All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

August 25, 2022

NYC to give $150 property tax rebate to low- and middle-income homeowners

Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday signed legislation that will give hundreds of thousands of New York City homeowners a one-time property tax rebate of up to $150. Those eligible for the rebate are owners of one, two, or three-family residences with annual incomes less than or equal to $250,000 in the tax year 2020. The property must also be the primary residence of the owner.
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Policy

For $7.2M, an exclusive penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton Nomad

All renderings courtesy of Douglas Elliman Realty

August 24, 2022

For $7.2M, an exclusive penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton Nomad

By Aaron Ginsburg

A penthouse suite at one of the world's most iconic hotels has hit the market for $7,200,000. Located at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, New York, Nomad, this two-bedroom corner penthouse is one of 16 residences available for purchase at the building. Situated above the hotel floors, the one- and two-bedroom homes have access to the five-star services and amenities for which the Ritz-Carlton is known. Owners and their families and guests can stay up to 120 nights per year and have their homes managed by The Ritz-Carlton when away, providing the perfect pied-a-terre opportunity.
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NYC receives $7M federal grant to expand greenway network in underserved communities

Image courtesy of Elvert Barnes on Flickr

August 23, 2022

NYC receives $7M federal grant to expand greenway network in underserved communities

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City received a $7.25 million federal grant that will be put towards the expansion of the city's greenway network, Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday. The expansion aims to improve the greenway network's reach in historically underserved, lower-income neighborhoods that lack access to public transportation and jobs by filling in "critical gaps" in the network, improving cyclist and pedestrian safety, and enhancing green transportation alternatives and waterfront access.
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Colorful paintings by artist Wendy Red Star on display at 100 bus shelters across NYC

All images by Nicholas Knight, courtesy of the Public Art Fund, NY

August 23, 2022

Colorful paintings by artist Wendy Red Star on display at 100 bus shelters across NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

Artist Wendy Red Star's first-ever public art exhibition was unveiled in New York City this month. Curated by the Public Art Fund, "Wendy Red Star: Travels Pretty" is based on 12 paintings by Red Star inspired by "parfleches," vibrantly painted rawhide bags created by certain nomadic tribes of the Great Plains. Used to store and transport food and other items, the handpainted containers were typically made by women and designed to compel "means of both self and tribal expression for those who created them," according to a press release. Reimagined on 100 bus shelters across New York City, Red Star's paintings celebrate parfleches and bring to light the history and importance of their use.
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Events & Things To Do

For $2.65M, own a piece of the historic NJ estate built by the owners of Macy’s

All images courtesy of Nettie of Architectural Media Services, unless otherwise noted

August 22, 2022

For $2.65M, own a piece of the historic NJ estate built by the owners of Macy’s

By Aaron Ginsburg

A home that is one part of the sprawling New Jersey estate built by the Straus Family, the owners of Macy's, is now available. Located in Red Bank at 310 Cooper Road, Cobble Close Farm is a 13-acre estate with French Norman-style buildings, including several residences. The estate was built in the 1920s by Herbert Nathan Straus and his wife Therese Kuhn Straus; Herbert's father was Isidor Straus, the co-owner of Macy's who died on the Titanic. A 4,500-square-foot co-op on the property recently hit the market for $2,645,000, which includes an additional apartment and shared ownership of the historic farm.
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MTA’s new app combines LIRR, Metro-North ticket purchasing and trip planning

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

August 19, 2022

MTA’s new app combines LIRR, Metro-North ticket purchasing and trip planning

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transporation Authority on Wednesday launched an enhanced version of its TrainTime app that combines ticket purchases for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad and includes a seat availability tracker, real-time train movement, and in-app customer support. The app allows users to log in using their Apple ID, Google account, or through text message, and purchase tickets using Apple Pay.
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Transit

Landmarks launches digital photo archive of NYC landmarks and historic districts

Photo of the scenic landmark Central Park, courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

August 19, 2022

Landmarks launches digital photo archive of NYC landmarks and historic districts

By Aaron Ginsburg

The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission on Thursday launched the LPC Designation Photo Collection, a digital photo archive with high-resolution images of designated landmarks and historic districts. Now the public can easily search, explore, and download photos of landmarked properties and neighborhoods without requesting them from the commission first. The service will also be helpful for property owners, architects, and contractors who work on historic properties.
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NYC will tear down abandoned outdoor dining sheds under new program

Image courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 19, 2022

NYC will tear down abandoned outdoor dining sheds under new program

By Aaron Ginsburg

The city has razed and removed two dozen abanonded dining sheds this week, under a new program announced by Mayor Eric Adams. The mayor on Thursday introduced a multi-agency initiative that will highlight open and active outdoor dining sheds in the city's Open Restaurants program and remove neglected structures of shuttered restaurants. The city launched the Open Restaurants program in 2020 to keep businesses open during the pandemic, ultimately saving 100,000 jobs, according to Adams. While the majority of restaurants with outdoor dining follow the guidelines, the abandoned sheds have become eyesores.
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‘Gatsby’-inspired Art Deco theater with state-of-the-art technology opens at Manhattan West

Photo courtesy of Jason Greenspan

August 18, 2022

‘Gatsby’-inspired Art Deco theater with state-of-the-art technology opens at Manhattan West

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new theater opening in Midtown next month adds a modern twist to a classic New York City experience. Opening on September 21 at Brookfield Properties' mixed-use development Manhattan West, Midnight Theatre is a 160-seat performance venue that flaunts an Art Deco-inspired interior coupled with state-of-the-art technology. The theater includes a 270-degree immersive projection system that can alter the appearance of the venue's interior and can "transport visitors anywhere as part of a performance's narrative or needs." Conceptualized by creative director Warren Adcock, the venue will be a hotspot for music, theatre, performance art, and magic.
More this way

New York commits $8M to renovate Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Image of the Schomburg Center via Wiki Commons

August 18, 2022

New York commits $8M to renovate Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

By Aaron Ginsburg

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced the state will commit $8 million for upgrades to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. The investment will go toward the refurbishment of the building's facade, replacement of the roof and windows, and the installation of much-needed safety and energy-efficient features. The state's announcement comes during Harlem Week, a weeklong celebration of the neighborhood's history and culture.
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Luxury Flatbush rental launches lottery for 26 middle-income units, priced from $2,100/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened for 26 middle-income units at a new residential development in Brooklyn. Located at 160 Clarkson Avenue, the building offers prospective tenants brand new, luxury apartments on the border of Prospect Lefferts Gardens and Flatbush, just a few blocks from Prospect Park. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $72,000 for a single person and $187,330 for a household of five, can apply for the apartments, priced at $2,100/month for one-bedroom apartments and $2,500/month for two bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Jean-Georges to open restaurant at Norman Foster-designed office tower 425 Park Avenue

All renderings courtesy of Foster + Partners

August 17, 2022

Jean-Georges to open restaurant at Norman Foster-designed office tower 425 Park Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is opening another restaurant in New York City. L&L Holding Company on Monday announced the world-renowned chef will create and operate a 14,000-square-foot, two-floor restaurant on the ground floor of 425 Park Avenue, a recently completed 897-foot office tower in Midtown designed by Norman Foster. The restaurant, which will boast soaring ceilings and a 1,000-square-foot show kitchen, is expected to open by late 2023.
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Food & Dining

Moving ‘sculpture garden’ with glowing, handmade lanterns will light up Morningside Heights

Morningside Lights 2019; Photo by Michael Seto

August 16, 2022

Moving ‘sculpture garden’ with glowing, handmade lanterns will light up Morningside Heights

By Aaron Ginsburg

Morningside Heights' annual lantern festival will light up the sky for the first time totally in person since 2019. Hosted by the Arts Initiative and Miller Theatre at the Columbia University School of the Arts, the 11th-annual "Morningside Lights" event allows visitors to create their own lanterns and float them in a procession from Morningside Park to Columbia's campus. Free lantern building workshops will be held on September 17 through 23 and the procession kicks off on September 24 at 8 p.m.
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Events & Things To Do

Image of the 9/11 Tribute Museum via Wiki Commons

August 16, 2022

NYC’s 9/11 Tribute Museum is closing

By Aaron Ginsburg

The museum which told the stories of September 11 survivors is officially closing its doors. The 9/11 Tribute Museum will close on August 17 due to financial hardships stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, as NBC New York first reported. The museum will shift to a fully online format to continue telling victims' stories and support those affected by the attacks.
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Events & Things To Do

You can rent Sarah Jessica Parker’s seaside beach cottage in the Hamptons this summer

All images courtesy of Booking.com

August 15, 2022

You can rent Sarah Jessica Parker’s seaside beach cottage in the Hamptons this summer

By Aaron Ginsburg

Booking.com is giving Sarah Jessica Parker fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay at the award-winning actresses' Hamptons getaway. Located in Amagansett, Parker's cozy 1940s cottage is steps away from the beach and is stocked with her favorite drinks, snacks, and a pair of SJP signature high-heel shoes. The home can be booked for a two-night stay from August 26 to August 28 for only $19.98, in honor of the year Sex and the City debuted. Those who are interested can book the beach home on August 23 at 12 p.m. on a first-come-first-serve basis.
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28 ‘Little Free Libraries’ pop up at community gardens across NYC

All images courtesy of the New York Restoration Project

August 12, 2022

28 ‘Little Free Libraries’ pop up at community gardens across NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York Restoration Project this week installed 28 new book-sharing boxes throughout the five boroughs. Created by Little Free Library (LFL), the boxes can be found at the city's community gardens, 25 of which are NYRP gardens and three of which are partnered with Gardens for the City.
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City Living

Massive marketplace from Jean-Georges opens in the restored Tin Building at the Seaport

All photos courtesy of Nicole Franzen

August 12, 2022

Massive marketplace from Jean-Georges opens in the restored Tin Building at the Seaport

By Aaron Ginsburg

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's highly-anticipated culinary hotspot will be giving New Yorkers a taste of its food offerings in preparation for the market's grand opening in the fall. The historic Tin Building has been converted into a 53,000-square-foot marketplace that includes grocery stores, six full-service restaurants, six quick-service counters, four bars, and other retail and private dining offerings. During the month of August, the Tin Building will be open for a limited preview Thursdays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Manhattan officials renew push for new Hell’s Kitchen subway station

Photo by Jenna Day on Unsplash

August 11, 2022

Manhattan officials renew push for new Hell’s Kitchen subway station

By Aaron Ginsburg

The plan to extend the 7 train to the far west side of Manhattan announced more than a decade ago included building a subway station in Hell's Kitchen. But because of budget cuts, the station was never built. New York City officials this week renewed calls for a subway station at 10th Avenue and 41st Street, claiming the neighborhood's growing population needs better access to public transportation. The 7 line currently runs straight from Times Square to Hudson Yards, without stopping in Hell's Kitchen.
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Transit

NYC may ban tenant criminal background checks by landlords and brokers

Image courtesy of mari small on Unsplash

August 11, 2022

NYC may ban tenant criminal background checks by landlords and brokers

By Aaron Ginsburg

Legislation prohibiting landlords from denying tenants housing based on criminal history will be introduced in the New York City Council on Thursday. The "Fair Chance for Housing" bill, sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers, bans "landlords, owners, agents, employees, and real estate brokers" from obtaining arrest or criminal record information at any point in the housing process.
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All images courtesy of American Express

August 11, 2022

Experience a 10-course ‘drive-thru’ tasting menu from some of NYC’s best restaurants next month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Some of New York City's most popular restaurants have partnered with Resy and American Express Gold for an exclusive two-night drive-through dining event in Brooklyn, no car required. Hosted at Greenpoint's Skyline Drive-in, the "Resy Drive-Thru New York" event includes a 10-course tasting menu from 10 hard-to-book NYC restaurants, like Bonnie's in Williamsburg and Crown Shy at city landmark 70 Pine Street. Guests will be chauffeured via golf cart through a "labyrinth of restaurants and entertainment built on the Brooklyn waterfront." The event takes place on September 16 and 17; tickets go on sale for the general public on August 17.
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Manhattan congestion pricing toll could cost up to $23 for drivers

Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

August 10, 2022

Manhattan congestion pricing toll could cost up to $23 for drivers

By Aaron Ginsburg

MTA officials on Wednesday released the highly-anticipated environmental assessment of the Central Business District (CBD) Tolling Program, known as congestion pricing. The analysis says that the program could cut traffic congestion in Manhattan's busiest areas by nearly 20 percent while raising $1 billion a year to fund mass transit improvements. Under the proposal, the plan could cost drivers who enter the borough south of 60th Street anywhere between $5 and $23, depending on the time of day and type of vehicle.
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All photos courtesy of Target

August 10, 2022

Target opens new store in Soho

By Aaron Ginsburg

Target this week will open a new location in Soho, the company's 95th store in the greater New York City area. The store, which will be tailored for the surrounding community, will offer an assortment of Target's top-owned and national brands, as well as a contactless pickup order and same-delivery system. Located at 600 Broadway, the new store will open on Sunday, August 14.
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City Living

Flatbush block with distinctive homes designed by famous Brooklyn architects may be landmarked

Photo of Parkside Avenue courtesy of LPC

August 9, 2022

Flatbush block with distinctive homes designed by famous Brooklyn architects may be landmarked

By Aaron Ginsburg

A tree-lined block in Brooklyn with architecturally distinctive homes may become the city's newest historic district. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday voted to calendar the Melrose Parkside Historic District, which consists of 38 intact single and two-family row houses built by two of Brooklyn's most renowned architects, Benjamin Driesler and Axel S. Hedman. Located on Parkside Avenue between Flatbush and Bedford Avenue in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, the collection of homes has a distinct appearance and sense of place in the surrounding neighborhood due to the use of "neo-Classical vocabulary" in their architectural style, according to the commission.
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Policy

NYC to provide every home in Queens with weekly curbside composting

Photo courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 9, 2022

NYC to provide every home in Queens with weekly curbside composting

By Aaron Ginsburg

After previous failed attempts at an effective compost program in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced a new "no frills" system aimed at making it easy and less costly for New Yorkers to dispose of food and yard waste. Under the new program, the city's Department of Sanitation will collect compost and organic waste from every residential building in Queens starting on October 3. New Yorkers can put any food waste, yard waste, and food-soiled paper in a Sanitation compost bin to be picked up weekly. According to the mayor, the program, which will be available to 2.2 million New Yorkers, is the largest curbside composting program in the country.
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Policy

NJ Transit wants feedback on its Newark Penn Station revitalization project

Photo of Newark Penn Station by King of Hearts on Wikimedia

August 8, 2022

NJ Transit wants feedback on its Newark Penn Station revitalization project

By Aaron Ginsburg

Newark Penn Station is set to undergo a major renovation and NJ Transit wants feedback from riders who travel through the historic terminal. The transit agency will host three virtual public meetings about the $191 million restoration, with the first scheduled for August 9. First introduced by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2020, the project includes immediate aesthetic improvements and refurbishment of historic elements, as well as longer-term upgrades to the overall customer experience.
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All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

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