All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

42nd Street to become dedicated ‘bus corridor’ during World Cup matches

Credit: Taton Moïse on Unsplash

May 29, 2026

42nd Street to become dedicated ‘bus corridor’ during World Cup matches

By Aaron Ginsburg

Manhattan's 42nd Street and several other major thoroughfares will become temporary bus and shuttle corridors for use on World Cup match days this summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday announced a Midtown transportation plan to ensure smooth travel to and from MetLife Stadium during the tournament, including converting 42nd Street, portions of Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and West 40th Street into dedicated transit lanes. The streets will be limited to shuttle buses, official World Cup affiliate vehicles, MTA buses, and emergency vehicles beginning six hours before kickoff and continuing until three hours after each match.
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NYC reopens Orchard Beach Pavilion after 17 years and $114M restoration

Credit: Marvel

May 29, 2026

NYC reopens Orchard Beach Pavilion after 17 years and $114M restoration

By Aaron Ginsburg

The historic Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx partially reopened to the public earlier this month, restoring access to the landmarked beachfront destination for the first time in 17 years after a $114 million reconstruction. Beginning in December 2022, work on the 140,000-square-foot project involved preserving the pavilion’s 1930s-era architecture while adding new community amenities and accessibility upgrades. The seaside landmark, located at the only public beach in the Bronx, reopened ahead of the summer season and the opening of city beaches last weekend. Additional features remain under construction, with a full reopening expected later this summer.
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Architecture And Design

NYC launches interactive website to help young New Yorkers find free summer activities

Photo by Michael Appleton/ Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

May 28, 2026

NYC launches interactive website to help young New Yorkers find free summer activities

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City wants to make it easier for young people to find free and low-cost activities this summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani this week launched "Summer in N.Y.C.," a website that matches users with activities happening in their neighborhood, ranging from free painting and photography classes to sports leagues, summer jobs, and FIFA World Cup watch parties. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the administration to keep young New Yorkers safe during the summer, when gun violence sees an uptick, as CBS News reported.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC begins redesign of McGuinness Boulevard

Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony. Credit: NYC DOT

May 28, 2026

NYC begins redesign of McGuinness Boulevard

By Aaron Ginsburg

Work on the redesign of Greenpoint’s notorious McGuinness Boulevard finally began this week after several years of delays and project changes. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Department of Transportation on Wednesday broke ground on the street revamp, which includes installing parking-protected bike lanes along the corridor from Meeker Avenue to the Pulaski Bridge. The start of construction marks a major milestone for the project, which was scaled back under former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration amid allegations of bribery, as 6sqft previously reported.
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Hochul signs reforms to New York’s environmental law to accelerate new housing development

“Let Them Build” rally in February. Photo credit: Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

May 27, 2026

Hochul signs reforms to New York’s environmental law to accelerate new housing development

By Aaron Ginsburg

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday signed legislation to reform the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), cutting red tape that critics say has long delayed housing development. The "common-sense" reforms, the most significant changes to SEQRA since its passage in 1975, are expected to accelerate the construction of new housing by up to two years. Hochul first unveiled the changes in February alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani and included it in her fiscal year 2027 budget.
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Drew Barrymore finds buyer for gut-renovated Westchester estate

All photos courtesy of Modern Angles

May 27, 2026

Drew Barrymore finds buyer for gut-renovated Westchester estate

By Aaron Ginsburg

Drew Barrymore's 12-acre estate in Harrison has found a buyer after just two months on the market. Barrymore purchased the expansive property at 19 Winfield Avenue for $4.4 million in 2024 and spent two years revamping the estate and its three homes, curating every detail of each dwelling as part of her Beautiful by Drew design brand. The actor, producer, and talk show host decided to sell the property due to changing family needs. The buyer and final sale price have not been disclosed, but the estate was last listed for $4,995,000.
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NYPD pulls permits for Knicks watch parties outside MSG, but fans still celebrate

Photos courtesy of NY Knicks/MSG Sports

May 26, 2026

NYPD pulls permits for Knicks watch parties outside MSG, but fans still celebrate

By Aaron Ginsburg

While the police department won't support New York Knicks playoff watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden anymore, fans still celebrated the team's first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years on Monday. After the city’s Police Department denied permits for the watch party for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, citing "very rough" crowds, the event relocated to Radio City Music Hall and Brooklyn Bowl. According to the NYPD, past watch parties have included some people jumping police barriers, throwing glass bottles into crowds, and brawling, with six people arrested last Thursday, the New York Post reported. The lack of permits did not stop fans from heading to 7th Avenue to celebrate the team's historic sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC restaurants to offer $26 dining deals during World Cup

Limited-edition World Cup cups. Credit: NYC Tourism + Conventions

May 26, 2026

NYC restaurants to offer $26 dining deals during World Cup

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is launching a series of initiatives to help New Yorkers and visitors support small businesses and explore neighborhoods in every borough during the FIFA World Cup. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Friday a new $26 dining special at participating restaurants and bars throughout the six-week tournament. According to the city, nearly 600 businesses have signed up to partake in the program, which will run from June 11 through July 19.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC to widen protected bike lane on Sixth Avenue before World Cup

An example of a double-wide bike lane on Second Avenue. Credit: DOT

May 22, 2026

NYC to widen protected bike lane on Sixth Avenue before World Cup

By Aaron Ginsburg

Sixth Avenue’s protected bike lane will be widened along one of its most congested stretches as part of a series of street safety projects launched by the Mamdani administration ahead of the World Cup this summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Wednesday that the corridor’s bike lane will expand from six to 10 feet between 14th Street and West 31st Street, removing one travel lane and allowing for safer passing and side-by-side biking, as first reported by Streetsblog. The project had previously been announced under former Mayor Eric Adams but was never implemented.
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Work on skate park in Mount Prospect Park could begin next spring

Renderings courtesy of NYC Parks

May 22, 2026

Work on skate park in Mount Prospect Park could begin next spring

By Aaron Ginsburg

Work on an $11 million skatepark in Brooklyn's Mount Prospect Park could begin next spring after New York City’s Public Design Commission and the local community board approved the project last month. Known as the Brooklyn Skate Garden, the project is one of four skateparks planned across the five boroughs through a partnership with legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk to bring public skating facilities to underserved communities. Originally planned at roughly 40,000 square feet, the park was scaled back to 19,500 square feet following opposition from some residents, according to BKReader.
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Architecture And Design

Popular Articles

Mott Haven affordable development approved after just 90 days, thanks to new expedited review

Renderings courtesy of STAT Architecture PC

May 21, 2026

Mott Haven affordable development approved after just 90 days, thanks to new expedited review

By Aaron Ginsburg

An affordable housing project that would have taken seven months of review before being approved got the green light from the New York City Council this week after just 90 days. Thanks to the new Expedited Land Use Review Procedure (ELURP), a ballot measure approved by voters last November, 351 Powers Avenue in Mott Haven received the fastest land-use approval in decades. The project, which entered review in February, will transform a vacant city-owned lot into more than 80 apartments, a community theater, and public outdoor space, as 6sqft previously reported.
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NYC residents can enter lottery for $50 World Cup tickets

Mayor Mamdani announced the initiative in Little Senegal in Harlem. Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

May 21, 2026

NYC residents can enter lottery for $50 World Cup tickets

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday announced that his administration had secured 1,000 World Cup tickets, which will be made available to New Yorkers for $50 through a lottery system. As first reported by The Athletic, 150 tickets will be distributed for each of the five group stage matches and two knockout round matches at MetLife. The $50 ticket includes free round-trip bus fare to the stadium. The lottery opens May 25 at 10 a.m. and closes May 30 at 5 p.m., with up to 50,000 entries accepted daily. Winners will be able to purchase up to two tickets each.
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Katz’s Deli reopens ‘secret’ dining room closed to public for nearly 80 years

All photos courtesy of Katz’s Deli

May 20, 2026

Katz’s Deli reopens ‘secret’ dining room closed to public for nearly 80 years

By Aaron Ginsburg

After nearly 80 years hidden from the public, a "secret" dining room at Katz's Deli has reopened following a restoration. The Ludlow Room, a 68-seat space that once served generations of New Yorkers, opened Tuesday after being closed in 1949 and converted into a giant walk-in refrigerator amid postwar demand for deli meats. Restored to reflect its original appearance, the Ludlow Room features original tin ceilings and period-inspired lighting, as well as the same freight scale used to measure every pound of meat served at Katz's for eight decades.
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Food & Dining

NYC Ferry boosts service this summer ahead of the FIFA World Cup

Five custom-wrapped NYC Ferry vessels will celebrate each borough this summer. Photo courtesy of NYCEDC

May 20, 2026

NYC Ferry boosts service this summer ahead of the FIFA World Cup

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City ferry service is receiving a major boost this summer, just in time for the FIFA World Cup. The summer schedule for NYC Ferry will offer the most extensive service in the system’s history ahead of an expected influx of visitors for the soccer tournament at MetLife Stadium, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city's Economic Development Corporation announced on Tuesday. Running now through September 13, the extra service includes additional route connections, expanded weekend service, and the return of the Rockaway Rocket and Rockaway Reserve ticket programs. The city also unveiled five wrapped vessels featuring World Cup-inspired branding that highlights each borough.
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NYC reveals design proposals for Billie Holiday monument in Queens

May 19, 2026

NYC reveals design proposals for Billie Holiday monument in Queens

By Aaron Ginsburg

More than seven years after it was first commissioned, a monument honoring Billie Holiday in New York City is moving forward. The city's Department of Cultural Affairs on Tuesday unveiled proposals from six artists for a new permanent artwork celebrating the jazz legend that will be installed at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens. The monument is part of a long-delayed effort to increase the representation of influential women in public spaces across the five boroughs. The public can review the proposals and submit feedback through the end of May. An artist will be chosen this summer.
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First look at Paragon, Long Island City’s first new waterfront condo in a decade

Renderings courtesy of Redundant Pixel unless otherwise noted.

May 19, 2026

First look at Paragon, Long Island City’s first new waterfront condo in a decade

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's an exclusive look at the first new condo development built on the Long Island City waterfront in more than a decade. Developed by ZD Jasper and designed by Archimaera, the 23-story Paragon at 45-40 Vernon Boulevard incorporates the historic Paragon Paint Factory into the tower's base. Residences will range from studios to four-bedrooms and feature interiors by March and White Design (MAWD), with ceiling heights of up to 10 feet and floor-to-ceiling windows offering up views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. Adjacent to Anable Basin, the project also includes a large public open space with a waterfront park and walkway connecting the neighborhood to the East River.
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Long Island Rail Road strike ends as MTA and unions reach tentative deal

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

May 19, 2026

Long Island Rail Road strike ends as MTA and unions reach tentative deal

By Aaron Ginsburg

Long Island Rail Road service will resume at 12 p.m. on Tuesday after the five unions behind the agency’s first strike in more than 30 years reached a tentative deal with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday night that the two sides had reached a “fair deal” that would not require additional fare hikes or tax increases. Details of the tentative agreement have not yet been released, as the deal must still be ratified by union members and approved by the MTA board.
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First city-owned grocery store to open next year at mixed-use development in Hunts Point

Credit: WXY Studios

May 18, 2026

First city-owned grocery store to open next year at mixed-use development in Hunts Point

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday announced that New York City’s first city-owned grocery store will open next year at a new affordable housing development in the South Bronx. The store will be located at The Peninsula, a Bronx project transforming the former Spofford Juvenile Detention Center in Hunts Point into a mixed-use development with 740 affordable apartments. The announcement builds on Mamdani’s campaign pledge to open five city-owned grocery stores, one in each borough, and follows a plan announced last month for a store in East Harlem.
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Long Island Rail Road workers strike for first time in more than 30 years

Credit: 6sqft

May 18, 2026

Long Island Rail Road workers strike for first time in more than 30 years

By Aaron Ginsburg

Commutes for more than 250,000 daily Long Island Rail Road riders were upended Monday as workers at the nation’s busiest commuter rail service remained on strike amid a wage dispute. More than 3,500 workers represented by five unions walked off the job Saturday, shutting down rail service as they pushed for a 14.5 percent raise over four years, which union leaders say is necessary to keep pace with inflation, according to ABC News. A full day of negotiations that began Sunday and ran into Monday morning failed to produce an agreement, forcing commuters to rely on alternate transportation or work from home while talks continue.
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300 affordable apartments available in Hunts Point, from $465/month

Credit: WXY Studios

May 18, 2026

300 affordable apartments available in Hunts Point, from $465/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A former juvenile jail in the Bronx that is being transformed into a mixed-use development opened a housing lottery last week for 303 low-income apartments. Phase two of The Peninsula, located at 1221 and 1225 Spofford Avenue in Hunts Point, brings deeply affordable homes to the site of the former Spofford Juvenile Detention Center, which closed in 2011 following reports of abuse and poor conditions. The development is also getting New York City's first city-owned grocery store. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Monday that a 20,000-square-foot supermarket will open next year as one of five city-owned grocery stores opening in every borough. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $465/month studios to $2,936/month three-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

NYC launches World Cup ‘neighborhood passport’ to help fans explore the city

Graphic courtesy of Team Wonder. Photo of Mayor Mamdani announced “Soccer Streets,” courtesy of Kara McCurdy, Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

May 14, 2026

NYC launches World Cup ‘neighborhood passport’ to help fans explore the city

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is launching a “neighborhood passport” to help New Yorkers and visitors explore the five boroughs and find affordable ways to experience this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the initiative on Thursday, which will allow participants to collect stamps from hundreds of community organizations and public events across the city while encouraging exploration of immigrant neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and small businesses. NYC Tourism + Conventions will also launch a new calendar and interactive digital map to help users discover low-cost events, promotions, and activities during the tournament.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC to create dedicated bus lane for Q70 to LaGuardia Airport

A Q70-SBS travels along Broadway in Jackson Heights, Queens. Credit: NYC DOT

May 14, 2026

NYC to create dedicated bus lane for Q70 to LaGuardia Airport

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new dedicated bus lane along Broadway in Queens will speed commutes to and from LaGuardia Airport, just in time for an influx of visitors ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the city's Department of Transportation (DOT) would begin installing a center-running eastbound bus lane along Broadway between 69th Street and Roosevelt Avenue, a busy corridor used by roughly 9,000 daily riders on the Q70-SBS, also known as the “LaGuardia Link.” The plan would maintain one travel lane in each direction for general traffic while improving bus speeds, which currently drop to as low as 2.7 mph during evening rush hour, slower than walking pace.
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13 best NYC rental buildings with outdoor pools

May 13, 2026

13 best NYC rental buildings with outdoor pools

By Aaron Ginsburg

Summer is on the horizon in New York City, bringing with it poolside lounging and dips in the ocean. While the beach is great for a day trip, and hotel pools offer a fun experience, renters who are lucky enough to live in an apartment building with an outdoor pool can enjoy a resort-style getaway without ever leaving home. With the weather finally warming up, we took a look at the best rental buildings across New York City that offer outdoor pools.
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NYC to MetLife bus fares for World Cup cut by 75%

Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

May 13, 2026

NYC to MetLife bus fares for World Cup cut by 75%

By Aaron Ginsburg

Riding a shuttle bus to the FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium this summer just got much cheaper. On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that, with financial support from the state and other sponsors, round-trip shuttle tickets will cost $20, down from the previously announced $80 fare, as first reported by The Athletic. Of the roughly 18,000 shuttle tickets available per match, 20 percent will be reserved for New York residents. NJ Transit has also lowered round-trip train fares to MetLife Stadium to $98, after initially setting prices at $150 before reducing them to $105 last week.
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Landmarked artists’ housing building on Billionaires’ Row is reborn as luxury condos

Model unit. All images courtesy of CO OP

May 12, 2026

Landmarked artists’ housing building on Billionaires’ Row is reborn as luxury condos

By Aaron Ginsburg

A landmarked building on Billionaires' Row has been transformed into 47 luxury condos. Sales launched this week at Parc Beaufort, a 14-story tower at 140 West 57th Street originally built in 1908 as housing for artists. Led by the Feil Organization and MdeAS Architects, the conversion of the luxury condo preserved the building's historic pre-war character while adding contemporary interiors by AD100 firm Stephen Sills Associates. Residences, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, start at $955,000.
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New Developments

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