Edited by: TJVNews.com

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York has marked June 30th as the commencement date for its much-debated congestion pricing plan. According to a recently published report in the New York Post, this initiative mandates a $15 daily fee for drivers entering Manhattan south of 61st Street, with higher charges imposed on larger vehicles. The plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the heart of Manhattan and generate substantial revenue for the MTA’s deteriorating infrastructure, potentially exceeding a billion dollars annually, as was noted in the Post report.

The primary objective of the congestion pricing plan is to reduce vehicular traffic in one of the most densely populated areas of New York City, thereby mitigating environmental impact and improving air quality, the Post report explained. Additionally, the fees collected would provide a crucial financial lifeline for the MTA, which has long struggled with budget deficits and infrastructure issues.

However, the initiative has encountered significant opposition. Critics argue that it disproportionately affects certain groups, particularly suburban commuters and those who rely on vehicle transportation due to the lack of viable public transit options in their areas, as was indicated in the Post report. The imposition of a daily fee is seen by these critics as an unfair tax on drivers who might not have other transportation alternatives.

The rollout of the congestion pricing plan is not yet guaranteed on the slated date due to ongoing legal challenges. New Jersey has filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming that the MTA’s evaluation of the toll’s impact inadequately considered the effects on drivers from the Garden State and failed to address certain environmental consequences, ccording to the information provided in the Post report. This legal action spotlights the inter-state friction that the plan has exacerbated, given the significant number of New Jersey residents who commute to Manhattan for work.

In addition to the lawsuit from New Jersey, local opposition has been robust. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), a prominent teachers’ union in New York, and Vito Fossela, the Staten Island Borough President, are actively challenging the plan in court. The Post reported that the UFT filed a lawsuit set for arguments in mid-May and its involvement calls attention to the widespread concern over the plan’s impact, extending beyond logistical and financial issues to encompass broader social justice and equity considerations.

The report in the Post noted that their efforts highlight concerns that the congestion pricing could have unintended negative impacts on specific communities, including potential health effects on residents of areas such as Staten Island, who may see increased traffic and pollution as drivers seek alternative routes to avoid the tolls.

State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton of Staten Island and State Senator Jim Skoufis of Orange County have also voiced their strong opposition to the plan. Scarcella-Spanton labeled the MTA’s oversight of the potential health impacts on Staten Islanders as “abhorrent,” the Post report said.

Scarcella-Spanton also emphasized the dual burden of financial strain and health risks posed by the plan, condemning what she sees as a “blatant disregard for the health and well-being” of her constituents, the Post report added.

Senator Skoufis raised issues regarding the lack of reliable public transportation alternatives for his constituents in Orange County. According to the Post, he pointed out the impracticality of the current transit options, where train schedules can have gaps as long as six hours, making it difficult for everyday workers to maintain their schedules without relying on personal vehicles.

By: Robert McGreevy

Republican New York Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic New York Rep. Ritchie Torres are planning to introduce legislation to send anti-Semitism monitors to college campuses and revoke federal funds from schools that don’t comply, the GOP lawmaker announced in a Friday press release.

The College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability Act, or the COLUMBIA Act, would empower the Department of Education to install a third-party monitor to any school that accepts federal funding, according to the press release.

The monitor would be responsible for releasing quarterly public reports on schools’ progress in their efforts to combat anti-Semitism. Though the Department of Education would appoint the monitors, the schools would pay for them, the press release reads.

The Representatives highlighted protests across the country, particularly at Columbia University, as a major reason why they’re introducing the bill.

“Rising anti-Semitism on our college campuses is a major concern and we must act to ensure the safety of students,” Lawler wrote. “I’m proud to work with my friend and colleague Ritchie Torres on legislation that will impose a third-party anti-Semitism monitor on college campuses to ensure protections are in place and oversee any troubling action by college administrators. If colleges will not step up to protect their students, Congress must act.”

“As we have seen over the last half a year since October 7, campus anti-Semitism is at an all-time high, and American universities are not capable of handling it when left to their own devices. My office and I have spoken with countless Jewish students from campuses across America who feel deeply unsafe, purely as a result of their religious and ethnic identity,” Torres said in the release.

“This is a blatant violation of Title VI and the federal government cannot allow this to continue unchecked. This past week’s crisis at Columbia is not an isolated incident — it is the straw that has broken the camel’s back — and I am prepared to do something about it. That’s why I am introducing the COLUMBIA Act today, and I urge all of my colleagues in the House, from both parties, to join me in this crucial action. Jewish students have told my office that they feel completely abandoned by their university administrators and they view Congress as the only avenue for accountability and safety. Let’s honor our word to them and get this done,” Torres concluded.

Besides the protests in Columbia, Pro-Palestine demonstrations have erupted on campuses across the country.

The University of Southern California cancelled their main graduation ceremony due to rampant protests.

Atlanta’s Emory University was rife with agitators Thursday as police struggled to contain the chaos. Police arrested Chair of the Philosophy Department Noelle McAfee and economics professor Caroline Fohlin on camera.

The University of Texas at Austin was also the setting for some clashes between police and protestors Wednesday, with law enforcement arresting 10.

Students at Harvard took over the school’s iconic Harvard Yard park Wednesday.

Additional protests occurred at Yale, the University of Michigan, UCLA and George Washington University and others throughout the nation.

(DailyCaller.com)

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a notable development in the legal saga surrounding former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, the New York Court of Appeals recently overturned his 2018 rape conviction. As was noted in a recently published report in the New York Post, this decision, which has been described as both “disheartening” and unsurprising by observers, was driven by what the court identified as significant judicial errors during the trial.

The court highlighted several missteps by trial Judge James Burke that, they argued, compromised Weinstein’s right to a fair trial. Revealed in the Post report was that key among these was the decision to allow testimony from three women who were not included in the charges against Weinstein. Additionally, the court took issue with Judge Burke’s ruling that permitted the prosecution to question Weinstein about 28 other “prior bad acts” that were not part of the case, the report in the Post added.

These factors, the court concluded, could have prejudiced the jury against Weinstein, thereby undermining the fairness of the trial. As a result of these findings, Weinstein’s conviction and the accompanying 23-year sentence were overturned. As per the information in the Post report, the case has been remanded to the lower court for a possible retrial, a move that the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has indicated it plans to pursue aggressively.

While the reversal in New York has raised questions and concerns, it appears to have had little impact on Weinstein’s legal troubles in California. Los Angeles prosecutors, buoyed by a separate conviction and a 16-year prison sentence against Weinstein, have stated that their case remains secure. Indicated in the Post report was that they have argued that the legal missteps identified in the New York trial do not apply in California, suggesting that a similar appeal based on these grounds would likely not succeed in overturning the Los Angeles conviction.

This confidence stems from differences in state laws and procedural rules that govern how testimony and evidence related to “prior bad acts” can be introduced in court. The information contained in the Post report said that according to Los Angeles legal authorities, the standards that led to the overturning of Weinstein’s New York conviction are not applicable in their jurisdiction, providing a firmer foundation for their case to withstand appeals.

While disheartening to many, the decision by New York’s Court of Appeals to overturn Weinstein’s 23-year sentence on legal grounds has been deemed necessary by some legal experts to uphold the standards of fair trial proceedings.

The crux of the appellate court’s decision rested on a series of rulings by Judge James Burke, which were found to potentially prejudice the jury against Weinstein. Noted in the Post report was that central to these rulings was the admission of testimony from witnesses not directly involved in the charges against Weinstein, as well as allowing a broad inquiry into Weinstein’s past conduct that was not part of the current case.

Speaking to the Post, Tre Lovell, a Los Angeles-based attorney, emphasized the importance of procedural fairness, stating, “Although overturning the conviction is very disheartening to many, it stands on firm legal grounds.” He further noted to the Post that “As much as it hurts, it is incumbent on the justice system to ensure a person is tried in a manner that exhaustively protects him from evidence that detracts from the specific crime and can unfairly sway a jury.”

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Thursday night bore witness to escalating tensions at the newly established “intifada” encampment within the hallowed grounds of the City College of New York, as anti-Israel demonstrators clashed with school security personnel, capturing the attention of onlookers and igniting fervent debate, as was reported by The New York Post.

In a dramatic turn of events, captured on video by independent journalist Katie Smith, the encampment became a focal point of unrest as protesters surrounded a school security guard, chanting defiantly, “We will stay, we will stay!,” the Post report indicated. With hands raised in protest, the anti-Israel mob compelled the guard to retreat, walking backward towards a group of NYPD officers congregated nearby.

The footage depicts a tense standoff as protesters formed a human barrier, advancing towards the steps where law enforcement officers stood. According to the Post report, despite the escalating confrontation, no arrests were reported as of 6:30 p.m. Thursday, according to police sources.

The encampment, erected earlier that day on the grounds of the state-funded college, marked a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the pro-Hamas, pro-terror cause, with participants raising the Palestinian flag high above the quad, as per the information provided in the Post report. By afternoon, the campus was engulfed in a sea of Hamas flags and banners, signaling the fervent support for the terror movement that was responsible for the brutal massacre of 1200 Israelis and others on October 7th in southern Israel.

Indie reporter Talia Jane captured scenes of the campus adorned with Palestinian symbols, showcasing the magnitude of the demonstration. Detailed in the Post report was that as many as 300 protesters converged on the Convent Avenue campus, amplifying their voices in a unified call for continued terror against Israel.

“We have a right to control where our tuition goes, and it should never go towards oppressing any people anywhere!” declared Within Our Lifetime organizer Nerdeen Kiswani, addressing the crowd through a megaphone, according to the information contained in the Post report. Kiswani’s speech, shared on the group’s social media platforms, resonated with the crowd, igniting a fervor of solidarity and determination to support terrorism targeting Israel.

The term “intifada,” historically associated with Palestinian uprisings against Israel, calls attention to the gravity of the moment, evoking memories of past struggles and the ongoing quest for “liberation.”

Against the backdrop of ongoing war that Hamas launched against Israel in October, demonstrators raised their voices in solidarity with the Hamas cause, demanding tangible action from university authorities.

Several signs adorned the encampment area, boldly proclaiming the call for divestment from Israel in response to what they have described as the escalating violence in Gaza, the Post report said.

While the demonstration remained mostly calm, the presence of NYPD officers monitoring the perimeter illustrated the underlying tension simmering beneath the surface. Despite the relative tranquility, the warning issued by Kiswani loomed large, cautioning against any attempts to suppress the protest.

“Efforts to shut down the demonstration will be met with anger,” Kiswani declared, her words echoing through the crowd as a rallying cry, the Post reported.

In a video shared by Scootercaster, Kiswani’s message reverberated across social media platforms, amplifying the call to action and galvanizing support from allies across New York City.

By: Hal C. Clarke

In the heart of Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, a contentious battle brews over a proposed $12 billion casino complex, with civic leaders raising alarm bells over the sacrifice of promised housing in favor of a flashy gaming hub. Manhattan’s Community Board 4 (MCB4) recently penned a scathing letter to Related Companies/Wynn Resorts, the developers behind the ambitious project, criticizing the departure from a 2009 pledge to construct apartments on the West Side.

The proposed complex boasts an 80-story tower overlooking the Hudson River, set to accommodate a gaming facility and hotel, flanked by office buildings, apartment towers, and a 5.6-acre park, NY Post reported

MCB4’s letter, dated April 1, expresses bewilderment at the approval process undertaken by the Department and Commission of City Planning, accusing them of disregarding years of meticulous city planning and community input. The board decries the shift from residential to commercial use, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the neighborhood’s fabric and connectivity to surrounding areas. Furthermore, they question the validity of future zoning changes and agreements if existing plans can be discarded with impunity.

The existing plan for the Hudson Yards Special District, negotiated extensively in 2009, primarily emphasizes residential development, envisioning 5,700 apartments alongside integrated commercial spaces and public green areas connecting to the High Line Park. However, the proposed casino project drastically reduces the number of planned apartments to a mere 1,507, signaling a stark departure from the original vision. MCB4 contends that the proposed alterations prioritize commercial interests over community needs, resulting in an enclave catering to the casino’s demands rather than fostering integration with the neighborhood.

Jessica Chait, chairwoman of CB4, along with co-land use chairs Jean Daniel-Noland and Paul Devlin, underscore the necessity for developers to reconsider their priorities, suggesting a reevaluation of the project’s scale and allocation of space. They advocate for a reduction in the casino’s footprint, allocating the surplus area to residential buildings rather than towering office structures.

In response, a spokesperson for Related Companies asserts their commitment to collaborating with the Community Board and emphasizes forthcoming community benefits as part of their investment in the area. They assure that the project will uphold promises made in the original zoning, including provisions for affordable housing, ample green spaces, and educational facilities. However, concerns persist regarding the housing units sacrificed for the casino complex, which were intended to include market-rate and luxury options.

The fate of the proposed casino hinges not only on community support but also on state gaming regulators’ decisions regarding the allocation of up to three casino licenses in the New York City and downstate region. Each bid must undergo scrutiny from the State Gaming Facility Location Board, comprising local representatives and government officials, before receiving approval. Additionally, projects like the Wynn proposal must navigate the arduous Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure, involving various stages of community input and governmental review to amend zoning regulations.

Beyond the Hudson Yards project, several other contenders vie for the coveted casino licenses, each facing its unique set of challenges and opposition. From Steve Cohen’s bid near Citi Field to the Thor Equities consortium in Coney Island, the landscape of potential casino sites is rife with contention. Notably, proposals such as Cohen’s and Bally’s require legislative approval to convert parkland into commercial use, adding another layer of complexity to the approval process.

By: Darryl Myers

In a groundbreaking move by the Adams administration, fast-food chains and coffee shops across New York City are set to implement a new regulation. This regulation mandates the inclusion of warning labels on menu boards and packaging, aimed at raising awareness about high levels of added sugar in certain food and beverage items, the New York Post recently reported.

The initiative, spearheaded by the city’s Health Department, will require establishments to prominently display labels alerting customers to products containing over 50 grams of added sugar. This includes a variety of offerings such as frozen coffee drinks from popular chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, fountain sodas, and even hot chocolate. Recognizable by a warning icon—a spoon laden with sugar—the labels are intended to inform consumers and potentially deter excessive sugar consumption.

The proposed warning message will convey, “Eating too many added sugars can contribute to type 2 diabetes and weight gain,” underscoring the serious health implications associated with excessive sugar intake. The Health Department emphasizes the significant impact of type 2 diabetes on premature mortality rates in New York City, reinforcing the necessity for proactive measures.

Aligned with national dietary guidelines recommending a daily added sugar intake of less than 50 grams or 10% of a 2,000-calorie diet, the regulation aims to promote healthier dietary choices. Examples provided by advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest illustrate the substantial sugar content in commonly consumed beverages, such as a medium Coca-Cola drink at McDonald’s exceeding the threshold for mandatory warning labels.

To enforce compliance, the city has outlined penalties ranging from $200 to $500 per violation for restaurants failing to adhere to the regulation. Public input on the proposed rule is currently being solicited, with implementation slated for June 19 for prepackaged foods and December 1 for beverages and non-packaged items sold in restaurants.

While some critics decry the regulation as governmental overreach, citing concerns about personal freedom and individual responsibility, health advocates laud it as a crucial step in combatting alarming rates of diabetes. Dr. DeAnna Nara from the Center for Science in the Public Interest commends the initiative for empowering consumers to make informed choices and encouraging the food industry to offer healthier alternatives.

Mayor Adams follows in the footsteps of his predecessors, notably former Mayors Bloomberg and de Blasio, who championed public health initiatives. Bloomberg’s tenure saw controversial measures like the smoking ban and restrictions on trans fats, while de Blasio’s administration introduced warnings for high-sodium menu items. Adams continues this legacy with efforts to limit sugary beverages in schools, though facing opposition from industry stakeholders and lawmakers.

Despite resistance from various quarters, the regulation reflects a broader societal shift towards prioritizing health and wellness, underscoring the evolving role of government in public health interventions.

By: Dusty Wolfe

In a groundbreaking move, Michelin, renowned for its culinary discernment, has expanded its purview to the realm of luxury hotels, introducing a sophisticated rating system that promises to redefine hospitality excellence. The debut list for the United States, unveiled on Wednesday, features 124 prestigious establishments, each meticulously evaluated to meet Michelin’s exacting standards. Among these elite retreats, a select few have earned the coveted “3 Keys” award, with four of these luxurious sanctuaries nestled in the bustling metropolis of New York City.

Canyon Ranch Woodside emerges as a serene oasis amidst the majestic redwood forests of California, offering tech-weary travelers a respite from the hustle and bustle of nearby Silicon Valley. Aman, renowned for its secluded resorts around the globe, introduces its signature brand of tranquility to Midtown Manhattan, where guests are invited to escape the urban clamor and immerse themselves in the hotel’s expansive spa and garden terrace. Meanwhile, Casa Cipriani, housed within a historic ferry terminal along the FDR Drive, enchants guests with panoramic river views and a captivating supper club experience.

In the vibrant enclave of Soho, Firmdale Hotels makes its mark with the Crosby Street Hotel, a testament to refined elegance and impeccable service. Across town in Midtown, the Whitby Hotel stands as a beacon of sophistication, challenging the conventional notion of luxury with its distinctive charm and allure. These properties, recognized by Michelin, serve as exemplars of hospitality excellence, elevating the standard for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled experiences.

While Michelin has long been synonymous with culinary excellence, its venture into hotel ratings marks a significant milestone in its storied history. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, heralds this new endeavor as a testament to the guide’s unwavering commitment to providing travelers with unparalleled insights and recommendations.

The introduction of Michelin Keys represents a departure from traditional hotel ratings, offering travelers a nuanced perspective on luxury accommodations. A One-Key Michelin hotel promises a “very special stay,” characterized by its distinct personality and exceptional service. Moving up the echelon, a Two-Key designation signifies an “exceptional stay,” where guests can expect unparalleled experiences and impeccable attention to detail.

At the pinnacle of luxury lies the coveted Three-Key rating, reserved for hotels that epitomize indulgence and refinement. These extraordinary establishments are hailed as destinations unto themselves, offering discerning travelers an unparalleled blend of comfort, elegance, and service.

As Michelin continues to redefine the standards of excellence in the hospitality industry, these distinguished properties stand as beacons of sophistication and refinement. With Michelin Keys as their guide, travelers can embark on journeys of unparalleled luxury, secure in the knowledge that each destination has been vetted and endorsed by the world’s foremost authority on exceptional experiences.

By: Rob Otto

New York State auditors leave no stone unturned in their quest to ensure that even residents who spend most of their time elsewhere still pay taxes to Albany. According to a report by Bloomberg News, these auditors employ meticulous tactics, including monitoring individuals’ travel patterns and even the whereabouts of their pets, to establish tax liability, regardless of residency.

The NY Post’s Ariel Zilber reported extensively on the NY Tax situation.

Part-time and nonresident claims are vigorously investigated, with auditors delving into the private lives of individuals. Employing what is known as a “teddy bear test,” they scrutinize where people keep their cherished possessions to corroborate claims of primary residency. Surprisingly, the state may consider someone to have spent the day within its jurisdiction even after just a brief visit, such as stopping for lunch during a drive from New Jersey to Connecticut.

Tax audits in New York are famously likened to a thorough medical examination, as Mark Klein, a tax attorney at Hodgson Russ, told the NY Post: “the tax version of a colonoscopy.” Klein recounted cases where the presence of a single pet or the relocation of a fitness bike became pivotal factors.

The criteria for New York residency are stringent, with the Department of Taxation and Finance defining a resident as anyone spending at least 184 days in the state during the taxable year while maintaining a permanent place of abode. Even those who relocate to popular destinations like Florida are not exempt from scrutiny, as illustrated by Jonathan Mariner, creator of TaxDay app, who warns that auditors may pursue individuals who filed partial returns with Albany.

Wealthy individuals, eager to minimize their tax burdens, resort to strategic measures to avoid surpassing the 184-day threshold. Some coordinate private jet landings or crossings near midnight, meticulously timing their movements to evade state taxation. Such tactics underscore the high stakes involved in navigating New York’s tax regulations.

The revenue from residency audits is substantial, amounting to approximately $1 billion collected from 15,000 audits conducted between 2013 and 2017. Recent years have witnessed a surge in audit activity, with over 756,000 audits conducted in the 2022-2023 tax year, resulting in collections exceeding $3.22 billion. This heightened enforcement reflects the state’s determination to counteract the loss of high-income earners, particularly to states with more favorable tax climates like Florida.

New York’s tax policies have come under scrutiny amid a broader demographic shift, with census data revealing a significant exodus from the state, accelerated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and urban challenges like rising crime rates and soaring living costs. The departure of over half a million residents since 2020, including 65,000 from the metropolitan area alone, underscores the challenges facing New York’s fiscal landscape.

As New York grapples with a changing demographic and economic landscape, the pursuit of out-of-state residents for tax revenues remains a contentious issue. The Department of Taxation and Finance’s aggressive tactics reflect the state’s commitment to safeguarding its fiscal interests.

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a highly visible display of solidarity, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s daughter returned to Columbia University’s campus, under the protective wing of her mother, to rally alongside fellow anti-Israel protesters, as was reported by the New York Post on Thursday, As the deadline loomed for the university and demonstrators to reach a resolution regarding the encampment, the presence of the congresswoman and her daughter added a new dimension to the ongoing saga.

Isra Hirsi, 21, daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, stood shoulder to shoulder with her fellow protesters, lending her voice to the chorus of dissent echoing across the Morningside Heights campus. The Post report said that under the watchful gaze of her congresswoman mother, Hirsi posed for photos and offered vocal support to the demonstrators who had erected dozens of tents near the heart of the university grounds.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, a prominent figure within the far-left “Squad,” took to social media to express her admiration for the student activists, lauding their “bravery and courage” in the face of adversity. According to the Post report, in a tweet, she shared her firsthand experience of witnessing the Columbia University anti-war encampment, vehemently rejecting what she termed “right-wing attacks” and affirming the protesters’ commitment to “peace and justice.”

The high-profile visit by Rep. Omar and her daughter called attention to the escalating tensions surrounding the encampment, with both university officials and protesters locked in a tense standoff. Indicated in the Post report was that despite the looming deadline for dismantling the tent city, Columbia officials remained tight-lipped during a press conference, offering no indication of progress towards a resolution.

Ben Chang, Columbia’s vice president of communications, reiterated the divide between the university administration and the protesters, emphasizing the existence of divergent demands and the formal negotiation process underway, as per the report in the Post. The absence of concrete developments only served to heighten the suspense surrounding the encampment, leaving observers on edge as the deadline approached. With discussions underway to address the basis for dismantling the encampment, the specter of further unrest looms large, casting a shadow over the ivy league institution.

Chang expressed hope that ongoing discussions would yield a resolution, echoing President Minouche Shafik’s sentiments regarding the need for successful dialogue. However, the Post report said that Chang also hinted at the possibility of exploring alternative options should negotiations falter.

A glimmer of progress emerged as a small group of school faculty and administrators engaged in dialogue with student organizers to address the basis for dismantling the encampment and ensuring compliance with university policies moving forward, the Post report affirmed.

Hirsi, a junior at Barnard College, emerged as a central figure in the unfolding drama, her presence serving as a lightning rod for controversy. The information provided in the Post report indicated that Hirsi’s involvement in the unauthorized protest last Thursday led to her arrest, along with at least two other students, and subsequent suspension from Barnard College. In the aftermath, Hirsi recounted her ordeal, expressing frustration over her expulsion from campus and the ensuing repercussions.

Columbia’s efforts to maintain control over campus access have yielded mixed results, with Hirsi’s return to campus raising eyebrows and prompting questions about the effectiveness of security measures. As per the Post report, the revelation that a prominent Israeli professor, Shai Davidai, was barred from campus due to concerns for his safety further spotlights the heightened tensions surrounding the encampment.

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Hilco Real Estate, LLC, announces May 17, 2024 as the bid deadline for the Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale of two commercial condominiums in New York City’s historic Greenwich Village. These condominiums occupy the first and second floor of the building located at 350-354 Avenue of the Americas. With 176 feet of prime, wraparound frontage on the corner of 6th Avenue and Washington Place, these offerings promise high visibility and heavy foot traffic.

The ground-floor retail space, totaling over 7,850± square feet and zoned C1, boasts 15-foot ceilings, exceptional location and can accommodate single or multiple tenants. While currently not built out, the versatile layout can be retrofitted, taking advantage of three separate entry points, which present a unique opportunity for various uses.

The second-floor space, spanning 8,942± square feet and zoned C2, offers ample flexibility for community-oriented endeavors. Previously occupied by a daycare, the space retains its built-out infrastructure, providing a turnkey solution for a new operator. This setup can also offer potential investors the ability to combine both floors and potentially increase the value for a prospective tenant.

The condominiums sit just one block from Washington Square Park and four blocks from NYU, ideally positioned to take advantage of excellent foot traffic. Additionally, eight subway lines, including the A, C, E, B, D, F, M and 1, and the PATH train are within walking distance, ensuring easy accessibility for both employees and customers.

Greenwich Village, on the west side of Lower Manhattan, is known for its history of fostering art and creativity, with notable former residents including Edgar Allen Poe, Jackson Pollack and Bob Dylan. The neighborhood also features multiple attractions, including Washington Square Park, the Village Vanguard jazz club, the Comedy Cellar, the historic Jefferson Market Library and several historic districts dedicated to preserving the Village’s character and charm. In addition to being lauded for its creative culture, Greenwich Village is home to New York University (NYU), The New School and Cooper Union, with over 64,000 students in attendance between the three universities. Despite the pandemic, the neighborhood also saw a 1.85% population increase from 2020 to 2021 and a 4.29% increase in median household income.

The sale of 350-354 Avenue of the Americas is being conducted by Order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of the Southern District of New York (Manhattan), Bankruptcy Petition No. 23-10068-JPM, In re: Nuovo Ciao-Di LLC. Bids must be received on or before the deadline of May 17 at 5 p.m. (ET) and must be submitted on the Purchase and Sale Agreement available for review and download from Hilco Real Estate’s website.

Interested buyers should review the requirements in order to participate in the bankruptcy sale process available on Hilco Real Estate’s website. For further information, please contact Jonathan Cuticelli at (203) 561-8737 or [email protected].