All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

Extell to buy $36M in air rights from Midtown’s St. Thomas church

Streetview of 678 Fifth Avenue © 2024 Google

November 17, 2025

Extell to buy $36M in air rights from Midtown’s St. Thomas church

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Extell Development has bought $36 million in air rights from a historic Midtown church as it continues to assemble large development sites across the neighborhood. According to Crain's, the developer has entered into a contract to acquire 123,000 square feet of air rights from the landmarked St. Thomas Church at 678 Fifth Avenue. It’s unclear which project Extell plans to use the rights for, but the firm is working on several nearby projects, including the former Wellington Hotel site and 655 Madison Avenue.
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Council kills bill banning horse-drawn carriages in NYC

Credit: Igor Wang on Unsplash

November 17, 2025

Council kills bill banning horse-drawn carriages in NYC

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A City Council bill to phase out New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry has stalled after a committee voted against advancing it to a full Council vote. On Friday, the Council’s Committee on Health voted 1–4, with two abstentions, to block Ryder’s Law, sponsored by Council Member Robert Holden. The bill would end the city’s carriage horse industry by 2026 and help drivers transition to other jobs. Opponents, siding with the Transport Workers Union International (TWU), which represents carriage drivers, called the bill “ill-conceived and silly.”
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College Point landmark that housed nation’s first free kindergarten gets $6.2M restoration

Credit: DDC

November 14, 2025

College Point landmark that housed nation’s first free kindergarten gets $6.2M restoration

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A historic College Point landmark that once housed the nation’s first free kindergarten has received a $6.2 million makeover. Built in 1868, the Poppenhusen Institute—listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a New York City landmark—was among the first buildings in the country constructed entirely of cast, or artificial, stone. Located at 114-04 14th Road, the project included replacing and upgrading all 97 wood and steel windows, along with careful masonry restoration that preserves the building’s historic character.
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The 20 best heated and indoor rooftops to enjoy in NYC this winter
November 14, 2025

The 20 best heated and indoor rooftops to enjoy in NYC this winter

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Peak rooftop season might be on pause until next summer, but panoramic skyline views can still be enjoyed from indoor and heated rooftop spots across New York City. Cozy restaurants and bars across the five boroughs offer the perfect way to scratch that skyline itch without braving the chill of the fall and winter weather. From heated terraces to glass-enclosed lounges, here are some of the best rooftops to sip a cocktail and take in the view.
where to go
PATH to get major service boost, but fare will reach $4 by 2029

Credit: LunchboxLarry on Flickr

November 14, 2025

PATH to get major service boost, but fare will reach $4 by 2029

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For the first time in 25 years, all PATH lines will operate seven days a week, one of the largest service increases in its history. To help pay for the system improvements, fares are expected to rise to $4 by 2029. On Thursday, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey released its proposed $45 billion 2026–2035 Capital Plan, which outlines major service upgrades between Manhattan and New Jersey. Improvements include eliminating transfers between Hoboken and the World Trade Center by mid-2026 and increasing weekend service. To fund the plan, the agency is proposing a 33 percent fare increase from the current $3 base fare, rising in 25-cent increments starting next summer and reaching $4 in 2029.
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A two-story Christmas carousel will open next to Macy’s in Midtown

Credit: 34th Street Partnership

November 13, 2025

A two-story Christmas carousel will open next to Macy’s in Midtown

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A new double-decker Christmas carousel is coming to Greeley Square later this month, adding to Midtown’s festive holiday atmosphere. Hosted by the 34th Street Partnership, the Christmas Carousel will open at 33rd Street and Broadway and run from November 21 through January 6, 2026. The ride is steps from Macy’s Herald Square, which recently opened its holiday markets for the season.
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14,700 homes planned for Long Island City after Council approves largest rezoning in 25 years

Credit: Ruoyu Li on Unsplash

November 13, 2025

14,700 homes planned for Long Island City after Council approves largest rezoning in 25 years

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The New York City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved the city’s largest neighborhood rezoning in 25 years. The OneLIC Neighborhood Plan rezones 54 blocks of a largely industrial area of Long Island City to allow for 14,700 new homes, including 4,350 permanently affordable units. The plan will create a continuous public waterfront from Gantry Plaza State Park to Queensbridge Park and includes $2 billion in city commitments, unlocking more than 3.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space and significant public-realm upgrades.
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New legislation would pave the way for more affordable artist housing in NYC

Credit: Jeffrey Blum on Unsplash

November 12, 2025

New legislation would pave the way for more affordable artist housing in NYC

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Legislation introduced this week would pave the way for more affordable artist housing in New York City. Announced on Wednesday by Manhattan Council Members Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher, the legislation would amend the city’s administrative code to clarify that housing programs offering preference to artists do not violate human rights laws prohibiting discrimination based on occupation. The legislation aims to create more housing opportunities for artists, many of whom earn well below the city’s average rent thresholds, in the nation's cultural capital, as first reported by Gothamist.
details here
NYC releases rules for legalizing basement and cellar apartments

Heavy rains caused flooding in Sept. 2023. Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

November 12, 2025

NYC releases rules for legalizing basement and cellar apartments

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New York City has released proposed rules to legalize the thousands of illegal basement and cellar apartments found across the five boroughs. The Department of Buildings and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development on Monday published draft guidelines to launch a basement apartment legalization pilot program for qualifying one- and two-family homes citywide. The initiative would allow eligible tenants to remain in their basement or cellar units while landlords bring the spaces up to code, helping small homeowners convert illegal dwellings into legal accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
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Former Hoboken pudding factory launches sales for luxury condos, from $795K

All renderings courtesy of VUW Studio

November 11, 2025

Former Hoboken pudding factory launches sales for luxury condos, from $795K

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Once home to a pudding factory, a historic Hoboken building has been reimagined as luxury condos, with sales now underway. Located at 38 Jackson Street, Southend Lofts transforms the former Davis Baking Powder and My-T-Fine Pudding factory into a boutique collection of 110 residences featuring more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities. Pricing starts at $795,000 for one-bedrooms, $1.25 million for two-bedrooms, $1.85 million for three-bedrooms, and $3.7 million for four- and five-bedroom duplex penthouses.
details here
NYC Ferry unveils new routes, including connection between Brooklyn and Staten Island

Credit: PunkToad on Flickr

November 11, 2025

NYC Ferry unveils new routes, including connection between Brooklyn and Staten Island

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Next month, New York City ferry riders will be able to take new direct routes between the Bronx and the Rockaways, and Staten Island and Brooklyn. On Monday, the city’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced that the new service will launch on December 8, addressing long-standing gaps in the ferry network after years of advocacy from Brooklyn and Staten Island officials for direct service between the two boroughs. Another new route will link Throgs Neck to the Rockaways, offering a two-hour trip from the Bronx to the beach.
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Holiday open streets will return to Fifth Avenue for just one Sunday

Credit: Fifth Avenue Association

November 10, 2025

Holiday open streets will return to Fifth Avenue for just one Sunday

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A large stretch of Fifth Avenue will once again be closed to vehicles for the holidays—but just for one day. The Fifth Avenue Association announced that Holiday Open Streets will return on Sunday, December 14, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., turning the iconic corridor between 47th and 57th Streets into a pedestrian-centric, holiday-themed promenade. The event, held across three Sundays in 2022 and 2023, was reduced to a single day in 2024, and will remain so in 2025 due to “logistical challenges” tied to increased security at Trump Tower, according to Gothamist.
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‘Secret’ live-work compound on Tribeca’s skybridge street lists for $30M

Photos courtesy of Yale Wagner/Sotheby’s International Realty

November 10, 2025

‘Secret’ live-work compound on Tribeca’s skybridge street lists for $30M

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Now available in Tribeca, a private compound on one of Manhattan's most photographed blocks. Located on the two-block alleyway Staple Street, known for its historic skybridge, a combined property consisting of a two-story brick townhouse at 4 Staple Street and a studio and office across the street at 1 Jay Street has hit the market for $30 million. Owned by filmmaker Neil Burger and architect Diana Kellogg since 2002, the rare property is one of the most unusual private residences in the city, listing agent Jeremy Stein of Sotheby’s International Realty told the Wall Street Journal.
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60 middle-income apartments available at new South Bronx rental, from $1,974/month

Images courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 7, 2025

60 middle-income apartments available at new South Bronx rental, from $1,974/month

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A housing lottery has launched for 60 middle-income apartments at a new residential development in the South Bronx. Located at 586 Gerard Avenue in Concourse Village, the nine-story Inkwell offers brand-new, modern residences and a range of amenities designed for comfort and convenience. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $1,974/month one bedrooms to $3,550/month two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
230-unit housing project coming to site of abandoned Astoria megaproject

Streetview of 42-08 35th Avenue © 2022 Google

November 7, 2025

230-unit housing project coming to site of abandoned Astoria megaproject

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A site in Astoria once slated for a 3,200-unit development will now be home to a handful of residential buildings with just over 230 apartments. As first reported by Crain's, the Hakimian Organization and CW Realty have filed plans for a 16-story building at 35-17 42nd Street and a 13-story building at 42-08 35th Avenue, on the former site of the $2 billion Innovation QNS megaproject. The ambitious housing project was scrapped in September amid financing challenges following the expiration of the 421-a tax break and uncertainty surrounding its replacement, the 485x program.
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JFK, LaGuardia, Newark airports affected by FAA cuts

LaGuardia Terminal B. Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

November 7, 2025

JFK, LaGuardia, Newark airports affected by FAA cuts

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Flights at New York City and New Jersey’s major airports will be reduced starting Friday due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This week, President Donald Trump's administration announced plans to cut air traffic at 40 of the country's busiest airports, including New York City's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, as well as at Newark Liberty and Teterboro airports in New Jersey, by 10 percent. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive, airlines will be required to cut scheduled flights by 4 percent starting Friday, increasing to 6 percent by Tuesday, 8 percent by Thursday, and the full 10 percent by Friday, November 14.
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Greenwich Village townhouse at the center of NBA gambling scandal listed for $22.5M

All photos courtesy of Evan Joseph

November 6, 2025

Greenwich Village townhouse at the center of NBA gambling scandal listed for $22.5M

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The Greenwich Village townhouse tied to a Mafia-backed gambling scandal involving NBA players has hit the market for $22.5 million, just weeks after the scheme came to light. As first reported by the New York Post, the swanky Georgian red-brick townhouse at 80 Washington Place was the site of rigged poker games run by the Gambino crime family starting in 2019, which allegedly used professional basketball stars to lure high rollers and netted millions of dollars in winnings. Before its stint as a gambling den, the property was rented by Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, and has been on and off the market for more than a decade before finding an undisclosed buyer last year.
take the tour
You can now check out artwork from the Brooklyn Public Library

Department of Transformation: Letters for the Future. All photos by Gregg Richards

November 6, 2025

You can now check out artwork from the Brooklyn Public Library

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New Yorkers can now borrow artwork from the Brooklyn Public Library as part of a new program and exhibition. Curated together with the Department of Transformation, "Letters for the Future" celebrates the library as one of the few remaining “intellectual, creative, and civic commons still freely available" with work from over 40 artists. As part of the exhibition, on view through January 25, library cardholders can check out artwork, including paintings, sculptures, zines, and more, for a three-week period.
more here
Salt & Straw opening at new luxury condo tower on the Upper East Side

Photo by Salt & Straw

November 5, 2025

Salt & Straw opening at new luxury condo tower on the Upper East Side

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The Upper East Side is getting a sweet addition. Portland's cult-favorite ice cream shop Salt & Straw will open at Naftali Group's new luxury condo tower at 255 East 77th Street. Anticipated to open in spring 2027, the shop will occupy 1,650 square feet on the ground floor of the 500-foot-tall residential building. The beloved ice cream brand opened its first NYC location on the Upper West Side in September 2024, debuting signature Big Apple–inspired flavors, followed by a second spot in the West Village shortly after.
get the scoop
New Yorkers vote to pass housing ballot proposals

Credit: Open Journalism Network by InOldNews on Flickr

November 5, 2025

New Yorkers vote to pass housing ballot proposals

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New Yorkers voted to approve several housing ballot questions as part of this year’s general election. After turning out in record numbers on Tuesday, voters elected Zohran Mamdani as the city’s next mayor and voted yes on four proposals aimed at redesigning the process for building more housing across the five boroughs, as the city faces a housing shortage and affordability crisis.
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What to know about the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Credit: TomH2323 on Flickr, all other images courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

November 3, 2025

What to know about the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is back for its 99th year, kicking off the holiday season in New York City this month with its colorful floats and giant character balloons. The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, featuring more than 5,000 volunteers, 32 balloons, three balloonicles, 27 floats, four specialty units, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, and a star-studded lineup of musical performances. Ahead, learn everything you need to know about this year’s parade, from the best viewing spots to fun facts about its famed floats.
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MTA to spend $1.5B on new fleet of modern subway cars

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

November 3, 2025

MTA to spend $1.5B on new fleet of modern subway cars

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will buy nearly 400 new subway cars as part of its ongoing effort to modernize New York City’s fleet and signal system. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced that the MTA Board approved a $1.5 billion contract for 378 R268 subway cars for the system’s "B" Division, featuring signals compatible with the agency’s transition to Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology. Funded through the MTA’s 2025–2029 Capital Plan, the new trains are expected to begin arriving in fall 2028.
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