All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

NYC to install panic buttons at 500 bodegas

Credit: Robinson Greig on Unsplash

May 5, 2025

NYC to install panic buttons at 500 bodegas

By Aaron Ginsburg

Hundreds of bodegas across New York City will soon be outfitted with emergency "panic buttons" designed to alert police during emergencies in real time. On Sunday, Mayor Eric Adams announced $1.6 million in funding for "SilentShields," discreet devices to be installed in bodegas located in "high-crime areas," connecting directly to the NYPD’s central command to cut down response times. The initiative comes just days after a man was fatally stabbed inside a Harlem bodega and follows years of advocacy by the United Bodegas of America (UBA), which has long called for the devices, according to Gothamist.
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Policy

NYC sues Trump administration over ‘unconstitutional’ housing grant conditions

Credit: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

May 5, 2025

NYC sues Trump administration over ‘unconstitutional’ housing grant conditions

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City, joining seven other local governments, sued the Trump administration last week over new conditions related to federal housing grants. Filed on Friday, the lawsuit challenges the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) over provisions prohibiting grant recipients from using funds for programs related to diversity, equity, "gender ideology," and immigration. The cities argue that the new conditions imposed on the HUD grants are unconstitutional and an overreach of the executive branch.
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New York to open 24/7 homeless outreach centers in subway stations

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

May 2, 2025

New York to open 24/7 homeless outreach centers in subway stations

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York will open a network of 24-hour "welcome centers" in the subway system, where social workers will help connect homeless New Yorkers with supportive services and shelter. As first reported by Crain's, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office plans to open up to five of these facilities in subway stations to assist people struggling with mental health issues who have taken up residence in the transit system. The initiative is part of a $40 million investment in the state budget to fund outreach teams to build relationships with the unhoused and connect them with aid.
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Macy’s Flower Show turns 50 with surrealist gardens and thousands of blooms in Herald Square

All photos courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

May 1, 2025

Macy’s Flower Show turns 50 with surrealist gardens and thousands of blooms in Herald Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

The 50th annual Macy's Flower Show opened in Herald Square on Sunday, transforming the iconic department store into a breathtaking garden filled with thousands of lush plants and flowers. In honor of its semicentennial, this year’s event has been extended to three weeks of festivities, running through May 18. The show also features a partnership with YSL Beauty, offering an immersive experience that encourages guests to embrace freedom and celebrate the transformative power of nature.
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Events & Things To Do

Rent Guidelines Board backs rent hikes between 1.75% and 7.75% for NYC’s stabilized apartments

Tenants called for a rent freeze during a preliminary vote by the Rent Guidelines Board on April 30. Photo courtesy of New York State Tenant Bloc.

May 1, 2025

Rent Guidelines Board backs rent hikes between 1.75% and 7.75% for NYC’s stabilized apartments

By Aaron Ginsburg

Rent for nearly one million rent-stabilized apartments in New York City will likely rise again, as the city's Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) backs increases for the fourth straight year. In a preliminary vote on Wednesday, the nine-member board voted 5–4 in support of rent increases, ranging between 1.75 and 4.75 percent for one-year leases and 4.75 and 7.75 percent for two-year leases. The first public hearing on the proposed increases is scheduled for May 22, with a final vote expected in late June.
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Policy

40-story Downtown Brooklyn tower opens lottery for 69 apartments, from $2,950/month

All renderings courtesy of Triangle Equities & The Michaels Organization

April 30, 2025

40-story Downtown Brooklyn tower opens lottery for 69 apartments, from $2,950/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new residential skyscraper in Downtown Brooklyn launched a housing lottery this week for 69 middle-income apartments. Located at 111 Willoughby Street, the 40-story Maxwell Downtown Brooklyn development offers impressive skyline views and amenities like a landscaped roof deck and top-floor lounge. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced at $2,950/month studios, $3,300/month one-bedrooms, and $4,347/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

432 Park owners sue again over alleged facade crack cover-up

Photo by Sebastiandoe5 via WikiCommons

April 30, 2025

432 Park owners sue again over alleged facade crack cover-up

By Aaron Ginsburg

Owners at the supertall condo 432 Park Avenue are suing the building's developers again. The Midtown East tower's condo board on Friday filed a lawsuit against developers Harry Macklowe and CIM Group, alleging they knowingly concealed widespread cracking in the building's concrete facade from buyers and inspectors as part of a "deliberate and far-reaching fraud," as first reported by Crain's. The board is seeking $165 million in damages, along with punitive damages and compensation for losses tied to declining property values caused by flooding and erosion from the cracks.
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Real Estate Trends

Abstract subway mosaic in Grand Central captures a spiritual journey through NYC

Credit: Etienne Frossard / MTA on Flickr

April 29, 2025

Abstract subway mosaic in Grand Central captures a spiritual journey through NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new glass mosaic in Grand Central offers a vibrant interpretation of New Yorkers' journeys through the city. Unveiled on Monday by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), "Abstract Futures" spans 600 square feet at the 42nd Street/3rd Avenue entrance to the 7 train. Created by artist duo Sharmistha Ray and Dannielle Tegeder, the glass mosaic explores themes of "portals" and "journeys," serving as a metaphor for the spiritual transformations many experience while navigating life in New York City.
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Transit

NYC makes applying for affordable housing lotteries easier

Society Brooklyn in Gowanus has 45 apartments available through the housing lottery. Credit: NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

April 29, 2025

NYC makes applying for affordable housing lotteries easier

By Aaron Ginsburg

While the odds of winning an affordable housing lottery in New York City are generally low, now, at least, the paperwork will be easier. On Monday, the Department of Housing and Preservation and Development (HPD) announced it will require fewer documents from applicants to streamline the process for both renters and agents. And starting May 1, the city will allow landlords and brokers to advertise empty affordable housing units publicly, allowing applicants to directly apply for the apartments, instead of going through the city's Housing Connect system.
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MTA to test new fare gates at 20 subway stations this fall

Credit: MTA on Flickr

April 28, 2025

MTA to test new fare gates at 20 subway stations this fall

By Aaron Ginsburg

Fare evaders at certain subway stations will soon encounter new gates designed to stop turnstile hopping. This fall, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin testing four modern gates at 20 stations across New York City, featuring elements that make it much harder for commuters to jump over. The gates are part of the agency’s broader effort to curb fare evasion across the public transit system, a metric that has dropped by 30 percent on the subway from the second quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, according to the MTA.
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Popular Articles

Related modifies Hudson Yards casino proposal to include 4,000 housing units

Renderings courtesy of Related Companies and Wynn Resorts

April 28, 2025

Related modifies Hudson Yards casino proposal to include 4,000 housing units

By Aaron Ginsburg

Related Companies is more than doubling the number of housing units in its $12 billion Hudson Yards casino proposal ahead of an important City Council vote. After feedback from the community, the developer announced plans to replace a 1,400-foot-tall office tower with two residential buildings, which would increase the projected housing from 1,500 units to 4,000 total units on the site. As reported by Crain's, the change seeks to address critics of Related's efforts to modify the terms of a 2009 rezoning, which originally called for over 5,000 new homes on the site.
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Policy

First look at the food hall opening at NYC’s Lord & Taylor building

Renderings courtesy of ICRAVE

April 28, 2025

First look at the food hall opening at NYC’s Lord & Taylor building

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's landmarked Lord & Taylor building will be publicly accessible for the first time since the flagship department store closed in 2019. A 35,000-square-foot food hall, dubbed Shaver Hall, will open later this year on the ground floor of the historic Fifth Avenue building. Amazon bought the property in 2020 and converted the space into offices in 2023. Newly released renderings are showing off the food hall's 11 curated stalls, wine and cheese bar, and "modern bodega."
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Food & Dining

Lottery opens for 91 apartments at new Long Island City rental tower, from $2,750/month

Credit: NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

April 17, 2025

Lottery opens for 91 apartments at new Long Island City rental tower, from $2,750/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery launched this week for 91 middle-income apartments at a new residential development in Long Island City. Located at 43-14 Queens Street in the neighborhood's Court Square section, the 19-story building marks the second phase of the expansive Eagle Loft complex, which has converted the former Eagle Electric factory into hundreds of luxury apartments. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced at $2,750/month for studios and $3,475/month for one bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Three works by sculptor John Chamberlain make their U.S. debut at Rockefeller Center

All photos courtesy of Tishman Speyer

April 16, 2025

Three works by sculptor John Chamberlain make their U.S. debut at Rockefeller Center

By Aaron Ginsburg

Large-scale sculptures by the late American artist John Chamberlain are making their first United States appearance at Rockefeller Center. On view from April 16 through May 29, "Chamberlain Goes Outdoors at Rockefeller Center" showcases three sculptures by Chamberlain, who was best known for his distinctive works made of scrap metal and aluminium foil. Free and open to the public, the installation offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Chamberlain’s final bodies of work.
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Events & Things To Do

Amtrak, NJ Transit reveal progress in fixing equipment that caused outages last summer

Credit: David Wilson on Flickr

April 16, 2025

Amtrak, NJ Transit reveal progress in fixing equipment that caused outages last summer

By Aaron Ginsburg

Amtrak and NJ Transit say they’re making significant progress on infrastructure improvements to avoid the breakdowns and delays that plagued the rail lines last summer. At a working summit on Tuesday, rail officials announced that more than $12 million in upgrades and repairs have been completed, including the inspection and repair of overhead wires that power both rail companies’ trains. The improvements target key "hot spots" near Penn Station and in Secaucus, New Jersey, where trains frequently break down.
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Under new NYC law, charging an illegal broker fee could result in $750 fine

Photo by Daryan Shamkhali on Unsplash

April 16, 2025

Under new NYC law, charging an illegal broker fee could result in $750 fine

By Aaron Ginsburg

When a new city law banning forced broker fees takes effect this June, landlords and brokers who charge tenants a fee could face fines starting at $750. As first reported by Crain's, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) on Monday proposed penalties for violating the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act, which was passed by the City Council last year and shifts the payment of broker fees to the party who hired the real estate agent. The law is set to take effect June 11, unless a lawsuit by a real estate lobbying group blocks implementation.
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Policy

Forest Hills Stadium summer concerts back on following deal with residents

Photo courtesy of Chris Lavado

April 15, 2025

Forest Hills Stadium summer concerts back on following deal with residents

By Aaron Ginsburg

The shows at Forest Hills Stadium will go on this season, as neighborhood residents and venue officials have reached a deal in their long-running dispute. On Monday, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced that Tiebreaker Productions, the stadium's concert partner, has agreed to hire private security to patrol the privately owned streets around the venue—satisfying demands from the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation (FHGC), which in March blocked the city from accessing those roads. Last month, the venue had reportedly been denied amplification permits, putting the entire concert season at risk.
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Tompkins Square Park’s infamous bathrooms reopen after $5.6M renovation

All photos courtesy of NYC Parks / Daniel Avila

April 15, 2025

Tompkins Square Park’s infamous bathrooms reopen after $5.6M renovation

By Aaron Ginsburg

You no longer have to hold your nose when using the bathroom at Tompkins Square Park—at least for now. On Monday, the city’s Parks Department reopened the East Village park’s field house following a two-year, $5.6 million renovation, finally restoring the restrooms after years of being known as some of the filthiest facilities in the five boroughs. The project included a full overhaul of the four bathrooms, with upgrades to the building’s electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, as well as improvements to accessibility and the building’s exterior.
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Architecture And Design

Lincoln Center announces hundreds of free events as part of ‘Summer for the City’ festival

Credit: Lawrence Sumulong

April 15, 2025

Lincoln Center announces hundreds of free events as part of ‘Summer for the City’ festival

By Aaron Ginsburg

Lincoln Center has announced the lineup for its fourth annual Summer for the City festival, with hundreds of free events and performances at the world-renowned cultural hub. Running from June 11 through August 9, the festival features a slate of events spanning dance, theater, opera, and more that celebrate the diversity of New York City's cultural landscape. Summer for the City will activate every corner of the Lincoln Center campus, with events held across indoor and outdoor spaces at the famed arts center.
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Events & Things To Do

City Planning Commission advances $12B Hudson Yards casino plan

Renderings courtesy of Related Companies and Wynn Resorts

April 14, 2025

City Planning Commission advances $12B Hudson Yards casino plan

By Aaron Ginsburg

A $12 billion proposal to bring a casino complex to Hudson Yards just cleared a key step in the approval process. On Wednesday, the City Planning Commission (CPC) voted 9-2 to advance Related Companies and Wynn Resorts' "Hudson Yards West" plan, which calls for a resort and casino, a 5.6-acre public park, a public school, office space, and hundreds of new affordable homes atop the site’s undeveloped western rail yards. The proposal seeks to amend a 2009 plan that envisioned a primarily residential neighborhood with more than 5,000 new homes—a figure that has since been reduced to just over 1,500.
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Policy

71 affordable apartments available at Passive House development in Bed-Stuy, from $556/month

652 DeKalb Avenue. Credit: NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

April 14, 2025

71 affordable apartments available at Passive House development in Bed-Stuy, from $556/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new residential development in Bed-Stuy launched a housing lottery this week for 71 affordable apartments. Dekalb Commons is a three-building complex with 85 affordable residences and commercial space, designed to meet Passive House standards. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 60, 70, and 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $556/month studios to $2,974/month three bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

NYPD to launch unit targeting ‘quality-of-life’ issues

Photo Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 11, 2025

NYPD to launch unit targeting ‘quality-of-life’ issues

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new NYPD division focused on quality-of-life issues like illegal parking, noise complaints, and homeless encampments will begin work across New York City next week. Starting Monday, the new units, called "Q Teams," will begin work in five precincts and a public housing development, covering neighborhoods like the South Bronx, Far Rockaway, Coney Island, Union Square, and East New York. Officers will respond to a growing number of 311 complaints, even as major crime declines. Some New Yorkers fear the units will unfairly target low-income communities, drawing comparisons to Giuliani-era street crime squads that harassed Black and Latino men, as the New York Times reported.
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Policy

Saks Fifth Avenue drops casino proposal

Image courtesy of Warren LeMay on Flickr

April 11, 2025

Saks Fifth Avenue drops casino proposal

By Aaron Ginsburg

Saks Fifth Avenue has folded its bid for a gaming license, ending the company's plan of adding a casino atop its Midtown flagship store. As first reported by Crain's, the department store withdrew its bid for one of three coveted downstate gaming licenses expected to be awarded by the end of the year, with a Saks spokesperson saying the company is now "focused on other strategic priorities." In recent months, minimal communication between Saks’ parent company, Saks Global, and those involved in the casino process had suggested that the retailer was abandoning its proposal.
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Policy

Council approves bill to double number of public bathrooms in NYC

The Beaux Arts-style public bathroom in Bryant Park is one of the city’s nicest. Photo by SnowFire via Wikimedia Commons.

April 11, 2025

Council approves bill to double number of public bathrooms in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

Finding a public bathroom in New York City may get a bit easier, thanks to new legislation passed this week. The City Council on Thursday voted to approve a bill expanding public restroom access across the five boroughs by doubling the current number of facilities from roughly 1,100 to 2,120 over the next decade. NYC currently has among the fewest public restrooms per capita in the country, with around one bathroom for every 7,800 residents. Proponents of the legislation aim to raise that number to one restroom for every 2,000 residents.
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Policy

Easter and Passover 2025: Where to order takeout in NYC

April 10, 2025

Easter and Passover 2025: Where to order takeout in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

Springtime in New York City brings longer days, blossoming flowers, and festive meals shared with friends and family. This year, April also ushers in the holidays of Easter and Passover, along with the often daunting task of hosting loved ones. Fortunately, plenty of restaurants and culinary spots across the five boroughs offer full, festive meal packages to take the pressure off. Ahead, we've rounded up some of the top places in NYC providing Easter and Passover meal packages so you can enjoy the holidays without the hassle of cooking or cleanup.
our picks, here

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