All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

80+ free outdoor performances happening in Times Square this summer

Images courtesy of the Times Square Alliance

April 20, 2023

80+ free outdoor performances happening in Times Square this summer

New York City's annual celebration of its diverse creative community returns to Times Square this May. Hosted by the Times Square Alliance, TSQ Live will offer over 80 free, open-air performances at plazas throughout the neighborhood, allowing performers to show their craft on one of the world's most public stages. Running through September, TSQ Live features a variety of events, including live DJ sets, concerts, and dance performances from NYC institutions like Carnegie Hall, Pioneer Works, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
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Events & Things To Do

Live in Kendall Roy’s luxurious UES penthouse as seen on ‘Succession,’ now for $29M

All photos courtesy of Sean Hemmerle

April 19, 2023

Live in Kendall Roy’s luxurious UES penthouse as seen on ‘Succession,’ now for $29M

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here is a chance to own Kendall Roy's luxurious penthouse featured on the latest episode of HBO's "Succession" for a discounted price of $29,000,000. Located at 180 East 88th Street, the stunning triplex five-bedroom residence is the tallest home north of 72nd Street on the Upper East Side. The penthouse measures 5,508 square feet with 3,501 square feet of exterior terrace space across its three floors. The astounding penthouse first hit the market in September 2022 for $33,000,000 as 6sqft previously reported.
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Distinctive Homes

Ancient Egypt and South Central L.A. meet in monumental installation on the Met’s roof

Lauren Halsey (American, b.1987) Installation view of The Roof Garden Commission: Lauren Halsey, “the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture(I),”2022 ©Lauren Halsey. Courtesy of the artist; David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles/New York. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photo by Hyla Skopitz

April 19, 2023

Ancient Egypt and South Central L.A. meet in monumental installation on the Met’s roof

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's latest rooftop commission brings to life the history of South Central Los Angeles with the use of ancient Egyptian architecture. Created by artist and activist Lauren Halsey, "the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (I)" consists of a cube-like structure that rises 22 feet tall and has more than 750 glass-fiber-reinforced concrete tiles, surrounded by four columns and four sphinxes. Located on the museum's Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, the towering structure provides a new perspective of Central Park and the city skyline through an open ceiling and large entryways.
Learn more here

Events & Things To Do

Luxury rental in Long Island City launches lottery for 48 middle-income units, from $2,896/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

April 19, 2023

Luxury rental in Long Island City launches lottery for 48 middle-income units, from $2,896/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A luxury rental in Long Island City is now accepting applications for 48 below-market-rate units. Located at 27-10 44th Drive in the Court Square section of the neighborhood, 8 Court Square rises 20 stories, contains 157 apartments, 10,000 square feet of retail, and sits across the street from four subway lines. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $99,292 annually for a single person and $187,330 for a household of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which include $2,896/month studios, $3,094/month one-bedrooms, and $3,689/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

IKEA to release reimagined vintage-inspired collection for its 80th anniversary

Images courtesy of IKEA

April 18, 2023

IKEA to release reimagined vintage-inspired collection for its 80th anniversary

By Aaron Ginsburg

In celebration of its 80th anniversary, IKEA is launching a new collection that honors its past. The beloved Swedish furniture retailer is releasing the "Nytillverkad" collection, a "loud, colorful, and fun" assortment of vintage-inspired furniture, bedding, and accessories that offers a new take on classic IKEA pieces. Starting this July, the company will launch a series of selected products from its design archive that are reimagined for today, with fresh, vibrant colors and materials.
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Queens’ iconic New York State Pavilion will be illuminated every night

Photos courtesy of NYC Parks / Daniel Avila

April 18, 2023

Queens’ iconic New York State Pavilion will be illuminated every night

By Aaron Ginsburg

Queens' famous New York State Pavilion will now illuminate the sky every night. The city's Parks Department this week announced the completion of the first phase of the restoration of Flushing Meadow-Corona Park's iconic NYS Pavilion. As part of the $24 million restoration, the city installed new dynamic architectural lighting on the Philip Johnson-designed Tent of Tomorrow and Towers, which will be lit every night, with varying schedules for holidays and special events.
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Architecture And Design

Hearst Plaza design by Clint Ramos. Rendering by Evan Alexander

April 17, 2023

Lincoln Center’s summer arts festival to feature free events and garden-like outdoor spaces

By Aaron Ginsburg

A three-month-long arts festival will return to Lincoln Center this summer, with its iconic campus transformed into a botanical-inspired oasis. After a successful debut season last year, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts announced on Monday the second annual "Summer for the City" festival, which will feature hundreds of free events and thousands of artists across 16 acres of outdoor space from June to August. And for the first time in its history, Lincoln Center's outdoor spaces will be reimagined by a single designer: Creative director and designer Clint Ramos.
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Events & Things To Do

Knicks, Nets, Devils, Islanders, and Rangers all in playoffs for the first time since 1994

Image via WikiCommons

April 17, 2023

Knicks, Nets, Devils, Islanders, and Rangers all in playoffs for the first time since 1994

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York-area sports fans rejoice: All five local hockey and basketball teams made the playoffs this year for the first time in nearly 30 years. The Knicks, Nets, Devils, Rangers, and Islanders are kicking off their postseasons, the first time all teams have been in the playoffs together since 1994 when the Rangers won the Stanley Cup and the Knicks lost to the Houston Rockets in a seven-game series in the NBA Finals.
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A majority of NYC’s rent-stabilized tenants spent over a third of income on housing last year

Image courtesy of edwardhblake on Flickr

April 14, 2023

A majority of NYC’s rent-stabilized tenants spent over a third of income on housing last year

By Aaron Ginsburg

Most of New York City's one million rent-stabilized tenants paid roughly a third or more of their income on rent in 2022, a new report found. According to the city's Rent Guideline Board's annual "Income and Affordability Study" released on Thursday, more than half of tenants in stabilized apartments spent at least 32.2 percent of their income on rent, as Gothamist first reported. Tenants who spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent are considered rent burdened, according to federal guidelines.
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Policy

Brooklyn’s borough-wide ‘bookstore crawl’ is back

Photo of Powerhouse Arena in Dumbo by Wgreaves on Flickr

April 14, 2023

Brooklyn’s borough-wide ‘bookstore crawl’ is back

By Aaron Ginsburg

The beloved Brooklyn Bookstore Crawl is returning to the borough for its largest outing yet. The event, which kicks off on April 22 and runs through Independent Bookstore Day on April 29, invites bookworms to visit the 25 book shops participating in this year's crawl for a chance to win prizes while supporting local businesses.
Bookworms, this way

Events & Things To Do

Art installation offers rare look inside Bushwick’s historic William Ulmer Brewery

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new immersive art installation in Brooklyn lets visitors inside New York City's first landmarked brewery building before it undergoes a major restoration. Located in the abandoned William Ulmer Brewery in Bushwick, the experience by artist Aaron Asis, dubbed Ulmer: Conveyance, invites guests to tour the "raw and dormant state" of the brewery through several installations and performances both on the upper levels and the rarely accessed basement levels. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place on April 15, 16, and 22 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Events & Things To Do

New York City hires its first-ever ‘rat czar’

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 13, 2023

New York City hires its first-ever ‘rat czar’

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City has finally found the rat vanquisher it's been looking for. Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday appointed Kathleen Corradi as the city's first-ever director of rodent mitigation, also referred to as the "rat czar." Corradi, who will earn $155,000, will work with city government agencies, community organizations, and private sector companies to effectively reduce the rat population across the five boroughs.
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Apply for 79 affordable apartments in the South Bronx, from $410/month

Image courtesy of Aufgang Architects

April 13, 2023

Apply for 79 affordable apartments in the South Bronx, from $410/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 79 affordable units at a new residential development in the South Bronx. Located at 1007 Union Avenue in Morrisania, Victory Commons offers residents supportive services, amenities, and a church sanctuary housed within the preexisting Victory Baptist Church. New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 70, and 80 percent of the area median income, or between $17,452 annually for a single person and $132,400 for a household of seven, can apply for the units, which range from $410/month studios to $2,252/month three bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

New NYC subway announcements recorded by children with autism

Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

April 12, 2023

New NYC subway announcements recorded by children with autism

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City subway commuters will be guided by announcements recorded by young New Yorkers in recognition of World Autism Awareness Month. To bring attention to the millions of people living with autism worldwide, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and INCLUDEnyc invited children with autism to record subway announcements that both encourage straphangers to follow transit rules and remind them of Autism Awareness Month. The recordings are playing in select subway stations through Sunday, April 30.
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April 11, 2023

8 best spots to roller skate in New York City

By Aaron Ginsburg

Once the winter months melt away and spring rolls around, New Yorkers swap ice skates for roller skates. New York City is home to lots of fun spots to roller skate, from funky roller discos to chill, laid-back rinks perfect for practice laps. Ahead, find some of the city's best roller skating rinks, from the retro-themed Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace at Rockefeller Center to scenic skating in Prospect Park.
Let's skate

Events & Things To Do

‘Miss Subways’ contest returns to NYC for first time since 2019

2018 Miss Subways. Photo courtesy of Phil Buehler

April 11, 2023

‘Miss Subways’ contest returns to NYC for first time since 2019

By Aaron Ginsburg

After years of hiatus due to the pandemic, the Miss Subways contest is returning to New York City. Hosted by the City Reliquary Museum, the event is an adaptation of the historic beauty contest hosted by the city from 1941 to 1976, and a rejection of traditional beauty standards associated with the original competition. Taking place in Coney Island this year, the event features underground talent who will present a performance portraying their relationship with the NYC subway system. The pageant will take place at Coney Island USA's Sideshows by the Seashore Theater on Friday, April 28.
Who will be crowned Miss Subways 2023?

Events & Things To Do

Leasing kicks off at the Brooklyn Tower, luxury rentals priced from $3,965/month

Photo courtesy of Evan Joseph

April 10, 2023

Leasing kicks off at the Brooklyn Tower, luxury rentals priced from $3,965/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Leasing has launched for market-rate rental units in Brooklyn's tallest tower. Located in Downtown Brooklyn, the 93-story Brooklyn Tower offers residences designed by award-winning Gachot Studios and over 120,000 square feet of luxury amenities, including three outdoor pools surrounding the dome of the historic Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn. Rentals start at $3,965/month for studios, $5,075/month for one-bedrooms, and $7,100/month for two-bedrooms.
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NYC will create 20 ‘micro’ delivery hubs this summer to reduce truck traffic

Photo by carlfbagge on Flickr

April 10, 2023

NYC will create 20 ‘micro’ delivery hubs this summer to reduce truck traffic

By Aaron Ginsburg

Starting this summer, New York City will create new hubs to make package delivery more sustainable and efficient, while also reducing truck congestion. As part of a pilot program announced by the Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, the new "microhubs" include dedicated curbside or off-street locations for trucks to unload packages onto smaller, energy-efficient vehicles or human-powered transportation like bikes and hand carts that will bring deliveries to their destination.
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This art installation makes it look like visitors are climbing a four-story NYC brownstone

Photo by Gus Powell, courtesy of the Liberty Science Center

April 7, 2023

This art installation makes it look like visitors are climbing a four-story NYC brownstone

By Aaron Ginsburg

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Jersey City's Liberty Science Center is launching one of its most ambitious exhibitions yet. The center is kicking off its Big Art initiative, a new art program with two inaugural installations by Argentine conceptual artist Leandro Erlich and Brooklyn-based artist and Pioneer Works founder Dustin Yellin. Titled The Building, Erlich's interactive installation features a model of a New York City brownstone on the ground, allowing visitors to climb across its facade and pretend to hang from the fire escapes. A giant mirror reflects the scene, creating an optical illusion.
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Events & Things To Do

What you need to know about the 2023 Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival in NYC

Photo courtesy of Phil Roeder on Flickr

April 7, 2023

What you need to know about the 2023 Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

A procession of marchers wearing vibrantly over-the-top bonnets will take over Fifth Avenue on Sunday. Hosted by the Fifth Avenue Association, New York City's annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival takes place on April 9 between East 49th to East 57th Street. New Yorkers are invited to watch as revelers march up Fifth Avenue while showing off their most intricate bonnets and outfits. Here is everything you need to know about one of NYC's age-old traditions, the Easter Parade.
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Events & Things To Do

April 6, 2023

Daniel Libeskind’s affordable Bed-Stuy rental opens lottery for 99 senior apartments

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 99 apartments at a unique senior housing development in Brooklyn designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. Located at 57 Marcus Garvey Boulevard, the Atrium at Sumner is an 11-story, Passive House-certified building with 190 affordable units and 7,500 square feet of community space. Applicants must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older, qualifies for Section 8 benefits, and earns no more than $60,050 annually. Eligible New Yorkers will pay 30 percent of their income for the available studio and one-bedroom apartments.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Beach closures scheduled in the Rockaways this summer, but boardwalk will fully open

Photo courtesy of Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

April 6, 2023

Beach closures scheduled in the Rockaways this summer, but boardwalk will fully open

By Aaron Ginsburg

Beach closures at the Rockaways are scheduled once again this summer, but city officials say the shutdown won't be as disruptive as last year. Starting on Memorial Day weekend, 10 to 15 blocks of the beach will temporarily close on a rolling basis throughout the summer, the city's Parks Department announced this week. Closures, necessary for continued work on the Atlantic Shorefront Resiliency Project, will shift as necessary, moving west from Beach 116th Street and east from Beach 143rd Street, according to the agency. The Rockway boardwalk and its concessions will remain fully open.
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City Living

Rockefeller Center unveils 193 new flags inspired by NYC food

All photos courtesy of Rockefeller Center

April 6, 2023

Rockefeller Center unveils 193 new flags inspired by NYC food

By Aaron Ginsburg

Normally representing the 193 nations recognized by the United Nations, the flags around the plaza at Rockefeller Center will look a little different this month. Rockefeller Center collaborated with City Harvest, the city's largest food rescue organization, on its fourth annual Flag Project, an art installation that transforms the flags around the Rink at Rockefeller Center with designs submitted by the public. This year's theme celebrates the global food culture of New York City, with new flags displaying iconic scenes of neighborhood bodegas, food markets, favorite restaurants, and iconic city grub like hot dogs and pizza.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC to host largest-ever car-free Earth Day celebration

Photo courtesy of the New York City Department of Transportation on Flickr

April 5, 2023

NYC to host largest-ever car-free Earth Day celebration

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is marking Earth Day with its largest car-free celebration yet. The city's Department of Transportation's annual Open Streets: Car-Free Earth Day event connects 100 open streets across the city, 22 plazas, and over 1,000 miles of the five borough's bike network to promote environmental activism and sustainable forms of transportation. This year's celebration will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and include seven separate signature event locations and 23 community-produced locations featuring live performances, fitness instruction, giveaways, and educational programming.
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City designates these NYC neighborhoods as ‘rat mitigation zones’

Photo by Ludovic Bertron on Flickr

April 5, 2023

City designates these NYC neighborhoods as ‘rat mitigation zones’

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City this week named eight rat-prone neighborhoods as part of Mayor Eric Adams' quest to control the rodent population. According to a notice posted by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on Monday, the "rat mitigation zones," which are areas with "high levels of rat activity," include Bushwick, Bed-Stuy, and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn, Grand Concourse in the Bronx, and Chinatown, the East Village, the Lower East Side, and Harlem in Manhattan. As Crain's reported, these identified zones will be the focus of a multiagency effort to address the rats and the conditions that cause them, according to the city.
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All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

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