All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

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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Here are the library books New Yorkers borrowed the most in 2024

Photo credit: Peter Frasco/ The New York Public Library

December 18, 2024

Here are the library books New Yorkers borrowed the most in 2024

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New York City's three public library systems revealed the annual most borrowed books of 2024. Across all three of the systems—the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library—the most checked-out title was "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin, followed by "Happy Place" by Emily Henry and "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yaros.
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Breuer Building up for individual, interior landmark designation

Image via WikiCommons

December 17, 2024

Breuer Building up for individual, interior landmark designation

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The interiors of the Whitney Museum's former Brutalist home may be preserved ahead of a planned renovation. The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to calendar the Breuer Building at 945 Madison Avenue for consideration as an individual and interior landmark. Calendaring comes as the auction house Sotheby's prepares to relocate its headquarters to the Marcel Breuer-designed building; news of a renovation set to begin next year prompted preservationists to urge the agency to landmark the interiors.
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17 ways to celebrate Hanukkah in NYC

Credit: Brookfield Place

December 17, 2024

17 ways to celebrate Hanukkah in NYC

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With Hanukkah coinciding with Christmas this year, New York City is transforming into a festive hub of holiday celebrations. This year, the Festival of Lights begins at sunset on Wednesday, December 25, and lasts until sunset on Thursday, January 2. Across the five boroughs, there are many ways to enjoy the eight-night holiday, from menorah lighting celebrations to live music performances. Ahead, discover ways to celebrate Hanukkah in the Big Apple, from competing giant menorah lightings to live klezmer band performances at Brookfield Place.
Find ways to celebrate ahead
MTA to start retiring subway trains with retro orange-and-yellow seats in 2025

Photo by David Goehring on Flickr

December 16, 2024

MTA to start retiring subway trains with retro orange-and-yellow seats in 2025

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The New York City subway system's classic orange-and-yellow seat cars are entering their twilight years, set to begin gradually disappearing from the tracks in 2025. Starting next year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plans to slowly retire the R46, R62, and R68 subway cars—part of the MTA's "B Division" fleet—known for their colorful L-shaped, back-to-back seating, according to PIX11. The outdated cars will be replaced with the new R211 cars, as outlined in an NYC Transit order form.
here's why
Citi Bike to expand in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx next fall

Credit: Elvert Barnes on Flickr

December 16, 2024

Citi Bike to expand in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx next fall

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Citi Bike is set for a major expansion, bringing the bike-share service to 900,000 more New Yorkers in the outer boroughs. Mayor Eric Adams on Friday announced that starting in the fall of 2025, Citi Bike will roll out to underserved neighborhoods like Brownsville and Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, Norwood and Riverdale in the Bronx, and areas west of Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The expansion will also add docking stations in high-demand areas to accommodate growing ridership.
See where Citi Bike is expanding
Upper East Side luxury rental opens lottery for 33 apartments, from $914/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 16, 2024

Upper East Side luxury rental opens lottery for 33 apartments, from $914/month

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A new luxury rental on the Upper East Side launched a housing lottery last week for 33 mixed-income apartments. As a modern interpretation of Manhattan's Art Deco buildings, The Delecor at 250 East 83rd Street in Yorkville offers a pre-war-inspired design with 128 apartments and 25,000 square feet of residential amenities, including a rooftop lounge and indoor pool. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, priced from $914/month for studios to $4,020/month for two bedrooms.
Learn if you qualify
New Brooklyn Public Library exhibit features rare photographs of James Baldwin flourishing in Turkey

Baldwin sitting in a Triumph Herald on the Bosphorus Ferry © Sedat Pakay

December 13, 2024

New Brooklyn Public Library exhibit features rare photographs of James Baldwin flourishing in Turkey

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The Brooklyn Public Library is celebrating the centennial of civil rights activist and writer James Baldwin’s birth with a special exhibition of never-before-seen photographs. Called "Turkey Saved My Life - Baldwin in Istanbul, 1961-1971," the installation features photographs by Turkish photographer Sedat Pakay that shed light on a fertile period in Baldwin’s life when he traveled to the country to distance himself from the racism and homophobia present in America. The exhibition is on view in the lobby of the Central Library through February 28, 2025.
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NYC is selling more ‘Cornelia Street’ signs on Taylor Swift’s birthday

Credit: NYC DOT

December 13, 2024

NYC is selling more ‘Cornelia Street’ signs on Taylor Swift’s birthday

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Here's a chance to make the Swiftie in your life very happy this holiday season. Back by popular demand, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is selling a limited quantity of authentic, commemorative Cornelia Street signs as part of its monthly "sign drops." The signs, which cost $75, will be available for purchase starting Friday, December 13 at 12:13 p.m., coinciding with the pop star's birthday. Taylor Swift once rented a home on the Greenwich Village street, which she name-dropped in her 2019 song "Cornelia Street."
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NYC has seized 73,000+ ‘ghost cars’ and illegal vehicles during Adams administration

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

December 12, 2024

NYC has seized 73,000+ ‘ghost cars’ and illegal vehicles during Adams administration

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New York City is cracking down on cars with illegal plates and other untraceable vehicles. Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced that a new task force made up of the city's police department (NYPD) and Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has removed over 7,500 "ghost cars"—vehicles with forged or altered license plates that evade traffic cameras and toll readers—and 27,000 unregistered motorized vehicles in just 12 weeks. Since the start of the Adams administration, more than 73,000 ghost cars and illegal motorized vehicles have been seized.
details here
The duplex apartment in Paul Rudolph’s Modulightor Building may be landmarked

Exterior photo courtesy of the Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture; interior photo courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

December 12, 2024

The duplex apartment in Paul Rudolph’s Modulightor Building may be landmarked

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A year ago, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Modulightor Building, a Midtown East building designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph, as a New York City landmark. Now, the agency will consider landmarking the interior of the building as well. On Tuesday, the agency voted to calendar a duplex apartment on the third and fourth floors of 246 East 58th Street designed by Rudolph. According to the commission, the apartment is a "complex, multi-layered late modern residential interior unlike any in New York City."
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