All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

NYC is considering making Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza car-free

Photo courtesy of Jordan Rathkopf/ Prospect Park Alliance

November 11, 2022

NYC is considering making Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza car-free

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Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza may become the city's next car-free space. As first reported by Gothamist, the city's Department of Transportation (DOT) is considering connecting the Prospect Heights plaza to the Open Streets program on Vanderbilt and Underhill Avenues. The plaza, anchored by its ornate Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch and the official entrance to Prospect Park, has long been the target of safe street activists due to its vehicle traffic and poor sidewalk conditions.
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Citymeals’ festive holiday cards help deliver meals to elderly New Yorkers

‘Tis the Season by Katie Woodward, Image courtesy of Citymeals on Wheels

November 11, 2022

Citymeals’ festive holiday cards help deliver meals to elderly New Yorkers

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Citymeals on Wheels' annual holiday card program is returning for the 30th year this holiday season to raise funds for the preparation and delivery of meals to elderly, homebound New Yorkers. The cards feature designs from previous seasons and new original designs of iconic New York City holiday scenes, from a snow day on the Bow Bridge in Central Park to a newly chopped-down Christmas tree atop a taxi.
How you can help
Apply for 77 mixed-income units in East Williamsburg, from $770/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 10, 2022

Apply for 77 mixed-income units in East Williamsburg, from $770/month

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Applications are now being accepted for 77 mixed-income units at a new development in Brooklyn. Located at 269 Wallabout Street in East Williamsburg, the eight-story mixed-use building contains 58 modern apartments. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 115 percent of the area median income, or between $29,760 for a single person and $202,515 for a household of nine people, can apply for the apartments, priced from $770/month one-bedroom units to $3,250/month four-bedrooms.
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MTA celebrates Dolly Parton’s new album with limited-edition MetroCard

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

November 9, 2022

MTA celebrates Dolly Parton’s new album with limited-edition MetroCard

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has released a limited-edition Dolly Parton MetroCard in celebration of the legendary country singer's new greatest hits album. In partnership with Legacy Recordings and Dolly Records, the MTA has loaded MetroCard vending machines with 50,000 limited edition cards at four high-traffic stations in Manhattan.
How to score one
Along with electing Hochul, New York voters approve $4.2B in climate spending

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

November 9, 2022

Along with electing Hochul, New York voters approve $4.2B in climate spending

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In addition to electing Gov. Kathy Hochul, voters in New York on Tuesday approved four new ballot measures that focus on fighting climate change and improving racial equity. Nearly 70 percent of voters said yes to the landmark "Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act," which gives the state permission to borrow $4.2 billion for funding projects that will protect New Yorkers from future extreme weather due to climate change. It's the largest initiative for environmental protection in New York State history.
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19 spots to watch the 2022 World Cup in NYC

Photo courtesy of Ryan’s Daughter

November 9, 2022

19 spots to watch the 2022 World Cup in NYC

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For one month, New York City becomes a full-on soccer town. On November 20, the FIFA World Cup kicks off, with a total of 64 matches held over 28 days. As a city home to people from around the globe, New York is a great place to watch the world's best soccer clubs go head-to-head and represent their home countries. Ahead, find the best bars and restaurants across the city to watch the 2022 World Cup, from The Red Lion in Greenwich Village to Pig Beach BBQ in Astoria.
See the list
A Keith Haring mural that has been out of public view for 30 years will be auctioned for charity

Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s; ‘Mural for The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York’ by Keith Haring

November 8, 2022

A Keith Haring mural that has been out of public view for 30 years will be auctioned for charity

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A forgotten Keith Haring mural that has sat in storage for over 30 years is being shown in public for the first time and auctioned off for charity. Created in 1986 by the legendary pop artist, Haring drew the mural within the Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital to instill hope in the young patients who were staying in the facility, as first reported by Time Out NY. The building was torn down in 1989 to make space for the Guggenheim Pavilion, but the mural was saved and placed in storage.
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NYC’s area median income increases by 16 percent, ‘wildly out of sync’ with actual income of New Yorkers

Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash

November 8, 2022

NYC’s area median income increases by 16 percent, ‘wildly out of sync’ with actual income of New Yorkers

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A new report highlights how the area median income (AMI) set by the federal government for New York City is "wildly out of sync" with the actual incomes earned by most New Yorkers. The New York Housing Conference (NYHC) last week released a policy brief outlining the discrepancy, citing the new AMI levels set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the area. The federal government set the new median family income at $94,500 while the city's actual household median income remains at $60,550.
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2,600 supportive housing units in NYC remain vacant despite new developments

Image courtesy of mari small on Unsplash

November 7, 2022

2,600 supportive housing units in NYC remain vacant despite new developments

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The city has delivered on its promise to create more housing for homeless and mentally ill New Yorkers but has had trouble actually filling the units, according to a new report. Data released by the city last week obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request showed that 2,600 supportive housing units are still vacant despite New York City's urgent housing crisis and despite Mayor Eric Adams' pledge to streamline the application process for these apartments, as first reported by the New York Times.
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Vote for your favorite large-scale can sculpture during 30th annual ‘Canstruction’ contest

All images courtesy of Ashok Sinha

November 4, 2022

Vote for your favorite large-scale can sculpture during 30th annual ‘Canstruction’ contest

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The annual competition that brings together architects, engineers, and contractors for a good cause is back for its 30th year. "Canstruction" asks teams to design and build intricate, large-scale sculptures made of unopened food cans, with all of the cans donated to City Harvest, the city’s largest food rescue organization, and distributed to food pantries following the contest. Held at Brookfield Place in the Financial District, the event is free and open to the public. The competition runs through November 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Vote for your favorite can sculpture here.
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199 affordable apartments available at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $375/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

November 4, 2022

199 affordable apartments available at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $375/month

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A housing lottery opened this week for 199 affordable units at a new housing project in Brooklyn. Located at 1921 Atlantic Avenue in Bed-Stuy, the 14-story mixed-use building has 236 total units, several community facilities, and a ground-floor grocery floor. New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 70, and 80 percent of the area median income, or between $16,218 for a single person and $132,400 for a household of seven people, are eligible to apply for the apartments which range from $375/month studios to $2,501/month three bedrooms.
FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY
Jehovah’s Witnesses hotel-turned-affordable housing complex opens in Dumbo

Photo of 90 Sands Street from Brooklyn Bridge; Courtesy of Breaking Ground

November 3, 2022

Jehovah’s Witnesses hotel-turned-affordable housing complex opens in Dumbo

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Breaking Ground on Thursday opened 90 Sands Street, a former Jehovah's Witnesses hotel in Dumbo that has been converted into 491 affordable and supportive apartments. Renovated by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, the 30-story building will offer onsite social services to residents provided by the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS).
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Here’s what Rikers Island could look like as a green infrastructure hub

All renderings courtesy of Andrea Johnson for the Regional Plan Association

November 3, 2022

Here’s what Rikers Island could look like as a green infrastructure hub

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A new report released this week details how New York City's notorious Rikers Island could become a green energy center after the prison complex closes. The Regional Plan Association and Rhode Island School of Design on Wednesday revealed their vision to transform the over 400-acre Rikers Island into a green energy hub with solar energy production, recycling and composting infrastructure, a research and training facility for the formerly incarcerated, and a wastewater treatment plant.
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Everything you need to know about the 2022 NYC Marathon

Image courtesy of Steven Pisano on Flickr

November 2, 2022

Everything you need to know about the 2022 NYC Marathon

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The world's premier marathon event is returning in full force to New York City on Sunday. On November 6, tens of thousands of runners from around the globe will flock to the city to partake in the 51st annual TCS New York City Marathon, a 26.2-mile race that takes participants through all five boroughs and finishes in Central Park. The marathon is returning at full capacity for the first time since 2019 with 50,000 fully-vaccinated runners racing in this year's event.
On your mark
Brooklyn Council Member hopes to plant 3,400 trees in his district, and wants neighbors to chip in

Image via WikiCommons

November 2, 2022

Brooklyn Council Member hopes to plant 3,400 trees in his district, and wants neighbors to chip in

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Brooklyn residents should expect to see a lot more greenery over the next couple of years. Council Member Lincoln Restler on Wednesday announced a plan to plant 3,400 trees in vacant street tree pits across District 33 in an effort to max out the district's street tree capacity. The city's Parks Department has committed to planting 2,200 trees over the next four years, with Restler's office calling upon the community to help fund the planting of an additional 1,200 trees.
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Bushwick block with diverse 19th-century architectural styles may be landmarked

Streetview of 25-29 Linden Street © Google 2022

November 1, 2022

Bushwick block with diverse 19th-century architectural styles may be landmarked

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A collection of rowhouses representing a variety of distinct architectural styles in Brooklyn may become the city's next historic district. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday voted to calendar the Linden Street Historic District, which consists of a group of 32 intact brick and brownstone row houses in Bushwick. Located on Linden Street between Broadway and Bushwick Avenue, the rowhouses are designed in varying late-19th-century architectural styles that give them a distinct look and strong sense of place, according to the commission.
Find out more
15 ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in NYC

Photo of the National Museum of the American Indian courtesy of Wikimedia; Photo of AMNH’s Northwest Coast Hall  courses of D. Finnin/AMNH

November 1, 2022

15 ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in NYC

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In November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month as a way to commemorate the cultures, histories, and traditions of indigenous peoples across the country. Although New York became the first state to recognize "American Indian Day" in 1916, it's important to remember that the forceful removal of Native people from their homes is inextricably linked to the history of New York City and the surrounding area. Ahead, find ways to honor Native American Heritage Month, from events at the National Museum of the American Indian to nature-inspired tours through city parks.
Get the list
Bronx Museum of the Arts unveils $26M renovation plan and brand redesign

All renderings courtesy of Marvel

October 31, 2022

Bronx Museum of the Arts unveils $26M renovation plan and brand redesign

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The Bronx Museum of the Arts, New York City's only free contemporary art museum revealed a new design and revamped brand identity. Located at the corner of Grand Concourse and 165th Street in the Bronx, the Bronx Museum of the Arts will receive a new multi-story entrance and lobby design in its South Wing created by architectural firm Marvel using $26 million in city funding. It is the first time the museum has undergone such a significant transformation, which will wrap up by 2025.
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Lottery opens for 42 affordable units in the South Bronx, from $397/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

October 28, 2022

Lottery opens for 42 affordable units in the South Bronx, from $397/month

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Applications are now being accepted for 42 affordable units in the Bronx. Located at 740 Brook Avenue in Woodstock, the nine-story mixed-use building offers tenants brand-new residences and a variety of amenities. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 100 percent of the area median income, or between $16,183 for a single person and $165,500 for a household of seven, can apply for the apartments which range from $397/month studios to $2,545/month three bedrooms.
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Finalist proposals unveiled for new climate change center on Governors Island

Conceptual rendering of Proposal #1. Credit: Trust for Governors Island

October 27, 2022

Finalist proposals unveiled for new climate change center on Governors Island

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Mayor Eric Adams and the Trust for Governors Island on Wednesday unveiled the three finalists for the city's global competition to design a state-of-the-art research institution on Governors Island dedicated to climate solutions. The so-called Center for Climate Solutions will create 7,000 permanent jobs, approximately $1 billion in economic impact, and develop innovative ways for New York City and the rest of the world to address the climate crisis, according to the city. The winning design team will be announced next year.
Details here
See NYC architects compete in annual pumpkin carving contest Pumpkitecture

Image courtesy of Sam Lahoz

October 27, 2022

See NYC architects compete in annual pumpkin carving contest Pumpkitecture

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The annual competition that pits New York City-based architectural firms against each other to carve the best pumpkin is returning on Friday, just in time for Halloween. Known as Pumpkitecture, the event will give onlookers the opportunity to see architects hone their skills in real-time and compete for the big prize, the Pritzkerpumpkin. Pumpkitecture will take place at the Center for Architecture at 536 LaGuardia Place in Greenwich Village on October 28 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Get ready to go gourd to gourd
199-unit supportive housing complex for seniors and families opens on the Upper West Side

All images courtesy of the WSFSSH

October 27, 2022

199-unit supportive housing complex for seniors and families opens on the Upper West Side

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A new supportive housing complex for low-income families and formerly homeless seniors officially opened on the Upper West Side this week. Located at 145 West 108th Street, the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing's WSFSSH at West 108 provides 199 new homes for those in need and gives a new home to the Valley Lodge Shelter, a 110-bed development for homeless older adults. The 193,000-square-foot complex includes on-site supportive services and a wide variety of amenities for residents.
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Mexico Week returns to Rockefeller Center for Day of the Dead

Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

October 26, 2022

Mexico Week returns to Rockefeller Center for Day of the Dead

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Rockefeller Center is hosting its second annual Mexico Week, a celebration of Mexican heritage and Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Over the course of the weeklong event, New Yorkers can experience Mexican art, food, music, and culture across the campus. Mexico Week kicks off this Thursday and runs through November 2.
See more here
New food hall Olly Olly Market opening in Chelsea’s landmarked Starrett-Lehigh Building

All images courtesy of Colin Miller

October 25, 2022

New food hall Olly Olly Market opening in Chelsea’s landmarked Starrett-Lehigh Building

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Chelsea's landmarked Starrett-Lehigh Building is set to welcome a new 17,000-square-foot food hall on Wednesday. Located within the 1931 former freight terminal at 601 West 26th Street, the Olly Olly Market will be run by 16" and Center (16 OC) and host a selection of both Michelin-star and up-and-coming chefs, including Forsyth Fire Escape, Pizza Friendly Pizza, DdoBar by Joomak Bajum, and more. The market will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
See more here
NYC businesses on car-free ‘Open Streets’ prospered during the pandemic, report says

Image courtesy of Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

October 25, 2022

NYC businesses on car-free ‘Open Streets’ prospered during the pandemic, report says

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New York City businesses on streets closed to cars under the Open Streets program reported better sales than those located on streets with car traffic, according to a new study. The city's Department of Transportation on Tuesday released a report that highlights for the first time the positive economic impact of the Open Streets program, which was established at the start of the pandemic as a way for New Yorkers to remain safe and later grew into a lifeline for restaurants and bars. According to the report, Open Streets saw more new businesses open during the pandemic, stronger sales, and a higher number of restaurants and bars stay open than on similar commercial corridors not participating in the program.
Get the details
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