All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

NYC has seized 73,000+ ‘ghost cars’ and illegal vehicles during Adams administration

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

December 12, 2024

NYC has seized 73,000+ ‘ghost cars’ and illegal vehicles during Adams administration

New York City is cracking down on cars with illegal plates and other untraceable vehicles. Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced that a new task force made up of the city's police department (NYPD) and Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has removed over 7,500 "ghost cars"—vehicles with forged or altered license plates that evade traffic cameras and toll readers—and 27,000 unregistered motorized vehicles in just 12 weeks. Since the start of the Adams administration, more than 73,000 ghost cars and illegal motorized vehicles have been seized.
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The duplex apartment in Paul Rudolph’s Modulightor Building may be landmarked

Exterior photo courtesy of the Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture; interior photo courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

December 12, 2024

The duplex apartment in Paul Rudolph’s Modulightor Building may be landmarked

By Aaron Ginsburg

A year ago, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Modulightor Building, a Midtown East building designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph, as a New York City landmark. Now, the agency will consider landmarking the interior of the building as well. On Tuesday, the agency voted to calendar a duplex apartment on the third and fourth floors of 246 East 58th Street designed by Rudolph. According to the commission, the apartment is a "complex, multi-layered late modern residential interior unlike any in New York City."
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Photo via Wikimedia

December 11, 2024

NYC to close 25 migrant shelters, including Floyd Bennett Field

By Aaron Ginsburg

The massive migrant shelter at Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field will close in January as the number of migrants entering New York City reaches its lowest point in 17 months. Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced that the 2,000-bed Marine Park shelter, along with 24 other facilities, will shutter over the next two months as the number of asylum seekers in city shelters has declined for 22 straight weeks. The city wants to close the shelter, located on federal land, to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from revoking the facility’s lease in January or launching immigration raids once he takes office, the New York Times reported.
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Policy

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor to buy $20M UES penthouse

Renderings courtesy of DBOX

December 11, 2024

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor to buy $20M UES penthouse

By Aaron Ginsburg

Another New York Mets contract is grabbing headlines. Shortstop Francisco Lindor is set to score a $20 million penthouse at a boutique new condo building on the Upper East Side. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, Lindor signed a contract for a 5,000-square-foot penthouse at 200 East 75th Street, an under-construction 18-story tower developed by EJS Group. Penthouse 5, which has six bedrooms and multiple terraces, is likely the baseball star's new home.
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National Black Theatre’s new 21-story home in Harlem opens lottery for 58 apartments, from $834/month

Rendering courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 10, 2024

National Black Theatre’s new 21-story home in Harlem opens lottery for 58 apartments, from $834/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A 21-story mixed-use tower in Harlem that will soon house the historic National Black Theatre (NBT) and over 200 apartments opened an affordable housing lottery last week. On the corner of 125th Street and 5th Avenue, the new development, Ray Harlem, will include 27,000 square feet for NBT, the city's longest-running Black theater founded in the neighborhood in 1968, 222 residences, and commercial space. About a quarter of the apartments are designated affordable. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $834/month for studios to $3,643/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

New Lots Library redesign will recognize site’s legacy as an African Burial Ground

Renderings courtesy of MASS Design & Marble Fairbanks Architects

December 9, 2024

New Lots Library redesign will recognize site’s legacy as an African Burial Ground

By Aaron Ginsburg

A transformational library redesign in East New York will honor the site's legacy as an African Burial Ground. The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) on Saturday revealed plans for the redesigned New Lots Library by MASS Design and Marble Fairbanks, designed to better serve local residents and recognize the formerly unacknowledged African Burial Ground while celebrating African American culture. The library is slated to close for construction in fall 2025.
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Architecture And Design

Largest and most expensive Stegosaurus fossil now on view at AMNH

The Apex Stegosaurus on view in the American Museum of Natural History’s Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. Alvaro Keding & Daniel Kim/© AMNH

December 6, 2024

Largest and most expensive Stegosaurus fossil now on view at AMNH

By Aaron Ginsburg

One of the largest and most complete Stegosaurus fossils ever discovered—and the most expensive—is now on display at the American Museum of Natural History. Known as Apex, the 150-million-year-old fossil, measuring 11.5 feet tall and 27 feet long, was unveiled on Thursday just inside the entrance to the museum's Richard Gilder Center in the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium. Nearly 80 percent complete, the fossil was loaned to AMNH by Griffin, who purchased it for a record-breaking $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in July, according to Gothamist.
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NYC Council passes ‘City of Yes,’ paving the way for 82K new homes

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

December 6, 2024

NYC Council passes ‘City of Yes,’ paving the way for 82K new homes

By Aaron Ginsburg

The City Council on Thursday voted 31-20 to approve Mayor Eric Adams' landmark "City of Yes" housing proposal, marking a major step forward in addressing New York City's critical housing shortage. The final version of the plan largely resembles the mayor's original vision but includes amendments by the Council that lower the projected number of new homes from 109,000 to roughly 82,000 over the next 15 years. The plan also includes significant investments in affordable housing, homeownership, tenant protections, and sewer, street, and open space infrastructure development across the five boroughs.
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Feds approve $10B Port Authority Bus Terminal redesign

Renderings courtesy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

December 5, 2024

Feds approve $10B Port Authority Bus Terminal redesign

By Aaron Ginsburg

A $10 billion plan to transform Midtown's aging Port Authority Bus Terminal into a world-class transit hub has received approval from the federal government and the city of New York. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) on Wednesday was issued a record of decision by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) after an "exhaustive" environmental review. The first phase of work, which will construct deck-overs above Dyers Avenue, is slated to begin early next year.
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Long Island City luxury tower opens lottery for 72 apartments, from $3,423/month

Credit: Fogarty Finger

December 5, 2024

Long Island City luxury tower opens lottery for 72 apartments, from $3,423/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new 35-story luxury tower in Long Island City has launched a housing lottery for 72 middle-income apartments. Located at 23-10 42nd Road, Aura combines curated boutique residences with spacious layouts and an expansive amenities package not commonly seen in other developments in the neighborhood. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $3,423/month for studios to $4,376/month two bedrooms.
Learn if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Williamsburg’s first waterfront ice skating rink opens in Domino Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first ice skating rink on the Williamsburg waterfront is now open. Located within the newly-completed public plaza Domino Square, the 7,000-square-foot rink offers skaters stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. The rink offers public skating, themed events, and private rentals, with holiday-themed skate nights and live DJ sessions throughout the season.
LET'S SKATE

Events & Things To Do

New Year’s Eve fireworks in Central Park and Prospect Park canceled this year because of drought

Fireworks at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park. Photo courtesy of Andrew Gardner

December 4, 2024

New Year’s Eve fireworks in Central Park and Prospect Park canceled this year because of drought

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's parks will be unusually quiet this New Year's Eve. Due to the ongoing drought, firework shows will not take place in Central Park or Prospect Park this year, as first reported by the New York Times. Running non-profit New York Road Runners said City Hall and the Parks Department instructed them to forgo this year's fireworks display during the annual New Year's Eve race in Central Park. In Prospect Park, the traditional fireworks show has been swapped for a drone light show, featuring images of iconic NYC landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
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Policy

December 3, 2024

The best Christmas trees in New York City

By Aaron Ginsburg

With holiday festivities ramping up in New York City, neighborhoods across the five boroughs are coming alive with dazzling displays of festive cheer. The city's Christmas and holiday trees, whose allure brings visitors from all corners of the world during the holiday season, all come with their own festive flare. Discover some of the city's most stunning holiday trees, from Rockefeller Center's world-famous tree to lesser-known—but just as elegant—trees at the South Street Seaport and Luna Park.
Find the holiday magic

Events & Things To Do

Conversion of Bushwick’s 19th-century William Ulmer Brewery into a mixed-use development begins

Renderings courtesy of DXA Studio

December 3, 2024

Conversion of Bushwick’s 19th-century William Ulmer Brewery into a mixed-use development begins

By Aaron Ginsburg

Work has begun to transform Bushwick's landmarked William Ulmer Brewery into a mixed-use development. Developed by Rivington Company and designed by DXA Studio, the two-phase project restores the 19th-century building's ground floor and three cellar levels for commercial use, while converting the second, third, fourth, and penthouse levels into apartments. The project will also breathe new life into the building's exterior, with a rehabilitation of its masonry and a new roof.
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MTA rolls out first-ever festive ‘holiday train’ on Metro-North

Credit: MTA / Emily Moser on Flickr

December 2, 2024

MTA rolls out first-ever festive ‘holiday train’ on Metro-North

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is spreading holiday cheer across the tri-state region, offering commuters a festive way to ride the rails. The transit agency on Friday introduced the first-ever Holiday Lights Train on the Metro-North, operating on random rotation on the Hudson Line, Harlem Line, and New Haven Line at all times through the New Year. The festive trains are decked out with colorful exterior lights and play special holiday-themed safety messages at select stations.
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December 2, 2024

Apple leases additional 61K square feet at 11 Penn Plaza

By Aaron Ginsburg

Apple has expanded its footprint in Vornado's Penn 11 office tower in Midtown, acquiring an additional 61,000 square feet. As reported by The Real Deal, the tech giant has signed a new lease that brings its total space in the building to 460,000 square feet and extends its occupancy through the expiration of Macy's lease in 2035. The company now spans the fourth through 14th floors of the 26-story tower, located at 11 Penn Plaza between West 31st and 32nd Streets on Seventh Avenue.
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Real Estate Trends

The 23 best NYC holiday markets this year

FAD Holiday Market at Dumbo Empire Stores. Photo courtesy of FAD Market.

November 27, 2024

The 23 best NYC holiday markets this year

By Aaron Ginsburg

The holiday season has officially arrived in New York City, bringing with it the quest for the perfect gift. Whether you're searching for one-of-a-kind jewelry or artwork, or are craving a festive treat, the city's holiday markets will have something special for everyone. Ahead, find some of the best spots to find unique and meaningful gifts for loved ones this holiday season, from long-standing markets at Bryant Park, Union Square, and Columbus Circle to exciting newcomers like Macy's Holiday Square.
your gift hunt starts here

Last of NYC’s outdoor dining sheds must come down by Friday

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

November 27, 2024

Last of NYC’s outdoor dining sheds must come down by Friday

By Aaron Ginsburg

The last of New York City's street dining sheds must be removed by Friday under the city's new seasonal guidelines. Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Tuesday reminded restaurants that November 29 is the last day to remove outdoor roadway dining sheds; businesses that fail to comply face fines of up to $1,000. While sidewalk dining setups that abide by the program's rules can operate year-round, roadway dining will return with the new season, starting April 1, 2025.
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Macy’s Herald Square reveals 2024 holiday windows

All photos courtesy of Macy’s, Inc. unless noted otherwise

November 26, 2024

Macy’s Herald Square reveals 2024 holiday windows

By Aaron Ginsburg

Macy's Herald Square unveiled its iconic holiday window displays last week, continuing a cherished tradition that has enchanted New Yorkers for generations. Macy's was the first department store to feature Christmas window displays in 1874, and this year's delightful creations will capture onlookers and invite them indoors to explore the store's cheerful celebrations.
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Events & Things To Do

‘Snowscape’ will turn Hudson Yards’ Edge into a winter wonderland with real snow

Credit: Edge

November 26, 2024

‘Snowscape’ will turn Hudson Yards’ Edge into a winter wonderland with real snow

By Aaron Ginsburg

No matter the temperature in New York City, there will be snow. Hudson Yards next month will unveil "Snowscape," a new experience that will make it snow at Edge, the city's highest outdoor sky deck. Starting December 2, snow will fall at the observation deck from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Sundays, guests can pose with an installation of real snow and snowmen.
let it snow

Events & Things To Do

Make a wish at a new public art installation in the Financial District

All photos courtesy of Juliet Mueller

November 25, 2024

Make a wish at a new public art installation in the Financial District

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new public art installation shines bright in the Financial District. Created by design studio Hou de Sousa, "Star Light Star Bright" draws inspiration from the cultural tradition of wish trees, where people attach wishes in writing, artwork, ribbons, and cloth, hoping they come true. Located at the plaza in front of 140 Broadway, the immersive installation invites New Yorkers to tie colorful "wish ribbons" to the chain links, growing into a Chia Pet-esque artwork full of hopes and dreams.
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Architecture And Design

NYC’s first pro soccer stadium in Queens to be called ‘Etihad Park’

All renderings courtesy of New York City FC

November 25, 2024

NYC’s first pro soccer stadium in Queens to be called ‘Etihad Park’

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's first professional soccer stadium will be called Etihad Park, named after the airline of the United Arab Emirates. New York City FC on Thursday announced a 20-year agreement with Etihad Airways, granting the airline exclusive naming rights for the 25,000-seat soccer stadium currently under construction in Willets Point, Queens. Set to open in time for the 2027 season, the stadium will become a "cathedral of soccer in the United States," according to NYCFC. The news came ahead of the team's loss to the New York Red Bulls during the MLS Cup Eastern Conference semifinal match on Saturday.
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New Greenpoint rental opens lottery for 59 apartments, from $1,869/month

Renderings courtesy of Madison Realty Capital

November 22, 2024

New Greenpoint rental opens lottery for 59 apartments, from $1,869/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are currently being accepted for the first phase of a new luxury development in Greenpoint. A lottery launched for 59 apartments at Greenpoint Central, an eight-story, two-building complex located at 65 and 75 Dupont Street. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $1,869/month for studios to $4,376/month for two bedrooms.
Find OUT if you qualify

Affordable Housing

‘City of Yes’ gets key Council approval after $5B deal reached

Credit: Tommy Kwak on Unsplash

November 22, 2024

‘City of Yes’ gets key Council approval after $5B deal reached

By Aaron Ginsburg

The City Council moved Mayor Eric Adams' "City of Yes" housing proposal forward on Thursday after securing $5 billion in funding and making several changes to the original plan. The Council's zoning subcommittee and land use committee voted in favor of the text amendment with modifications to keep some parking requirements and restrict accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in some neighborhoods. The latest version keeps the mayor's plan largely intact but will reduce the number of projected new homes from 109,000 over the next 15 years to 80,000.
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November 21, 2024

NYC’s most festive holiday bars and restaurants

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nowhere is as picturesque as New York City during the holidays, with iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Bryant Park's Winter Village, the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, and festive decorations brightening every street corner. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to sip on seasonal cocktails or somewhere to enjoy over-the-top holiday-themed decor, the city offers many options to revel in holiday cheer. Ahead, find a list of festive bars and restaurants across NYC that will help you get into the holiday spirit (and spirits) this season.
Find out where the festivities are

All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

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