Author: Site Adminstrator

The two-block stretch on Atlantic Avenue between Henry and Court Streets might seem insignificant to the casual onlooker, but it’s actually become notorious for being the site of frequent accidents.

To address the road’s less-than-ideal conditions, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it’s gearing up to implement a series of improvements that will hopefully reduce traffic accidents and injuries, according to NY 1.  

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The improvements will include expanded pedestrian space; mid-block crosswalks between Court Street and Clinton Street, as well as Henry Street and Clinton Street; two new pedestrian islands on Columbia Street; upgraded traffic signals and new lane markings, announced the DOT. 

“Atlantic Avenue is a vital transportation artery for Brooklyn, and these critical upgrades will make it significantly easier to walk the avenue, support economic development, and enhance safety by better managing traffic through the corridor,” NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said of the planned improvements in an official statement. 

New split phase traffic signals will allow a green phase for vehicles traveling in one direction, proceeded by a green phase for all vehicles traveling the opposite direction, per the DOT.

The agency is also refining an Atlantic Avenue Curb Access plan that will reduce double parking and conflicts between street users, which will all hopefully help alleviate traffic congestion.

The latest improvements to Atlantic Avenue are part of a larger initiative to make the essential Brooklyn street safer and more efficient.

The DOT completed the first phase of major work in 2020 between Pennsylvania Avenue and Logan Street. According to data, the improvements led to a 29% reduction in pedestrian injuries and a 14% reduction in cyclist injuries.

Phase two kicked off in 2022 and will eventually lead to raised, planted medians; left turn bays and signals; and a grade-separated bike lane in each direction from Logan Street to Rockaway Boulevard.

When it comes to traffic safety, we guess late is better than never.   

* This article was originally published here

Every single Harry Potter devotee knows about Back to Hogwarts Day, an annual celebration created by the franchise’s own fans marking the day Harry is due back to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry on September 1. 

Although celebrations usually involve a bunch of virtual activations in the United States, for the first time ever, fans on this side of the Atlantic will be able to attend an event marking the occasion in real life: a special Back to Hogwarts pop-up will be held at Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal from August 30 through September 1. 

Completely free to attend, the event will feature LEGO building activities, magical performances, an interactive quidditch-related fan experience and, of course, the chance to drink some Butterbeer among fellow aficionados. 

On September 1 at 11am, there will also be a “live hosted countdown moment.” We’re not sure what, exactly, that will entail but we can only imagine it will be super-fun, super-cool and downright magical—just like anything else that concerns the Harry Potter-sphere.

Would-be attendees will need to secure a free ticket to access that portion of the activation but no details have yet been released regarding how to snag passes.

Just in case you can’t make it, worry not: the much talked-about immersive Harry Potter exhibit in Herald Square has yet again announced an extension. It will stay put until August 11 at the very least, so make sure to pay a visit in anticipation of September’s Back to Hogwarts Day.

* This article was originally published here

To make a theatrical production shine, it’s not just about the actors delivering their lines perfectly. The lighting must work just right. The music must pair with each scene. And the costumes must complement each actor, whether they’re in a baroque gown, a military uniform or streetwear.

The power of costumes will be in the spotlight at a new exhibit by The Public Theater. This free exhibit will be on view from Sunday, July 28, through Friday, August 30 in the theater’s Shiva Theater in Manhattan’s Noho neighborhood. 

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At The Public Theater’s Costume Exhibit, see exquisite costumes spanning four decades of acclaimed Public Theater and Free Shakespeare in the Park productions. Expect to can see pieces from iconic shows like A Chorus Line and Hamilton and Delacorte Theater productions of Twelfth Night, Richard III, Mother Courage and On the Town. Admire the intricacies of lacy dresses, fuzzy capes and ornate top hats, among many other incredible outfits.  

You’ll get a chance to admire costumes worn by legendary performers such as Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, Audra McDonald, Danai Gurira, Kevin Kline, Peter Dinklage and more. 

This exhibit was curated by former Director of Costumes Luke McDonough with assistance from current Director of Costumes Vanessa Watters and Associate Director Melinda Basaca.

It opens during the theater’s Block Party on Sunday, July 28, with daily hours through August. The exhibit is free to attend and doesn’t require tickets. 

After the show, you might just feel inspired to continue the fun at the Museum of Broadway’s Moulin Rouge exhibit or even get tickets to one of the best shows on Broadway or Off Broadway. 

* This article was originally published here

We love a hot summer’s day spent at the beach, and thankfully NYC is home to two of the best beaches in the country. However, if you are hitting the beach this summer you’re going to want to make sure you’re only swimming if there’s a lifeguard around as a new study has ranked NY as the second most dangerous state to go swimming.

The study was done by Florida-based law firm Anidjar & Levine who looked at data from the U.S. Lifesaving Association (between the years 2021 and 2023) to find which states pose the highest dangers to swimmers.

The numbers showed that for every 100,000 beachgoers heading to NY beaches from 2021 to 2023, New York averaged 73.7 rescues.

The only state with a higher rescue average than New York was Oregon, with an average of 81.8 rescues per 100,000 beachgoers, however Oregon’s beachgoer attendance was a mere 361,967 compared to New York’s 4,551,283.

Beyond New York and Oregon,  Maryland, Virginia, and California rounded out the top five.

Several factors come into play when looking at beachgoers’ safety in the water.

First off, it’s not unusual to spot sharks at New York beaches. And though thankfully no shark attacks have been reported so far this year, a handful were reported last year–though just last week there was a shark spotted lurking in Rockaway waters.

To help keep swimmers safe from possible shark attacks, shark-monitoring drones have been distributed to coastal areas of Long Island, NYC, and Westchester County, and you can always follow shark activity near NYC waters with this interactive tracker.

If you are planning on going into the water at the beach, it’s urged that you pay attention to the color of the flags at the beach as they indicate potential ocean dangers to help keep beachgoers safe.

The post NY Is The Second Most Dangerous State For Beachgoers To Go Swimming appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

If you’re among the many New Yorkers visiting Paris for the 2024 Olympics and you’re not sure how to spend your time abroad, we’ve got you covered! Luckily we have some friends over at Secret Paris, so we know just what to recommend to have you saying “ooo la la” all trip long.

1. Grab the best butter croissant in Paris at Georges Ducet

Take a bite of what’s been deemed the best butter croissant of 2024 at Georges Ducet. When in Paris, you have to indulge in all of the mouthwatering patisserie and why not make sure you’re having the absolute best?

2. Make a visit to the Louvre

Of course everyone likes to feel like a local when they visit a city but you truly can’t miss exploring the endless halls of the Louvre. Plus, our friends over in Paris shared some secrets you might not have known about the iconic museum—like when you can check it out for free! See here.

3. Walk through a blossoming urban forest

The Place de Catalogne recently got a massive makeover as it’s transformed into a 4,000 square meter forest in the city. With 470 trees planted and a new pedestrian area, it’s now a green oasis.

4. Get groovy at a Paris jazz club

What sounds better than a night of jazz in Paris? Think moody lights, great vibes and a lot of good music. You can find some of the best jazz clubs in the city here.

5. Find things the kids will like too

From incredible exhibits to aquariums and amusement parks, you can find all of the best activities the kids will be sure to love right here.

6. Stroll across Paris’ most beautiful bridges

The architecture and monuments are some of the most breathtaking sights in Paris and that includes it’s jaw-dropping bridges. Whether you’re bringing your lock to seal your love or taking in the sights of the Seine, you can’t pass up on a stroll over The Alexandre III Bridge or The Pont des Arts. Find even more bridges here.

7. Save money by checking out a free exhibition

After spending money on your flight, tickets to events, and Team USA gear, you’ll probably want to save your pennies as much as possible from thereafter, so why not check out a free exhibition? You don’t have to spend money to see incredible works of art. Find some of the best free exhibits in Paris right here.

8. Grab a NY-style slice at Jay’s Pizza

If you’re missing home, you can get a taste of New York at Jay’s Pizza, promising New York-style slices. Foldable with a thin, crispy crust, the menu is quite easy to choose from with only three pizza options on the menu: Cheese, Pepperoni, Ruby (vodka, mozzarella, pecorino and pesto sauce).

Whatever you end up doing, Paris and the Olympics are sure to be a wonderful time! Do note some bars and restaurants will be closed during the games so make sure wherever you’re headed to is open and operating before you go.

You can explore more things to do on Secret Paris (and yes, they have english translations).

The post Visiting Paris For The 2024 Olympics? Here Are 8 Things To Do, See & Eat appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here