New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has plans to convert empty commercial space in Manhattan into affordable housing, and the local real estate and hoteliers boards are aboard. In his 11th state of the state address, Cuomo on Monday proposed legislation that would open a five-year window for the conversion of office buildings and hotels into residential use.

Social distancing, empty streets, darkened stages and shuttered lobbies highlight the devastation brought upon New York’s hospitality industry. Those within the sector argue a combination of federal aid and overhauled regulations are what’s needed to spark a post-Covid-19 turnaround.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) has weighed-in on the ever-growing social war in Chelsea.

Tim Dolan was about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his business, which runs Broadway-related walking tours, when Covid-19 hit New York City last spring.

2020 will certainly go down in history—a global pandemic; political and social unrest; a newly elected President; a first quarter stock market downturn followed by a record breaking year end; anti-trust litigation on big tech – Facebook; residual impact of the pandemic resulting in high unemployment and numerous business closures; and the recent release of the COVID-19 vaccine – Pfizer Bio N Tech.

At Manhattan’s hotels, there are few signs of the festive fervor that the holiday season typically brings.

Marriott plans to permanently lay off more than 800 workers at its Times Square hotel as the coronavirus crisis keeps New York City’s hospitality industry in a chokehold.

Marriott plans to permanently lay off more than 800 workers at its Times Square hotel as the coronavirus crisis keeps New York City’s hospitality industry in a chokehold.