Tag: bronx

Looking for a House in the Bronx

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date October 12, 2020

How To Find the Perfect Place To Live

Moving to a new city brings with it both stress, and excitement. A good bit of anxiety comes with any move, what sort of house should you find for yourself, the type of neighbourhood you may want to move into, transportation, and lifestyle are all important decisions. Major cities in the US can sometimes be very difficult to manoeuvre, and it’s natural to be stricken with anxiety not only with how challenging such a bustling metropolis can be but also, the many varieties and options available. Such factors are especially true for a city as perfect and simultaneously as intimidating as New York.

The best and worst thing about New York City is that people here do not care about what you did with your past life. You could have been a successful entrepreneur, or possibly have had a very difficult life, but people will care more about what you will contribute to your new city and life here. New York is the perfect place for a fresh start.

The Bronx

The Bronx is a borough in New York City, which corresponds with Bronx county. It is one of the fourth-largest areas, fourth-highest population, and the third-highest population density in New York City. Lying North East of Manhattan, across the picturesque Harlem River, the Bronx has an area of 42 miles. It has both high and middle-income neighbourhoods, including Pelham Bay and Pelham Gardens, Riverdale, Fieldston, Morris Park, etc. Studded with parkland (about one-fifth of the total land area) and some astute shopping centres like The Hub, Gateway Centre, and Southern Boulevard. The Bronx is a beautifully aesthetic place to live in. This coupled with excellent connectivity through the New York subway, buses, and major highways, your experience settling down in the Bronx is sure to be nothing short of sublime.

What Are The Things to Look Out For

Research the neighbourhoods

Honestly, the biggest favour you can do for yourself before moving into a new place is to become familiar and aware of the area’s various neighbourhoods. A quick Google search will tell you what neighbourhoods exist in the Bronx, but beyond that, it is advisable to take a day to drive out, spend some time to see if the neighbourhood will fit with your needs and if this is what your budget allows. Every neighbourhood varies with regards to your potential neighbours and the people who live there, accessibility, schools, shopping, affordability, and all that it has to offer.

Selling vs Renting

There are no two ways you can consider when it comes to a new home, renting or buying. Property in New York can cost a fortune, some may not be able to afford to buy a new house, especially, without good credit and a loan. If you’re the kind that doesn’t want to invest in a loan at this time, or if you do not have an intention to buy property, consider renting. Should you decide to purchase or rent a home, be sure to secure good homeowners/renters insurance. No matter where you live, especially in a city like New York, you must be prepared for future storms, theft, and or fires. Be sure to check Homeowners Insurance Made for New Yorkers.

Most landlords will look at your credit score before they consider accepting your rental application. Assuming your credit comes back with a good rating. Be advised, New York requires that you earn around 50 times the rental rate to be accepted to lease. Some landlords may ask for a guarantor, who is able to step in to pay, should you default. A guarantor is required to make 100 times the rent, in order to qualify. Some landlords require the guarantor to live in the same state.

Miscellaneous Details

You may not consider certain details to be as important, but they could come up when you are least expecting. New Yorkers love their pets, and over the years New York has become pet friendly, in all areas from housing to hotels. However, there are still properties who may not be pet-friendly. We’ve heard that landlords may not advise you about their no pet policy, until after you arrive with your pet. Be sure to discuss this upfront before signing any lease. Internet access, be sure to ask which provider is available in the area you have chosen, inquire about water and electricity, are they included in your lease or will you have to provide? We suggest, make a list of all the small things that are essential to you so that you are prepared before renting your property. It’s better to have that checklist on hand.

Food/Dining

Many city dwellers choose to rotate cooking, ordering in, or dining out. So it’s important to know what options are available and nearby. Doing your research before you sign a new lease, on the types of restaurants, delis, their rates, delivery options, dine-in hours, etc., is a good idea. Food delivery services such as UberEats, Seamless, Postmates and Grubhub are New Yorkers go-to delivery options.

Transportation

Living in a city like New York, be sure to factor in transportation. What’s available and where is the closest subway and or bus stop? Unless you choose to have a car, the subway and bus are two of the best ways to get around this great city.

Owning a car, be sure to consider insurance, parking, alternate side parking on city streets, and petrol. There are other options such as Uber, Via and Lyft to get you where you need to go.

Should you consider driving and or taking a car service, be sure to look into road maintenance or rush hour, heavy traffic and possible accidents. Download the NYC subway and or public transportation apps, these are the best way to keep on top of your daily travel. Biking is also a great option, New Yorkers have taken to City Bike and or purchasing their own bikes for city travel. We highly recommend cycling, a great way to get your daily exercise and see the city.

Living in New York or any large city is not always easy, but if you do your homework, educate yourself and prepare, you will be sure to make right decisions for you, there is nothing more exciting, educational, cultural and refreshing than living in New York!

Tags bronx, city living, insurance, New York, purchasing, renting, Transportation

Events Featured NYC

New York’s Treasure Botanical Garden Set to Reopening

Post author By Grace Capobianco
Post date July 15, 2020

New York Botanical Garden Announces, Reopening to the General Public

Each day we see progress with all of our favorite New York treasures. It may be a very long time before we go back to a pre-COVID lifestyle, until then we must take the time to get out to enjoy this great city and all that it has to offer.

Soon you will be able to take your family and friends to one of our largest treasures, New York Botanical Garden.

Phased reopening plan includes new safety protocols following CDC guidelines and State and City requirements

The New York Botanical Garden has announced plans to reopen the grounds of its 250-acre site to the general public on Tuesday, July 28. The process will be gradual as the City enters New York Forward’s Phase Four. Since enacting the temporary closure on March 15, 2020, due to COVID-19, Botanical Garden leadership has been proactively developing and implementing new safety protocols in accordance with State and New York.

NYBG is among the most comprehensive botanical gardens in the world—an urban oasis and integral part of the cultural fabric of New York City, anchored in the Bronx.

The verdant landscape currently features a trove of vibrant daylilies, hydrangeas, water lilies, and lotuses among its one million plants. Walking paths and trails crisscross the Garden providing opportunities for discovery through encounters with nature. The reopened gardens, outdoor collections, and natural features include the Native Plant Garden, with its meadow, woodland, promenade, and centerpiece water feature; Bronx River, with its waterfall, which runs through the 50-acre Thain Family Forest; layered and colorful patterns and plant groupings of the Perennial and Herb Gardens; lushly shaded Chilton Azalea Garden; award-winning Rockefeller Rose Garden; tropical and aquatic plant-filled Conservatory Courtyards and Pools; inviting paths through the Ross Conifer Arboretum; Benenson Ornamental Conifers; Burn Family Lilac Collection; and more.

Tram Tours, public programs, and group tours are suspended temporarily as a safety precaution. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, LuEsther T. Mertz Library, Edible Academy, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, and Hudson Garden Grill remain closed.

NYBG will welcome Garden Members, Bronx Health Care Heroes

The public reopening will be prefaced by Appreciation Week July 21‒26, when NYBG will welcome Garden Members; the Bronx health care heroes from the eight public and private hospitals in the borough; and Bronx Neighbors with the first access and complimentary tickets. Communities in the Bronx are among the most severely impacted by COVID-19 in New York City. Through its Appreciation Week initiative, the Garden seeks to acknowledge, with gratitude, the dedication, strength, and resilience of Bronx frontline health care workers and residents. Complimentary admission for those groups will continue through September 13.

The reopening incorporates enhanced safety measures based on best practices and guidance from health authorities and government agencies. New measures include requiring staff and visitors over the age of two to wear face coverings; increasing sanitization of public and staff areas; daily health screenings for on-site staff; supporting social distancing practices; requiring timed-entry tickets purchased in advance; operating at a reduced capacity; and more.

The new, limited timed-entry ticketing system will stagger visitors

Arrivals promote social distancing and mitigate the risk of crowding in high-traffic areas. Advance purchase of timed tickets is required and will be confirmed by e-mail with the option to print or download a mobile ticket. Visitors who do not purchase advance tickets will not be guaranteed admission at this time. Garden Patrons and Members must also reserve timed tickets in advance. For more information, visit our website at nybg.org.

To further facilitate social distancing, visitors will find new wayfinding signage and pavement markings at admissions points and where queuing is necessary. Some pathways will be designated for one-way foot traffic to help avoid congestion. New hand sanitizer stations on the grounds and touchless restroom appliances will be available. There is ample parking on-site and in NYBG’s Parking Garage, just steps away from the Mosholu Entrance.

Other visitor amenities include

Pine Tree Café (10 a.m.–6 p.m.; limited menu and outdoor seating),
Hudson Garden Grill Terrace (12–5 p.m.; snacks and refreshments, including water, beer, and wine)
Pine Tree Café Pop-up at the Rose Garden (11 a.m.–4 p.m.; snacks and refreshments, including water, beer, and wine)
Clay Family Picnic Pavilions,
“My Day at the Garden” kids and family activity guide,
Self-guided audio tours, which are available by cell phone, and
NYBG Shop (per social distancing protocols).

The reopening plan is subject to change based on government guidance and in response to altered circumstances. Subsequent phases of the Garden’s reopening will be announced at a future date online at nybg.org and via the Garden’s social media channels.

NYBG is located on property owned in full by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. A portion of the Garden’s general operating funds is provided by The New York City Council and The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The Bronx Borough President and Bronx elected representatives in the City Council and State Legislature provide leadership funding.

From Time Square’s neon billboards to the historic Statue of Liberty, the city that never sleeps took a little vaca. New York City is comprised of 5 boroughs each with their own personality. From some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers to the most magnificent gardens, all with a New York flavor unto itself. Be sure to pack a day bag, go on, get out, enjoy all that this city has to offer, our very best kept secrets will soon be yours.

ps. WEAR A MASK

Tags 250-acre, bronx, covid-19, cultural fabric, garden, meadow, Native Plant Garden, New York Botanical Garden, New York City, NYBG, promenade, reopening, verdant landscape, Walking paths, woodland

Events Featured News Sports

Everyone Wins in Non-Profit Rowing Fundraiser

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date October 2, 2019

After 10 hours of rowing around Manhattan, participants of Rocking the Boat’s “Rocking Manhattan” event on September 28th said they were ready for more. The 30-mile row in hand-made boats is a fundraiser for Rocking the Boat, a Bronx-based program. The $440,000 raised represents about 13% of the annual budget. Rocking the Boat teaches children to build, sail, and row boats. Through these activities, they hope to build leadership and social/emotional skills as well as encourage interest in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields.

The weather for the event was beautiful, leading to a bright, clear day of rowing for the volunteers. Many of these volunteers were alumni or board members, eager to raise money and give back to the youth organization. Groups of relatives, friends, and co-workers form creatively-named teams to operate hand-made boats. Each team was tasked with raising at least $25,000, though most raised more. The top fundraising team was GStream, a Goldman-Sachs team, raising $90,788. Flotsam and Jetsam came in a close second, with $87,642.

“The day itself was amazing, there was such a good and happy vibe,” said Alies van den Berg, a rower with the team Dismasted, “everyone was so happy to row around the island in support of this amazing cause. Together we can really make a difference in people’s lives. It was also very nice to meet the Rocking the Boat team who made this event happen (and there is a LOT of organization behind the scenes), as well as some of the programs’ alumni.”

Here are some pictures from this inspiring event:

Tags boat, bronx, education, event, fundraiser, manhattan, non-profit, Rocking the boat, Row, STEM

Featured

Downtown Gift Guide: 10 Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date December 15, 2016

As of this article’s writing, both Hanukkah and Christmas are a little over a week away. Since most of the people in my life still haven’t done their holiday shopping for the year, below are 10 last-minute gift ideas:

1) TOKKI Soju

Soju is a distilled Korean alcohol that is — by volume — the most consumed spirit in the world. TOKKI is the first soju to be made in the U.S., as produced in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Unlike many of its competitors, TOKKI does not add artificial ingredients or flavors. Beyond Astor Wines & Spirits, TOKKI can be found in dozens of New York City restaurants including Cafe Boulud, Hangawi, Barn Joo, and Thursday Kitchen.

2) Volition Ultimate Anti-Aging Trio

Co-founded by Brandy Hoffman and Patricia Santos, Volition is a beauty company known for its innovative anti-aging products. This set is a 3-in-1 system meant for application twice daily, as massaged into the face and neck areas. It contains 60 mL of a Dual Cream Base and 15 mL of both its Day Active and Night Active products. Volition also offers free shipping and free returns on purchases.

3) Swarovski Crystaldust Bangle Double

Based in Austria, Swarovski is known all around the world for its crystals. Swarovski’s Crystaldust Bangle Doubleis a new signature design, as crafted using the brand’s Crystal Rock technique. It is lavishly-encrusted with silver-toned crystals, which makes it sparkle, and available in eight different colors. Swarovski fans with an interest in chic tech-wear ought to look into the Cardoon Activity Tracker, as part of the Activity Tracking Jewelry Collection.

4) Wu-Tang Clan Ugly Christmas Sweater

Not all Christmas sweaters must be ugly, and this officially-licensed Wu-Tang Clan sweater proves that. UglyChristmasSweaters.com lets shoppers add LED lights to any sweater — Wu-Tang threads included — for $9.95. Those seeking something a little more “yuge” have some Donald Trump sweater options from the site.

5) TOMS Black Teal Tribal Wool Men’s Del Rey Sneakers

TOMS first achieved notoriety for its “one for one” policies, in which the company would give away a pair of shoes to a person in need for each pair purchased. Within the past few years, TOMS has become known for much more than its slipper-esque canvas shoes, including sunglasses, bags, backpacks, boots and dress shoes. Its Del Rey sneakers are not just in line with the company’s “one for one” policy, but also manage to be both comfortable and fashionable. The Del Rey can be purchased in Black Teal Tribal, Grey Plaid and Black Dotted Wool. TOMS purists interested in the Grey Plaid version of the Del Rey may want to check out the Red Black Plaid edition of the classic slip-ons.

6) Shu Uemura x Murakami Limited Edition Holiday Collection

Shu Uemura is a top Tokyo-based beauty company. Takashi Murakami is one of Japan’s top contemporary artists. Put them together and you have the Shu Uemura x Murakami Limited Edition Holiday Collection. Only available while supplies last, this collection maintains both the quality that Shu Uemura is known for and the colorful artwork of Murakami. Beauty both inside and outside of the packaging.

7) Neubau Heinz Black Coal

Neubau Eyewear is a popular Vienna-based brand known for its chic yet ergonomic pairs of glasses. Its Heinz line is unisex and light, made of lightweight polymer. While the Black Coal Matte caught my eye, Heinz is also available in five other colors. On the Neubau website, shoppers can easily sort models by color, material and gender; 13 colors, two materials and two genders lead to plenty of options.

8) Tipsy Elves

Tipsy Elves is one of the top sites to purchase ugly Christmas sweaters from, but the San Diego-based e-tailer offers something for everyone. Halloween-ready jumpsuits, Thanksgiving-themed t-shirts, St. Patrick’s Day gear, Hawaiian shirts, patriotic clothing, officially-licensed college sweaters, fanny packs, neck warmers…fun attire and then some. I personally had a hard time deciding between the the American flag sweater and a Hanukkah sweater. Free shipping for orders over $75.

9) MOO Hardcover Notebook

MOO is helping to make business cards cool again, although it also sells postcards, holiday cards, letterhead and stickers. The brand recently partnered with Baron Von Fancy to create limited-edition business cards. But for those who don’t need business cards, MOO has great a hardcover notebook to offer. Sized at 5.12″ x 8.15″, the notebook comes in dark grey with 160 lined pages and 16 unlined pages. Sturdy, professional and fashionable all at once.

10) The Bronx Brewery No Name IPA

Based in the Port Morris section of the South Bronx, The Bronx Brewery has becoming one of New York’s leading craft breweries in only five years. The Bronx Brewery’s No Name IPA is a special collaboration brew only available at Whole Foods Market locations in the Northeast region. The beer is currently nameless and is looking for a name — submissions can be submitted at www.namethisbeerwfm.com. In turn, you have not only given a loved one the gift of great beer, but also the chance to be the person that gives that great beer a proper name.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEBZ4gH5fU0

Events News

Artist Lucien Smith’s Art Installation Celebrates South Bronx

Post author By Kari Sonde
Post date November 5, 2015

Last Thursday, artist Lucien Smith presented Macabre Suite, an art installation/party to celebrate the revamping of the historic South Bronx Piano District. Hosted by Keith Rubenstein, the head of Somerset Partners, and Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, the founder of the art gallery Studio 94, the party featured Smith’s work in a huge celebration of Somerset’s partnership with Chetrit Group to purchase and develop a part of the Harlem River.

Smith’s work during the event included bullet ridden burnt cars alongside oil paintings and videos. Macabre Suite also included a dance performance by Kobe Kanty influenced by traditional movements. Smith has been widely successful as an artist in the past few years–one of his pieces sold for $389,000 in 2014.

The party hosted celebrity stars such as current social media favorites Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, alongside artists and designers like Leo Villareal and Petra Collins. Musical guests ranged from Frankie Bones to Lucas Vercetti with a final performance by Travis Scott.

Guests had their range of food to choose from with food trucks from Roberta’s to Korilla BBQ outside the warehouse.

Rubenstein and Somerset Partners aim to transform the South Bronx into a cultural hub to reflect the city’s changing dynamics.

While a hashtag that sprung out of the event, #bronxisburning, has garnered controversy in its reference to tragedy in the Bronx, it appears as though the rebranding of the district is well underway.

-by Kari Sonde

Tags bronx, Lucien Smith, Piano District