By Jason Fink

Chris DeMarco has lived in East Harlem for all of her 42 years and has never seen a building boom comparable to what’s happened recently.

At the same time, as the economy slows and demand for condos and co-ops softens, she wonders whether her neighborhood will be stuck with empty or half-finished buildings.

“The condos are not selling,” said DeMarco, as she stood on East 115th Street, off First Avenue, where at least two new buildings have gone up recently. “There’s new apartments but nobody’s moving in.”

Condo sales in Harlem dropped by 76 percent in the third quarter of 2008, according to propertyshark.com, which compiles real estate data.

Long seen as one of the vanguards in the steady march of gentrification in Manhattan, neighborhoods like East Harlem could serve as canaries in the coal mine for a coming glut of condos and co-ops, especially at the higher end of the market.

“Transactions have basically stalled and inventory is on the rise,” said Bill Staniford, the CEO of propertyshark, of the Manhattan sales market. “People are not buying.”

Indeed, inventory in Manhattan in September reached its highest level in eight years, at 10,761, according to a report prepared by the Corcoran Group, while sales in the third quarter dropped to the lowest level in five years, coming in at just under 3,000.

The average price of a Manhattan apartment in the third quarter fell 11 percent to $1.48 million, according to Miller Samuel, a real-estate appraisal firm.

Continue reading "After the building boom, the crash" »

The Great Conjunction as seen from the campus of Columbia University Monday evening. Venus is in the middle. (Eric Holthaus)

The crescent moon, Jupiter and Venus tonight are putting on a celestial show, and they won't be in a similar configuration until Nov. 18. 2052.

So go out ... now ... and take in the show!

More pictures after jump

Continue reading "Jupiter, Venus, moon do a dance tonight; next show is in 2052" »

By Amanda Magnus
Special to amNewYork

Raise a toast, New York, because today is the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Bloody Mary.

In 1933, St. Regis Hotel bartender and French immigrant Ferdinand Petiot conceived this classic combination of vodka, tomato juice, and spices like salt, pepper, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce.

City Councilman Anthony Como (R-Middle Village) declared today Bloody Mary Day. He presented proclamations outside the TGI Friday’s in Times Square to Carol Bradley, the granddaughter of Petiot, Martin Silver of Georgi Vodka, and Steven Murphy, who makes Murph’s Bloody Mary. Friday’s restaurants around the city today are selling the drink for the original 1933 price of 99 cents,

Tom Sisson, the director of the New York Bartending School, took a few minutes to give amNewYork his musings about the birthday cocktail.

Continue reading "Mixologist muses on Bloody Mary's 75th birthday" »

Bush administration must not be let off the hook
Bush must not be allowed to issue a blanket pardon for himself and everyone in his administration. It will set a dangerous precedent, in which the only limit on a president’s power is the time he has left in office. Bush plans to issue these pardons because he knows he and his administration have blatantly broken the law and violated the constitution.
— Jacob Miles, Manhattan

Reason for the season is lost on commercialism
I have read many opinions on who was to blame for the death of Jdimytai Damour, the Wal-Mart employee who was trampled to death. Some blame the store; others say it’s the people who acted in an appalling manner with total disregard for life. I feel a life was taken for the sake of commercialism. I further think there is enough blame to go around for the store and the people. What most people have forgotten, it seems, is that one of the important holidays this season is Christmas, the day Jesus was born. Did not the angels sing, “glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace and good will toward men.” The message unfortunately has been lost. Now the reason for the season is to get that gift and make that buck. So sad that it now cost a life.
— Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks Village

Photos: RJ Mickelson

By Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

Sparkle and shine this holiday season with two-for-one styles that transition effortlessly from day to night. We’ve got simple sartorial steps, from layering to adding costume jewelry, that will spruce up your winter look for both work and post-work soirees.

Click here to look at clothing and accessories that'll work for day and night, and where to buy them.

Photo by thefuton via flickr

Drivers can now park in spots with broken or missing meters for the maximum time allowed if the meter were working.

Previously, parking at a broken meter was capped at an hour.

The law signed by the mayor yesterday also applies to blocks with missing or broken muni-meters.

Councilman John Liu, (D-Flushing), chairman of the Transportation Committee, called the law “a good step toward making the city more livable and less punitive.”

-Jason Fink

A recent demolition in Herald Square at Sixth Avenue and 32nd Street has given renewed prominence to these vintage signs on the side of the Jack's 99 Cent store. The building at the site once housed the S&A Stores, which promised your "money refunded within 25 days." That's quite a comforting thought while entering the store. The back story on the corner here.

By the way, a 47-story tower by Costas Kondylis has been scheduled to rise on this corner -- that what the story last April anyhow -- so get a good look at these signs while ye can.

-- Rolando Pujol

Now you can enjoy a Pinkberry without any guilt. Pinkberry is donating 25 cents for every Pinkberry Pomegranate frozen yogurt purchased in New York City to the Food Bank For New York City throughout the holiday season. The new seasonal flavor is available for a limited time at Pinkberry.

Interestingly, fellow frozen yogurt spot Red Mango is also offering a Pomegranate by POM Wonderful flavor. amNewYork will taste both and report back soon.

The owners of small-plate restaurant/lounge Grayz announced today that they will reopen in 2009 as Gneiss (pronounced nice). Chef Gray Kunz will no longer be associated with the restaurant.

Chef Martin Brock, who served as the executive chef of Grayz since its opening in September 2007, will be executive chef of the Gneiss.

The restaurant — located in a landmarked townhouse on West 54th Street — will serve the current Grayz menu through the end of the year, and will open with a new concept in January.

"Gossip Girl" star Blake Lively (Serena), left, carries a Botkier bag on set.

Check out these sample sales this week:

Eberjey
Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 180 Madison Ave., suite 1101, between 33rd and 34th streets. 212-696-5393.
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t look hot underneath your layers with discounted Eberjey lingerie. Mesh and lace low-rise thongs that were $18 each are now $25 for three. Chemises that were $70 are now $25. Also on sale are printed and solid swimsuits, now $40 instead of $120.

Hanky Panky
Dec. 2 to 3, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 260 Fifth Ave., between 28th and 29th streets
Hanky Panky’s thongs couldn’t be more comfortable. Now they’re only $10, down from $18. Camisoles, pajamas and slips from the brand are also on sale, at up 75 percent off.

Brian Reyes
Dec. 3 to 4, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 101 Fifth Ave., suite 10-A, between 17th and 18th streets. 212-488-3800
Formerly of Oscar de la Renta, Brian Reyes has been making a splash in the New York fashion scene for the last few seasons. Now, the young designer’s garments are a little more wallet-friendly. A cigarette pant that was $420 is now $100. A silk dress that was $695 is now $150.

Rafe
Dec. 3, 1 to 7 p.m.; Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 85 Fifth Ave., 12th floor, between 16th and 17th streets.
Rafe’s well-made leather bags, accessories and shoes are up to 80 percent off. Available pieces, all from the fall/winter ’08 collection, include clutches, shoulder bags, satchels, boots, flats, wristlets and wallets.

Continue reading "Sample sales: Hanky Panky, Brian Reyes, Botkier" »

Subway riders returning from the Thanksgiving holiday can expect to see an increased police presence in the subway Monday.

The New York Police Department said it stepped up patrols in the subway system after an unsubstantiated al-Qaida threat targeting the subways became public last week.

Police yesterday said the extra manpower would still be evident today and did not say when it would cease.

The Associated Press reported it had received an internal FBI memo, saying that in September the terrorist group “may have discussed targeting transit systems in and around New York City” during the holiday season.

The police said they added officers out of an abundance of caution.

-- Marlene Naanes

Bess Truman and Mamie Eisenhower

By Linda Perney
Special to amNewYork

At first, nobody even knew what to call them. Over the years, the titles switched from Lady Washington, Presidentress, Queen Dolley — for Dolley Madison — and Mrs. President, for Mary Todd Lincoln.

Today we know them as first ladies — but even that title didn’t sit well with the most glamorous of them all. After instructing the White House telephone operators to refer to her only as “Mrs. Kennedy,” Jacqueline Kennedy remarked: “The one thing I do not want to be called is ‘first lady.’ It sounds like a saddle horse.”

As Michelle Obama, 44, prepares to move into the White House, comparisons between the Kennedys and the Obamas have been rife: two stylish, sophisticated couples, with young children, each president representing a firm break with the past: Kennedy as the first Catholic to be elected, Obama as the first African American.

Indeed, Sasha Obama, 7, will be the youngest White House occupant since Caroline and John-John. And although the Harvard-educated lawyer has vowed that her first responsibility is being “mom-in-chief,” Michelle Obama is a formidable presence in her own right.

Continue reading "First Ladies Club" »

(Associated Press)

By Marlene Naanes

With former First Lady Hillary Clinton on the verge of being named the country’s top diplomat, speculation turns to the incoming presidential spouse, Michelle Obama, and whether she too will follow suit in a high profile role.

It would seem natural for the 44-year-old Obama — a Harvard grad and a high-powered attorney — to be involved in her husband’s policy discussions. However, Obama’s self-proclaimed role as “mom-in-chief” and her willingness to leave behind her job as a top hospital executive during her husband’s campaign, is leading some political experts to believe she will be a more traditional First Lady.

“She will be concerned with the ceremonial activity, discreet political activity and a project,” said Myra Gutin, author of “The President’s Partner: The First Lady in the Twentieth Century.” “She’s not going to be like Eleanor Roosevelt and she’s not going to be like Hillary Clinton.”

Still, other experts believe that after the first family is settled into the White House, it will only be a matter of time before Obama does what comes naturally to her and step into the limelight on important issues, just as Roosevelt did with civil rights and Clinton with healthcare. Experts note that while claiming not to be a wife with political ambitions, Obama fervently spent 20 months campaigning for her husband, speaking on the need to offer more support for military families and helping all parents struggling to support their children.

Continue reading "Is Michelle Obama the next Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush or Jacqueline Kennedy?" »

By Marlene Naanes
mnaanes@am-ny.com

Three people were shot outside a Murray Hill church early Sunday, stunning residents and workers in the usually safe neighborhood.

The shooting occurred just after 4 a.m. near the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral at East 34th Street and Second Avenue, police said. 1010 WINS reported that the victims were leaving a party at the church when the shooting occurred, which police did not confirm.

None of the victims had life-threatening injuries. They were taken to Bellevue Hospital, where they remained in stable condition yesterday afternoon, police said.

The motive of the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made, police said.

A 38-year-old man was shot in the back, a 21-year-old woman was shot in the leg and a 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot.

Continue reading "3 hurt in Murray Hill shootings" »

Obama should make Bush, Cheney, explain actions
The first thing I’d like to see Barack Obama do in 2009 is force Bush and Cheney to explain what happened to their promise that Iraq’s oil billions would pay for their (fake) war in Iraq. Instead we taxpayers got stuck with the bill. This was classic bait-and-switch. Obama should seize their assets and Halliburton’s and force them to reimburse the trillions we lost.
— Milton Katsis, Manhattan

The world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ
Re Dennis Middlebrooks’ letter, “There are other holidays besides Christmas,” Nov. 28-30: There is no other feast celebrated all the world over like the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s mighty hypocritical of people of faiths other than Christians to try and demean the meaning of Christmas. Granted it does not mean what it used to because it’s a commercial business, it’s about stuff instead of salvation, but if Jesus would not have been born and his message passed through generations, what would merchants be using as excuse for selling toys and cameras? I think we should take away the national holiday and make it a personal or floating day we can take any time to celebrate whatever we feel like.
— Ana Martinez, Flushing

By Jason Fink

They looked liked bitter enemies during the campaign, but now it’s official: Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are a team.

Tomorrow, Clinton will be announced as President-elect Obama’s choice for secretary of state, after a deal was struck with Bill Clinton over his charitable foundation.

“I am thrilled that Sen. Clinton is going to be our new secretary of state,” said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan). “As senator and as First Lady she has represented what is best about our country.”

The choice comes amid growing speculation about who’ll fill Clinton’s soon-to-be vacated senate seat.

Gov. David Paterson, a fellow Democrat who will appoint her replacement, has given no indication of whom he will choose and many believe he’s still weighing his options. Front-runners include Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Queens), and Rep. Kristen Gillibrand (D-Hudson), among many others.

To pave the way for Hillary, former President Clinton agreed to release the names of donors to his foundation, step away from its day-to-day management and refuse donations from foreign governments to the annual Clinton Global Initiative, among other restrictions.

The former president had long refused to disclose the identities of contributors, saying many gave on the condition of anonymity. 


Continue reading "It's official: Sen. Clinton will be named secretary of state" »

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is rededicated Sunday. (Alana Abel/amNY)

By Rolando Pujol

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, was rededicated Sunday, capping a seven-year, $41.5 million renovation that followed a devastating fire shortly before Christmas 2001. The six-alarm fire was another stunning blow for a city that in just three months had absorbed the attack and destruction of the World Trade Center followed soon thereafter by the deadly crash of Flight 587 in Queens.

Now, seven years on, the 601-feet-long church is completely reopened, and has been sumptuously restored. A service Sunday morning celebrated the grand revival of the seat of New York's Episcopal diocese, and was attended by thousands of people, including Sen. Charles Schumer, soon-to-be Secretary of State nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton, and members of the engine and ladder companies that battled the blaze on Dec. 18, 2001.

As David Dunlap explains in the Times, the firefighters made key decisions during the blaze that avoided even further damage: "For instance, to avoid the need to ventilate the fire by breaking stained-glass windows, firefighters drew smoke through the baptistry, which adjoins the north transept," which was destroyed and is where the blaze began. That decision caused significant smoke damage in other parts of the church, which were cleaned and repaired. The loss of the stained-glass windows would have been incalculable.

Notable icons of the church were also restored. The church's Great Organ was played for the first time since the blaze, and two 17th century Italian Barberini Tapestries were restored and unveiled as well.

The church itself is still under construction and will likely be for generations. It was initially dedicated in 1941, even though its cornerstone was laid in 1892.

amNewYork's Alana Abel attended the service this morning and filed these photos. Find more on this morning's service here.