One thing to remember is that this maps direct sunlight. Skyscrapers are decently reflective, and outside the absolute darkest blocks mentioned you can expect a

One thing to remember is that this maps direct sunlight. Skyscrapers are decently reflective, and outside the absolute darkest blocks mentioned you can expect a fair bit of diffuse lighting. Another is that New York State is just pretty dim and cloudy to begin with. The clouds can actually be nice, since they distribute light a bit better, but life in NY involves getting used to some awfully dark winters regardless.