All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

Citi Bike increased its prices this week

Credit: Elvert Barnes on Flickr

January 7, 2025

Citi Bike increased its prices this week

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Citi Bike is starting 2025 with another price increase, marking the fourth consecutive year the service has raised its rates. The bike-share service, which is operated by Lyft, raised its fees on Monday, with prices increasing from 24 cents to 25 cents per minute for Citi Bike and Lyft members, and from 36 cents to 38 cents per minute for non-members. The price of single ride passes and day passes will also rise to $4.99 and $25, respectively, effective February 3.
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The Dead Rabbit to debut new sports bar pop-up at Rooftop at Pier 17 this week

Credit: Ryan Muir

January 7, 2025

The Dead Rabbit to debut new sports bar pop-up at Rooftop at Pier 17 this week

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The Dead Rabbit, one of New York City's most iconic Irish pubs, is kicking off the new year with an all-new concept in the South Street Seaport. Starting January 10, the celebrated bar will transform the Rooftop at Pier 17 into "Joxer's," a winter sports bar concept that combines the Dead Rabbit's Irish charm with a unique menu, striking decor, private dining cottages, bungalows, a full-service bar, and access to the rooftop's ice skating rink. The pop-up will run seven days a week through early March before transitioning into the pub's "Paddy's Not Patty's" St. Patrick's Day concept.
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Congestion pricing is in full effect: Here’s what to know

Credit: Jesse Echevarria on Unsplash

January 6, 2025

Congestion pricing is in full effect: Here’s what to know

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After years of preparation and a stunning last-minute reversal by Gov. Kathy Hochul, congestion pricing officially went live on Sunday. The controversial program now charges drivers a base fee of $9 when entering Manhattan below 60th Street—40 percent cheaper than the original $15 toll that was initially planned before the governor abruptly paused the program in June, just weeks before its scheduled start. Here’s everything you need to know about congestion pricing, from what to expect at the tolls to the capital improvements your money will fund.
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NJ towns must meet affordable housing deadline by end of the month

Credit: Zoshua Colah on Unsplash

January 6, 2025

NJ towns must meet affordable housing deadline by end of the month

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Municipalities across New Jersey are approaching a crucial deadline in the state's efforts to address its affordable housing shortage. Local officials from all 564 municipalities have until January 31 to accept or object to the number of new affordable homes they must develop over the next decade and propose their own target. In October, the state’s Department of Community Affairs released calculations showing a current need for 65,410 low- and moderate-income homes, with an additional 84,698 needed over the next 10 years.
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NY comptroller audit finds gaps in MTA’s extreme weather preparedness

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

January 6, 2025

NY comptroller audit finds gaps in MTA’s extreme weather preparedness

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A new audit by the state comptroller highlights safety weaknesses in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's extreme weather preparedness. In an audit released Thursday, New York Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli alleges that inspections and maintenance of flood protection equipment, particularly in the MTA's Bridges & Tunnels and bus operations, are not always on schedule and that protocols for responding to extreme weather events like flooding and tornadoes are insufficient.
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R train late-night service in Brooklyn suspended for two weekends starting Friday

Image via WikiCommons

January 3, 2025

R train late-night service in Brooklyn suspended for two weekends starting Friday

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Brooklynites who take the R train will need to find a different way home late at night on two weekends starting Friday. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Thursday announced it will be partially suspending R line service between 36th Street and 95th Street stations from 11:30 p.m. on Friday, January 3, to 5:30 a.m. on Monday, January 6, and again from 11:30 p.m. on Friday, January 10, to 5:30 a.m. on Monday, January 13. Free shuttle buses will serve the affected stations during this period.
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40 affordable apartments available in East New York, from $544/month

Renderings courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 3, 2025

40 affordable apartments available in East New York, from $544/month

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A new seven-story residential building in East New York launched a lottery for 40 affordable apartments last week. Located at 365 Shepherd Avenue, Shepherd Glenmore offers tenants state-of-the-art apartments and modern amenities at affordable prices. New Yorkers earning 30, 50, and 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $544/month studios to $1,864/month two bedrooms.
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Plans filed to transform Times Square office building into 942 apartments

Exterior of 5 Times Square. Image via WikiCommons

January 2, 2025

Plans filed to transform Times Square office building into 942 apartments

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A coalition of prominent New York City real estate figures has filed plans to transform a 38-story office building in Times Square into more than 900 new homes. As reported by The Real Deal, Apollo Global Management, in partnership with RXR and SL Green, aims to convert 5 Times Square into a mixed-use building with 942 apartments. This office-to-residential conversion would be one of the largest in the city to date, and the first in the heart of Times Square.
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Mulchfest is here: How to recycle your Christmas tree in NYC

Credit: Jim Griffin on Flickr

January 2, 2025

Mulchfest is here: How to recycle your Christmas tree in NYC

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The holidays are officially over, and it's time to face the facts: that giant Christmas tree in your living room has got to go. Thankfully, the city's Parks and Sanitation Departments make it easy with Mulchfest, a sustainable way to recycle your tree. Through January 12, New Yorkers can drop off their trees at 75 sites across the five boroughs to be composted. Bring your tree to one of 35 chipping sites on the weekend of January 11 and take home a "tree-mento"—a bag of mulch for your backyard or a street tree’s winter bed.
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City-owned garage on Staten Island’s North Shore to become 232 affordable homes

Renderings courtesy of Purpose by Design Architects

December 31, 2024

City-owned garage on Staten Island’s North Shore to become 232 affordable homes

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A city-owned sanitation garage on Staten Island's North Shore will be transformed into 232 affordable homes. The city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) on Monday revealed the development team and plans for Hillside Grove, which will convert an unsightly garage at 539 Jersey City into a mixed-use affordable housing complex with a grocery store, amenities, and open space.
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What to know about the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop

Credit: ABC/ Lorenzo Bevilaqua on Flickr

December 31, 2024

What to know about the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop

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The world's most iconic New Year’s Eve celebration returns to New York City on Tuesday. Those eager to ring in 2025 will compete for a spot at the crossroads of the world to watch the 11,875-pound crystal ball descend from One Times Square. Ahead, here's everything you need to know about the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, from the star-studded cast of hosts and live performers to the best spots to see the confetti rain down.
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Congestion pricing to begin this weekend following ruling in NJ lawsuit, MTA says

Photo courtesy of strolicfurlan on Flickr

December 31, 2024

Congestion pricing to begin this weekend following ruling in NJ lawsuit, MTA says

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New York State will proceed with congestion pricing as planned on Sunday, following a federal judge's ruling on New Jersey's lawsuit against the program. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Monday confirmed that the program will go into effect after Judge Leo M. Gordon determined the state had met all necessary requirements to launch the plan. However, the ruling ordered federal transportation officials to review certain aspects of the program, with a New Jersey lawyer arguing this prevents the program from starting.
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6sqft’s top ‘distinctive homes’ of 2024
December 30, 2024

6sqft’s top ‘distinctive homes’ of 2024

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In 2024, 6sqft continued to bring readers exclusive glimpses of New York City's most 'distinctive homes.' From opulent mansions (a palatial, eight-level Beaux Arts townhouse on the Upper East Side for $65 million) to Park Slope's priciest listing (a custom-engineered five-story townhouse asking $18 million), 6sqft showcased some of the most remarkable architectural gems across the five boroughs. Ahead, discover the most popular features of distinct NYC residences that graced the market this year.
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NY’s first Dominican arts and cultural center in Inwood opens lottery for 484 apartments, from $555/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 30, 2024

NY’s first Dominican arts and cultural center in Inwood opens lottery for 484 apartments, from $555/month

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A new mixed-use development in Inwood that will house New York City's first-ever Dominican arts and cultural center and more than 600 apartments has launched an affordable housing lottery. Located at 375 West 207th Street, the 30-story building will house a museum and exhibition space dedicated to showcasing and preserving the vibrant arts and culture of the Dominican Republic. New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 70, and 110 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $555/month studios to $2,592/month two bedrooms.
Learn if you qualify
143 apartments available next to Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Crown Heights, from $914/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 27, 2024

143 apartments available next to Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Crown Heights, from $914/month

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A housing lottery has opened for 143 mixed-income apartments just a block from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Crown Heights. Located at 54 Crown Street, Loden is a 17-story building offering residents thoughtfully designed apartments in a prime location within the vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood, with Prospect Park, the BBG, and public transit just steps away. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $914/month studios to $3,067/month two bedrooms.
Learn if you qualify
New York City’s longest-running Kwanzaa celebration returns for its 17th year

Credit: Winston Williams

December 24, 2024

New York City’s longest-running Kwanzaa celebration returns for its 17th year

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Celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa at the Brooklyn Children's Museum's 17th annual celebration in Crown Heights, the largest and longest-running Kwanzaa event in New York City. Hosted in partnership with the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation, the five-day festival will take place from Thursday, December 26, through Monday, December 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features daily candle-lighting ceremonies, cultural performances, and hands-on workshops that explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba, emphasizing unity, self-determination, collective work, and creativity.
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24 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in NYC

Credit: Artem Kniaz on Unsplash

December 24, 2024

24 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in NYC

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As 2024 draws to a close, it's time to celebrate the great moments we've had and kiss goodbye to the ones we'd rather forget. Whether you're looking for a high-energy dance party or a delicious five-course meal by a Michelin-starred chef, New York City offers something for everyone to ring in the new year. Ahead, here are some of the best ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in NYC, from dazzling fireworks and ball drop views atop towering sky decks to extravagant celebrations at luxurious hotels and rooftops.
say hello to 2025!
Festive public art installations now illuminate the Meatpacking District

Images courtesy of ©BrakeThrough Media

December 23, 2024

Festive public art installations now illuminate the Meatpacking District

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The Meatpacking District's charming cobblestone streets have been transformed into an enchanting holiday forest. Back for another festive season, "Lights on the Cobbles" illuminates Ninth Avenue with large-scale installations, including dazzling holiday lights, a reflective illuminated pathway through Gansevoort Plaza, larger-than-life snow people, and more. The captivating holiday decor is on display through January 15.
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NYC welcomed 65 million tourists in 2024, second most in city history

Image courtesy of Daniel Gillaspia on Flickr

December 23, 2024

NYC welcomed 65 million tourists in 2024, second most in city history

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New York City welcomed nearly 65 million visitors this year, the second-highest total in its history. Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Tourism + Conventions President and CEO Julie Coker on Friday announced a new end-of-year tourism forecast, revealing a 3.5 percent increase in visitors from 2023 and projecting a return to pre-pandemic levels in 2025. NYC remains the most-visited large city in the United States, with the forecast highlighting the city’s near-complete economic and tourism recovery following the pandemic.
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‘Black market’ NYC restaurant reservations banned by state law

Image via WikiCommons

December 20, 2024

‘Black market’ NYC restaurant reservations banned by state law

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Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday signed legislation that bans the "predatory black market" practice of third-party reservation services arranging and selling reservations at sought-after New York City restaurants. The law targets services that use bots to acquire the most sought-after reservation times on platforms like Resy, which have "wreaked havoc" through no-shows and last-minute cancellations and make dining inaccessible to regular New Yorkers who don’t want to pay extra.
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Hochul announces plan for $1.35B mixed-use project with 1,400 new homes across from the Javits Center

Renderings courtesy of Hudson Boulevard Collective / Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

December 20, 2024

Hochul announces plan for $1.35B mixed-use project with 1,400 new homes across from the Javits Center

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Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that a $1.35 billion mixed-use development with nearly 1,400 new homes will be built across from the Javits Center. The governor tapped a partnership of developers called the Hudson Boulevard Collective to develop "Site K" at 418 11th Avenue. The project includes a 72-story residential tower and a 28-story hotel, along with a five-story podium that will hold a permanent home for the Climate Museum and community facilities. Thanks to recent zoning reforms, the development will be the first in New York City in over 60 years to exceed the 12-floor area ratio (FAR), allowing for more housing to be built.
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$7.2M penthouse is most expensive sponsor sale in Williamsburg

Renderings courtesy of Naftali Group

December 19, 2024

$7.2M penthouse is most expensive sponsor sale in Williamsburg

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A penthouse went into contract at the "urban resort-style" One Williamsburg Wharf this week, marking a possible new record for sponsor sales in the neighborhood. Penthouse A is a three-bedroom, three-bath home with an expansive private terrace, fireplace, and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. The apartment, which entered contract on Wednesday for $7.2 million, would break Williamsburg's previous most expensive sponsor sale by $2 million if it closes at that price.
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NYC’s largest chain stores continue to struggle

Photo by Peter Burka on Flickr

December 19, 2024

NYC’s largest chain stores continue to struggle

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For the fifth time in the last seven years, the total number of chain stores in New York City has dropped. The Center for an Urban Future (CUF) on Wednesday released its annual "State of the Chains" report, which found a 1.3 percent decrease in the number of chain stores across the five boroughs over the last year. These findings indicate that, despite many of the city’s central commercial districts experiencing a strong recovery in storefronts, major national retailers continue to struggle.
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Hochul deploys 250 more National Guard troops to patrol NYC subway during holiday season

Photo credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

December 19, 2024

Hochul deploys 250 more National Guard troops to patrol NYC subway during holiday season

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Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced that an additional 250 National Guard troops will patrol the New York City subway system during the holiday season, bringing the total count to 1,000 troops following their initial deployment in March. News of additional troops comes even as subway crime is down 10 percent since March, according to the governor. There is currently no planned end date to withdraw the extra troops.
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Greenpoint rental that is New York’s largest geothermal residential building gets new name, renderings

Renderings by The Boundary

December 18, 2024

Greenpoint rental that is New York’s largest geothermal residential building gets new name, renderings

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The largest geothermal residential project in New York has received a fresh rebranding ahead of leasing next year. Lendlease unveiled new branding and renderings for The Riverie, an 834-unit multi-family development at 1 Java Street along the Greenpoint waterfront. The project comprises five interconnected buildings, including a 37-story and a 20-story tower. The development features an all-electric design and a geothermal system that reduces annual carbon emissions from heating and cooling by 53 percent compared to traditional residential systems.
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