All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

NYC proposes wider bike lanes along 12 blocks of Sixth Avenue

A new, wider-bike lane segment installed in 2024 along Manhattan’s Sixth Avenue. Credit: DOT

March 5, 2025

NYC proposes wider bike lanes along 12 blocks of Sixth Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

With vehicle traffic down since the start of congestion pricing, New York City is moving forward with plans to widen bike lanes along a roughly 12-block stretch of Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. During a presentation to Manhattan Community Board 5's transportation committee last week, the city's Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled plans to upgrade the protected bike lane along Sixth Avenue from 14th Street to 35th Street. The proposal includes removing one lane of traffic to make space for a 10-foot-wide cycling lane, building on a project from last summer that widened the bike lanes from West 9th Street to West 13th Street.
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Rudy Giuliani relists Upper East Side penthouse with $1.4M price cut

45 East 66th Street. Photo by Epicgenius via Wikimedia Commons

March 5, 2025

Rudy Giuliani relists Upper East Side penthouse with $1.4M price cut

By Aaron Ginsburg

Rudy Giuliani has relisted his Upper East Side penthouse with a $1.4 million price cut after settling his legal battle with two Georgia election workers. In October, a judge ordered the former New York City mayor to turn over his possessions, including his apartment at 45 East 66th Street, as part of a $148 million defamation lawsuit he lost in 2023. Last month, a settlement was reached allowing Giuliani to keep his apartment and other belongings in exchange for an unspecified compensation for the two election workers. Now the disbarred lawyer and former Trump advisor is trying again to offload the three-bedroom home for $5.175 million; he first listed the property for $6.5 million in 2023.
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Open gangway subway cars debut on the G line

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

March 5, 2025

Open gangway subway cars debut on the G line

By Aaron Ginsburg

G train riders will now have a more pleasant commute, at least 15 percent of the time. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority debuted two open-gangway cars on the crosstown subway line, marking just the second line in the system to use the new R211T cars. Last February, the C line became the first open gangway train to operate in the United States.
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New York lawmaker proposes cameras to fine drivers who double park

Currently, the city has automated camera enforcement for bus lane blocking, running red lights, and speeding. Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

March 4, 2025

New York lawmaker proposes cameras to fine drivers who double park

By Aaron Ginsburg

A state lawmaker wants to crack down on double parking in New York City. Assembly Member Steven Raga, who represents parts of Queens, has proposed installing 150 cameras citywide that would automatically ticket drivers who double park or park illegally as part of a $35 million pilot program. As first reported by Gothamist, the cameras, which would be similar to those that catch drivers running red lights, speeding, and parking in bus lanes, would be placed in high-traffic areas where drivers frequently park in bike lanes, commercial loading zones, and no standing areas.
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Fraunces Tavern exhibit will explore revolutionary history to mark 250th anniversary of United States

Credit: Carl Mikoy on Flickr

March 4, 2025

Fraunces Tavern exhibit will explore revolutionary history to mark 250th anniversary of United States

By Aaron Ginsburg

A New York City bar that had a role in the Revolutionary War is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with a special exhibition. This spring, the Fraunces Tavern Museum will open "Path to Liberty: The Emergence of a Nation," a chronological, multi-year installation exploring the historic events that took place at the tavern and in New York throughout the American Revolution. Opening on April 22, the exhibit will also showcase the tavern’s role in history, from hosting the Sons of Liberty to serving as the site of trials that led to the emancipation of thousands of Black Loyalists.
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‘Night in the Library’ returns to Brooklyn Public Library for after-hours fun

All photos courtesy of Gregg Richards

March 3, 2025

‘Night in the Library’ returns to Brooklyn Public Library for after-hours fun

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Brooklyn Public Library's beloved "Night in the Library" event is returning to its Central branch, offering thought-provoking programming stretching far beyond its usual hours of operation. Running from Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. the next day, "Sky Above Brooklyn - The Philosophy of the Sublime" will feature after-hours discussions, performances, and screenings, all aimed at reminding us that the reality we experience is just a small part of a much larger picture. The programs will encourage new ways of thinking about navigating the world with renewed attention, sensitivity, and curiosity.
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Events & Things To Do

Former East Harlem college dorm and migrant shelter to become 433 affordable homes

Streetview of 1760 Third Avenue, Map data © 2024 Google

March 3, 2025

Former East Harlem college dorm and migrant shelter to become 433 affordable homes

By Aaron Ginsburg

A former college dormitory in East Harlem that also served as temporary shelter for migrants will become an affordable housing development. Gov. Kathy Hochul last week announced construction kicked off at 1760 Third Avenue, a 19-story building that once operated as student housing for CUNY and later housed hundreds of asylum seekers. Developed by Breaking Ground and designed by Dattener Architects, the project includes renovating and converting the building into 433 supportive and affordable homes, including 261 units reserved for individuals with mental illness. This marks the first supportive housing project funded under Hochul's landmark $1 billion mental health initiative.
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Intrepid Museum parking lot in Hell’s Kitchen slated for development

Photo by Acroterion on Wikimedia

February 28, 2025

Intrepid Museum parking lot in Hell’s Kitchen slated for development

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York is seeking proposals to transform a parking lot in Hell's Kitchen used by the Intrepid Museum into a mixed-use development. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday issued a request for proposals for the site at 621 West 45th Street, which measures just over 50,500 square feet on 12th Avenue between West 45th and West 46th Streets. Proposed for one of the largest undeveloped parcels on Manhattan's far West Side, the project presents an opportunity to bring much-needed affordable housing to a state-owned site in the city.
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Affordable Housing

NYC launches project to make historical records of enslaved people more accessible

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1902). “New York slave market about 1730.” Via New York Public Library Digital Collections.

February 28, 2025

NYC launches project to make historical records of enslaved people more accessible

By Aaron Ginsburg

The historical records of thousands of enslaved New Yorkers will be more easily accessible to the public through a new city project. Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced a plan led by the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) to transcribe digitized historical records from 1660 to 1827, helping historians and New Yorkers locate records of enslaved people and potentially trace familial roots. The Adams administration is calling on volunteers to help transcribe the records and build the project's searchable database.
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Policy

Fair Fare riders can now tap-and-go on public transit with OMNY

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

February 27, 2025

Fair Fare riders can now tap-and-go on public transit with OMNY

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers enrolled in the city's half-priced transit fare program can now ditch their MetroCards and tap-and-go with ease. City officials on Wednesday announced that Fair Fares program participants can now order tap-and-go OMNY cards, offering half-off fare rates without the need to swipe. Enrollees will automatically be issued a discounted OMNY card, and those that are already in the program can request one through the city's website.
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Popular Articles

New Museum opening OMA-designed expansion this fall

Rendering of the expanded New Museum. All images courtesy of OMA/bloomimages.de

February 27, 2025

New Museum opening OMA-designed expansion this fall

By Aaron Ginsburg

The expansion of the New Museum will finally open its doors on the Lower East Side this fall. Designed by OMA's Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas in collaboration with Cooper Robertson, the 60,000-square-foot, seven-story addition—the architecture firm's first public building in New York City—connects to the existing building, doubling its gallery space and improving visitor flow. The project includes a permanent home for the museum's cultural incubator NEW INC, a new outdoor plaza, and full-service restaurant.
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A first look inside the full-floor boutique offices at 520 Fifth Avenue

Credit: Binyan Studios

February 26, 2025

A first look inside the full-floor boutique offices at 520 Fifth Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

New renderings offer a sneak peek at the 25 full floors of boutique office space at 520 Fifth Avenue, the tallest mixed-use tower on the iconic street. Situated on floors nine through 34 below the condo units, the offices, designed by AD100 designer Vicky Charles of Charles & Co., feature terraces and loggias, soaring ceiling heights, and 10-by-10-foot operable windows. Above the offices are 100 luxury condos, which launched sales last April.
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Ken Griffin pays $45M for Julia Koch’s prestigious Park Avenue co-op

Photo by Deans Charbal via Wikimedia Commons

February 26, 2025

Ken Griffin pays $45M for Julia Koch’s prestigious Park Avenue co-op

By Aaron Ginsburg

Billionaire Ken Griffin has added another exclusive address to his real estate portfolio. The Citadel founder bought a palatial co-op at 740 Park Avenue, one of New York City's most prestigious cooperatives, from fellow billionaire Julia Koch for $45 million, according to the Wall Street Journal. The deal marks one of Manhattan's most expensive co-op sales on record, as CityRealty noted. Koch purchased the home with her late husband David Koch in 2004 for $17 million and originally listed the property in 2022 for $60 million.
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Real Estate Trends

North America’s first battery- and electric-powered passenger trains to debut on Metro-North

Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Flickr

February 26, 2025

North America’s first battery- and electric-powered passenger trains to debut on Metro-North

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first battery- and electric-powered train cars will debut on Metro-North Railroad, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced this week. On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board is expected to approve 13 new train cars that will run on both battery power and power from overhead electrical wires and provide New Haven line service to Penn Station and four stations in the Bronx, as part of the Penn Station Access project.
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‘Songs of New York’ exhibit explores the soundtrack of NYC

LL Cool J with Cut Creator, ELove, and B-Rock. Museum of the City of New York. Gift of Janette Beckman, (2016.5.5)

February 25, 2025

‘Songs of New York’ exhibit explores the soundtrack of NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) immerses visitors in the rich musical heritage of the five boroughs. "Songs of New York: 100 Years of Imagining the City Through Music" showcases more than 100 songs from artists spanning the 1920s to the 2020s, all related to New York City life, be it the subway, nightlife, or neighborhoods. Located in a gallery on the museum's second floor, the exhibit features artists like the Wu-Tang Clan, Frank Sinatra, the Ramones, Jennifer Lopez, and Suzanne Vega.
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Events & Things To Do

Hoboken’s PATH station reopens after $54M renovation and 25-day closure

Credit: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Flickr

February 25, 2025

Hoboken’s PATH station reopens after $54M renovation and 25-day closure

By Aaron Ginsburg

Hoboken’s PATH station has reopened on schedule after a 25-day closure and a $54 million renovation that brought vital repairs and upgrades to the 117-year-old transit hub. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) on Tuesday announced the station has reopened with new stairs, signage, fresh paint, and critical track improvements designed to enhance speed and reliability for riders. Officials chose a full shutdown to complete the work in under a month, avoiding major service interruptions that could've lasted for at least a year.
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NYC to close Roosevelt Hotel migrant shelter

Mayor Eric Adams at a press conference outside the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan in May 2024. Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

February 25, 2025

NYC to close Roosevelt Hotel migrant shelter

By Aaron Ginsburg

A historic Manhattan hotel that became a symbol of New York City's migrant crisis when it opened as a shelter two years ago is closing its doors. Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel, which has served as an intake and support center and temporary housing for more than 173,000 asylum seekers since May 2023. At its peak, the hotel at 45 East 45th Street processed roughly 4,000 migrants weekly; recently, that number has dropped to 350 per week, according to the city. The facility will close by the end of June.
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Policy

Congestion pricing raised $48.6M in first month, MTA says

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

February 24, 2025

Congestion pricing raised $48.6M in first month, MTA says

By Aaron Ginsburg

Even as President Donald Trump fights to kill congestion pricing in New York City, the program raised $48.6 million in revenue during its first month, meeting revenue goals set by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. During an MTA meeting on Monday, the agency released the first financial results for the program for January 5 to January 31, showing the toll is on track to bring in a projected $500 million per year, or about $40 million per month.
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Adams sues Trump over $80M seized from NYC

Photo courtesy of Michael Appleton/ Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

February 24, 2025

Adams sues Trump over $80M seized from NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City sued the Trump administration last week over the $80 million in federal funding the White House took back without consent. The city's Law Department said it was challenging the president's decision to revoke Federal Emergency Management Agency funding approved to reimburse the city for migrant housing expenses. The lawsuit seeks to recover the funds and prevent the federal government from improperly revoking or withholding future funding that the city is entitled to receive.
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Policy

This year’s NYBG Orchid Show brings the vibrancy of Mexican modernism to the Bronx

“The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism.” All photos courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden

February 21, 2025

This year’s NYBG Orchid Show brings the vibrancy of Mexican modernism to the Bronx

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York Botanical Garden’s beloved Orchid Show officially opened this weekend, bringing the bold colors of Mexican modernism to the Bronx. Inspired by the work of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán, "The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism" turns the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a vibrant landscape of thousands of orchids, tropical plants, and succulents like cacti and agave. The breathtaking display is on view through April 27.
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26 apartments available at new waterfront development in Williamsburg, from $3,434/month

Renderings courtesy of Naftali Group, unless otherwise noted

February 18, 2025

26 apartments available at new waterfront development in Williamsburg, from $3,434/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's a chance to live at a new waterfront development in Williamsburg for slightly less. A housing lottery opened last week for 26 middle-income apartments at Williamsburg Wharf, an under-construction five-tower complex at 464-484 Kent Avenue. Upon completion, the development will add 850 condo and rental residences with resort-style amenities and a new waterfront park to the neighborhood. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the rent-stabilized apartments, priced from $3,434/month for studios to $4,395/month for two bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

National Park Service removes transgender references from Stonewall website

Credit: Mitch Altman on Flickr

February 14, 2025

National Park Service removes transgender references from Stonewall website

By Aaron Ginsburg

References to transgender people have vanished from the National Park Service's Stonewall National Monument web pages, reflecting the Trump administration's policy that the country recognizes only two genders. On Thursday, the words "transgender" and "queer" were removed from the LGBTQ+ acronym on the website, which now reads "LGB" for lesbian, gay, and bisexual. The change follows a series of executive actions by President Donald Trump rolling back transgender rights, including banning trans people from women's sports, the military, and minors from receiving gender-affirming care.
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Policy

NYC Council approves Windsor Terrace rezoning with shorter towers, more affordable units

The originally proposed 13-story buildings. Rendering courtesy of Gerald J. Caliendo Architects

February 14, 2025

NYC Council approves Windsor Terrace rezoning with shorter towers, more affordable units

By Aaron Ginsburg

Two buildings at the site of an industrial laundry business in Windsor Terrace are set to become a 250-unit housing complex. Following approval by the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and Committee on Land Use, the full City Council voted to approve the Arrow Linen rezoning at 441 and 467 Prospect Avenue, clearing the path for the construction of two 10-story buildings with 250 new apartments, 40 percent of which will be affordable. The approval comes after more than a year of negotiations, which reduced the project's height from the original 13 stories and increased the share of affordable units from 25 percent.
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Affordable Housing

Upper East Side luxury rental opens lottery for 45 mixed-income apartments, from $1,828/month

All renderings courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

February 13, 2025

Upper East Side luxury rental opens lottery for 45 mixed-income apartments, from $1,828/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 45 mixed-income apartments in a new residential tower on the Upper East Side. Located at 1487 1st Avenue in Lenox Hill, Maison 78 is a 35-story residential building featuring brand-new units with thoughtfully designed interiors, high-end amenities, and a prime location in one of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighborhoods. New Yorkers earning 70 and 130 percent of the area median can apply for the units, priced from $1,828/month for studios to $4,434/month for two bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Trump takes back $80M in funding intended for NYC migrant shelters

The Roosevelt Hotel shuttered during the pandemic and became a relief center for asylum seekers. Photo by Billy Hathorn via Wikimedia Commons

February 13, 2025

Trump takes back $80M in funding intended for NYC migrant shelters

By Aaron Ginsburg

President Donald Trump took back $80 million in federal funding from New York City that was intended to cover some of the costs related to housing migrants. On Tuesday, City Comptroller Brad Lander's office noticed that $80 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, awarded by the Biden administration and received last week, had gone missing from city bank accounts. Lander, who called the action "highway robbery," claims the revocation may be illegal, depending on the terms of the city's grant with FEMA.
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Policy

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