All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

Here are the NYC neighborhoods with the highest storefront vacancy rates

Photo by Ruoyu Li on Unsplash

June 5, 2026

Here are the NYC neighborhoods with the highest storefront vacancy rates

By Aaron Ginsburg

Though New York City’s storefront vacancy rate has rebounded since the pandemic, some neighborhoods still have retail vacancy rates as high as 20 percent, according to a new report. Released on Thursday by the city's Comptroller Mark Levine, the report, titled "Who's Minding the Storefront? An Analysis of Storefront Vacancies," found that while the citywide vacancy rate has returned to near pre-pandemic levels, parts of Lower Manhattan, Battery Park City, Northern Brooklyn, and Western Queens continue to see retail vacancy rates at or above 20 percent. Citywide, roughly 15,700 storefronts remain vacant, representing an 11 percent vacancy rate, about half a percentage point above pre-pandemic levels.
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Policy

NYC to expand traffic sensor network to study how New Yorkers use streets

Credit: NYC DOT

June 4, 2026

NYC to expand traffic sensor network to study how New Yorkers use streets

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City will expand its use of cutting-edge sensor technology to track road usage and inform safer, more data-driven street design. Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn on Tuesday announced that the agency will install privacy-protected sensors, first piloted in 2023, at about 80 additional locations across the five boroughs, bringing the total to 100. The devices count pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and vehicles to analyze how New Yorkers use city streets, offering insight into pedestrian crossings, where bike access may need improvement, and how cars move through specific areas.
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Balloon Museum announces opening of NYC flagship at the Tin Building

“Black Hole Horizon” by Thom Kubli. Credit: The Balloon Museum

June 4, 2026

Balloon Museum announces opening of NYC flagship at the Tin Building

By Aaron Ginsburg

The world’s first traveling inflatable art exhibition is opening a permanent location in New York City. The Balloon Museum will open at the historic Tin Building in the Seaport District on July 15, bringing its unique large-scale installations to a 58,000-square-foot space that formerly housed Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s food hall. Its inaugural exhibition, “Daydream: Air Becomes Art,” will bring together experimental, site-specific works that use air as a “unifying medium,” featuring artists including Marina Abramović and Martin Creed.
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Events & Things To Do

Former Planned Parenthood clinic in Noho will be converted to luxury condos

Rendering of the proposed building from Bleecker and Mott Streets. Credit: BKSK Architects

June 3, 2026

Former Planned Parenthood clinic in Noho will be converted to luxury condos

By Aaron Ginsburg

The former home of Manhattan's only Planned Parenthood clinic in Noho is set to become luxury condos. The Landmarks Preservation Commission this week approved a plan to convert the Classical Revival-style commercial building at 26 Bleecker Street into 15 luxury condominium residences. Planned Parenthood, which first moved to the building in 1989, sold the property last year to Israeli development firm Izaki Group Investments for $38.1 million. The nonprofit, which officially shut down operations at the building last October, cited increasing financial and political pressures as reasons for selling.
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Food hall at former Lord & Taylor building to open this month

Credit: Young Skeletons

June 3, 2026

Food hall at former Lord & Taylor building to open this month

By Aaron Ginsburg

The food hall at Fifth Avenue's landmarked Lord & Taylor building will finally open later this month, making the historic Midtown property accessible to the public for the first time since the department store closed in 2019. Shaver Hall, a 35,000-square-foot dining and entertainment destination, will open on the ground floor on June 26, featuring 11 chef-curated eateries, three full-service restaurants, and live entertainment. Amazon purchased the 1914 building in 2020 and converted it into the company's largest corporate office space in the city, which opened in 2023.
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Food & Dining

17 spots in NYC to watch the Knicks in the NBA Finals

Credit: Jacob Williamson

June 2, 2026

17 spots in NYC to watch the Knicks in the NBA Finals

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers are ready to party like it's 1999. After securing a Game 1 victory in San Antonio on Wednesday, the New York Knicks are just three games away from securing their first NBA championship since 1973, bringing a level of excitement to the city not seen in three decades. With official watch parties outside Madison Square Garden back on after the NYPD reversed course and granted permits for an event at Plaza 33, and bars and restaurants across the city also hosting screenings, there is no shortage of places to cheer on the team as they face the San Antonio Spurs. Here are some spots promising an electric atmosphere as the Knicks continue their first NBA Finals run since 1999.
Places to watch, ahead

Events & Things To Do

New York SNAP recipients can now receive free membership to The Met

Photo by Charles Parker from Pexels

June 2, 2026

New York SNAP recipients can now receive free membership to The Met

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Tuesday launched free membership for New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The initiative is offered through the new “Explorer Membership” level, which provides one year of free membership, access to member preview days, a digital membership card, invitations to community programs, and more. The program is a joint effort by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Human Resources Administration, and Department of Social Services, and follows a similar initiative launched by the American Museum of Natural History last July.
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Here’s how to view a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence in NYC

Images courtesy of Jonathan Blanc/The New York Public Library, unless noted otherwise

June 1, 2026

Here’s how to view a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York Public Library on Monday released the first batch of free tickets to view a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence during America's 250th anniversary this July. As part of an exhibit commemorating the nation's founding, the library will grant limited access to one of the few surviving "fair copies" of the document handwritten by Thomas Jefferson, on view at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building from July 1 through July 7. Tickets are released online every Monday through June 29.
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Events & Things To Do

Plan to restore 1820s Lower East Side church and add 130 affordable homes advances

Credit: City Planning Commission

June 1, 2026

Plan to restore 1820s Lower East Side church and add 130 affordable homes advances

By Aaron Ginsburg

A project to restore an 1820s-era Lower East Side church and build a mixed-use development with 130 affordable apartments next to it is moving ahead. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal on Friday recommended approval of a proposal to renovate St. Augustine's Chapel at 290 Henry Street and replace an existing two-story classroom annex with a 21-story mixed-use housing development. Now headed to the City Planning Commission for review, the development would include income-restricted apartments for families earning 50, 80, and 110 percent of the area median income, as well as some units for formerly homeless New Yorkers.
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42nd Street to become dedicated ‘bus corridor’ during World Cup matches

Credit: Taton Moïse on Unsplash

May 29, 2026

42nd Street to become dedicated ‘bus corridor’ during World Cup matches

By Aaron Ginsburg

Manhattan's 42nd Street and several other major thoroughfares will become temporary bus and shuttle corridors for use on World Cup match days this summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday announced a Midtown transportation plan to ensure smooth travel to and from MetLife Stadium during the tournament, including converting 42nd Street, portions of Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and West 40th Street into dedicated transit lanes. The streets will be limited to shuttle buses, official World Cup affiliate vehicles, MTA buses, and emergency vehicles beginning six hours before kickoff and continuing until three hours after each match.
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Popular Articles

NYC reopens Orchard Beach Pavilion after 17 years and $114M restoration

Credit: Marvel

May 29, 2026

NYC reopens Orchard Beach Pavilion after 17 years and $114M restoration

By Aaron Ginsburg

The historic Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx partially reopened to the public earlier this month, restoring access to the landmarked beachfront destination for the first time in 17 years after a $114 million reconstruction. Beginning in December 2022, work on the 140,000-square-foot project involved preserving the pavilion’s 1930s-era architecture while adding new community amenities and accessibility upgrades. The seaside landmark, located at the only public beach in the Bronx, reopened ahead of the summer season and the opening of city beaches last weekend. Additional features remain under construction, with a full reopening expected later this summer.
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Architecture And Design

NYC launches interactive website to help young New Yorkers find free summer activities

Photo by Michael Appleton/ Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

May 28, 2026

NYC launches interactive website to help young New Yorkers find free summer activities

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City wants to make it easier for young people to find free and low-cost activities this summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani this week launched "Summer in N.Y.C.," a website that matches users with activities happening in their neighborhood, ranging from free painting and photography classes to sports leagues, summer jobs, and FIFA World Cup watch parties. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the administration to keep young New Yorkers safe during the summer, when gun violence sees an uptick, as CBS News reported.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC begins redesign of McGuinness Boulevard

Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony. Credit: NYC DOT

May 28, 2026

NYC begins redesign of McGuinness Boulevard

By Aaron Ginsburg

Work on the redesign of Greenpoint’s notorious McGuinness Boulevard finally began this week after several years of delays and project changes. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Department of Transportation on Wednesday broke ground on the street revamp, which includes installing parking-protected bike lanes along the corridor from Meeker Avenue to the Pulaski Bridge. The start of construction marks a major milestone for the project, which was scaled back under former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration amid allegations of bribery, as 6sqft previously reported.
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Hochul signs reforms to New York’s environmental law to accelerate new housing development

“Let Them Build” rally in February. Photo credit: Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

May 27, 2026

Hochul signs reforms to New York’s environmental law to accelerate new housing development

By Aaron Ginsburg

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday signed legislation to reform the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), cutting red tape that critics say has long delayed housing development. The "common-sense" reforms, the most significant changes to SEQRA since its passage in 1975, are expected to accelerate the construction of new housing by up to two years. Hochul first unveiled the changes in February alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani and included it in her fiscal year 2027 budget.
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Drew Barrymore finds buyer for gut-renovated Westchester estate

All photos courtesy of Modern Angles

May 27, 2026

Drew Barrymore finds buyer for gut-renovated Westchester estate

By Aaron Ginsburg

Drew Barrymore's 12-acre estate in Harrison has found a buyer after just two months on the market. Barrymore purchased the expansive property at 19 Winfield Avenue for $4.4 million in 2024 and spent two years revamping the estate and its three homes, curating every detail of each dwelling as part of her Beautiful by Drew design brand. The actor, producer, and talk show host decided to sell the property due to changing family needs. The buyer and final sale price have not been disclosed, but the estate was last listed for $4,995,000.
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NYPD pulls permits for Knicks watch parties outside MSG, but fans still celebrate

Photos courtesy of NY Knicks/MSG Sports

May 26, 2026

NYPD pulls permits for Knicks watch parties outside MSG, but fans still celebrate

By Aaron Ginsburg

While the police department won't support New York Knicks playoff watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden anymore, fans still celebrated the team's first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years on Monday. After the city’s Police Department denied permits for the watch party for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, citing "very rough" crowds, the event relocated to Radio City Music Hall and Brooklyn Bowl. According to the NYPD, past watch parties have included some people jumping police barriers, throwing glass bottles into crowds, and brawling, with six people arrested last Thursday, the New York Post reported. The lack of permits did not stop fans from heading to 7th Avenue to celebrate the team's historic sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC restaurants to offer $26 dining deals during World Cup

Limited-edition World Cup cups. Credit: NYC Tourism + Conventions

May 26, 2026

NYC restaurants to offer $26 dining deals during World Cup

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is launching a series of initiatives to help New Yorkers and visitors support small businesses and explore neighborhoods in every borough during the FIFA World Cup. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Friday a new $26 dining special at participating restaurants and bars throughout the six-week tournament. According to the city, nearly 600 businesses have signed up to partake in the program, which will run from June 11 through July 19.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC to widen protected bike lane on Sixth Avenue before World Cup

An example of a double-wide bike lane on Second Avenue. Credit: DOT

May 22, 2026

NYC to widen protected bike lane on Sixth Avenue before World Cup

By Aaron Ginsburg

Sixth Avenue’s protected bike lane will be widened along one of its most congested stretches as part of a series of street safety projects launched by the Mamdani administration ahead of the World Cup this summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Wednesday that the corridor’s bike lane will expand from six to 10 feet between 14th Street and West 31st Street, removing one travel lane and allowing for safer passing and side-by-side biking, as first reported by Streetsblog. The project had previously been announced under former Mayor Eric Adams but was never implemented.
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Work on skate park in Mount Prospect Park could begin next spring

Renderings courtesy of NYC Parks

May 22, 2026

Work on skate park in Mount Prospect Park could begin next spring

By Aaron Ginsburg

Work on an $11 million skatepark in Brooklyn's Mount Prospect Park could begin next spring after New York City’s Public Design Commission and the local community board approved the project last month. Known as the Brooklyn Skate Garden, the project is one of four skateparks planned across the five boroughs through a partnership with legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk to bring public skating facilities to underserved communities. Originally planned at roughly 40,000 square feet, the park was scaled back to 19,500 square feet following opposition from some residents, according to BKReader.
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Architecture And Design

Mott Haven affordable development approved after just 90 days, thanks to new expedited review

Renderings courtesy of STAT Architecture PC

May 21, 2026

Mott Haven affordable development approved after just 90 days, thanks to new expedited review

By Aaron Ginsburg

An affordable housing project that would have taken seven months of review before being approved got the green light from the New York City Council this week after just 90 days. Thanks to the new Expedited Land Use Review Procedure (ELURP), a ballot measure approved by voters last November, 351 Powers Avenue in Mott Haven received the fastest land-use approval in decades. The project, which entered review in February, will transform a vacant city-owned lot into more than 80 apartments, a community theater, and public outdoor space, as 6sqft previously reported.
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NYC residents can enter lottery for $50 World Cup tickets

Mayor Mamdani announced the initiative in Little Senegal in Harlem. Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

May 21, 2026

NYC residents can enter lottery for $50 World Cup tickets

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday announced that his administration had secured 1,000 World Cup tickets, which will be made available to New Yorkers for $50 through a lottery system. As first reported by The Athletic, 150 tickets will be distributed for each of the five group stage matches and two knockout round matches at MetLife. The $50 ticket includes free round-trip bus fare to the stadium. The lottery opens May 25 at 10 a.m. and closes May 30 at 5 p.m., with up to 50,000 entries accepted daily. Winners will be able to purchase up to two tickets each.
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Katz’s Deli reopens ‘secret’ dining room closed to public for nearly 80 years

All photos courtesy of Katz’s Deli

May 20, 2026

Katz’s Deli reopens ‘secret’ dining room closed to public for nearly 80 years

By Aaron Ginsburg

After nearly 80 years hidden from the public, a "secret" dining room at Katz's Deli has reopened following a restoration. The Ludlow Room, a 68-seat space that once served generations of New Yorkers, opened Tuesday after being closed in 1949 and converted into a giant walk-in refrigerator amid postwar demand for deli meats. Restored to reflect its original appearance, the Ludlow Room features original tin ceilings and period-inspired lighting, as well as the same freight scale used to measure every pound of meat served at Katz's for eight decades.
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Food & Dining

NYC Ferry boosts service this summer ahead of the FIFA World Cup

Five custom-wrapped NYC Ferry vessels will celebrate each borough this summer. Photo courtesy of NYCEDC

May 20, 2026

NYC Ferry boosts service this summer ahead of the FIFA World Cup

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City ferry service is receiving a major boost this summer, just in time for the FIFA World Cup. The summer schedule for NYC Ferry will offer the most extensive service in the system’s history ahead of an expected influx of visitors for the soccer tournament at MetLife Stadium, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city's Economic Development Corporation announced on Tuesday. Running now through September 13, the extra service includes additional route connections, expanded weekend service, and the return of the Rockaway Rocket and Rockaway Reserve ticket programs. The city also unveiled five wrapped vessels featuring World Cup-inspired branding that highlights each borough.
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NYC reveals design proposals for Billie Holiday monument in Queens

May 19, 2026

NYC reveals design proposals for Billie Holiday monument in Queens

By Aaron Ginsburg

More than seven years after it was first commissioned, a monument honoring Billie Holiday in New York City is moving forward. The city's Department of Cultural Affairs on Tuesday unveiled proposals from six artists for a new permanent artwork celebrating the jazz legend that will be installed at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens. The monument is part of a long-delayed effort to increase the representation of influential women in public spaces across the five boroughs. The public can review the proposals and submit feedback through the end of May. An artist will be chosen this summer.
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First look at Paragon, Long Island City’s first new waterfront condo in a decade

Renderings courtesy of Redundant Pixel unless otherwise noted.

May 19, 2026

First look at Paragon, Long Island City’s first new waterfront condo in a decade

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's an exclusive look at the first new condo development built on the Long Island City waterfront in more than a decade. Developed by ZD Jasper and designed by Archimaera, the 23-story Paragon at 45-40 Vernon Boulevard incorporates the historic Paragon Paint Factory into the tower's base. Residences will range from studios to four-bedrooms and feature interiors by March and White Design (MAWD), with ceiling heights of up to 10 feet and floor-to-ceiling windows offering up views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. Adjacent to Anable Basin, the project also includes a large public open space with a waterfront park and walkway connecting the neighborhood to the East River.
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