All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

NYC cultural landmarks and public libraries will distribute free at-home Covid testing kits

Image courtesy of Gerardo Romo/NYC Council Media Unit on Flickr

February 14, 2022

NYC cultural landmarks and public libraries will distribute free at-home Covid testing kits

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The NYC Test & Trace Corps has partnered with 14 city cultural sites and 27 branches of the city's public libraries to hand out free at-home covid-19 testing kits. Starting on February 14, libraries across the city's three branches and cultural sites will be conducting weekly walk-up distributions of the free kits, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis with a limit of one per person.
Find out more about free at-home test kits
Host your next grand event at this $34M Southampton mansion

All images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

February 11, 2022

Host your next grand event at this $34M Southampton mansion

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This luxurious Hamptons property contains all the amenities and space anyone could ever need, and more. Located at 63 Duck Pond Lane in Southampton, the nine-bedroom estate has second-floor ocean views and offers a resort-style lifestyle via its heated pools, fitness center, and tennis court. From the massive outdoor LED screen that emerges from underground to the home theater with seats for 16, this mansion is perfect for hosting viewing parties for the Super Bowl, Olympics, or whatever event deserves an audience. The newly-built, two-acre estate is asking for $33,900,000.
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Apply for 248 mixed-income units at new Passive House tower in the South Bronx, from $362/month

Rendering courtesy of Trinity Financial

February 11, 2022

Apply for 248 mixed-income units at new Passive House tower in the South Bronx, from $362/month

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A housing lottery opened this week for 248 mixed-income apartments in the Bronx. Located at 425 Grand Concourse in Mott Haven, the 26-story mixed-use, mixed-income development is designed to meet Passive House standards and is one of the largest to be built in the United States. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 70, 100, and 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the units, which range from $362/month studios to $2,676/month three-bedrooms.
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New MCNY photo exhibition is a love letter to NYC

Pablo Delano, “Dancers at Dominican Day Parade,” Midtown, 1994-1995. Museum of the City of New York, 20211.15.15. Courtesy of Pablo Delano

February 11, 2022

New MCNY photo exhibition is a love letter to NYC

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A photo installation that captures the essence of New York City is opening this month. The Museum of the City of New York will open the new exhibition, "Celebrating the City: Recent Acquisitions from the Joy of Giving Something," on February 18. The series features roughly 100 photographs selected from more than 1,000 that were recently gifted to the East Harlem museum by Joy of Giving Something, a non-profit organization devoted to photography.
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New York lawmakers call for investigation into soaring ConEd bills in NYC

Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash

February 10, 2022

New York lawmakers call for investigation into soaring ConEd bills in NYC

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New York City residents are outraged after receiving electricity bills with astonishing price spikes, some by 300 percent of their normal rate. After receiving hundreds of calls from concerned New Yorkers over their skyrocketing electricity bills, elected officials are calling on the state's Public Service Commission (PSC) to launch an investigation into the sudden price increase among ConEd customers.
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A permanent immersive art center will open inside a Lower Manhattan landmark this summer

Image courtesy of Culturespaces / Eric Spiller

February 9, 2022

A permanent immersive art center will open inside a Lower Manhattan landmark this summer

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A permanent museum dedicated to immersive art experiences will open this summer in Lower Manhattan. Dubbed Hall des Lumières, the art center will take over the former Emigrant Industrial Saving Bank building across from City Hall and feature animated and glowing 30-foot displays of famous paintings. Developed by French museum operator Culturespaces and IMG, the center's inaugural installation will be Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion, "a thematic journey through the golden, sensuous and revolutionary art of the Viennese painter," according to a press release.
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Hochul lifts New York’s indoor mask mandate

Photo: Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

February 9, 2022

Hochul lifts New York’s indoor mask mandate

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Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced New York will be following in the footsteps of New Jersey and California and dropping its indoor mask mandate. The mandate, which required all businesses to verify proof of full vaccination or require mask-wearing, was set to expire on Thursday. Masks will still be required in schools, childcare centers, health care facilities, and public spaces like subways, trains, buses, and airports.
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With $50M redevelopment, MetroTech Center will become ‘Brooklyn Commons’

Rendering courtesy of Brookfield Properties

February 8, 2022

With $50M redevelopment, MetroTech Center will become ‘Brooklyn Commons’

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Brookfield Properties today announced the rebranding of the MetroTech Center in Downtown Brooklyn to Brooklyn Commons. The $50 million redevelopment project aims to modernize the property through the renovation of several of the office buildings within the campus, upgrades to the central public park space, and a year-round arts and event program that will be free and open to the public.
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MTA to roll out fare-capping pilot program for OMNY this month

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

February 8, 2022

MTA to roll out fare-capping pilot program for OMNY this month

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In an effort to get riders back on the New York City subway system, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has introduced a pilot fare-capping program that they believe will be "more affordable, more flexible, and more fair." Starting on February 28, subway or bus riders who use the OMNY contactless payment system 12 times within a seven-day period will be automatically upgraded to an unlimited pass for the rest of that week. The fare-capping program will last for at least four months.
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New Jersey will end mask mandate in schools in March

Image courtesy of Josue Lora/NJ Governor’s Office on Flickr

February 7, 2022

New Jersey will end mask mandate in schools in March

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New Jersey's school mask mandate that's been in effect since September 2020 will end March 7, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Monday. The state mandate required all students, staff, and visitors to wear face coverings while inside New Jersey school facilities. School districts can choose to keep the mandates in place, but the statewide requirement will be lifted. The mandate's removal comes as positive tests and hospitalizations have dropped significantly statewide and the rate of vaccinations continues to rise.
Read more here
How to celebrate Black History Month 2022 in New York City

“Renaming Project” Exhibition, Photo Credit: Daniel Avila / NYC Parks

February 7, 2022

How to celebrate Black History Month 2022 in New York City

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In the United States, February is a month dedicated to the celebration of African American history and culture. Ahead find a variety of events to commemorate Black History Month in New York City, ranging from community service and walking tours to jazz concerts and live performances.
Full list ahead
New Morris-Jumel Mansion photo exhibit preserves the faces of historic Washington Heights

“Children on 162nd Street.” Gliclée print on archival fiber paper, 1901 (re-print 2021), Courtesy of the descendants of the Ettlinger Family.

February 7, 2022

New Morris-Jumel Mansion photo exhibit preserves the faces of historic Washington Heights

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One of New York City's most historically significant neighborhoods is getting the attention it deserves in a new museum exhibition. The landmarked museum Morris-Jumel Mansion last month opened History Now, a collection of photographs by local artist Rose Deler that features large-format, black and white film portraits depicting the residents and architecture from the Jumel Terrace Historic District in Washington Heights. The exhibition will be open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 3.
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Late-night cocktail bar ‘Peakaboo’ to open on the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards

Image courtesy of Charissa Fay

February 4, 2022

Late-night cocktail bar ‘Peakaboo’ to open on the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards

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A new high-end cocktail bar is opening this weekend on the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards, just above the sky-high observation deck Edge. Located within the David Rockwell-designed restaurant Peak, "Peakaboo" is an upscale bar offering guests a nightlife experience complete with a live DJ and incredible views of the city. Run by hospitality group RHC and set to open on February 5, Peakaboo will feature a unique selection of food and drink that builds off of Peak's menus.
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Penthouse at 15 Hudson Yards hits rental market for $70K/month, a new record for the neighborhood

Photo courtesy of Rich Caplan. Image is virtually staged

February 4, 2022

Penthouse at 15 Hudson Yards hits rental market for $70K/month, a new record for the neighborhood

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A never-lived-in-before luxury penthouse in Hudson Yards has been listed for $70,000/month, a record-breaking asking rent for the neighborhood. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom apartment is on the 87th floor of 15 Hudson Yards, a 914-foot-tall tower designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Measuring over 5,000 square feet, the unit is one of the largest residences in Hudson Yards. The massive apartment is the result of combining two units, 87C and 87D, which were purchased by the same private buyer pre-construction, combined, and renovated. The previous most expensive rental in the area was last asking $32,000/month.
Get the tour
Brooklyn’s Grand Prospect Hall to be replaced with luxury apartments

Image courtesy of Michael Roberto on Wikimedia

February 3, 2022

Brooklyn’s Grand Prospect Hall to be replaced with luxury apartments

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Brooklyn's cherished 119-year-old Grand Prospect Hall will be replaced with a new luxury apartment building. The Victorian-era banquet hall located at 263 Prospect Avenue in Greenwood Heights was owned for over 40 years by Michael and Alice Halkias, who captured the attention of New Yorkers through their over-the-top television commercials advertising the hall. As first reported by Yimby, permits were filed last month for a 147-unit apartment building at the site with 180 underground parking spaces, recreational spaces, and a fitness room.
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Lottery opens for 117 affordable units at health-focused complex in Brownsville, from $959/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

February 3, 2022

Lottery opens for 117 affordable units at health-focused complex in Brownsville, from $959/month

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Applications are now being accepted for 117 newly constructed apartments in Brooklyn. Located at 535 East 98th Street in Brownsville, Vital Brookdale is a health-focused mixed-use residential development that is part of New York State's Vital Brooklyn Initiative, an ongoing program for underserved communities in Central Brooklyn. New Yorkers earning 50, 60, and 80 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the units, which range from $959/month studios to $2,320/month three-bedrooms.
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NYC commission withholds support for Hochul’s plan to rebuild Penn Station

Rendering courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

February 2, 2022

NYC commission withholds support for Hochul’s plan to rebuild Penn Station

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Gov. Kathy Hochul's massive redevelopment plan of Penn Station hit a roadblock last week. The City Planning Commission said it will withhold support for Hochul's new transit hub due to uncertainties over funding and a lack of improvement to transit and the public realm. Before the city recommends its full support, the project's planners must resolve these issues, as the commission wrote in a letter to the Empire State Development Corporation.
Details here
Magnolia Bakery opens new location in Hudson Yards

The new Hudson Yards location. Image courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

February 2, 2022

Magnolia Bakery opens new location in Hudson Yards

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New York's iconic Magnolia Bakery opened its eighth New York City location at The Shops at Hudson Yards last week. The new 600-square-foot store is located on the fourth floor of the massive mall and will offer the signature treats for which the bakery is known, like their famous banana pudding and cupcakes, including limited-edition items.
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NYC-area transit agencies seek ways to restore ridership post-Covid

Image courtesy of Patrick Cashin / MTA New York City Transit

February 1, 2022

NYC-area transit agencies seek ways to restore ridership post-Covid

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New York City-area transit agencies are looking for ways to restore public transit ridership to the levels they were before the pandemic. The MTA, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NJ Transit, the city's Department of Transportation, and the Partnership for NYC announced on Monday the fourth round of the Transit Tech Lab, a program that aims to find solutions to problems facing the city's public transportation system. The agencies put forth two challenges; the first is a solution to help the public transit system recover from Covid-19 and restore its ridership to pre-pandemic levels. The second is a sustainability challenge, looking for innovations that will better prepare the transit system against extreme weather conditions while leaving less of a carbon footprint.
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New food hall at Pier 57 will be curated by the James Beard Foundation

Image courtesy of S9 Architecture

January 31, 2022

New food hall at Pier 57 will be curated by the James Beard Foundation

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The culinary nonprofit organization the James Beard Foundation (JBF) announced on Friday they will be the anchor tenant of Pier 57's new food hall, which is set to open in the fall of 2022. The food hall will be developed in cooperation with real estate and development firm Jamestown, which will work with the JBF to curate vendors and manage it for Google.
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New York requests additional $1.6B in federal rent assistance

Photo by Jonathan Riley on Unsplash

January 28, 2022

New York requests additional $1.6B in federal rent assistance

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Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday the state has requested an additional $1.6 billion from the United States Department of Treasury to help fund the state's Emergency Rental Assistance program. Although $1.4 billion has been distributed to New Yorkers struggling to pay rent due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are nearly 174,000 tenants whose applications to the state's program have not yet been fulfilled, according to the governor.
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See NYC’s latest Flatiron Building lookalike, the Nova in Long Island City

All images courtesy of Fogarty Finger and Hypertecture

January 28, 2022

See NYC’s latest Flatiron Building lookalike, the Nova in Long Island City

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Queens is getting its own Flatiron Building lookalike in Long Island City. Designed by Fogarty Finger, The Nova is a 24-story mixed-use high-rise located on a triangular plot of land, giving way to a curved structure that evokes the Manhattan landmark. Slated to open in September, the luxury tower has 86 condominium units and ground-floor retail.
See more here
Lottery opens for 134 apartments at new waterfront rental in Mott Haven, from $1,795/month

Rendering courtesy of ArX Solutions

January 26, 2022

Lottery opens for 134 apartments at new waterfront rental in Mott Haven, from $1,795/month

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A housing lottery opened this week for 134 middle-income units at a new development in the South Bronx. Developed by Brookfield Properties, Third at Bankside is the first phase of Bankside, the most expensive private development in Bronx history. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,795/month studios to $2,900/month two-bedrooms.
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See inside NYC’s new luxury condo Flatiron House, where gardens bloom into apartments

Rendering courtesy of Wordsearch

January 25, 2022

See inside NYC’s new luxury condo Flatiron House, where gardens bloom into apartments

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Sales launched this week at a new luxury condo building in the Flatiron District that utilizes biophilic design principles. Designed by COOKFOX Architects, Flatiron House, located at 39 West 23rd Street, incorporates nature into its appearance, including planted and irrigated Juliet balconies and a lush central garden. Developed by Anbau Development, Flatiron House contains 44 total residences, priced between $1.98 million and $13 million.
See more here
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