All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

NYPL’s historic Jefferson Market branch in Greenwich Village reopens after $10M overhaul

All images courtesy of The New York Public Library

July 15, 2022

NYPL’s historic Jefferson Market branch in Greenwich Village reopens after $10M overhaul

The New York Public Library on Thursday reopened its Jefferson Market branch in Greenwich Village following a three-year renovation of the historic building. The $10 million project included installing much-needed accessibility features, renovating public and staff spaces, reconstructing ADA-compliant bathrooms, and improving electronic services for the communities tech needs.
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New Developments

NYC increases ferry fare, but offers discounted rides for low-income New Yorkers

Image courtesy of NYC Ferry

July 15, 2022

NYC increases ferry fare, but offers discounted rides for low-income New Yorkers

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's ferry system will soon be cheaper to ride for some New Yorkers, but more expensive for less frequent riders. Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday revealed phase one of the city's new "NYC Ferry Forward" plan—a new fare system aimed at making the ferry more equitable and reducing the system's huge public subsidy. Beginning in September, low-income New Yorkers, seniors, and people with disabilities can purchase a single ferry ride for $1.35. The price of a single trip will increase from $2.75 to $4.
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Next phase of Broad Channel’s Sunset Cove Park includes new boardwalk and outdoor classroom

Photos courtesy of NYC Parks / Daniel Avila

July 14, 2022

Next phase of Broad Channel’s Sunset Cove Park includes new boardwalk and outdoor classroom

By Aaron Ginsburg

Construction kicked off on the second phase of Sunset Cove Park, a Jamaica Bay-facing city park in the Queens neighborhood of Broad Channel, NYC Parks announced on Wednesday. After partially opening in 2019, the park's $4.2 million second phase includes a new covered outdoor classroom and a boardwalk made up of reclaimed wood from the Rockaway Boardwalk, which was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
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New Developments

July 14, 2022

20+ NYC art galleries will open to the public for free as part of annual Chelsea Gallery Walk

By Aaron Ginsburg

For one night next week, more than 20 New York City art galleries will open their doors to the public as part of the annual Chelsea Gallery Walk. Hosted by the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA), the free self-guided walk takes place on July 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 22 member galleries throughout Chelsea, providing a unique opportunity to see world-class art after-hours. In addition to enjoying the latest exhibitions on display, there will also be a selection of special programming.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC parks, pools, and rec centers will distribute free at-home Covid tests

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

July 13, 2022

NYC parks, pools, and rec centers will distribute free at-home Covid tests

By Aaron Ginsburg

As New York City faces a sixth Covid wave, Mayor Eric Adams is expanding the city's network of at-home test distribution sites. Starting Wednesday, New Yorkers will be able to pick up a free rapid Covid test from 57 NYC Parks locations, including parks, pools, nature centers, and recreation centers. With these new NYC Parks distribution sites, the city's at-home test distribution program includes 1,220 sites.
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Policy

Bed-Stuy residents urge city to landmark 120-year-old mansion facing demolition

Streetview of the Jacob Dangler House © Google 2022

July 13, 2022

Bed-Stuy residents urge city to landmark 120-year-old mansion facing demolition

By Aaron Ginsburg

Bed-Stuy residents and public officials are urging the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to designate a historic mansion as a city landmark to save it from demolition. Known as the Jacob Dangler House, the property, located at 441 Willoughby Avenue, was built at the turn of the 20th century and features a striking French Gothic architectural style. After a developer filed demolition permits, the LPC added the property to its agenda last minute and voted last month to calendar the property, temporarily protecting the mansion. During a hearing on Tuesday, a majority of public testimony was in favor of designation.
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Policy

Lottery opens for 224 units at OMA’s zig-zagging Greenpoint towers, from $1,437/month

Rendering courtesy of Brookfield Properties and Park Tower Group

July 12, 2022

Lottery opens for 224 units at OMA’s zig-zagging Greenpoint towers, from $1,437/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 224 middle-income units at a new residential development on the Brooklyn waterfront. Located within the Greenpoint Landing development, Eagle+West offers luxury homes, incredible views, high-end amenities, and unparalleled waterfront access. New Yorkers earning 80, 125, and 130 percent of the area median income, or between $51,840 for a single person and $206,875 for a household of seven, can apply for the apartments, ranging from $1,437/month for studios to $3,397/month for three bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Flood zone maps & inflatable dams: NYC’s plan to prepare New Yorkers for extreme rainfall

September 3, 2021: Gov. Kathy Hochul toured several homes in East Elmhurst, Queens that flooded from torrential rains brought on by Hurricane Ida. Photo by Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of the Governor on Flickr

July 12, 2022

Flood zone maps & inflatable dams: NYC’s plan to prepare New Yorkers for extreme rainfall

By Aaron Ginsburg

Almost a year after severe flooding caused by Hurricane Ida left more than a dozen New Yorkers dead, the city has released a plan to prepare for extreme rainfall. With hurricane season well underway, Mayor Eric Adams last week unveiled the new action plan "Rainfall Ready NYC," which outlines steps New Yorkers should take during extreme rainfall. The city also updated its flood zone maps that help residents identify if they live in an area at risk of flooding.
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Policy

600 NYC restaurants to participate in Restaurant Week this summer

The restaurant Gentle Perch in Brooklyn is participating in Restaurant Week. Photo by Evan Angelastro, courtesy of NYC & Company

July 11, 2022

600 NYC restaurants to participate in Restaurant Week this summer

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's beloved dining event that gives patrons the opportunity to eat at the city's best restaurants with discounted, prix-fixe menus is back for its 30th season. NYC & Company, the city's tourism agency, last week announced reservations are now open at 600 participating restaurants across 85 neighborhoods. The program, which launched in 1992, runs for a month from July 18 through August 21.
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22 middle-income units available at new luxury rental in Park Slope, from $2,300/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

July 11, 2022

22 middle-income units available at new luxury rental in Park Slope, from $2,300/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are currently being accepted for 22 middle-income units at a new development in Brooklyn. Located at 262 9th Street in Park Slope, The Deermar is an 11-story residential building offering tenants spacious units and modern amenities, like a landscaped rooftop and fitness center. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $78,858 for a single person and $187,330 for a household of five, can apply for the apartments, priced from $2,300/month studios to $3,344/month two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Where to see the final Manhattanhenge of 2022

By Aaron Ginsburg

Twice every year, the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan's street grid, making for a picturesque moment that brings New Yorkers a much-needed moment of calm. This effect, dubbed Manhattanhenge by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, first blanketed the city streets with the sun's glow on May 29 before making its final appearance on July 12.
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How to celebrate Bastille Day 2022 in NYC

A past Bastille Day event hosted by the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) Photo © Brittany Buongiorno

July 8, 2022

How to celebrate Bastille Day 2022 in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

Just a little over a week after the United States celebrates its independence, France celebrates its own freedom. Held on July 14, Bastille Day commemorates the day French revolutionaries stormed the Bastille and sparked the beginning of the French Revolution. Here is a round-up of Bastille Day celebrations in New York City, from the larger festivities in Central Park to specials at French restaurants throughout the city.
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Events & Things To Do

In Brooklyn, Fred Wilson’s first large-scale public sculpture examines concept of freedom

All images courtesy of Daniela G. Maldonado

July 7, 2022

In Brooklyn, Fred Wilson’s first large-scale public sculpture examines concept of freedom

By Aaron Ginsburg

Bronx-born conceptual artist Fred Wilson last week unveiled his first-ever large-scale public sculpture. Located within Columbus Park in Downtown Brooklyn, Mind Forged Manacles/Manacle Forged Minds features the use of ornamental gates, fences, and 10-foot-tall statues of African figures as metaphors for systematic racism and "acts in conversation" with the neighborhood's nearby landmarks and buildings. Presented by More Art, Wilson's sculpture is on display through June 2023.
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Events & Things To Do

This new tropical ‘beach club’ brings Tulum to NYC’s Governors Island

All images courtesy of Gitano Island

July 6, 2022

This new tropical ‘beach club’ brings Tulum to NYC’s Governors Island

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new tropical restaurant has opened on Governors Island, promising to transport New Yorkers to Tulum, a town on the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Grupo Gitano announced last week the opening of Gitano Island, a tranquil 27,000-square-foot sandy getaway with Mexican cuisine, live music, and lush plants and palm trees, all just a boat ride away from Manhattan.
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City Living

On Brooklyn’s largest private rooftop, you can pick your own apples

All images courtesy of Evan Joseph, unless otherwise noted

July 6, 2022

On Brooklyn’s largest private rooftop, you can pick your own apples

By Aaron Ginsburg

Forget the annual fall trip upstate to go apple picking. At One Prospect Park West, a new condominium in Park Slope, residents have access to a pick-your-own apple orchard on the rooftop. Designed by ODA, the rooftop measures nearly 7,500 square feet, boasts panoramic views, and is considered the largest private roof terrace of any condo development in the borough. New images were released this week of the rooftop, which represents the first landscape-only project from ODA.
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Architecture And Design

Portside is Lower Manhattan’s latest waterfront retreat

Renderings courtesy of Brookfield Place

July 5, 2022

Portside is Lower Manhattan’s latest waterfront retreat

By Aaron Ginsburg

Brookfield Properties last week announced the grand opening of their new nautical-inspired pop-up, Portside. Located at Brookfield Place's Upper Plaza in the Financial District, the space is free, open to the public, and offers guests breathtaking views of the New York Harbor. The space will also host weekly programming and events, as well as offer cocktails and food provided by Tartinery. Portside will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September.
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New photo exhibit shows New York City children playing on car-free streets in the summer of ’68

Photo credit: Katrina Thomas. NYC Parks Photo Archive

July 5, 2022

New photo exhibit shows New York City children playing on car-free streets in the summer of ’68

By Aaron Ginsburg

The city's Parks Department opened a new photography exhibition at Central Park's Arsenal Gallery that displays more than 40 archived photographs from the department's collection. Called "Streets In Play: Katrina Thomas, NYC Summer 1968," the exhibit features images taken by the late photographer Katrina Thomas, who in 1968 was hired by NYC Mayor John Lindsay and tasked with capturing the city's summer initiative, "Playstreets," in which residential blocks were closed to vehicles and instead equipped for recreational activity.
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Lottery opens for 32 low-income units designed for seniors in Hunts Point, from $1,487/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

July 1, 2022

Lottery opens for 32 low-income units designed for seniors in Hunts Point, from $1,487/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery launched this week for 32 low-income units at a new development in the Bronx. Located at 661 Manida Street in Hunts Point, the 8-story building offers seniors newly constructed residences and a variety of amenities. New Yorkers earning 80 percent of the area median income, or between $54,343 for a single person and $85,440 for a household of two, are eligible to apply for the apartments, ranging from $1,487/month studios to $1,583/month one-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

55 middle-income units available at CetraRuddy’s new Downtown Brooklyn tower, from $2,307/month

Rendering courtesy of CetraRuddy

June 30, 2022

55 middle-income units available at CetraRuddy’s new Downtown Brooklyn tower, from $2,307/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 55 middle-income units at a new residential development in Downtown Brooklyn. Located at 22 Chapel Street, the 20-story tower offers its residents a prime location at the intersection of Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Fort Greene Park, Boerum Hill, Barclays Center, and the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $79,098 for two people and $215,150 for a household of seven, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $2,307/month studios to $3,431/month three bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Two tudor-filled areas in Queens’ Cambria Heights designated as historic districts

Image courtesy of the Landmark Preservation Commission

June 29, 2022

Two tudor-filled areas in Queens’ Cambria Heights designated as historic districts

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday voted to designate two districts in the Queens neighborhood of Cambria Heights as historic districts. The two areas, known as the 222nd Street and 227th Street Historic Districts, contain 96 well-maintained Tudor-style rowhouses that incorporate Storybook design elements. Both historic districts have been deemed by the LPC to be extraordinarily well-preserved and give the area a "highly distinctive sense of place."
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Policy

Meriem Bennani reveals first-ever public sculpture on the High Line

“Windy” by Meriem Bennani, co-commissioned by High Line Art and Audemars Piguet Contemporary. Image courtesy of the artist, High Line and Audemars Piguet

June 28, 2022

Meriem Bennani reveals first-ever public sculpture on the High Line

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City-based artist Meriem Bennani last week debuted her first public sculpture, a captivating kinetic structure that kicked off the summer season of the High Lines Art's program. Windy, co-commissioned by High Line Art and Audemars Piguet Contemporary, is a 9-foot-tall spinning structure comprised of approximately 200 black foam discs that spin at different speeds and in unique sequences. Located on the High Line at 24th Street, Bennani's piece will stay on view to the public until May 2023.
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Events & Things To Do

25 low-income units available at 14-story Mott Haven condominium, from $1,576/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

June 27, 2022

25 low-income units available at 14-story Mott Haven condominium, from $1,576/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 25 low-income units at a new residential development in the Bronx. Located in Mott Haven, 310 Grand Concourse is a 14-story condominium building with 150 total apartments. New Yorkers earning 80 percent of the area median income, or between $56,983 for a single person and $115,280 for a household of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,576/month studios to $2,002/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

13 spots to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC

Photo by John Saeyong Ra on Flickr

June 27, 2022

13 spots to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

To most Americans, the Fourth of July means good food, drinks, time spent with family and friends, but most importantly, fireworks. Luckily for New Yorkers, the city has plenty of opportunities to see fireworks with Macy's annual 4th of July Fireworks show and Jersey City's own grand fireworks display. For those seeking an unforgettable Independence Day experience, here is a selection of the best ticketed events to enjoy this year's July 4th fireworks celebration, from waterfront bars lining the East River's piers to the city's highest observation decks.
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Events & Things To Do

First LGBTQ+ National Park Service visitor center to open at NYC’s Stonewall Inn

Photo by Another Believer on Wikimedia

June 24, 2022

First LGBTQ+ National Park Service visitor center to open at NYC’s Stonewall Inn

By Aaron Ginsburg

The National Park Service's first LGBTQ+ visitor center will open at Greenwich Village's Stonewall Inn, organizers announced this week. Pride Live, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, officially broke ground on the future 3,700-square-foot Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC), expected to open in 2024. Located at 51 Christopher Street, the center will sit directly next to the historic Stonewall Inn and provide a space to learn about the Stonewall Rebellion in its original location.
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History

NJ’s American Dream mall will open huge food hall with iconic NYC eateries

Courtesy of American Dream

June 23, 2022

NJ’s American Dream mall will open huge food hall with iconic NYC eateries

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Jersey's American Dream on Thursday announced the seven vendors that will make up the mega mall's food hall. The 10,000-square-foot space will feature iconic New York City food and drink offerings, as well as oversized games, including Jenga, corn hole, and Connect 4. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Best Pizza will be opening their first Garden State locations within the mall, along with NYC favorites Vinoteca, Lady M, and Vanessa's Dumpling House. The food hall will celebrate its grand opening on July 13 with a corn hole tournament, live music, kid's games, and prizes.
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Food & Dining

All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

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