NY1 reports:
New York’s annual block party will return this summer with even more Saturday morning activities for participants.
The Department of Transportation will host the Fifth Annual Summer Streets event on August 4, 11 and 18.
The Summer Streets route runs from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way to 72nd Street along Park Avenue and connecting streets. The seven miles of city streets will be blocked off for activities ranging from yoga to dance classes.
DOT officials also fit thousands of people for free bicycle helmets during Summer Streets as part of its Bike Smart program.
“The streets are for everyone and it’s a great way for New Yorkers to get out and enjoy and see the city in a different way and engage in some really fun, healthy, terrific activities,” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.
One of the highlights this year will likely be a 160-foot zip line at Union Square Park.
On Tuesday morning, the zip line was set up by Fantasy World Entertainment in Union Square for passersby to try out.
“For your first time [it’s scary], after that, you’ll come right back in line,” said Greg Korzeniowski of Fantasy World Entertainment.
“It’s a great idea for a bit of a good rush in the morning, great way to wake you up. I don’t have to have a coffee this morning, I’ve done this,” said one zip line user.
“It was fun. When you jump off, I was a little nervous, but then it was like fun,” said another.
Even NY1’s Roger Clark tried out the zip line. As he stood 30 feet about Union Square, the operators assured him that he would be caught by workers at the end of the 160-feet line.
Clark did have a safe landing, and then wanted to use the zip line again. He wasn’t the only one.
“As soon as I finished I was like, can I go again? I didn’t think he would let me, but he did, so it was fun,” said a zip line user.
The New York Times has a fascinating article about the deli across from the co-op on 13th St., reviewing its history as a Schraftt’s restaurant and talking about the importance of its now destroyed architectural details. But what’s really interesting is the revelation of the first details of what’s going to be built there: a ten-story building with one triplex, three duplexes, and ground floor retail. “As for the apartment house, which is being designed for an owner who bought the site this year, the architect says plans are still in flux but she will probably produce “a contemporary interpretation of the Fifth Avenue apartment houses in the neighborhood” — the same goal of harmony that Schrafft’s sought 70 years ago.”