All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

NYC subway stations near rivers have worst air quality in the system

Photo of High Street station entrance by The All-Nite Images on Flickr

January 19, 2023

NYC subway stations near rivers have worst air quality in the system

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City subway stations that lie beneath the city's rivers may expose commuters to higher levels of harmful pollutants compared to other stations, according to a study published this month. Known as the "river-tunnel" effect by researchers, tunnels that are beneath water have limited ventilation, which ends up trapping harmful particles, according to scientists from New York University's Grossman School of Medicine. According to the research, stations neighboring river tunnels had 80 to 130 percent higher concentrations of potentially dangerous particles compared to stations only a few stops away.
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Transit

Hell’s Kitchen church home to first Black Catholic parish in the north sells for $16M

Photo by James Russiello on WikiCommons

January 19, 2023

Hell’s Kitchen church home to first Black Catholic parish in the north sells for $16M

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first Black Catholic church to open above the Mason-Dixon line has been sold for $16 million, as first reported by Bisnow New York. Located at 342 West 53rd Street in Hell's Kitchen, the former St. Benedict the Moor church was constructed in 1869 as the only church for Black Roman Catholics. The property was sold by the Archdiocese of New York to developer Walter Wang's JMM Charitable Foundation, whose future plans for the site are unknown, according to W42ST.
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‘Living’ lantern installation offers a moment of zen in Midtown

Photos courtesy of Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

January 19, 2023

‘Living’ lantern installation offers a moment of zen in Midtown

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new animated public art installation is radiating light and tranquility in Midtown. Located on the Broadway pedestrian plazas between 39th and 40th Streets, Living Lantern is a dynamic sculpture with wooden pieces that move with the wind. Measuring roughly 14 feet tall and 20 feet wide, the illuminated lantern evokes a calming effect through shifting colors and movements. Created by NEON and Frankie Boyle, the installation is meant to serve as a beacon of hope, brightness, and a guiding light in Midtown. Open to the public for free through February 24, Living Lantern is the latest public art exhibition sponsored by the Garment District Alliance.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC’s first all-electric skyscraper tops out in Downtown Brooklyn

Image courtesy of Selvon Ramsawak

January 18, 2023

NYC’s first all-electric skyscraper tops out in Downtown Brooklyn

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's first fully electric skyscraper topped out in Downtown Brooklyn this week. The 44-story building 100 Flatbush is part of the first phase of Alloy Block, a mixed-use five-building development designed by Alloy Development to have 850 apartments, 200,000 square feet of office space, and two public schools. 100 Flatbush will contain 441 mixed-income residences, 396 of which will be market-rate rentals and 45 separate affordable residences, and 30,000 square feet of retail space.
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Saks Fifth Avenue proposes casino atop flagship store in Midtown

Image courtesy of Warren LeMay on Flickr

January 17, 2023

Saks Fifth Avenue proposes casino atop flagship store in Midtown

By Aaron Ginsburg

The owner of one of the world's most iconic department stores wants to open a casino at its iconic New York City flagship. Hudson's Bay Company, the owner of the Saks Fifth Avenue, announced last week it would pursue a gaming license to convert the top three floors of its store at 611 Fifth Avenue into a casino, as first reported by the New York Times.
Details this way

City Living

Apply for 122 mixed-income apartments in Forest Hills, from $738/month

Renderings courtesy of FXCollaborative

January 17, 2023

Apply for 122 mixed-income apartments in Forest Hills, from $738/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 122 mixed-income units at a new housing complex in Forest Hills. Apex Place is a residential development with three buildings, 440 units of housing, and shared green spaces. New Yorkers earning 50, 70, 110, and 140 percent of the area median income, or between $28,252 for a single person and $231,700 for a household of seven people, are eligible to apply for the apartments, priced between $738/month studios and $2,975/month three bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Wellness-focused housing development with 238 affordable units coming to Bed-Stuy

All renderings courtesy of Marvel Design

January 17, 2023

Wellness-focused housing development with 238 affordable units coming to Bed-Stuy

By Aaron Ginsburg

A wellness-focused housing development is coming to Bed-Stuy. The city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development last week selected the "The Steps at Saratoga" proposal from RiseBoro, IMPACCT Brooklyn, and Urbane Development. Planned for the corner of Fulton Street and Saratoga Avenue, the project consists of two new buildings with 238 affordable apartments, including 158 units for low-income families and 80 for seniors. The development will offer residents several wellness and food justice programs, including access to a food co-op, a demonstration kitchen, a greenhouse, and a center dedicated to elderly care.
Details here

Tours of Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre are back

Photo courtesy of Whitney Cox

January 13, 2023

Tours of Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre are back

By Aaron Ginsburg

Tours of Brooklyn's historic Kings Theatre are back. Over the course of the 75-minute tour, guests will be transported nearly 100 years into the past, learning about the opulent theater's history and striking architecture. Highlights include insight into the theater's baroque stylings and a closer look at the Robert Morgan Wonder Organ. Tours will be hosted on February 18 at 1 p.m., March 11 at 1 p.m., and for the first time, a weekday tour on Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.
Learn more here

Make the ‘Pyramid House’ on Fire Island your summer rental for $325K

Photos courtesy of Genevieve Garruppo Photography

January 13, 2023

Make the ‘Pyramid House’ on Fire Island your summer rental for $325K

By Aaron Ginsburg

This summer, take a getaway to this iconic mid-century home on Fire Island. Located at 443 Sail Walk, the aptly named Pyramid House measures 2,100 square feet and has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. As first reported by the New York Post, the Long Island property will cost you $325,000 to rent the modern-style home for the whole summer, or $100,000 for the month of June, $125,000 for July, and $125,000 for August. If you're looking for a more long-term escape, the home, which has been winterized for year-round living, is also available to buy for $6.5 million.
Take a look

MTA to install bike racks at dozens of subway and commuter rail stations

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

January 12, 2023

MTA to install bike racks at dozens of subway and commuter rail stations

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority this week released an action plan to better serve the city's cyclists, including the installation of bike racks on the front of buses and outside of dozens of train stations. As part of the agency's Extending Transit's Reach plan, the bike racks will be installed on the front of M60 SBS, S79 SBS, and Q44 SBS buses, all of which are Select Bus Service routes that span across four boroughs. The city's transit agency will also work to install bike racks at the entrances of 37 subway stations that currently lack parking for bikes.
Find out more

Popular Articles

Lunar New Year 2023: Where to ring in the Year of the Rabbit in NYC

January 12, 2023

Lunar New Year 2023: Where to ring in the Year of the Rabbit in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

Lunar New Year, the two-week festival that celebrates the end of winter and welcomes in the spring and new beginnings, kicks off on January 22 and lasts until February 5. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, which is the fourth zodiac animal and considered the luckiest out of all 12 zodiacs. Ahead, find events across New York City that celebrate the Lunar New Year, from Chinatown's annual parade and firecracker celebration to live performances by the New York Philharmonic and the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.
Lunar New Year events this way

Events & Things To Do

NYC Winter Outing returns with discounts at restaurants, Broadway shows, museums, and more

The New-York Historical Society. Photo courtesy of Jon Wallen

January 12, 2023

NYC Winter Outing returns with discounts at restaurants, Broadway shows, museums, and more

By Aaron Ginsburg

Reservations are now open to book some of New York City's most in-demand attractions, NYC & Company, the city's tourism agency, announced on Tuesday. "NYC Winter Outing," which runs from January 17 through February 12, offers discounts and special deals at restaurants, Broadway shows, museums, hotels, and more.
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This New York City artist is painting portraits of 200 South Brooklyn residents for free

All photos courtesy of The Free Portrait Project

January 11, 2023

This New York City artist is painting portraits of 200 South Brooklyn residents for free

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new artist residency will tell the story of South Brooklyn through paintings of its residents. The Free Portrait Project is inviting 200 Brooklynites to be the subject of oil portraits and share their oral histories with the project's founder, artist Rusty Zimmerman. The project, part of a yearlong residency at Sunset Park's Industry City, aims to "promote unity across boundaries" within the community.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

Hochul’s 14-mile ‘Interborough Express’ connecting Brooklyn and Queens will use light rail

View of the Bay Ridge Branch from below 5th Ave, which would be incorporated in the proposed Interborough Express. Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann/MTA on Flickr

January 11, 2023

Hochul’s 14-mile ‘Interborough Express’ connecting Brooklyn and Queens will use light rail

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Interborough Express, a highly-anticipated train line that will connect Brooklyn and Queens, will use light rail, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in her State of the State address on Tuesday. While the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is still conducting its environmental review of the project, Hochul stated that selecting light rail would "provide the best service for customers at the lowest cost per rider," according to a press release.
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Tenants in 1,000+ NYC buildings experienced chronic heat problems between 2017 and 2021

Image courtesy of 6sqft

January 10, 2023

Tenants in 1,000+ NYC buildings experienced chronic heat problems between 2017 and 2021

By Aaron Ginsburg

Between 2017 and 2021, New Yorkers called 311 nearly one million times to report a lack of heat in their homes. During that same time, the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development issued only 21,610 heat violations to landlords, according to a new report from NYC Comptroller Brad Lander's office. The report found interventions by the city, including violations and emergency repairs, are effective in addressing heat complaints, but "too often fails to apply them."
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Policy

Rooftop bar made of ice opens on the Brooklyn waterfront

All photos courtesy of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

January 9, 2023

Rooftop bar made of ice opens on the Brooklyn waterfront

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers will soon be able to relax in an ice lounge with cool views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. Located atop the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Polar Lounge at Harriet's Rooftop offers patrons a glacial experience with seating, sculptures, and drinks made from ice. The lounge opens to the public on Thursday, January 12, and will stay open until February 26.
How to book

MTA reopens public bathrooms at 9 subway stations

Image via WikiCommons

January 9, 2023

MTA reopens public bathrooms at 9 subway stations

By Aaron Ginsburg

At last, straphangers can experience some relief. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reopened 18 bathrooms in nine New York City subway stations to the public on Monday. The bathrooms are open at select stations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with a one-hour closure from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for cleaning. The NYC subway system's 133 public restrooms have been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic.
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Stuy Town tenants win lawsuit to keep apartments rent stabilized

Image via WikiCommons

January 9, 2023

Stuy Town tenants win lawsuit to keep apartments rent stabilized

By Aaron Ginsburg

More than 6,000 apartments at Manhattan's largest apartment complex will remain rent-regulated after a judge last week ruled in favor of Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village tenants. State Supreme Court Justice Robert Reed determined Stuy Town landlord Blackstone Group's attempt to deregulate the apartments was unlawful, becoming the first major tenant-led effort against developers that tested the integrity of the state's 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act.
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Apply for 15 mixed-income units in Clinton Hill, from $1,036/month

Rendering courtesy of Aufgang Architects

January 6, 2023

Apply for 15 mixed-income units in Clinton Hill, from $1,036/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 15 mixed-income units at a new residential development in Brooklyn. Located at 108 Downing Street in Clinton Hill, the 8-story building offers residents spacious units and a prime location in the heart of Brooklyn. New Yorkers earning 70, 80, and 120 percent of the area median income, or between $38,160 for a single person and $172,920 for a household of five people, can apply for the units, which range from $1,036/month studios to $2,883/month two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

New compost program in Queens collected over 12.7 million pounds of waste in just three months

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

January 6, 2023

New compost program in Queens collected over 12.7 million pounds of waste in just three months

By Aaron Ginsburg

In just three months, the new Queens compost program collected more than 12.7 million pounds of organic waste, according to data recently released by the city's sanitation department. The program, which launched last October, enrolled every residential building in the borough in a weekly curbside composting collection. According to the department, Queens districts significantly outperformed other communities that also participate in compost collection. The data shows that New Yorkers are eager to dispose of their food and yard waste in a sustainable manner.
Learn more here

Policy

First Wegmans store in Manhattan will have a seafood restaurant and sushi bar

Wegmans’ opening day in Brooklyn Credit: Steiner NYC

January 5, 2023

First Wegmans store in Manhattan will have a seafood restaurant and sushi bar

By Aaron Ginsburg

Manhattan's first-ever Wegmans grocery store is opening this year. Located at Vornado Realty Trust's 770 Broadway in the East Village, the grocery store chain, beloved for its prepared food options and affordable prices, will replace the Kmart on Astor Place, which closed in 2021. In addition to its usual offerings, the store will feature a 94-seat seafood restaurant with an oyster counter and a 10-seat sushi bar, as first reported by Eater New York. The store is expected to open during the second half of 2023.
Details here

City Living

NYC’s highest ice skating rink to open at Hudson Yards’ observation deck Edge

Images courtesy of Edge

January 5, 2023

NYC’s highest ice skating rink to open at Hudson Yards’ observation deck Edge

By Aaron Ginsburg

A sky-high ice skating rink is opening at 30 Hudson Yards this month. Located within the indoor section of the skyscraper's observation deck Edge, "Sky Skate" is a 1,024-square-foot rink made of synthetic ice and surrounded by breathtaking views of the city skyline. At 1,131 feet in the air, the Sky Skate will be the highest ice skating rink in New York City.
Take skating to new heights

See the marine science-themed playground coming to Hudson River Park’s Pier 26

All renderings courtesy of OLIN

January 5, 2023

See the marine science-themed playground coming to Hudson River Park’s Pier 26

By Aaron Ginsburg

Manhattan is getting a new, marine science-inspired play area to teach kids about wildlife. The Hudson River Park Trust last month broke ground on the 4,000-square-foot play area at Pier 26 in Tribeca. Designed by OLIN, the Pier 26 Science Play Area will feature interactive sculptural elements where children can play while learning about marine life and the surrounding Hudson River habitat. The specialized park will also serve as an outdoor programming space for the future Hudson River Estuarium and complements the recently opened ecologically-themed Pier 26. Located at North Moore Street in Hudson River Park, the play area is expected to open to the public this year.
See it here

Architecture And Design

7 train will not run between Queens and Manhattan for six weekends

Photo by David Wilson on Flickr

January 4, 2023

7 train will not run between Queens and Manhattan for six weekends

By Aaron Ginsburg

The 7 train will not run between Queens and Manhattan on six weekends starting next month as work begins to make Queensboro Plaza station fully accessible, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced Tuesday. The $74 million project includes the addition of two elevators, an expanded mezzanine, new lighting and boarding areas, and upgrades to the existing street and station stairs to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. To carry out these upgrades, the MTA will be suspending 7-line service between 34th Street-Hudson Yards and Queensboro Plaza on certain weekends in February through April, and suspending the N line in May.
Details here

Transit

Brooklyn icon Sahadi’s recognized by the state as a historic business

Image via WikiCommons

January 3, 2023

Brooklyn icon Sahadi’s recognized by the state as a historic business

By Aaron Ginsburg

Sahadi's, a New York City staple for more than 120 years, has been added to the state's Historic Business Preservation Registry, as first reported by the Brooklyn Paper. The Middle Eastern grocery store and cafe first opened in Lower Manhattan in 1895 before moving to Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue in 1948 where it has been located ever since. The registry, overseen by the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, recognizes businesses that have operated for at least 50 years and have "contributed to their communities' history."
Get the details

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