All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

Hell’s Kitchen rental opens lottery for 13 apartments, from $2,500/month

Photos © Ondel Hylton

March 13, 2025

Hell’s Kitchen rental opens lottery for 13 apartments, from $2,500/month

A housing lottery launched this week for 13 middle-income apartments at a residential tower in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. Located at 360 West 43rd Street, the 23-story building offers luxury apartments and amenities like a rooftop terrace and fitness center in prime Midtown West. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $2,500/month studios to $3,800/month two bedrooms.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

Central Park to open huge new rec center with pool and ice rink in April

Renderings courtesy of Susan T Rodriguez | Architecture • Design

March 12, 2025

Central Park to open huge new rec center with pool and ice rink in April

By Aaron Ginsburg

A transformative project set to reconnect the neighborhoods at Central Park’s northern edge to the Harlem Meer is slated to open next month. The new $160 million Davis Center will open on April 26, the Central Park Conservancy announced on Wednesday. The Davis Center replaces the aging Lasker Rink and Pool with a state-of-the-art facility featuring a pool in the summer, a winter ice skating rink, a paved boardwalk, public open space, and more. One of the most ambitious undertakings in the Conservancy's history, the project also transforms the surrounding landscape, improving park access for residents of the primarily low-income communities bordering the park to the north.
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Architecture And Design

Brooklyn Botanic Garden sound installation remembers Covid victims

Photos by Michael Stewart

March 12, 2025

Brooklyn Botanic Garden sound installation remembers Covid victims

By Aaron Ginsburg

To mark the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is bringing back a sound installation that originally debuted in 2021. Created by NYC-based composer Michael Gordon, "loved." is a site-specific installation featuring seven vibraphones playing meditative compositions every hour. On view from March 15 to 30, the installation provides a space for visitors to sit, reflect, and remember the people or things they lost during the pandemic.
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Events & Things To Do

Penn Station proposal moves Madison Square Garden, calls for classical train hall

Renderings courtesy of the Grand Penn Community Alliance, unless noted otherwise

March 11, 2025

Penn Station proposal moves Madison Square Garden, calls for classical train hall

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new proposal for the long-stalled redesign of Penn Station would move Madison Square Garden across the street and replace the existing station with a new train hall reminiscent of the its original grandeur. Spearheaded by architect and former chief urban designer for New York City Alexandros Washburn, the "Grand Penn" plan would create a public space the size of Bryant Park and a commuter train hall inspired by the original station, while relocating the famous arena across the street. The plan now joins two stalled proposals, including one from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and another from a private developer.
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March 11, 2025

The best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City goes all out for St. Patrick's Day, celebrating the Emerald Isle with parades, pubs, pints, and performances throughout March. With deep Irish roots, the city's Irish community has played a vital role in shaping its identity, and so on St. Patrick's Day, New Yorkers come together to celebrate the culture, people, and history of Ireland, as well as the contributions of Irish Americans. Ahead, here are some ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the five boroughs, from enjoying Irish whiskey flights and pints of Guinness at pubs across the city to experiencing traditional Irish song and dance at Radio City Music Hall and the New York Irish Center.
Find ways to celebrate, ahead

Redesign of Central Park drives will add space for pedestrians and cyclists

Photo by Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia

March 10, 2025

Redesign of Central Park drives will add space for pedestrians and cyclists

By Aaron Ginsburg

The redesign of Central Park's six-mile loop road is moving forward, with repaving set to begin next week. On Thursday, city officials announced milling and repaving work will begin on Monday, March 17, to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and e-vehicle users along the route by clearly separating their spaces. The project will begin by revamping the middle and southern sections of the Central Park loop, from 96th Street on the West Drive to 90th Street on the East Drive, with repaving of the northern section scheduled for next year.
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NYC launches task force to improve public safety around Washington Square Park

Photo by Simi Iluyomade on Unsplash

March 10, 2025

NYC launches task force to improve public safety around Washington Square Park

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is deploying a multi-agency initiative to tackle quality of life and public safety concerns in Greenwich Village, the West Village, and near Washington Square Park. Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. on Thursday launched the "Village Interagency Task Force" to address issues like open drug use and sales, retail theft, and other quality of life concerns from West 3rd to West 9th Street, between Washington Square Park and 6th Avenue, including the area around the West 4th Street Washington Square subway station.
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Policy

Time Out to open new food hall in Union Square this fall

Credit: Filip Wolak

March 7, 2025

Time Out to open new food hall in Union Square this fall

By Aaron Ginsburg

Time Out is opening its second food hall in New York City this fall. Set to occupy the ground floor of Union Square's Zero Irving tech hub, the 10,000-square-foot Time Out Market will feature a curated selection of the city's premier culinary and cultural experiences. The 300-seat space will include seven kitchens, a fully stocked bar, an outdoor terrace, and a stage for live performances by local artists, according to Time Out.
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Food & Dining

JetBlue’s flagship terminal at JFK Airport set for major NYC-themed makeover

Renderings courtesy of JetBlue

March 7, 2025

JetBlue’s flagship terminal at JFK Airport set for major NYC-themed makeover

By Aaron Ginsburg

Big changes are coming to JetBlue's flagship Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is set to undergo a major New York City-inspired makeover. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) on Thursday announced a major refresh of Terminal 5, which includes adding more than 40 new concessions, art installations, and a redesigned center concourse inspired by the city's parks. The first new concessions will open later this year, with the terminal improvements set for completion by the end of 2026.
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Architecture And Design

Lottery opens for 330 apartments at huge office-to-residential conversion in FiDi, from $932/month

Rendering courtesy of Streetsense

March 6, 2025

Lottery opens for 330 apartments at huge office-to-residential conversion in FiDi, from $932/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's your chance to live in the nation's largest office-to-residential conversion in the Financial District. A housing lottery launched this week for 330 affordable apartments at 25 Water Street, a former 1960s office tower once home to JPMorgan Chase and the Daily News that now holds 1,320 luxury apartments. New Yorkers earning 40, 80, and 90 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $932/month studios to $3,286/month three bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

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.
get the scoop

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

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.
details this way

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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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.
see it here

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.
Get a glimpse inside

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.
more this way

‘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.
Discover more, ahead

Events & Things To Do

All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

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