All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

Best spots to see Macy’s 4th of July fireworks for free

Credit: Amanda Stevens Photography

July 2, 2025

Best spots to see Macy’s 4th of July fireworks for free

By Aaron Ginsburg

The spectacular Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show returns to the East River this Friday for its 49th year. The annual Independence Day tradition rings in the nation's birthday in bombastic style, with more than 80,000 shells launched from four barges surrounding the Brooklyn Bridge. While plenty of ticketed fireworks watch parties take place across the city, there are a few viewing areas along the Lower Manhattan waterfront that offer the best views and do not require a ticket or cover.
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Events & Things To Do

See CetraRuddy’s 46-story residential tower set to rise in Long Island City

Credit: CetraRuddy Architects

July 1, 2025

See CetraRuddy’s 46-story residential tower set to rise in Long Island City

By Aaron Ginsburg

A 46-story residential tower designed by CetraRuddy is ready to rise in Long Island City after developers secured financing. Developers Baron Property Group and LargaVista Companies on Monday announced that 30-25 Queens Boulevard, a 525-foot-tall project set to bring more than 500 homes to the neighborhood, had acquired $388.5 million in construction financing. The tower will include 561 residences, 451 rentals and 110 condos, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, along with 21,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and a suite of expansive amenities.
see the project

NYC subway fare hike delayed, but will likely increase to $3 by year’s end

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

July 1, 2025

NYC subway fare hike delayed, but will likely increase to $3 by year’s end

By Aaron Ginsburg

Your standard New York City transit fare could top $3 by the end of the year. As part of a budget approved last year, the MTA is planning a 4 percent increase for subway and bus fares. Although originally planned to take effect in August, the hike will likely be delayed, as it must first go through a mandatory public comment period, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said during the agency's monthly board meeting. As reported by Gothamist, the increase is expected to coincide with the MTA’s phaseout of MetroCard sales—a major step in the system’s transition to OMNY.
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Policy

G train to shut down on select nights and weekends this summer

Image via WikiCommons

June 30, 2025

G train to shut down on select nights and weekends this summer

By Aaron Ginsburg

G train riders are in for another summer of service disruptions. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced last week that G train service will be suspended between Court Square and Bedford-Nostrand Avenues on select weeknights and weekends from July 14 through August 18, as work continues to upgrade the line’s 1930s-era signal system. The line partially shut down for six weeks last summer as part of the $368 million modernization project, which will make the G the third subway line to be fully converted to Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling.
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As part of $116B budget deal, city will expand 7-day library service

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

June 30, 2025

As part of $116B budget deal, city will expand 7-day library service

By Aaron Ginsburg

Ten New York City public libraries will now be open seven days a week, thanks to $32.7 million in funding included in the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget. On Friday, Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced a $115.9 billion budget agreement for FY26. Other key investments include over $70 million for immigration legal services, as well as funding for mental health care, public safety programs, and expanded child care and early childhood education.
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Policy

NYC is giving out free tickets for front-row views of Macy’s 4th of July fireworks

Credit: Dan Nguyen on Flickr

June 30, 2025

NYC is giving out free tickets for front-row views of Macy’s 4th of July fireworks

By Aaron Ginsburg

The 49th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks return to the East River on Friday, setting the sky ablaze with a mesmerizing display of color. This year’s show will feature over 80,000 shells launched from four barges surrounding the Brooklyn Bridge near the South Street Seaport, with many public viewing spots available for a prime view. To help New Yorkers secure a front-row seat to the show, Mayor Eric Adams announced this week that the city will give away 100,000 tickets to designated sections of Pier 16 and Pier 17 and Brooklyn Bridge Park. The tickets will be available online starting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Events & Things To Do

Queens bus network overhaul rolls out

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

June 27, 2025

Queens bus network overhaul rolls out

By Aaron Ginsburg

Attention Queens residents: You may want to double-check if your local bus stop still exists. On Sunday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will launch phase one of its Queens bus network redesign—the most significant overhaul in the system’s 70-year history, affecting all but three of the borough’s bus routes. More than six years in the making, the redesign aims to improve transit equity, speed up commutes, strengthen connections to subways and rail, and enhance overall service for the borough’s roughly 800,000 daily riders.
see what's changed

In Chelsea, new sustainable rental opens lottery for 57 apartments, from $1,817/month

Renderings courtesy of Mabel

June 27, 2025

In Chelsea, new sustainable rental opens lottery for 57 apartments, from $1,817/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 57 mixed-income apartments at a new residential development in Chelsea. Located at 335 Eighth Avenue, Mabel is a seven-story building that was developed as part of the Penn South co-op complex. Designed to achieve Passive House standards, the sustainable rental has 188 apartments, modern amenities, and a ground-floor Lidl supermarket. New Yorkers earning 70 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $1,817/month studios to $4,415/month two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

NYC taps landscape architect to reimagine Park Avenue

Credit: Leslie Cross on Unsplash

June 27, 2025

NYC taps landscape architect to reimagine Park Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City has selected a landscape architect to lead the pedestrian-focused transformation of Park Avenue. Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Thursday announced that an 18-month contract has been awarded to Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners to redesign a portion of the iconic corridor between East 46th and East 57th Streets. The project will widen the median and install pedestrian upgrades, new seating, landscaping, and innovative streetscape amenities.
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70,000 new homes could be built along Interborough Express with zoning changes

View of the Bay Ridge Branch, which would be incorporated in the proposed Interborough Express. Adjacent to the Fort Hamilton Parkway station. Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

June 27, 2025

70,000 new homes could be built along Interborough Express with zoning changes

By Aaron Ginsburg

More than 70,000 new homes could be built within a half-mile of the proposed Interborough Express (IBX) train line through land-use changes. Outlined in an analysis released Thursday by the New York Building Congress, and first reported by the New York Times, implementing land use changes could lead to the development of tens of thousands of new homes within a 10-minute walk of the 19 stops along the 14-mile light rail line, with the potential to exceed 100,000 units over a decade. However, these changes would face many obstacles, as the IBX will run through diverse neighborhoods with varying residential densities and local willingness to welcome new homes.
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Popular Articles

4th of July in NYC: 18 places for fun and fireworks

South Street Seaport. 2019 fireworks. Photo credit: Jane Kratochvil

June 26, 2025

4th of July in NYC: 18 places for fun and fireworks

By Aaron Ginsburg

This year, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show will return to the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. For its 49th annual show, Macy's will launch fireworks from four barges positioned near the Brooklyn Bridge and South Street Seaport. Those celebrating closer to the west side of Manhattan can also enjoy Jersey City's show over the Hudson River. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best ticketed Independence Day celebrations across the five boroughs, from prime waterfront views atop rooftops to front-row seats along the East River.
where to watch

Events & Things To Do

Silverstein adds 2,000 apartments to sweeten casino proposal for Manhattan’s west side

Renderings courtesy of Silverstein Properties / Binyan Studios

June 26, 2025

Silverstein adds 2,000 apartments to sweeten casino proposal for Manhattan’s west side

By Aaron Ginsburg

Silverstein Properties said it would develop more than 2,000 apartments through office-to-residential conversions on Manhattan's west side if its casino bid is awarded a license. The developer on Thursday announced a partnership with MetroLoft to develop the apartments, which would include 500 permanently affordable units, a day before casino proposals are due. The addition of housing sweetens Silverstein's $7 billion bid, The Avenir, which calls for a 1,000-room luxury hotel, restaurants, a food hall, and a gaming facility near the Javits Center. The previous plans had proposed 100 affordable apartments located off-site.
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The spirit of Wimbledon comes to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Photo courtesy of AELTC/Mike Lawrence

June 26, 2025

The spirit of Wimbledon comes to Brooklyn Bridge Park

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers can experience the thrill of Wimbledon in full floral fashion at Brooklyn Bridge Park this July. "The Hill in New York" returns from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, offering a chance to watch the tennis tournament in an English garden–inspired setting, with the Brooklyn Bridge and NYC skyline as iconic backdrops. Presented by the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club and Brooklyn Bridge Park, the event kicks off on July 11 with a free opening concert by Rita Ora, followed by screenings of the ladies’ singles and gentlemen’s doubles finals on July 12, and the ladies’ doubles and gentlemen’s singles finals on July 13. Admission is free via an online ballot, which is open through July 1.
details this way

Events & Things To Do

Central Park hit hottest temperature since 2012

Credit: Jermaine Ee on Unsplash

June 25, 2025

Central Park hit hottest temperature since 2012

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City recorded its hottest day in more than a decade on Tuesday, with temperatures in Central Park hitting 99 degrees for the first time since 2012. According to the New York Times, the thermometer at Belvedere Castle—the park's official weather station—reached the mark just before 1:30 p.m., marking the hottest temperature reading since July 18, 2012. The last time Central Park came close was June 30, 2021, when it hit 98 degrees.
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City Living

NYC wants feedback on plan to build 100K homes in Manhattan over next 10 years

Credit: Dorian Mongel on Unsplash

June 24, 2025

NYC wants feedback on plan to build 100K homes in Manhattan over next 10 years

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is asking New Yorkers to help shape its plan to build 100,000 new homes in Manhattan over the next decade. As part of the early stages of the "Manhattan Plan," Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of City Planning (DCP) are seeking feedback through an online survey, a city website, and upcoming in-person events. Residents can weigh in on potential sites for residential development, zoning changes, and other ideas, all of which will help inform a final report expected later this year.
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East Village parking garage to become luxury, red-brick condo with 18 loft-style apartments

Renderings courtesy of Plomp

June 24, 2025

East Village parking garage to become luxury, red-brick condo with 18 loft-style apartments

By Aaron Ginsburg

An East Village parking garage plagued by structural issues is getting new life as an attractive red-brick condo with 18 loft-like residences. Designed and developed by Arcus, the project at 220 East 9th Street converts the shuttered 175-space garage into a six-story boutique building with one- to four-bedroom apartments, each with a distinct floor plan. Currently under construction, the condo will feature a hand-laid red brick facade punctuated by oversized arched and factory-style windows, and includes private on-site parking, a rarity in downtown Manhattan.
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MTA to boost A and L subway service this fall

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

June 24, 2025

MTA to boost A and L subway service this fall

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plans to increase service on the A and L lines to better accommodate riders during peak hours. At a Monday committee meeting, officials proposed adding six extra round trips across the two lines and shifting some weekend L train service from early morning to late night, when ridership is typically higher. Set to begin in November, the changes include one extra round trip on both the A train’s Lefferts Boulevard and Far Rockaway branches, and four more round trips on the L line during the morning rush.
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59 apartments available at Midtown East luxury rental, from $1,644/month

Renderings courtesy of Anagram Turtle Bay

June 23, 2025

59 apartments available at Midtown East luxury rental, from $1,644/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new luxury residential tower in Midtown East just launched a lottery for 59 mixed-income apartments. Located at 300 East 50th Street, Anagram Turtle Bay is a 23-story residential building providing tenants a hotel-inspired lifestyle with luxurious amenities and spacious residences. New Yorkers earning 70 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $1,644/month studios to $4,415/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

$80M penthouse at 80 Clarkson could break downtown Manhattan sales record

Credit: DBOX

June 23, 2025

$80M penthouse at 80 Clarkson could break downtown Manhattan sales record

By Aaron Ginsburg

A duplex penthouse at a new two-tower complex next to Google’s Hudson Square headquarters could set a record for downtown Manhattan. Located in Zeckendorf Development and Atlas Capital Group's 80 Clarkson Street, the penthouse is asking $80 million, or more than $11,235 per square foot, according to The Real Deal. The 113-unit building, which topped out last week, has released 83 residential units so far, alongside 18 accessory suites, storage lockers, wine cellars, and parking, with an estimated sellout exceeding $2 billion.
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Congestion pricing is reducing traffic outside of Manhattan, too, report says

Credit: George Bakos on Unsplash

June 20, 2025

Congestion pricing is reducing traffic outside of Manhattan, too, report says

By Aaron Ginsburg

Congestion pricing has already led to fewer traffic delays in Manhattan’s central business district—and beyond—according to a new report. Released Wednesday by the Regional Plan Association (RPA), the analysis, "Congestion Pricing: Faster All Around," finds that traffic delays in Manhattan are 25 percent lower than projected without the tolling program, while delays in areas just outside the borough have dropped by nine percent. The report compares traffic data from the program’s launch through April 2025 with the same period in 2024, as well as the months leading up to the program’s start.
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Live across from the AirTrain at new Jamaica high-rise, from $2,065/month

Credit: NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

June 19, 2025

Live across from the AirTrain at new Jamaica high-rise, from $2,065/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Whether you're a frequent flyer or want a speedy commute to Midtown, this new Jamaica rental across from the Long Island Rail Road and the AirTrain to JFK Airport offers brand-new apartments in a convenient location. A housing lottery launched this week for 90 low-income apartments at 94-15 Sutphin Boulevard, a 24-story building with a fitness center, rooftop, playroom, dog spa, on-site garage, and more. New Yorkers earning 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $2,065/month studios to $3,021/month three bedrooms.
fIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY

Affordable Housing

City Planning Commission approves Midtown South rezoning

Photo © 6sqft

June 19, 2025

City Planning Commission approves Midtown South rezoning

By Aaron Ginsburg

A major plan to build nearly 10,000 new homes in Midtown South by updating decades-old zoning rules just moved one step closer to becoming reality. The City Planning Commission (CPC) on Wednesday approved the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan, the rezoning of a 42-block stretch of the neighborhood to allow for 9,700 new homes in an area where housing was previously restricted. Under the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) program, the plan will require developers to include affordable housing, paving the way for up to 2,900 permanently affordable units. The plan now advances to the City Council for a final vote.
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A ‘mini forest’ has arrived on the Williamsburg waterfront

Images courtesy of NYC Parks / Daniel Avila

June 19, 2025

A ‘mini forest’ has arrived on the Williamsburg waterfront

By Aaron Ginsburg

A neglected stretch of the Williamsburg waterfront just got "spruced" up. NYC Parks unveiled a new "mini forest" at North Fifth Pier and Park this week, transforming an empty lot into a fully formed forest ecosystem with mature trees, wildflowers, stones, and more. The new green space, designed to beautify the area, improve air quality, and help protect against flooding, is inspired by "Miyawaki pocket forests," a Japanese planting method that adds dense clusters of native trees to compact urban spaces. In 2024, New York City's first-ever mini forest was planted on Roosevelt Island.
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Architecture And Design

12 spots to watch outdoor movies in NYC this summer

June 18, 2025

12 spots to watch outdoor movies in NYC this summer

By Aaron Ginsburg

Grab a blanket and your favorite snacks—outdoor movie season is back. One of the best ways to end a summer day is by watching acclaimed films alongside fellow New Yorkers in a scenic public space. Ahead, 6sqft has put together a list of the best spots to catch outdoor movies this summer, from the historic flight deck of the U.S.S. Intrepid to iconic green spaces like Bryant Park and Union Square.
Movie nights await

Events & Things To Do

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