Back in November of last year it was announced that NYC libraries would be forced to stay closed on Sundays following city budget cuts–and this past March they were potentially looking at only being open five days a week–but after months of fighting against this (along with pressure from the City Council) NYC libraries will once again be open on Sundays!
After months of negotiations, Mayor Eric Adams and City Council leaders announced a historic $112.4 billion budget that restored many of Adams’ proposed cuts.
Thankfully, the budget will positively affect NYC libraries and cultural institutions, as $58.3 million worth of library cuts will be reversed, thus allowing them not only to reopen on Sundays but to additionally remain open on Saturdays.
The Adams administration also baselined $42.8 million in funding every year moving forward.
Source / Max Touhey
In a joint press release from Mayor Adams and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Speaker Adams stated that restoring libraries’ funding had been a “top priority” for the Council.
According to the press release “libraries are a critical part of NYC’s social fabric, which New Yorkers depend on for children’s growth and the vibrancy of the city.” It added that seven-day service will begin in branches that previously offered it on a rolling basis, and by July 14th there will be a branch open seven days a week in every borough.
Moreover, newly renovated locations will open across all five boroughs.
Mayor Adams stated:
I understand firsthand how important libraries are for children, families, and every New Yorker in leveling the playing field…From providing spaces to prepare our young people for a bright future to being a vital partner in the creation of affordable housing, libraries are a lifeline for countless communities. Today, we can all be proud that our city has a budget that invests in our libraries and invests in the future of our city.
Ingka, owner of the majority of IKEA stores worldwide, has just invested in a massive retail tower at 570 Fifth Avenue by 47th Street in midtown Manhattan alongside city developer Extell, announcing that part of the mixed-use building will be used to debut a new IKEA “meeting point” shop, a destination for customers “making larger and more complex purchases,” according to Pix11.
The one-million-square-foot property will be open for commercial tenants some time in 2028.
According to an official press release, the iconic Swedish brand will take over 80,000 square feet of space over two large cellar levels, with a corner entrance on Fifth Avenue.
Rendering: Courtesy of KPF
“This next phase of our investment and expansion in the U.S. signals our commitment to bring IKEA closer to people in city centers,” said Javier Quiñones, the CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA, in an official statement. “While we are in the very early stages of planning for the IKEA location, we can promise to deliver an experience that is full of inspiration and designed to meet the home furnishing dreams of the many New Yorkers.”
At the moment, there only two IKEA stores in the New York area: one at 1 Beard Street in Brooklyn, right by Red Hook Park, and the other on Long Island, in Hicksville.
Back in 2022, the first and only-ever brand shop in Queensshuttered less than two years after first opening—making this upcoming debut by the Diamond District in Manhattan an even more exciting piece of news.
Although not a traditional type of IKEA concept, we’re sure New Yorkers will be taking advantage of the new location when trying to furnish or revamp their apartments.
The culinary rivalry between New York City and Chicago is a long-standing one. Sure, out of the kindness of our hearts, we can begrudgingly admit that a Chicago-style tavern pie is pretty good (we do not recognize deep dish as pizza, sorry not sorry) and we do like the pickily, peppery zippiness of a classic Chicago dog. But this is New York: everything you can do, we can do better. And so, one of NYC’s most iconic and longest-running food institutions, Katz’s Delicatessen, is joining forces with Chicago-born Food Network star Jeff Mauro and his Mauro Provisions for a culinary smackdown between the two food-loving cities.
Introducing the East Meats Midwest Sandwich Kit, an exclusive $155 meal kit that celebrates the best of NYC and Chicago’s food scenes, available now for nationwide shipping through Saturday, August 31. The spread features deli classics and cured meats from Katz’s, as well as Honey G Pepper Relish and Giardiniera from Mauro Provisions. To rep the Big Apple, you can recreate Katz’slegendary pastrami on rye with mustard or a classic street-vendor frank piles high with sauerkraut. If you want to see how Chi-town stacks up, you can try a toasted Chicago Honey G turkey meltwith Swiss cheese, or a Chicago-style loaded hot dog with craft giardiniera from Mauro Provisions.
Feeding six people, the East Meats Midwest Sandwich Kit includes:
● 1 lb Katz’s hand-carved pastrami
● 1 lb Katz’s hand-carved turkey
● Half loaf deli rye bread (approx 16 slices)
● 6 Katz’s all-beef hot dogs
● 6 frankfurter buns
● 8 oz jar deli mustard
● 8 oz jar sauerkraut
● 1 quart full sour pickles
● 1 lb Swiss cheese
● 8 oz jar Mauro Provisions Honey G Pepper Relish
● 16 oz jar Mauro Provisions Craft Giardiniera (select spice level)
That’s enough to make four giant sandwiches (two of each type) and six classic hot dogs (three for each city). And don’t worry, there’s expert instructs from both Jeff Mauro from Mauro Provisions as well as New York’s own Jake Dell, the owner of Katz’s. It’s delicious stuff no matter which city you hail from, but we’re rooting for NYC all the way
Are you looking for nonstop entertainment and stunning views in the Big Apple? Head to Pier 36 NYC for breathtaking sights of the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, downtown Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty. This cutting-edge entertainment and sports facility dedicates 70,000 square feet to events and 55,000 square feet to parking. A sprawling affair on the East River, it promises a good time around the year whether you have a soft spot for music, technology, fashion, or something educational.
It is a great place to unwind with friends, connect with like-minded people, network professionally, click stunning photos, and watch Manhattan come alive in a million twinkling lights after sunset.
Background on Pier 36 NYC
Pier 36 NYC’s massive rooms can seat up to 5,000 people at a time. It also features a 15,000-square-foot deck offering mesmerizing views of the surroundings. The vast parking lot allows hassle-free access for large and commercial vehicles, a major plus for all events.
Besides being a flexible and versatile event space, Pier 36 has LED walls, lobby lighting, video servers, multiple rigging points, and concert audio systems for an unparalleled experience. The venue supports powerful network capabilities to accommodate thousands of Wi-Fi users simultaneously.
There are also 22 65-inch flat screens for a highly immersive setting. Along with Basketball City, Pier 36 NYC welcomes more than 700,000 visitors and 1,500 corporations annually. The place has hosted events by top brands like GMC, Google, and Volkswagen, and many celebrities such as Eminem, Madonna, Adam Sandler, and Alicia Keys have performed here. Supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Bella Hadid have also graced its events.
Where Is Pier 36 NYC and How Do You Get There?
Pexels | The iconic New York City skyline
Just off the FDR Drive, Pier 36 is conveniently situated at 299 South Street and is easy to reach via the subway.
Take the F train to East Broadway, get off at the Rutgers St. or Madison St. exit, and then walk east along Rutgers Street towards the water.
On South Street heading north, turn left and walk towards the Department of Sanitation. You will find Pier 36 next to the department’s northern side.
By road, you can reach the pier from FDR Drive, George Washington Bridge, the New Jersey Turnpike, the Lincoln Tunnel, and Queens and Long Island. There is ample parking space at the site.
What to Expect When You Visit Pier 36 NYC
Art Expo at Pier 36 NYC
You can attend various events at the venue, from concerts, conventions, and expos to basketball matches, exhibitions, and fashion shows. It is a great way to satisfy your taste for frivolous, artistic, or exciting cultural and sports events. Feel free to head to a food and wine event if you are a gourmet.
Charity events are perfect if you are in a giving mood, while tech conferences and product launches will intrigue those into innovations, gadgets, or the latest in automotive. You can attend business conferences and networking events to scale the professional ladder. And, of course, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a light breeze and shoot photos against the captivating East River and the architectural gems of Manhattan.
What More Can You Do When You Visit?
Besides attending events of your choice at the venue, you can go on a picturesque and relaxing cruise. Soak in the sights and sounds of Manhattan while you navigate the East River. Hop on a party yacht if you want to tap your feet to good music and enjoy drinks with friends. Nearby attractions include the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more, providing ample opportunities for sightseeing and photography.
Whether you are a Manhattanite or visiting New York for the first time, the expansive sports and entertainment facility at Pier 36 will impress with plenty of fun events. You might also get to spot celebrities or eminent personalities. From musical performances, artistic displays, and wine-tasting events to basketball games, tech conferences, and fashion gigs, you will find something that floats your boat. With the East River and Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges in the backdrop, the place is worthy of photography as well.
FAQs:
Can I contact the authorities at Pier 36 NYC before visiting?
How will I get to know about upcoming events at Pier 36 NYC?
You can sign up for their newsletter on the website or follow Pier 36 NYC on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.
How long does it take to reach Pier 36 NYC from the Manhattan Bridge?
It takes about 10 minutes to reach Pier 36 NYC from the Manhattan Bridge via road, whether you take the Upper Roadway and Montgomery Street or Madison Street.
Pier 36 NYC stands out as more than just an event space. Its dynamic spirit and unique features make it a versatile destination. This venue has something for everyone: high-energy concerts, innovative tech expos, or stylish fashion shows.
The unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline from the deck make every visit a visual treat. State-of-the-art facilities, such as advanced audiovisual equipment and spacious parking, provide a seamless experience for all visitors.
After attending an event, take some time to relax by the East River or hop on a sceniccruiseto enjoy the views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the skyline.
Pier 36 offers a unique blend of entertainment, stunning views, and a lively atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. It’s the perfect place to feel the pulse of Manhattan and create lasting memories in the city’s heart.
This Thursday is, impossibly, the Fourth of July—seriously, summer in NYC is flying by—and if you’ve been fretting about what and where you’re going to pack a picnic to catch those awesome fireworks, we’ve got your perfect Independence Day planned. First, we’ve got a handy list of the best picnic spots in NYC, whether you want a bustling park or intimate garden. And the folks over at Brooklyn Kura have put together a basket preloaded with sake-fueled deliciousness, so all you have to do come July 4th is to celebrate patriotically.
Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, craft sake brewery Brooklyn Kura will be offering to-go picnic baskets available for pickup at their Industry City taproom (34 34th Street near Greenwood Heights).
Each basket is filled with all of the essentials for a gourmet charcuterie board, including Brooklyn Kura’s freshly baked, two-tone focaccia seasoned with furikake, as well as seasonal pickled fruit and vegetables nutty Manchego cheese and spicy chorizo. You can wash that all down with your choice of Brooklyn Kura’s flagship sakes, such as an aromatic and crisp Number Fourteen or a full-bodied and earthy Blue Door sake. (Each basket will come with one 750ml bottle with which to toast the USA.
And, of course, if you don’t want to shlep those premade picnic bundles to a park for alfresco snacking, they’ll do just fine as accouterments to your backyard barbecue, too.
Baskets are $45 and are available for preorder on BrooklynKura’s website. Do note, though: orders must be placed by Tuesday, July 2 for pickup on the morning of Thursday, July 4, between 10am and noon in the taproom. Get a peep of the Brooklyn Kura baskets’ tasty offerings below:
