The Surprising Cost of Buying an Apartment in New York City

Caroline Fiske

According to Sarah Funky, “New Yorkers throw away an average of $38,000 a year on rent alone.” Most New Yorkers do not own a home in the city because it is “way too expensive.” And honestly, I do not blame them in the slightest! Yet at the same time, 1 in 21 New Yorkers are millionaires hence why they can afford the beautiful apartments while the others can’t. This is mainly why 67% of New Yorkers rent their apartments while 36% of non-New-Yorkers rent properties. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,200 which is 82% of the median American salary. Sarah met with various real estate agents to answer the question of why more and more New Yorkers do not own apartments.

Why do 68% of New Yorkers rent their apartments? In this video, I'll discuss the true cost of buying an apartment in NYC and you'll learn from real estate ag...

Sarah Funky met with real estate agent Phillip Salem about the reality of buying an apartment in the city. The average cost of a one-bedroom condo (a property that is solely owned by you) costs 1 million dollars and this makes up 20% of the city’s real estate market while 80% are co-ops (owning shares of the building). The average cost of a one-bedroom co-op is $5,000. Condos require a 10% down payment while co-ops require a 20% down payment. Co-ops also require post-closing liquidity (a hypothetical statistic to that would be $5,500 monthly mortgage x 24 months = $132,000). There is also a flip tax which is 1-3% (about $10,000). For properties that are over $1 million in the city, there is a required mansion tax, which is also 1-3% (about $10,000). Then there is a transfer tax which is 1.875-2.025% (about $18,750). For Co-ops, there is a co-op application fee which can be anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000. The average total amount of all of these down payments, taxes, and fees, is $377,250. I don’t know about you but all of these statistics are making my head spin! At the end of the day, the little things make an apartment cost more or less and all of these extra taxes and fees will depend on the apartment that you are interested in. Before all of the apartment hunting madness commences, it is highly recommended to get a buyer's agent. It is free and they save you from a lot of stress. The more uptown you go, the higher the prices go. Once everything is cleared with your buyer’s agent you are ready to move into your dream apartment!

Sarah navigated through Compass.com which is a website where you can look at the area and cost of various New York City apartments. Phillip also works at Compass and he highly encouraged her to look on that website to see what she could find. What I liked that Sarah did too was that as she was looking at apartments online, she made a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel about the apartment fees, price, and monthly mortgage for her to know how much she needs in total to get that apartment. She can now see how much she would be spending on the fees alone depending upon the apartment that she likes. Even though New York City is one of the most expensive places in the world, Sarah cannot imagine living anywhere else and I couldn't agree more. “Its energy, glamour, and the people draw me back.” From the moment I saw the Radio City Rockettes, I fell in love with this city. As a little girl, I knew that I wanted to live in the Big Apple. Overall, Sarah’s positive yet honest personality helped me prepare for the unexpected when it comes to apartment buying in New York City.

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Morris Adjmi's Front & York Tops Out in DUMBO

Front & York has officially topped out, revealing unprecedented, postcard-like views from a new development in DUMBO.

Designed inside and out by renowned architect Morris Adjmi, Front & York will introduce the first opportunity to live in a full-service, luxury urban oasis in DUMBO. With each of its two residential towers now reaching their full height of 21 stories, sweeping views are available of the East River and the entire Manhattan skyline from the Statue of Liberty up to the iconic skyscrapers of Midtown.

credit: Williams New York

An unprecedented offering for the neighborhood, Front & York is bringing new condominium homes, rental residences, transformative new retail and publicly-accessible parking to a formerly vacant lot. Ranging from one- to four-bedrooms and spread across two towers serviced by their own lobbies, the condominium residences at Front & York combine beautiful materials with modern finishes, including 10-foot ceilings, white oak floors and Nest thermostats. Oversized divided-light windows—a hallmark of Adjmi’s contextual style—flood the homes in abundant natural light and frame sweeping panoramas of the waterfront, sparkling Manhattan skyline and the lush private park.

Front & York’s well-rounded offering is complete with one of the most comprehensive amenities packages in all of New York City, spanning 150,000 square feet. The development is centered on one of the city’s largest private parks, a gorgeous, 25,000-square-foot space designed by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates, who envisioned the neighborhood’s beloved Brooklyn Bridge Park. The lush landscaping will provide private green space, a quiet respite and a verdant view for residents. Residents of Front & York will also enjoy a rooftop pool deck; a 77,000-square-foot Life Time, the premier athletic and wellness center; and a full suite of lifestyle and leisure spaces, including a co-working lounge, outdoor screening area, outdoor fireplace lounge, private wine room, private chef’s kitchen with private dining room, toddler and teens rooms and much more. Each residence of Front & York will receive one complimentary Life Time membership.

Ideally positioned, Front & York’s location in the live-work mecca of DUMBO places residents in close proximity to the waterfront, desirable transportation options as well as a variety of major companies’ headquarters. The development is moments from the East River ferry terminal—which offers a five-minute, open-air commute to Downtown and Midtown Manhattan—bike paths and walking paths across the iconic Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges, and just one subway stop away from Manhattan via the York Street F train subway stop. Front & York offers robust private parking and bike storage, and has been generously set back from the property line, making space for 30-foot-wide, tree-lined sidewalks that maximize pedestrian comfort and create additional space around the development.

Construction on Front & York is being handed by New Line Structures, one of the most preeminent construction management firms in New York City. Pricing for current availability at Front & York starts at approximately $950,000 and initial occupancy is slated for mid-2021.

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Hampton Events This Labor Day Weekend

Catherine Doolan

Labor day weekend and the Fall season are right around the corner, and activities and events are already lining up in the Hamptons! Due to Covid-19 many events have been cancelled for the safety of others, but here are some events that are still happening.

Long Island Restaurant Week

Restaurant week is the best time to get out and expand your palette. Participating restaurants in the Hamptons offer a prix fixe menu.  This is a great time to try new restaurants, sample some delicious food, and support your local businesses. Long Island restaurant week is October 18-25, 2020.

Montauk Fall Festival

Montauk is holding their 39th annual Fall festival October 10th, 2020 on the Montauk green. The festival features fun activities for everyone including a clam chowder contest, kids activities, live music, and scrumptious foods.

Dogs Allowed on Beaches

Furry friends will once again be allowed on town beaches during off season! Starting September 16 and lasting through May 14, dogs will be allowed to run around on the beaches - of course not out of control!

Oktoberfest weekend at Garden of Eve

Although Oktoberfest in Germany has been cancelled, Garden of Eve is still having their festival! Garden of Eve’s Oktoberfest will be on October 17 and 18 and will feature fun Oktoberfest themed activities for everyone to enjoy. There will be live music, hayrides, and an Oktoberfest menu, among many more options to fill your day.

Apple and Pumpkin picking at Hank’s Pumpkintown - Water Mill, NY

The Fall season is known for apple and pumpkin picking, and Hank’s Pumpkintown is opening in September to do just that! Along with apple and pumpkin picking, Hank’s has corn mazes and a new hard apple cider for adults to try.

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Top Five Best New York City Coffee Shops

Caroline Fiske

Ahhh coffee… Where do I even begin with describing my all-time favorite beverage? Well, first of all, it wakes me up in the morning, and second of all, an iced caramel latte tastes incredible. So why not combine my favorite drink and my favorite place into one fabulous article? Everyone, I am proud to present the top five coffee shops where New Yorkers can get your “Central Perk” on! 

Grounded

Tucked in a very homey and cozy spot in the West Village, “Grounded” is the coffee place that will make you feel welcome. It is a relaxing place for you to get your work done, catch up with your loved ones, read a book, or just simply get a cup of coffee. If you are in the lighter food or drink mood, they also have smoothies and sandwiches. So the next time you are in the West Village, be sure to stop by “Grounded.”

Third Rail Coffee

This rustic coffee shop is an NYU student go-to spot for studying, chatting, dates, a hangout spot before catching a movie at the IFC Center, and of course, for coffee. From their classic coffee drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, to their scrumptious baked goods like scones, “Third Rail Coffee” has everything that your cafe heart desires! Their coffee drinks are made with sweet Battenkill Dairy Farm milk so you know you are getting the best local ingredients served into your cup of coffee.

Coffee Project NY

This project started in none other than the East Village. They also have locations in both Queens and Brooklyn. If coffee is streaming in your blood veins like it is in mine, then this is the perfect place for you! From their nitro flights to their “deconstructed latte” (an espresso shot with a cup of milk served with a latte and a waffle cookie), “Coffee Project NY” is every coffee lover’s dream in one store.

Everyman Espresso

Located at Park Slope and 5th Avenue, “Everyman Espresso” has high-quality coffee that will wake you right up. Yes, they have your typical Starbucks and Dunkin coffee drink options, but they also have their very own unique options as well. One of their most well-known drinks is their “Panacea” which is espresso with lemon and honey ginger bitters.

Sawada Coffee

This place is very popular for their latte art. This example above is just one of the many incredible designs that you can get on your drink. The vibe in this coffee shop has a “skater aesthetic” serving artistic homemade drinks founded by owner Hiroshi Sawada. They also serve matcha based drinks so if you’re not a huge fan of coffee don’t worry!

Words cannot espresso how much coffee means to me. So get ready to have a Brew-tiful day by going to these New York City coffee shops!

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Take A Look At John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Home

Just recently John Legend and Chrissy Teigen announced the pregnancy of their new child? What’s a better way to prepare for the newborn, a new house. Just listed you can now live in the home of one of the world’s most stylish celebrity couples, whose previous homes were featured in Architectural Digest, 9152 Janice mingles magnificent spaces with intimate design. The drama begins in the parlor entry, with its 33-foot ceilings and sculptural staircase, and continues in the breathtaking living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows offers sweeping canyon views. Located in 9152 Janice Place, the listing is currently asking for $23,950,000.

Credit:  Anthony Barcelo

The state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen is what one expects from a culinary influencer and cookbook author, and leads into a large, comfortable family room. Throughout the home, amazing details like mandala-patterned ceilings from Thailand, ebonized cerused oak floors, clay and steel-rolled walls, onyx sinks, and Italian quartz countertops exude sensuality. The opulent Master Bedroom features a spectacular brass, concrete and clay fireplace and large balcony, and the Italian-inspired “Glam Room” and dressing rooms are things of envy.

All seven bedrooms have their own balconies and en-suite baths. The design language inside the home is carried out in the backyard, with a heated saltwater pool and jacuzzi, canyon views reminiscent of Tuscany, a wood-burning oven and a chef’s grill. The pergola, perfect for al fresco entertaining, is wrapped in vines from the owners’ own vineyard. 

Marshall Peck of Douglas Elliman holds the listing

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What to Know About Buying a House With a Pool

Buying a new home is exciting and fun; after all, you get to decide what you want in your home. A popular decision recently has been homes with pools. Owning your own pool is a great asset. You can use it to cool off on hot summer days, get in some extra exercise, relax in private, and keep the kids occupied. Check out this guide to learn what to know about buying a house with a pool before you close.

Pools require regular maintenance

All pools require some minor upkeep and regular maintenance. This is especially taxing if your new home has a particularly large or irregular-shaped pool. You will have to skim the pool to remove dirt and debris on a daily basis. You will also need to learn to close and open the pool based on the weather and seasons. Cleaning out filters and ducts is another essential. Learn all the pool maintenance tips you can get before your move-in date!

Animals can wander into your pool

Animals can wander into your pool if it’s not properly covered or secured—especially at night. This can range from birds using it as a gigantic birdbath to raccoons accidentally falling in under the cover of night. To prevent this, you’ll need to cover your pool securely, and if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, it’s recommended to invest in a pool cage or a solid pool cover rather than a flimsy tarp.

You need to learn a little chemistry

Pools require specific levels of chemicals to keep the germs out without causing harm to the people in the pool. Many people choose to hire a service to keep the chemicals perfectly balanced in their pool, while others feel comfortable doing it themselves. If this is your first time owning a home with a pool, it’s usually recommended to hire someone to help you learn the right chemical compounds for your specific pool before experimenting on your own.

This Smart Coaster Will Teach You The Best Tequila Recipes

Ahead of Labor Day weekend, PATRÓN tequila introduces the PATRÓN Margarita Smart Coaster by Barsys to help teach you how to make the best tequila based cocktails, including the margarita. 

In collaboration with Barsys, the innovative start-up committed to cocktail perfection, the limited-edition kit allows people to easily perfect their at-home bartending skills. Enabled by Barsys Smart Bar Technology, the Coaster connects directly to smartphones through the Barsys Coaster app and guides the user to precisely measure each cocktail ingredient as it’s poured, ensuring a perfect cocktail every time

ust because summer is coming to a close, doesn’t mean margarita season is over. Now, more than ever, virtual parties with family and intimate BBQs with friends are taking the place of in-person events and the PATRÓN Margarita Smart Coaster by Barsys is a must-have tool to spice up any at-home gathering. The limited-edition kit comes fully equipped with the Barsys ‘smart coaster’, two PATRÓN rocks glasses, a custom PATRÓN branded TAJÍN salt rimmer, lime squeezer, and shaker, providing users all the tools needed to craft the Perfect Margarita and a variety of other delicious, versatile and simple cocktails at-home. A bottle of PATRÓN tequila is not included in the kit and will need to be purchased separately at https://www.patrontequila.com/buy.html. 

Enabled by Barsys Smart Bar Technology, the Coaster connects directly to smartphones through the Barsys Coaster app and guides the user to precisely measure each cocktail ingredient as it’s poured, ensuring a perfect cocktail every time. The cocktail recommendation engine turns device owners into instant mixologists that can make thousands of cocktails at a click of a button. 

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ABERFELDY And Bee Informed Partnership (BIP) Launch 'Gardening Giveback Project' To Encourage Urban Beekeeping

ABERFELDY Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the whisky known around the world as the 'Golden Dram,' recently announced the launch of its 'Gardening Giveback Project' in collaboration with Bee Informed Partnership (BIP), a national, non-profit organization dedicated to working with beekeepers across the country to improve honey bee colony health and increase colony survivorship.

Over the last decade, 1 in 3 managed honey bee colonies have been lost each year as a result of stressors like pests, pathogens, pesticides and poor nutrition due in part to habitat loss. Although dedicated beekeepers have been able to stabilize the U.S. honey bee population by splitting healthy colonies to make up for the continued losses, mortality rates remain high. In order to keep the U.S. honey bee population stable, it is crucial that everyone does their part in giving back to the bees and the professionals who care for them.

Kicking off just in time for National Honey Bee Day and continuing throughout National Honey Month in September, the Gardening Giveback Project builds upon ABERFELDY's commitment to relieving the plight of honey bees via its Barrels and Bees program – an initiative that supports local beekeepers by partnering with them to feature their honey as the main ingredient in signature cocktails. Famed for its rich honey notes resulting from the patient process of longer fermentation, ABERFELDY's richness can be accentuated in honey-based cocktails, creating a unique connection between the whisky and the precious natural resource.

"So much of ABERFELDY's story is rooted in its honeyed richness, making honey itself a perfect ingredient for many of our cocktails," said Aleco Azqueta, Brand Director Single Malts at BACARDI.  "We created the Barrels and Bees program to help support local beekeepers and protect these tiny creatures who do so much for our environment, especially given recent data showing some of the highest mortality rates on record. We're proud to be able to introduce the Gardening Giveback Project this year, as it provides ABERFELDY with another opportunity to drive awareness for this cause we are so passionate about."

Through the Gardening Giveback Project, ABERFELDY and BIP are empowering beekeepers and bartenders across eight cities in the United States (Austin, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Miami, Florida; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; San Francisco, California) to plant and maintain community garden-style bee sanctuaries by growing flowers, herbs and vegetables in dual purpose: to foster a healthy environment for bees while also cultivating ingredients that can be used in cocktails. The locally grown ingredients like basil, mint and honey will be used in a brand new, celebratory cocktail dubbed the ABERFELDY "Herbed Honey Smash," which can be purchased and enjoyed from a safe, social distance at various accounts within each city. ABERFELDY has also committed a $10,000 donation to BIP to help support local beekeepers in their research, education and communication efforts to improve honey bee health and sustainability.

"As the single most important pollinator to agriculture, honey bees are a vital component in ensuring we have access to high quality, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and nuts," Says Geoff Williams, President of Bee Informed Partnership. "We definitely appreciate ABERFELDY supporting our mission and are really excited to help bring the Gardening Giveback Project to life."

For consumers who want to support the cause but aren't located in one of the eight regions, ABERFELDY is offering a limited-edition, farmer's market-style cocktail crate on ReserveBar.com that is comprised of the ingredients needed to create the Herbed Honey Smash at home. Customers will receive a bottle of ABERFELDY 12, seeds to plant their own garnishes that can double as forage, honey bear glassware, tasting spoons, a tasting tray and three different flavors of honey harvested by "The Native Guy" Nick Bofill, who maintains hives on top of Bacardi's North American headquarters in Miami and is a participating beekeeper in the project. Additionally, customers who purchase the cocktail crate will be provided with exclusive access to a virtual whisky and honey pairing hosted by BACARDI North American Malts Ambassador Holly Seidewand and Mr. Bofill on Thursday, September 17th. The limited-edition cocktail crate will be available for purchase on ReserveBar.com in time for National Honey Bee Day and lasting throughout National Honey Month this September for $45.

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Our Favorite New York City Parks

August in the city basically means, well, to put it simply…you shouldn’t be there in the first place. If you’re not lounging around in the Hamptons, vacationing at your Connecticut estate, or traveling abroad, you’re probably still stuck riding the subway in 100-degree heat and being dripped on by AC units in doorways on your walk to work. The struggle is real, and it’s time to put an end to it. Good news is there are plenty of outdoor spots within the city that will quickly transport you to luscious suburbia, if only for the afternoon.

Central Park

A true classic. Head to Sheep Meadow for an afternoon picnic and spread out your towels to soak in the rays. Join countless other sunbathers playing Frisbee and socializing on the pristine green lawn, and don’t forget to bust out your favorite tunes of the summer while you do so.

Bryant Park

Behind the New York Public Library. Ever the source of free entertainment, Bryant Park remains a go-to spot for the arts and cultural activities. It’s extremely popular for its Monday night outdoor movie showings and is always bustling with life.

Washington Square Park

The place to people-watch. An iconic Greenwich Village landmark, this park is teeming with vibrant personalities. People can be spotted reading a novel, writing a philosophy thesis, sketching in notebooks, or hopelessly flipping their skateboards at all corners of the park. Musicians and artists flock here, as the park’s very existence oozes creativity and innovation.

The High Line

Basic, but worth it. While it’s relatively new in comparison, this outdoor walkway of the West Side has skyrocketed in popularity with its picturesque courtyard of plants and sculptures, even housing lounge chairs for relaxation. There’s also a food court to satiate the appetite after your leisurely afternoon stroll in the sun.

Prospect Park

A Brooklyn gem. This park was created by the same masterminds who designed Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It offers plenty of green space and a peaceful escape from the city’s mayhem. There are wetlands, forests, and meadows to be discovered in this 526-acre expanse, among many other attractions.

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Dom Pérignon To Release New Limited 2010 Vintage

We’ve all had the 1996, but in exciting news from the Champagne world Dom Pérignon is releasing their Vintage 2010 this September. 2010 was a challenging, complex year with extreme weather conditions from a rigorous winter to a very delayed dry spring, however, Dom Pérignon meticulously and with great precision produced a vintage that resulted in a true testament of nature and worthy of a sip. Due to these conditions, the luxury champagne house is only releasing a limited number and is one of few houses to launch a vintage.

As the Dom Pérignon Vintage 2010 was a daunting and bold task, it truly displayed the houses mastery, which is nurtured by experience, passed on and reproduced. The newest vintage has generous aromas of tropical fruit that instantly shines, followed by freshness. The vintage on the palate has a sappy sensation that unfolds generously yet firm and controlled.   

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5 NYC Rentals with Outdoor Pools to Beat the August Heat

With temperatures in excess of 90 degrees, this summer has been a notoriously hot one. And, as we all know, there’s no better way to beat the heat than taking a dip in an outdoor swimming pool. Unfortunately for most New Yorkers, the outdoor pool is a rare find when it comes to the city’s housing stock. 

Bay 151

Credit: Courtesy of Hudson Projects

Located at 151 Centre Street on Bayonne’s waterfront peninsula, Bay 151, formerly known as Harbor Station North, is comprised of three four-story buildings offering 200 rental apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail space—just steps from the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. With nearly 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, the development boasts an outdoor sun terrace with a resort-style swimming pool surrounded by grilling stations and dining areas. It’s the perfect place to lounge poolside, or enjoy a WFH lunch. 

Journal Squared

Designed by Hollwich Kushner and Handel Architects, Journal Squared is a mixed-use development complex comprised of three towers that will bring a total of 1,840 rental residences to Jersey City’s historic Journal Square neighborhood. At 563 feet in height, the first completed tower—one of the tallest buildings in Jersey City—is home to 538 apartments and features an 8th-floor lounge that opens onto a sun terrace with an outdoor swimming pool, where residents can catch some rays while taking in the building’s dramatic panoramas of the Manhattan skyline.

555Ten

Courtesy of 555Ten

Situated at the nexus of Hell’s Kitchen, Hudson Yards and just steps from stylish Chelsea, 555Ten offers 56 stories of elevated, luxury rentals. The amenities rise 650 feet to the rooftop, which features an exclusive all-season club and bar, complete with an indoor/outdoor fireplace and an outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking skyline and sunset views. The open air sundeck includes private cabanas and chaise lounges, while the southwest-facing pool creates the most exclusive observation deck experience, offering spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River. 

Gateway

Courtesy of Gateway

Nestled among the lush greenery and waterfront parks of Manhattan’s coveted Battery Park City neighborhood, Gateway is a peaceful residential oasis comprised of six high-rise buildings with breathtaking harbor and city views. The Club at Gateway offers over 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities for residents of all ages, including a private outdoor pool. This pool overlooks the Hudson River and offers plenty of poolside sunbathing chairs and sun-protecting umbrellas.

Ellipse

Credit: Courtesy of Ellipse

Ellipse has upped the ante for luxury living in Jersey City, featuring spacious, waterfront apartments and Manhattan-style amenities. The luxe residential development, which has been designed by internationally-acclaimed design firm Arquitectonica, is home to a beautiful rooftop pool that offers residents a dramatic, one-of-a-kind view of the Manhattan skyline. The space is complete with barbecue grills and lounge chairs for soaking up the sun. It's the ideal location to enjoy the rest of the summer.

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Bring the US Open Experience Home w/ the First-Ever Grey Goose Honey Deuce Cocktail Kit

For more than 100 years, tennis fans around the world have flocked to Queens, NY to watch the sport’s best players compete in the iconic US Open tournament. This year, for the first time ever, the event will take place without fans, as necessary COVID-19 restrictions prohibit New Yorkers and tourists alike of the Arthur Ashe stadium experience—including sipping on a signature Honey Deuce cocktail in the commemorative US Open cup.

As the US Open will be the first major tennis event since the start of the pandemic, lovers of the sport are eager to celebrate the return of tennis from the safety of their own homes. To help fans recreate that courtside feeling while watching couch-side, Grey Goose is introducing the first Honey Deuce Cocktail Kit which includes all the ingredients required to create the beloved beverage at home: a bottle of Grey Goose, freshly squeezed lemonade, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and pre-scooped honeydew melon balls on a skewer. Best of all, each kit will come with 2020 commemorative US Open Cups—a souvenir previously only available for purchase inside the stadium, and the final touch to creating the ultimate at-home watch party.

Starting today, the kits will be sold via Sourced in NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Austin, and Washington, DC. All deliveries will begin today and be made either same-day or next-day, so you’ll be able to order the kit and sip on Honey Deuce cocktails throughout the tournament.

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Can a Landlord Deny an Emotional Support Animal?

The internet is filled with information on the requirements for service animals and ESA’s. There are websites all over that guide you here or there, promising registration for your animal if you just pay their fee. Sadly a lot of these sites are filled with misinformation and can lead you astray. In this article, we’ll discuss ESAs (Emotional Support Animals) in their entirety. Both tenants and landlords have rights in regards to what can and can not be done with a person's ESA and what law states are acceptable. 

What is an ESA? 

An ESA is an emotional support animal. They are intended to provide therapeutic assistance to a disabled individual. The type and breed of animal that fits in this category are broad and can range from small rodents to large dogs. The animal itself depends on the individual's needs and ability to care for each species and their unique needs.  

Who can have an ESA?

Emotional support animals are intended to be a support for disabled individuals who suffer from a variety of ailments including but not limited to severe depression, PTSD, and General Anxiety Disorder. 

Does an ESA need special training?

Yes and no. There is no requirement for certification for an ESA however the animal is required to facilitate the disabled person’s ability to function. If your ESA is canine, for example, it’s going to make a much better impression on others and be easier for the person with disabilities to maintain as a companion if they are a good canine citizen and are fairly well behaved when in public. 

Are there laws to protect my ESA?

Yes. There are laws to protect your ESA and there are laws to protect the Landlord where you may reside. The FHA (Fair Housing Act) is something you should familiarize yourself with. It gives all the points one must look at when bringing an ESA into their apartment or rental space. The FHA applies to almost all housing situations. 

What do I need to provide to my Landlord to have my ESA with me?

A request must be formally made to your landlord first to obtain an agreement to having an ESA in your apartment. The Landlord, in turn, may request reliable documentation about the person’s disability and need for an assistance animal. While the individual requesting permission does not have to disclose their disability they are required to prove, through medical documentation from a doctor or psychiatric specialist, that having an ESA in your apartment is fundamental to their health. 

Can my Landlord deny my ESA due to breed restrictions?

No. The only time a Landlord may deny a request for an ESA due to breed or size is when an animal is deemed dangerous on a case by case basis. While this is true, some homeowners and renters insurance will not allow certain breeds, allowing the Landlord to deny that breed. If an accommodation puts undue administrative or financial stress on the housing provider the animal may be denied. This can include drastic increases in homeowners’ insurance as well as property insurance. 

While this was only a brief overview, answering some of the most common questions, it sheds some light on the basics involving an ESA. Should you find yourself needing more information make sure you look at the Fair Housing Act and check both applicant and Landlord rights. The best way for you to have your ESA and to adhere to all rules is to be knowledgeable about the subject at hand. By knowing your rights and those of the person you may be opposing you can fight for your rights in a safe, legal manner. 

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New York City Restaurants to Offer Picnic Baskets

Caroline Fiske

Photo Creds: Hole In The Wall NYC

Social distancing is just one of the many aspects that this “temporary new normal” has to offer. But just because we are all social distancing, for now, does not mean that we can’t have fun. “Hole in the Wall” and “Loulou Petit Bistro and Speakeasy” are now offering some delicious picnic baskets for you and your loved ones to share at a socially distant picnic in the park. Get your appetite ready for some beautiful food and beautiful views!

The “Hole in the Wall” restaurant has two locations, one in Murray Hill at 626 1st Ave., and the other in FiDi at 15 Cliff St. Both of these locations have a “Picnic Pack” that is available for takeout for $40. This includes salami, prosciutto, Murray's ALP Blossom Gruyere, local smoked cheddar, marinated olives, fig jam, rosemary sea salt crackers, and a choice of white wine, red wine, rosé or prosecco.

Get the Picnic Pack before it’s gone! You can place your order today by visiting The Caviar Delivery website at https://www.trycaviar.com/manhattan or The Hole in the Wall’s website at https://www.holeinthewallnyc.com.

Whether you are craving avocado toast, scrambled eggs, waffles, eggs benedict, smoothies, honey-drizzled fruit cups, or bacon, Hole in the Wall is the place for you! They are known for so much more than just their “Picnic Pack,” such as their scrumptious brunch items, and their happy hour cocktails. It is also known for its friendly atmosphere and staff. If you are ever in the Murray Hill and FiDi areas and are in the mood for some quality brunch food or happy hour cocktails, come to Hole in the Wall!

The “Loulou Petit Bistro and Speakeasy” restaurant is located at 176 8th Avenue. They will be offering a “Picnic Spread” that is available for takeout at $68. This includes a bottle of Quinn Rosé or a large format sangria bottle, a large cheese board or charcuterie, a choice of roasted baby beets, kale salad or frisée salad, fresh fruit and nuts and a French baguette along with utensils, napkins, and cups all in a cute Loulou picnic burlap bag. Is your mouth watering yet? If not then you just have to order this picnic basket and taste it for yourself! You can place your order today by visiting The Loulou Petit Bistro and Speakeasy website at https://www.loulounyc.com, the Seamless at https://www.seamless.com/browse/ny-nyc, the UberEats website at https://www.ubereats.com/, and the GrubHub website at https://www.grubhub.com/.

Scallops, duck confit, cocktails, burrata salad, short rib, Margherita pizza, fingerling potatoes, and so much more are offered at Loulou Petit Bistro and Speakeasy. From the quality of the food to the restaurant environment itself, Loulou Petit Bistro and Speakeasy will make it feel like you are eating your way through Paris. The cocktails are also served in mason jars which is very environmentally friendly since you can reuse them for next time. As the French say, “Allons y Maintenant!” Let’s go now to try this “trés Magnifique” food.

Whether you want a picnic in Central, Bryant, or Washington Square Park or just to eat at a restaurant again post quarantine, these two restaurants are highly recommended because they fit both of those needs. Now that coronavirus cases and deaths are being much lowered in the state of New York, we can celebrate by eating together with our loved ones as long as we are being safe and smart about it.

Last but not least Casa Barilla’s *new* Picnic Boxes, which will be available beginning tomorrow, August 18th! With close proximity to Bryant Park and Central Park, the Italian pasta kitchen concept located in Midtown Manhattan will serve Picnic Boxes for One ($19) and Picnic Boxes for Two ($35), which include traditional Italian dishes fit for an al fresco spread.

All Picnic Boxes will be available for pickup at the restaurant or delivery via GrubHub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash. Details about each offering is below:

• Picnic Box for One | Choice of 1 pasta, 1 pasta chips, 1 side salad, 1 panna cotta, 1 Lunetta split (Prosecco or Rosè) | $19

• Picnic Box for Two | Choice of 2 pasta, 2 pasta chips, 2 side salad, 2 panna cotta, 2 Lunetta split (Prosecco or Rosè) | $35

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