All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

26 apartments available at new waterfront development in Williamsburg, from $3,434/month

Renderings courtesy of Naftali Group, unless otherwise noted

February 18, 2025

26 apartments available at new waterfront development in Williamsburg, from $3,434/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's a chance to live at a new waterfront development in Williamsburg for slightly less. A housing lottery opened last week for 26 middle-income apartments at Williamsburg Wharf, an under-construction five-tower complex at 464-484 Kent Avenue. Upon completion, the development will add 850 condo and rental residences with resort-style amenities and a new waterfront park to the neighborhood. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the rent-stabilized apartments, priced from $3,434/month for studios to $4,395/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

National Park Service removes transgender references from Stonewall website

Credit: Mitch Altman on Flickr

February 14, 2025

National Park Service removes transgender references from Stonewall website

By Aaron Ginsburg

References to transgender people have vanished from the National Park Service's Stonewall National Monument web pages, reflecting the Trump administration's policy that the country recognizes only two genders. On Thursday, the words "transgender" and "queer" were removed from the LGBTQ+ acronym on the website, which now reads "LGB" for lesbian, gay, and bisexual. The change follows a series of executive actions by President Donald Trump rolling back transgender rights, including banning trans people from women's sports, the military, and minors from receiving gender-affirming care.
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Policy

NYC Council approves Windsor Terrace rezoning with shorter towers, more affordable units

The originally proposed 13-story buildings. Rendering courtesy of Gerald J. Caliendo Architects

February 14, 2025

NYC Council approves Windsor Terrace rezoning with shorter towers, more affordable units

By Aaron Ginsburg

Two buildings at the site of an industrial laundry business in Windsor Terrace are set to become a 250-unit housing complex. Following approval by the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and Committee on Land Use, the full City Council voted to approve the Arrow Linen rezoning at 441 and 467 Prospect Avenue, clearing the path for the construction of two 10-story buildings with 250 new apartments, 40 percent of which will be affordable. The approval comes after more than a year of negotiations, which reduced the project's height from the original 13 stories and increased the share of affordable units from 25 percent.
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Affordable Housing

Upper East Side luxury rental opens lottery for 45 mixed-income apartments, from $1,828/month

All renderings courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

February 13, 2025

Upper East Side luxury rental opens lottery for 45 mixed-income apartments, from $1,828/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 45 mixed-income apartments in a new residential tower on the Upper East Side. Located at 1487 1st Avenue in Lenox Hill, Maison 78 is a 35-story residential building featuring brand-new units with thoughtfully designed interiors, high-end amenities, and a prime location in one of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighborhoods. New Yorkers earning 70 and 130 percent of the area median can apply for the units, priced from $1,828/month for studios to $4,434/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Trump takes back $80M in funding intended for NYC migrant shelters

The Roosevelt Hotel shuttered during the pandemic and became a relief center for asylum seekers. Photo by Billy Hathorn via Wikimedia Commons

February 13, 2025

Trump takes back $80M in funding intended for NYC migrant shelters

By Aaron Ginsburg

President Donald Trump took back $80 million in federal funding from New York City that was intended to cover some of the costs related to housing migrants. On Tuesday, City Comptroller Brad Lander's office noticed that $80 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, awarded by the Biden administration and received last week, had gone missing from city bank accounts. Lander, who called the action "highway robbery," claims the revocation may be illegal, depending on the terms of the city's grant with FEMA.
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Policy

Relive monumental public art installation ‘The Gates’ in Central Park, 20 years later

Photo: Wolfgang Volz© 2005 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

February 13, 2025

Relive monumental public art installation ‘The Gates’ in Central Park, 20 years later

By Aaron Ginsburg

"The Gates," the public art installation that took over Central Park with saffron-colored fabric panels for 16 days in 2005, is returning to New York City—virtually. To celebrate the installation's 20th anniversary, New Yorkers can relive the monumental artwork from Christo and Jeanne-Claude through an augmented reality experience on the Bloomberg Connects app. Plus, an exhibition now open at The Shed in Hudson Yards titled "Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City," explores the legacy of the artists and their work, as well as the journey behind bringing "The Gates" to life.
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City plans $57M redesign of 42nd Street to prevent terror attacks

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Transportation

February 12, 2025

City plans $57M redesign of 42nd Street to prevent terror attacks

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is investing $57 million to redesign part of West 42nd Street to prevent vehicle-based terror attacks, like the recent truck incident on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Starting next summer, the city's Department of Transportation will revamp the street between 7th and 8th avenues in the Theater District with wider sidewalks, new security bollards, and planters. As first reported by Crain's, the project also includes much-needed upgrades to aging water and sewer lines beneath the street.
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Brooklyn’s 300-year-old Lott House to become Marine Park’s first museum

All photos courtesy of Hendrick I. Lott House

February 12, 2025

Brooklyn’s 300-year-old Lott House to become Marine Park’s first museum

By Aaron Ginsburg

One of Brooklyn's oldest homes will finally open to the public. The Hendrick I. Lott House, a rare surviving example of a Dutch Colonial home in New York, is set to become a museum, offering visitors the chance to explore the historic interior for the first time. The 300-year-old home will undergo interior and structural renovations starting in early 2026 to preserve its historic charm while modernizing it, transforming it into a fully functional museum, the first in Marine Park. The museum will shed light on the neighborhood's history, the Lott family, and those who worked and lived on the farm.
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Beaux-Arts office building in the Flatiron District to become 20 luxury condos

Renderings courtesy of VMI Studios

February 12, 2025

Beaux-Arts office building in the Flatiron District to become 20 luxury condos

By Aaron Ginsburg

A former 1920s publishing house in the Flatiron District will turn into 20 boutique condos, becoming New York City's latest office-to-residential conversion. Located at 114 East 25th Street, the 14-story Beaux-Arts building—now known as Armorie—has been reimagined by developer Adellco and design firm Andre Kikoski Architecture (AKA) to preserve its historic charm while transforming it into a collection of modern, high-end residences. The condo includes one- to four-bedroom lofts, topped by a luxurious penthouse with a private rooftop terrace.
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MTA launches pilot program to connect deaf riders with ASL interpreters

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

February 11, 2025

MTA launches pilot program to connect deaf riders with ASL interpreters

By Aaron Ginsburg

Navigating the New York City subway system got a little easier for riders with hearing difficulties. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Monday announced a pilot program that instantly connects commuters who are deaf or hard of hearing with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters while using the transit system. Through the Convo Access app, riders can connect with a live interpreter to communicate with MTA employees about service changes, payments, or any transit-related questions.
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Popular Articles

Macy’s Herald Square debuts pop-up spring market

All photos courtesy of Macy’s Herald Square

February 11, 2025

Macy’s Herald Square debuts pop-up spring market

By Aaron Ginsburg

Macy's Herald Square has unveiled a new seasonal pop-up celebrating love and the arrival of spring. Open just in time for Valentine's Day, the Shops at the Square offer customers a curated assortment of unique gifts, tasty treats, and other items. Find the shops on the mezzanine level of Macy's Herald Square through April 6.
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Events & Things To Do

Trump threatens to ‘kill’ NYC’s congestion pricing law

Photo by Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

February 10, 2025

Trump threatens to ‘kill’ NYC’s congestion pricing law

By Aaron Ginsburg

President Donald Trump has renewed his attacks on New York City's congestion pricing, claiming he can use the U.S. Department of Transportation to "kill" the program. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump suggested he could withhold federal transportation funds or reopen the environmental review process that authorized the toll program. He also claimed to be in discussions with Gov. Kathy Hochul about the program's future, but declined to disclose details of at least two prior phone conversations "out of respect."
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Bird flu likely behind bird deaths at NYC zoos

Photo via WikiCommons

February 10, 2025

Bird flu likely behind bird deaths at NYC zoos

By Aaron Ginsburg

Bird flu has hit New York City zoos, with three ducks at the Queens Zoo and 12 more birds at the Bronx Zoo dying after probable exposure to the highly contagious virus. As first reported by the New York Times, the Wildlife Conservation Society, which manages the zoos, has moved vulnerable bird species to protected areas and limited exposure of other animals to wild birds. The deaths come as Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered all live bird markets in the five boroughs to temporarily close to curb the outbreak of the virus, which has affected roughly 156 million commercial, backyard, and wild birds nationwide since January 2022.
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Policy

New York designates part of Washington Heights as ‘Dominican Historic District’ despite local pushback

Credit: JJBers on Flickr

February 7, 2025

New York designates part of Washington Heights as ‘Dominican Historic District’ despite local pushback

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York officially designated a large part of Washington Heights the Dominican Historic District, sparking controversy among some local residents. As first reported by The City, the 40-block district aims to honor the neighborhood's Dominican heritage. However, some residents argue the state kept them out of the designation process, failing to recognize other ethnic groups with ties to important sites in the area. The designation was approved by a slim margin during a New York State Board for Historic Preservation meeting in September, where several community members showed up to oppose it.
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Policy

222 affordable apartments available in the South Bronx, from $454/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

February 7, 2025

222 affordable apartments available in the South Bronx, from $454/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery has launched for 222 affordable apartments at a new residential complex in the South Bronx. Located at 1001 Whitlock Avenue in Longwood, the 14-story building marks the first phase of Whitlock Point, an all-affordable development that will bring over 500 apartments to the neighborhood. New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 60, and 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $454/month for studios to $2,949/month for three bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

1,600-foot-tall office tower 350 Park Avenue prepares to enter public review

350 Park Avenue © DBOX for Foster + Partners

February 7, 2025

1,600-foot-tall office tower 350 Park Avenue prepares to enter public review

By Aaron Ginsburg

A proposed supertall office tower in Midtown East is set to enter the public review process next month, according to a land use application filed with the city this week. Vornado Realty Trust, Citadel, and Rudin Management are looking to build a 1,600-foot-tall skyscraper at 350 Park Avenue. Set to replace three existing buildings, the fully electric tower will rise 62 stories and deliver 1.8 million square feet of office space and a new public concourse. Designed by Foster + Partners, Ken Griffin's Citadel and Citadel Securities would be the tower's anchor tenants, occupying at least 850,000 square feet.
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Architecture And Design

NYC airports saw busiest year ever, Port Authority says

Current Terminal B at Newark. Credit: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Flickr

February 6, 2025

NYC airports saw busiest year ever, Port Authority says

By Aaron Ginsburg

In 2024, New York City area airports saw their busiest year ever, for the second consecutive year. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) on Tuesday revealed that John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty International (EWR), and NY Stewart International (SWF) served a record 149.9 million passengers in 2024, surpassing the 143.8 million travelers in 2023.
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Transit

NYC to redevelop Long Island City site once proposed for Amazon’s HQ2

Image via WikiCommons

February 6, 2025

NYC to redevelop Long Island City site once proposed for Amazon’s HQ2

By Aaron Ginsburg

The city is looking to redevelop three sites in Long Island City that nearly became Amazon's second headquarters. As first reported by Crain's New York, the Adams administration will release a request for expressions of interest (RFEI) this spring to redevelop 44-36 Vernon Boulevard, a longtime Department of Education property. The city is prioritizing proposals that include commercial, industrial, and community-serving tenants for the six-story building. The 672,000-square-foot warehouse was once slated to be part of Amazon's "HQ2," a sprawling campus for the retail giant, but the company withdrew its plan in 2019 after strong opposition from residents, elected officials, and community groups.
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Melba’s opens location in Grand Central Terminal

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

February 6, 2025

Melba’s opens location in Grand Central Terminal

By Aaron Ginsburg

Southern comfort food favorite Melba's is now serving a taste of Harlem in Grand Central Terminal. The 500-square-foot outpost will offer the Harlem restaurant's signature Southern comfort food from Chef Melba Wilson, including her renowned Chicken and Eggnog Waffles and Low Country Collard Greens.
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Food & Dining

City launches program to bring public art installations to NYC streets and sidewalks

Photos courtesy of May Bukowski on Flickr

February 5, 2025

City launches program to bring public art installations to NYC streets and sidewalks

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's Department of Transportation is calling upon artists to help bring some vibrancy to city streets. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Wednesday announced the launch of the NYC DOT Art Partners initiative, which invites community organizations to install temporary public art on the agency's property, including medians, triangles, sidewalks, and fully pedestrianized asphalt spaces. The agency issued a request for proposals, with submissions accepted on a rolling basis.
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Huge cultural hub with galleries, performance spaces, new library opens in Fort Greene

All photos by Gregg Richards, courtesy of Brooklyn Public Library

February 5, 2025

Huge cultural hub with galleries, performance spaces, new library opens in Fort Greene

By Aaron Ginsburg

Some of Brooklyn's most influential arts and cultural institutions have a new home in the heart of Fort Greene. L10 Arts and Cultural Center officially opened last week, bringing a 65,000-square-foot facility with gallery and performance spaces for the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Arts (MoCADA), cinemas for the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), rehearsal studios and performance space for 651 Arts, and a new Brooklyn Public Library branch to 10 Lafayette Street. The center sits within the mixed-use tower 300 Ashland Place, which opened in 2017.
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Waldorf Astoria welcomes first condo residents after renovation

All images courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria

February 5, 2025

Waldorf Astoria welcomes first condo residents after renovation

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nearly a decade in the works, the famed Waldorf Astoria is welcoming its first residents after a restoration converted the historic hotel into luxury condos. Closings have officially commenced at the landmarked Park Avenue hotel, which shuttered in 2017 as part of a revamp to bring 375 luxury condos atop a 375-key hotel. Building on the success of the first phase of sales, prospective buyers can now experience model residences designed by AD100 designer Josh Greene, with prices starting at $1,875,000 for studios.
see the residences

UN Plaza buildings to get $500M revamp

One and Two United Nations Plaza in center; United Nations Secretariat Building to the left; Photo via WikiCommons

February 4, 2025

UN Plaza buildings to get $500M revamp

By Aaron Ginsburg

Two United Nations buildings will undergo a $500 million revitalization, creating over 1,800 jobs and boosting New York City's economy by billions, New York officials announced this week. Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and the UN Development Corporation (UNDC) on Monday announced plans for the redevelopment, which will modernize One and Two United Nations Plaza—built in the 1970s and 80s—while consolidating its office space. As part of the plan, the UN has committed to long-term leases at the site.
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Real Estate Trends

City unveils design of new Hudson Square public plaza

Photo of existing Hudson-Houston Plaza by Tdorante10 on WikiCommons

February 4, 2025

City unveils design of new Hudson Square public plaza

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is moving forward with plans to turn part of a parking lot in Hudson Square into a new public plaza. The city's Parks Department, DEP, and the Hudson Square Business Improvement District this week unveiled the design for Hudson-Houston Plaza, a new 0.26-acre open space at the intersection of Hudson and Houston Streets that will provide a much-needed public area for the neighborhood while allowing for continued DEP operations below ground. The northern half of the city-owned site will become an affordable housing development, known as 388 Hudson Street.
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Architecture And Design

NYC’s best spas and saunas to beat the cold

Winter pool house at The Rockaway Hotel. Photo credit: Kelsey Campbell

February 4, 2025

NYC’s best spas and saunas to beat the cold

By Aaron Ginsburg

With winter in full swing in New York City, it can feel disheartening to think about how many weeks of bitter cold lie ahead before the first signs of spring appear. Fortunately, plenty of tranquil escapes across the city can offer the warmth and relaxation needed to make it through the season. Whether you’re looking to shake off the winter blues or treat yourself to some much-needed self-care, these NYC day spas offer the perfect retreat to warm your body and lift your spirits during the colder months.
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