All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

March 7, 2022

Explore hidden gems and lesser-known artists at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library’s new exhibit

The Hispanic Society Museum & Library has opened a new exhibition that brings attention to the wide variety of art, literature, and history from the Iberian Peninsula and South America. Curated by art historian Dr. Madeleine Haddon, Nuestra Casa: Rediscovering the Treasures of The Hispanic Society Museum & Library features select "hidden gems" from the museum's expansive collection of more than 750,000 pieces, including artworks by El Greco and Goya to masterpieces by lesser-known Latin American artists. The exhibition is open at the Washington Heights museum now through April 17.
Details this way
March 4, 2022

A luxurious wellness spa is now open on Governors Island

QC Terme Spas & Resorts' long-anticipated day spa has opened today within three historic buildings on Governors Island. QC NY is the luxury resort brand's first property outside of Europe and features relaxation rooms, themed saunas, Vichy showers, infrared beds, foot baths, hydro jets, steam baths, and other amenities meant to induce bliss. The resort will be the island's first year-round commercial tenant.
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March 3, 2022

South Brooklyn Marine Terminal to become one of nation’s largest offshore wind ports

Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced an agreement that will transform New York City's South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into one of the country's largest offshore wind ports. As part of the deal made with the city's Economic Development Corporation, Equinor, and the Sustainable South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, L.P., the terminal will become a power interconnection site for the Empire Wind 1 project, with heavy-lift platforms being built on the 39th Street Pier for use as wind turbine staging. The terminal's transformation will help the city meet its climate goal of having 100 percent clean electricity by 2040.
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March 3, 2022

Port Authority releases mass transit options as possible alternatives to LaGuardia AirTrain project

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Wednesday released a set of alternative options to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain project, a 1.5-mile elevated rail that would connect the airport with the subway system at Willets Point and link to the Long Island Rail Road. After Gov. Kathy Hochul halted the project last October and urged developers to look for alternate options, Port Authority has come up with 14 alternatives including two subway extensions, five light rail routes, five bus options, a ferry service, and options utilizing "emerging technologies."
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March 2, 2022

How Planter Rob is growing a community of plant lovers & affordable housing advocates in NYC

Plant entrepreneur Robert Jeffery, aka Planter Rob, recently teamed up with New York's largest supportive housing provider Breaking Ground and plant company The Sill to donate nearly 200 houseplants to residents of Edwin's Place, an affordable housing development in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Jeffery has also started his own "Welcome-Home Plants" program; an initiative that aims to cultivate a diverse community of plant lovers who advocate for affordable housing and reap the benefits plant care brings, like a feeling of belonging and accomplishment. As someone who once faced homelessness, Jeffery can speak on the impact plant care had on his life once he was able to have a place for himself. We spoke with Planter Rob on what influenced him to become involved with houseplants, important issues in the plant community, and how he began his work with Breaking Ground and Edwin's Place.
Meet Planter Rob and learn more about his mission
March 2, 2022

NYC’s first ‘flying theater’ RiseNY opens in Times Square

Starting Wednesday, visitors will be able to soar through the sky on an aerial tour of New York City in a flying theater. Located at 160 West 45th Street, RiseNY is a state-of-the-art virtual experience created and produced by Running Subway that takes participants on an exhilarating journey of the city skyline and cultural landmarks. The experience is a three-part journey starting with a film narrated by Jeff Goldblum, taking guests through the recreation of NYC's first subway station and delving into the city's global impact.
Details here
March 1, 2022

The New York Botanical Garden’s colorful orchid show returns for 19th year

After it was cut short due to the pandemic, the New York Botanical Garden's famed orchid exhibition is returning for its 19th year. Created by lifestyle icon and floral designer Jeff Leatham, The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope transforms the garden's historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a colorful experience reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. The orchid show is open through May 1.
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March 1, 2022

Brooklyn officials call for end of minimum parking requirements at new developments

Brooklyn officials are calling for the end of minimum parking requirements at new construction projects in transit-rich neighborhoods. Currently, developers of most new residential developments in the borough must create off-street parking spaces for both as-of-right and rezoned projects. Officials argue parking minimums disrupt the area by adding congestion, reducing walkability, and producing more carbon emissions. While changing requirements is seen as more of a long-term goal, officials on Monday voiced a temporary solution: asking the Department of City Planning to encourage developers to include special permit applications to waive parking requirements for any residential project subject to rezoning.
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February 28, 2022

40 middle-income units available at new Fordham Heights rental, from $1,539/month

A housing lottery opened last week for 40 middle-income apartments at a new residential building in the Bronx. Located at 2065-2067 Ryer Avenue in Fordham Heights, the 12-story building is being developed by the UA Builders Group. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $52,766 annually for a single person to $167,570 for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,539/month studios to $1,878/month two-bedrooms.
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February 28, 2022

For $1.8M, a ‘Folk Victorian’ style Hudson Valley home once frequented by Gilded Age celebrities

Once a boarding house frequented by celebrities of the Gilded Age, this 1867 colonial overlooking the Hudson River in Rockland County is on the market. Located at 91 River Road in Grandview, the Limont House, with six bedrooms and five-and-a-half-bathroom, is asking $1,825,000. The property, which includes a separate pool house, sits on the site of a former sandstone quarry and leads to nature trails on the former Erie Rail.
See inside
February 27, 2022

Adams to end school mask mandate, most indoor vaccine requirements on March 7

New York City will no longer require masks in public schools or proof of vaccination for indoor dining and entertainment starting March 7 if there is no spike in Covid-19 cases before then, Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday. The announcement comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul lifted the indoor mask mandate statewide for schools. In addition to ending the mask mandate in schools, Adams said the "Key to NYC' initiative, which has required proof of vaccination at restaurants, bars, gyms, and indoor entertainment venues since August, will also be lifted. An official decision is expected on March 4.
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February 25, 2022

Hochul says 190 homes at Inwood Tower will remain affordable for next 30 years

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced an agreement with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYHCR) to preserve affordability for 30 years for 190 households at Inwood Tower, a Mitchell-Lama cooperative development in Washington Heights. By terms of the agreement, NYHCR will grant the co-op a $7.6 million subsidy loan that the development will use for essential repairs. With this grant, the state has ensured that more than 22,000 Mitchell-Lama apartments remain affordable for low and moderate-income New Yorkers as part of its five-year housing plan.
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February 24, 2022

NYC reaches $2.25M settlement with notorious Crown Heights landlord duo

Mayor Eric Adams and New York Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday announced a $2.25 million settlement against Gennaro Brooks-Church and Loretta Gendville, who attempted to illegally evict tenants at their Brooklyn property during the pandemic in violation of the state's moratorium, and reportedly ran an illegal hotel operation over the course of several years. By terms of the settlement, the property located at 1214 Dean Street in Crown Heights will be turned over to the city and transformed into affordable housing, with the previous owners paying $250,000 in fines.
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February 23, 2022

See the luxury condo towers coming to one of Greenpoint’s remaining waterfront parcels

A new luxury residential project is set to rise on one of Greenpoint's few remaining vacant waterfront parcels. First spotted last month by CityRealty, The Huron is a two-tower condo development featuring 171 units ranging from studios to four bedrooms. Developed by Quadrum Global, the two towers boast eight exposures that maximize waterfront views and 30,000 square feet of amenity space, including an indoor saltwater pool overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
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February 23, 2022

MTA to test platform barriers at 3 stations in Manhattan and Queens

After the tragic killing of a subway rider pushed in front of a train earlier this month, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has finally heeded the calls of transit advocates and New Yorkers and will be testing platform doors at three stations in Manhattan and Queens. The MTA will be piloting the barriers at Times Square on the 7 line, at Third Avenue on the L line, and at Sutphin Boulevard/JFK on the E line, as MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber told NY1 Wednesday morning.
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February 22, 2022

NYC begins effort to ‘harden’ 20 miles of protected bike lanes

The New York City Department of Transportation is implementing new strategies to keep cyclists safe while navigating the hectic city streets. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Friday announced the start of a new project that will fortify half of all delineator-protected bike lanes in NYC, which better protects cyclists and keeps lanes clear of vehicles. Originally set to be completed within the first 100 days of Rodriguez's term, as Streetsblog reported, the city now aims to harden 20 of the city's 40 miles of delineator-protected bike lines by the end of 2023.
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February 22, 2022

Apply for 95 middle-income units at Jamaica rental with sweeping skyline views, from $1,550/month

Nearly 100 new middle-income units are up for grabs at a new residential tower in Queens. Located at 160-05 Archer Ave in Jamaica, One Archer provides its residents with easy access to Manhattan and a wide variety of amenities, including a rooftop with impressive views. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $54,858 annually for a single person or $167,570 annually for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,550/month studios to $2,345/month two-bedrooms.
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February 18, 2022

Apply for 125 mixed-income units on Greenpoint’s waterfront, from $1,437/month

A housing lottery opened this week for 125 mixed-income units at a new residential tower on the Brooklyn waterfront. Located at 1 Bell Slip in Greenpoint, the 31-story building offers its residents a host of luxury-style amenities and breathtaking views of the city skyline. New Yorkers earning 80, 125, and 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,437/month studios to $3,397/month two-bedrooms.
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February 17, 2022

See inside the swanky 37th-floor amenity space at Nomad’s Rose Hill tower

A brand new amenity space offering residents breathtaking views of New York City and a host of luxurious conveniences has been unveiled at the Rockefeller Group's first-ever residential tower. "Top of the Hill" is on the 37th floor of Rose Hill, a new 45-story Art Deco-style tower in Nomad. Boasting 360-degree city views, the high-floor amenity space also includes a library curated by The Strand, a private dining room, and two covered outdoor lounges.
Take a look
February 17, 2022

Live like Midge Maisel in this 60s-themed suite at the Plaza, starting at $1,675/night

With the highly anticipated fourth season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel set to hit Amazon Prime Video this Friday, New York City's iconic Plaza Hotel is giving fans of the show the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Midge Maisel. The Plaza has recreated Midge's aesthetic within a one-bedroom suite, furnished with antiques and accouterments straight from the 1950s and 60s. As part of the event, The Palm Court at The Plaza has created the "Midge Menu," which reimagines the three-tiered afternoon tea tradition and includes NYC classics like pastrami sandwiches on rye, black and white cookies reimagined as macarons, and Nutella babka cheesecake.
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February 16, 2022

Free walking tour of the Flatiron District explores the neighborhood’s presidential history

To celebrate Presidents Day weekend, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is hosting a free special walking tour that explores the connection between U.S. presidents and the rich history of the Flatiron District. On February 20 at 11 a.m., tour guide Mike Kaback will embark on a 90-minute tour with guests, pointing out landmarks and providing context on how former presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant are tied to the historic area.
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February 15, 2022

Lottery opens for middle-income units at new Bronx rental near Yankee Stadium, from $1,600/month

A housing lottery opened this week for 32 middle-income units in a new 10-story residential building in the Bronx. Located at 1073 Summit Avenue in Highbridge, the building is designed by Marin Architects and developed by Stagg Group. New Yorkers earning 120 percent of the area median income, or between $54,858 annually for a single person to $154,680 annually for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the units, priced at $1,600/month for studios, $1,700/month for one-bedrooms, and $1,900/month for two-bedrooms.
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February 14, 2022

NYC borough presidents call on Adams to plant one million new trees by 2030

All five of New York City's borough presidents are calling on Mayor Eric Adams to improve the city's green spaces by planting one million new trees by 2030. During a joint press conference on Monday, Borough Presidents Mark Levine, Antonio Reynoso, Vanessa Gibson, Donovan Richards, and Vito Fossella introduced the "Million More Trees" initiative, a program first started by former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and completed by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2015. Also included as part of the initiative is the goal of increasing the city's tree canopy to 30 percent by 2035.
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