center “uses education, arts and a social justice lens to preserve, document and inspire engagement with the history of Weeksville, one of the largest free Black communities in pre-Civil War America, and the Historic Hunterfly Road Houses,” according to the center. For tours of what was once Weeksville and what remains today, find information here.

Historic Hunterfly Road Houses

Though a part of the Weeksville Heritage Center, this community highlight is worth its own breakdown. The Historic Hunterfly Road Houses (one can be seen below) are one of the last remainders of how the community stood once upon a time and played a major role in the history of Weeksville. While the rest of the village was written over as Brooklyn continued to develop, these houses are one of the few artifacts from the time when Weeksville was current. These homes are habitable, however, they have protections to help preserve their unique identity and keep the memory of the original Weeksville a visual reminder right in Brooklyn. The homes still exist today because of a dedicated group, Eugene Armbruster, Hurley Haynes, and Joseph Haynes, who were looking to preserve Weeksville’s history. With their diligence, the homes were considered historic properties by the United States government and are currently a part of the Weeksville Society. Each of the four houses sits on a street that overlooks what was once Hunterfly Road.

You can see these homes off of Bergen Street today or opt for the above Weeksville Society tour for a guided insight into the history.

Weeksville In the News

Much of Weeksville in the news these days comes from the long-seeded battle to continue preserving the community’s history. The Brooklyn Paper covered the Weeksville Heritage Center’s potential to close and the future or longevity of the center earlier this year. Similarly, the plans for Weeksville Heritage Center and their hope to continue promoting the history of the once-upon-a-time village are often discussed in an effort to gain community support and encourage more readers to understand the importance of that community.

Alternatively, there have recently been conversations surrounding the community at a Weeksville Town Hall meeting called Activate Weeksville in early May. In a town hall meeting hosted at the Weeksville Heritage Center, seven-city departments gathered to discuss a number of serious issues, including violence, vehicle crashes, lack of parking, law enforcement, and sanitation issues, including a rat and litter problem. While these problems are not unique to Weeksville, and more so New York at large, this meeting town hall was interesting as, despite it covering the entire 36th district, fewer than 20 attendees were present.

Notable Places In Weeksville

Today, Weeksville has largely been absorbed by Crown Heights or Brooklyn. While there are a few notable places related to Weeksville, many are general attractions in Brooklyn.

Weeksville Heritage Center

While mentioned above, the Weeksville Heritage Center deserves a second mention as a pillar of the community. This center is committed to preserving the history of Weeksville and elevating the importance of the community in New York’s history. Here, you can find various artifacts and deep dives into the history of Weeksville, plus helpful guides committed to elevating those stories.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

If you’re settling in the area or visiting with children, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is worth the trip. Filled with interactive displays and exhibits, adults and children alike will find hours of fun without having to travel far.

Jewish Children’s Museum

As the largest Jewish children’s museum in America, the Jewish Children’s Museum, is an education facility on the Jewish heritage uniquely designed for children. The museum specializes in combining entertainment and knowledge as children navigate the different interactive exhibits.

Dr. Ronald McNair Park

A beautiful park for all walks of life, Dr. Ronald McNair Park is a sight to be seen. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply need some fresh air in the middle of the city, this is the place to stop by and enjoy some sun on a warm day.

Lincoln Terrace Park

Weeksville is home to many beautiful outdoor options to help you escape, including Lincoln Terrace Park. Tree-lined and with plenty of outdoor recreation options, including tennis and basketball courts and baseball fields, the entire family can get out and get active.

Notable Restaurants

Surrounding what was once Weeksville are a number of top-rated restaurants varying in cuisines and specialties. Below are a few to check out:

Trad Room (Bed-Stuy) – $$

Highlights: Japanese, sushi bars, cocktail bars

Intimate and modern, Trad Room offers trendy food in a location fit for anyone’s social media. Head here for a dinner meeting or night out, and be sure to try the Japanese Fried Chicken and hand-crafted rolls.

Mama Kitchen (Bed-Stuy) – $$

Highlights: Kosher, middle eastern

Refined cuisine in a contemporary setting. The Chef invites you on a unique gastronomic trip through Israeli flavors at Mama Kitchen. The highlight here is the made-at-home appeal and cozy interior featuring fun patterns and truly do feel like mom’s kitchen.

Lakou Café (Crown Heights) – $$

Highlights: Juice bars & smoothies, coffee & tea, creperies, minority and women-owned & operated

Lakou says, “from sandwiches to plates to smoothies, our customers leave happy. Our freshly baked vegan pastries are a crowd favorite. We are a black-owned cafe in Crown Heights with a vegan-friendly menu.” The menu is designed for wellness, from nourishing food to locking in nutrients and boosting your mood all week long.

The Ryerson (Crown Heights) – $$

Highlights: Southern, cocktail bar

Southern food lovers can rejoice! This cute spot has inside and backyard, and front seating with decadent and flavor-packed options. The Ryerson is a modern southern restaurant and cocktail bar in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. They are a neighborhood place offering locality and seasonality in the kitchen and at the bar.

Weeksville Voting District

The small village falls into District 36, which Democratic Council Member Chi Osse currently oversees. The district covers Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights, where former Weeksville is nestled in. A unique factor of this district was the voter’s move to create a ranked-choice voting system in which they would rank their top five candidates. If their first choice was not one of the top contenders, their votes would then be redistributed according to their second and subsequent choices until a single winner with over 50% of the votes is chosen.

 

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Weeksville Transit

Residents of Weeksville will find easily accessible transit via bus, train, and subway. Nearby to Weeksville and Crown Heights in general is the C Train with stations Utica Ave and Sutter Av-Rutland Rd, and multiple buses, including B15, B46, B47, and B65. The bulk of Weeksville residents travels to work via subway at roughly 60%, with the remaining majority traveling via bus or car.

Where to Live In Weeksville

Regardless of the type of housing you’re looking for, Weeksville, Crown Heights, and Brooklyn have a wholesome blend, including iconic brownstones and new builds. Many units are also being remodeled to help reflect a desire for updated living inside and the historic appeal of a traditional outside.

Because Crown Heights includes Weeksville, much of the housing data is found within that community. Pricing averages roughly $2,500-$2,600, with most of those homes being one-bedroom or lower. On the other hand, purchasing in Brooklyn as a whole can be quite pricy. Many homes range into the millions, and studio or one-bedroom units, even those that are in older buildings, are at a half-million-dollar asking price.

If you’re interested in buying in Weeksville, check out 112 Schenectady Ave, The Maynard, or 1272 Marks Avenue (right across from the Hunterfly Houses) for great places to start.

Buying in Weekville might not be on the table for you yet, but you can check out rental listings in the surrounding areas of Weeksville below. Your new community is waiting for you!

The post Weeksville, Brooklyn Neighborhood Guide appeared first on CitySignal.

Amenities at 1998 Second Avenue

Developed by Peter Fine of Bolivar Development and designed by GF55 Partners, the building features a state-of-the-art fitness center, media room, pet-friendly policies, party room, an attended lobby, Wi-Fi, and free storage. The 3,500 square foot outdoor roof deck with a pool is a spectacular addition to the building.  There is also a 17-foot outdoor movie screen that overlooks the pool area, as well as several areas to BBQ and sit and take in the amazing surrounding view. 

Each apartment is bright and airy, with open concept floor plans for the main living area. Large windows in the living area provide natural light and a view. Every unit also includes a washer and dryer and dishwasher. Tenets are responsible for the electricity.

About the Units

All of the units are at 130 percent of the AMI. There are 13 studios for one to two people renting for $2,200 per month for incomes between $75,429 and $138,840.  There are 11 one-bedroom apartments for households up to three people with a rent of $2,500 for incomes in the range of $85,715 and $156,130 and 14 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,600 for those with incomes between $89,143 and $156,130. Ten two-bedroom units are renting for $3,200 per month for households who earn between $109,715 and $187,330, and there are 3 three-bedrooms for households with three to seven members with an income of $128,572 to $215,150, at $3,750 per month.

About the Area

The building is located within a vibrant NYC neighborhood with strong Latin, Caribbean, and African American influences. The area has a long history of urban renewal projects, which has created a diverse neighborhood. Within walking distance of upper Central Park and the East River Greenway and Esplanade, it is also close to all the Upper East Side has to offer, such as shops, restaurants, nightlife, museums, and cultural institutions.  1998 Second Avenue is only a few blocks from the 4 and 6 subway lines, and the new Second Ave subway line. 

How to Apply

Qualified applicants who meet income and household size requirements will be selected through a lottery to lease affordable apartments. The lottery is run in conjunction with the New York Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Current residents of NYC will be given preference in the lottery. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by July 14, 2022.

You can read more about how to apply for an affordable housing lottery or other buildings available on Housing Connect on CitySignal.

The post The Affordable Housing Lottery is Now Open for 1998 Second Avenue in East Harlem appeared first on CitySignal.

When Do Schools Graduate?

Graduation dates typically fall between the end of April and early June. Some of the biggest graduation dates are:

• Columbia: May 18th
• NYU: May 18th
• CUNY: June 3rd
• FIT: May 19th
• Baruch: May 26th
• Fordham: May 21st
• Brooklyn College: May 31st

Major Event Spaces

Graduations in New York City have the very cool luxury of having ceremonies take place in iconic venues. Graduation ceremonies for NYU, Columbia, and CUNY students are held in places like Madison Square Garden, The Beacon Theater, and even Yankee Stadium. This is awesome for students and their families. I, myself, am jealous that I didn’t get to do this. However, these places become PACKED with people and make moving around on the street and subways very difficult. Venues like Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall are already in high-traffic areas, so you can imagine trying to navigate through them when said traffic is increased tenfold.

Times Square

One big source of graduation traffic is graduation pictures. Locals will notice that students in their robes will be wandering around with families trying to find the best picture. These families usually end up in Times Square and many of them in groups. Now, locals are probably already trying to avoid Times Square. People born and raised in the city rarely get a hankering for Bubba Gump Shrimp, after all. That said, you might still have to run some errands there, so just keep a lookout to avoid large groups. This is especially true if you’re driving. For some reason, people visiting NYC love taking photos of themselves standing in the middle of the street.

College Campuses

NYC campuses are beautiful and usually have museums and exhibitions happening at different points throughout the year, especially for Columbia, Baruch, and Brooklyn College students. If you like to go on pleasant walks or take shortcuts through less foot-traffic areas, then it’s likely that you cut through a campus once in a while. However, doing this from late April to early June is a bad idea. These places will be packed to the rafters with students giving their parents tours and taking photos so they can hold onto memories of their youth. This one will probably be the easiest to avoid.

Greenwich Village

So what happens when a college campus is part of an entire neighborhood? Well, that neighborhood belongs to the youth now. Greenwich Village is a hotspot for NYU students and any student looking for a fun afternoon or evening under normal circumstances. When graduation weekends are happening, the neighborhood gets crazy. The bars and restaurants are full of people celebrating their degrees and setting out on their own. So these are definitely places to avoid. The same goes for bars and restaurants in the East Village. Probably also the Lower East Side. West Village is pretty popular with students too…You know what, it’s probably best to stay above 14th Street in May.

Highline

This category should really be called “Any place where you can get a good pic of the sunset,” but I’ve mostly seen these crowds walking the Highline trying to get some good pictures. This isn’t a bad thing, and it’s not as crowded as other places. That said, if you’re bringing a date here, students and their families will be out and about taking up space and slowing things down. So maybe make a reservation at a nice restaurant instead.

The Parks

When I say avoid the parks, Central Park doesn’t really apply. It’s also busy, but it’s so big that a few extra students and tourists won’t make a difference. No, I mean Bryant Park, Washington Square, Union Square, and the like.

These smaller parks are always teeming with life on a beautiful day, but students have formed formative memories here. They want to take pictures and get a few last “hurrahs” in before life whisks them away to be a dentist or something. If you want to visit a park, go for the larger ones like Central Park or Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Even with the high number of students there, you should be able to move around just fine.

IKEA

This is a weird one, but hear me out. Many of the folks who graduate from New York will still live in the city, but they will be finding new places to live and new furniture to put in there. Additionally, I have it on good authority that youth, much like the rest of us, enjoy those meatballs they serve on the top floor. IKEA is hard to navigate under the best of circumstances, so if you’re looking for a new couch or office chair, you might want to wait another week or two.

It should be said, we here at CitySignal.com fully support graduates from all around the city. We want you to have a good time with your family and friends and make the last few days of your high school or college experience amazing. That said, we also want locals to know that a bunch of new, young, and energetic people are going to be riding the subway A LOT during this time. A good rule of thumb for locals is: even if you run into a crowd of graduates taking photos or something, and it’s blocking your path, have a backup plan. I can’t tell you how often I’ve been late to things because trains take longer or the traffic is worse because of a graduation. So just make sure to plan ahead and go around the crowds of students. And for all those graduating this year, Congrats! We hope you go on to do some amazing things.

The post Places to Avoid in NYC During Graduation Weekend appeared first on CitySignal.