Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Manhattan apartment market strengthens

• Kids Week at Bryant Park

• A deep dive into the life of Robert Moses

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

New York City Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the major New York City airport named after a U.S. President?

A) John F. Kennedy International Airport

B) LaGuardia Airport

C) Newark Liberty International Airport

D) Theodore Roosevelt Airport

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The first bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn is A) Brooklyn Bridge.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

BGO signed three new office leases at 757 Third Ave. in Midtown. (link)

Expectations are set for office leasing activity to pick up later in the year, suggesting a rebound in the commercial real estate sector. (link)

Amidst political backlash and legal challenges, companies in NYC are exploring strategies to improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. (link)

Prologis plans to redevelop a former gas company property in Coney Island, further impacting the commercial landscape of the area​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

The higher-end brokered Manhattan apartment market showed strength with average asking rents rising and the vacancy rate falling. (link)

Approximately 124 million square feet of office space was available for lease in NYC as of early February, with average asking rents holding steady. (link)

Office occupancy in the NYC area showed signs of recovery post-pandemic, although still below pre-pandemic levels. (link)

Google mobility data indicated a rebound in time spent at workplaces from the year-end drop during the Omicron wave, yet not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. (link)

The share of New Yorkers working from home due to COVID-19 saw a decline, reaching its lowest during the pandemic period despite a surge in cases​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

Super Bowl betting included promos for the 49ers vs. Chiefs game with Taylor Swift prop bets. (link)

Sandro Schwarz is set to balance control and intensity as the new head coach of the New York Red Bulls. (link)

Benoit Desrosiers focuses on the Islanders' defensive strategies under Patrick Roy's guidance. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 New York Rangers vs. Dallas Stars
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Tuesday, Feb. 20th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎳 Family Bowl
Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, NY
Sunday, Feb. 24th | (More Info)

🏒 New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
UBS Arena
Sunday, Feb. 24th | 2:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Mitski
Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
Sunday, Feb. 21 -- 24, 2024 | (More Info)

🎶 Meduza
The Great Hall at Avant Gardner, New York, NY
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2024 | (More Info)

🎤 Eslabon Armado
PlayStation Theater, New York, NY
Sunday, Feb. 23 - 24, 2024 | (More Info)

🎷 Ryan Beatty
Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn, NY
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2024 | (More Info)

Family

🎿 Kids Week at Bryant Park
Midtown West, NYC
Tuesday, Feb. 20th - Friday, Feb. 23rd | (More Info)

🏆 Family Fun Day: Jackie Robinson's New York City
Soho, NYC
Monday, Feb. 19th | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “New York City streets bustling with holographic advertisements” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

New York City History

1789: George Washington's inauguration as the first U.S. President in NYC

In 1789, a momentous event took place in New York City that would forever be etched in the annals of American history: the inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States. This historic event, held in the nation's then-capital, symbolized the birth of a new era and the realization of the ideals fought for during the American Revolutionary War. Washington's inauguration represented not just the assumption of the highest office by an individual but the establishment of the presidency as a cornerstone of the newly formed democratic government.

The ceremony, held on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street, was a testament to the fledgling nation's commitment to governance by the people and for the people. Washington, a figure of unity and revered leader, took the oath of office in view of a hopeful and expectant populace. His inaugural address laid out his vision for the nation, emphasizing principles of liberty, justice, and collective responsibility.

George Washington's inauguration in New York City in 1789 was a defining moment that set the tone for the presidency and the democratic ethos of the United States. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in the nation's history, underscored by a commitment to constitutional governance, civic duty, and a shared vision for the future of the United States. The legacy of that day in New York City continues to inspire and guide the nation, reminding us of the enduring principles upon which it was founded.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Robert Moses (1888–1981)

Early Years and Education (1888-1914)

Robert Moses was born on December 18, 1888, in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in New York City. He was educated at Yale University, Oxford University, and Columbia University, focusing on political science and public administration. This academic background laid the foundation for his future career in urban planning.

Rise in New York Politics (1915-1930)

Moses began his career in New York City government, gaining experience in various positions. He quickly established himself as a skilled organizer and administrator, leading to his involvement in regional planning.

Power Broker and Urban Planning (1930-1945)

By the 1930s, Moses had become one of the most influential figures in New York's urban development. He held multiple official and unofficial positions, giving him considerable power over urban planning and public works projects.

Major Projects and Infrastructure Development (1946-1960)

Moses spearheaded numerous infrastructure projects, including bridges, parks, highways, and housing developments. His vision and execution of these projects dramatically shaped the physical landscape of New York City and its surroundings.

Controversy and Impact on Urban Design (1961-1975)

While Moses' projects transformed the city, they also generated controversy. His approach often prioritized automobiles over public transit and displaced many communities. His legacy in urban planning is complex, marked by both significant achievements and criticism for his methods and impacts.

Later Years and Diminishing Influence (1976-1981)

In his later years, Moses' influence waned as political and public opinion shifted. The changing attitudes towards urban planning and development in the 1970s reflected a move away from his style and philosophy.

The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York (1974)

Robert Caro's biography "The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York" (1974) provided a critical and comprehensive look at Moses' career, further cementing his complex legacy in urban planning and politics.

Death and Legacy (1981 and Beyond)

Robert Moses passed away on July 29, 1981. His impact on urban development, particularly in New York City, continues to be a subject of study and debate. He remains a pivotal figure in understanding the evolution of urban American landscapes.

Robert Moses' Key Contributions:

• Reimagined and reshaped New York City's infrastructure and urban landscape.

• Led the construction of parks, bridges, and highways, fundamentally altering the city's layout.

• His methodologies in urban planning influenced practices nationwide.

Robert Moses' role in shaping New York City's infrastructure and urban landscape was monumental. His legacy as an urban planner is marked by the transformative and sometimes controversial impact of his projects. Moses' approach to urban development left an indelible mark on New York City, making him one of the most influential and debated figures in the history of American urban planning.

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-Matthew Larsen

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