All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

Magnolia Bakery opens new location in Hudson Yards

The new Hudson Yards location. Image courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

February 2, 2022

Magnolia Bakery opens new location in Hudson Yards

New York's iconic Magnolia Bakery opened its eighth New York City location at The Shops at Hudson Yards last week. The new 600-square-foot store is located on the fourth floor of the massive mall and will offer the signature treats for which the bakery is known, like their famous banana pudding and cupcakes, including limited-edition items.
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Food & Dining

NYC-area transit agencies seek ways to restore ridership post-Covid

Image courtesy of Patrick Cashin / MTA New York City Transit

February 1, 2022

NYC-area transit agencies seek ways to restore ridership post-Covid

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City-area transit agencies are looking for ways to restore public transit ridership to the levels they were before the pandemic. The MTA, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NJ Transit, the city's Department of Transportation, and the Partnership for NYC announced on Monday the fourth round of the Transit Tech Lab, a program that aims to find solutions to problems facing the city's public transportation system. The agencies put forth two challenges; the first is a solution to help the public transit system recover from Covid-19 and restore its ridership to pre-pandemic levels. The second is a sustainability challenge, looking for innovations that will better prepare the transit system against extreme weather conditions while leaving less of a carbon footprint.
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New food hall at Pier 57 will be curated by the James Beard Foundation

Image courtesy of S9 Architecture

January 31, 2022

New food hall at Pier 57 will be curated by the James Beard Foundation

By Aaron Ginsburg

The culinary nonprofit organization the James Beard Foundation (JBF) announced on Friday they will be the anchor tenant of Pier 57's new food hall, which is set to open in the fall of 2022. The food hall will be developed in cooperation with real estate and development firm Jamestown, which will work with the JBF to curate vendors and manage it for Google.
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Food & Dining

New York requests additional $1.6B in federal rent assistance

Photo by Jonathan Riley on Unsplash

January 28, 2022

New York requests additional $1.6B in federal rent assistance

By Aaron Ginsburg

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday the state has requested an additional $1.6 billion from the United States Department of Treasury to help fund the state's Emergency Rental Assistance program. Although $1.4 billion has been distributed to New Yorkers struggling to pay rent due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are nearly 174,000 tenants whose applications to the state's program have not yet been fulfilled, according to the governor.
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Policy

See NYC’s latest Flatiron Building lookalike, the Nova in Long Island City

All images courtesy of Fogarty Finger and Hypertecture

January 28, 2022

See NYC’s latest Flatiron Building lookalike, the Nova in Long Island City

By Aaron Ginsburg

Queens is getting its own Flatiron Building lookalike in Long Island City. Designed by Fogarty Finger, The Nova is a 24-story mixed-use high-rise located on a triangular plot of land, giving way to a curved structure that evokes the Manhattan landmark. Slated to open in September, the luxury tower has 86 condominium units and ground-floor retail.
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New Developments

27 spots in NYC for Super Bowl Sunday spreads and specials

Image courtesy of Pig Beach

January 27, 2022

27 spots in NYC for Super Bowl Sunday spreads and specials

By Aaron Ginsburg

Whether you're watching Super Bowl LVI from one of the city's best sports bars and restaurants or from the comfort of your couch, good game day grub is a must. Ahead, find local spots with the best Super Bowl spreads, from in-person viewing parties with drink specials to ready-to-eat platters for pick-up and delivery.
Full list here

Lottery opens for 134 apartments at new waterfront rental in Mott Haven, from $1,795/month

Rendering courtesy of ArX Solutions

January 26, 2022

Lottery opens for 134 apartments at new waterfront rental in Mott Haven, from $1,795/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 134 middle-income units at a new development in the South Bronx. Developed by Brookfield Properties, Third at Bankside is the first phase of Bankside, the most expensive private development in Bronx history. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,795/month studios to $2,900/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

See inside NYC’s new luxury condo Flatiron House, where gardens bloom into apartments

Rendering courtesy of Wordsearch

January 25, 2022

See inside NYC’s new luxury condo Flatiron House, where gardens bloom into apartments

By Aaron Ginsburg

Sales launched this week at a new luxury condo building in the Flatiron District that utilizes biophilic design principles. Designed by COOKFOX Architects, Flatiron House, located at 39 West 23rd Street, incorporates nature into its appearance, including planted and irrigated Juliet balconies and a lush central garden. Developed by Anbau Development, Flatiron House contains 44 total residences, priced between $1.98 million and $13 million.
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205 moderate-income apartments available on Greenpoint’s waterfront, from $1,528/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 25, 2022

205 moderate-income apartments available on Greenpoint’s waterfront, from $1,528/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 205 moderate-income units in a new residential building in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Developed by Halcyon Management Group, 23 West Street is a 14-story residential building that sits within the Calyer Place development project currently under construction on the Brooklyn waterfront. New Yorkers earning 80 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,528/month studios to $1,955/month for two bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

100% affordable mixed-use project with 376 rentals breaks ground in Coney Island

Rendering courtesy of BFC Partners

January 24, 2022

100% affordable mixed-use project with 376 rentals breaks ground in Coney Island

By Aaron Ginsburg

BFC Partners announced on Monday the groundbreaking for the second phase of their 100 percent affordable housing project in Coney Island. Located at 1607 Surf Avenue, the roughly 361,000-square-foot mixed-use development contains 376 affordable rental units, 9,000 square feet of community space, and 11,000 square feet of commercial space. The $189 million project also includes a new primary care location run by New York City Health and Hospital Corporation.
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Affordable Housing

14-mile ‘Interborough Express’ route between Brooklyn and Queens moves forward

By Aaron Ginsburg

A public transportation project that could ease the lives of thousands of New Yorkers is gaining momentum. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced the completion of a feasibility study for the Interborough Express, moving the project into its next phase of development. The feasibility study yielded promising results, revealing that the new line could serve anywhere between 74,000 and 88,000 riders a day while connecting to 17 subway stops and the Long Island Rail Road. From its start in Bay Ridge to its final stop in Jackson Heights, the route would take 40 minutes.
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New daily, year-round ferry service launches to and from Governors Island

Image courtesy of the Trust for Governors Island

January 20, 2022

New daily, year-round ferry service launches to and from Governors Island

By Aaron Ginsburg

The city's Economic Development and the Trust For Governors Island on Thursday announced that daily, year-round ferry service to Governors Island will begin on Monday, January 24. The NYC Ferry will add a stop at Yankee Pier on its South Brooklyn Route between Red Hook and Sunset Park, connecting New Yorkers to the island from the Lower East Side and Brooklyn. The new service’s hours will coincide with the Island's new winter hours, open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Live in a new luxury Long Island City rental, from $1,486/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 20, 2022

Live in a new luxury Long Island City rental, from $1,486/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 31 middle-income units in a brand new luxury building in Long Island City. Designed by Fogarty Finger Architects, Rise LIC is a 10-story residential building offering its residents spacious units with extensive amenities. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,486/month studios to $3,200/month three bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

New York’s first-ever Lenape-curated exhibition to open at the Brooklyn Public Library in Greenpoint

Image courtesy of Gregg Richards

January 19, 2022

New York’s first-ever Lenape-curated exhibition to open at the Brooklyn Public Library in Greenpoint

By Aaron Ginsburg

The first-ever Lenape-curated exhibition in New York is coming to Brooklyn. Presented by the Brooklyn Public Library and The Lenape Center, Lenapehoking features a collection of masterworks by Lenape artists and educational programs that teach visitors the story of the Lenape community. The collection is curated by Joe Baker, the co-founder and executive director of the Lenape Center and enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians. The exhibition opens on Thursday, January 20 at the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center and runs through April 30.
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143 middle-income units available at new 34-story tower in Downtown Brooklyn, from $2,523/month

Rendering courtesy of RXR

January 19, 2022

143 middle-income units available at new 34-story tower in Downtown Brooklyn, from $2,523/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery launched this week for 143 middle-income units in a new building in Downtown Brooklyn. Designed by Perkins Eastman, The Willoughby is a 34-story mixed-use residential tower offering prospective tenants the opportunity to save money in the long term with rent-stabilized units. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $2,523/month studios to $3,235/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

New York lawmakers propose heat sensor requirement after deadly Bronx fire

Image courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

January 18, 2022

New York lawmakers propose heat sensor requirement after deadly Bronx fire

By Aaron Ginsburg

After the fire that claimed 17 lives at a Bronx apartment building last week, elected officials are brainstorming strategies to prevent future tragedies. Rep. Ritchie Torres and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Monday announced new legislation requiring the installation of heat sensors at federally-owned housing developments. Supported by Mayor Eric Adams, sensors monitor the heat levels within buildings, alerting authorities when they reach unsafe conditions. The monitors can also keep track of when temperatures drop lower than the legal limit.
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Policy

New-York Historical Society brings Frederick Douglass’ vision of a free America to life

Left: Carte-de-visite of Frederick Douglass, late 19th century. Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, New-York Historical Society. Right: Douglass scrapbook, Beinecke Library, New-York Historical Society

January 18, 2022

New-York Historical Society brings Frederick Douglass’ vision of a free America to life

By Aaron Ginsburg

The work of one of America's most influential advocates for liberty and equality will be on view in New York City this Black History Month. On February 11, the New-York Historical Society will open Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America, a special installation that honors the legacy of one of America’s most prolific freedom fighters. Named after one of Frederick Douglass’ most iconic speeches written at the end of the Civil War, the installation aims to paint a picture of Douglass’ optimistic vision of a new America during the era of Reconstruction.
Details here

All images courtesy of DBOX

January 14, 2022

A one-bedroom at Robert A.M. Stern’s new luxury Upper East Side tower asks $2M

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's an opportunity to live in a new residential building designed by famed architect Robert A.M. Stern. Located on the Upper East Side, 200 East 83rd Street is a 35-story tower with a jaw-dropping amenity package (like a 17th-floor pool room with Central Park views). A spacious one-bedroom apartment at the building is up for sale, priced at $2,050,000. Developed by Naftali Group and the Rockefeller Group, the condo building made headlines last November when a six-room penthouse sold for a record-breaking $27 million.
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Distinctive Homes

10 places to volunteer in New York City this winter

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

January 14, 2022

10 places to volunteer in New York City this winter

By Aaron Ginsburg

As the pandemic rages on, New Yorkers have maintained their resilience. However, many who were already struggling have had an even rougher time, with thousands of New Yorkers facing hunger, homelessness, and unemployment. As the federal holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., approaches, consider taking action and assisting the less fortunate in your community. Ahead, find a number of New York City organizations seeking volunteers this winter. Note, many of the organizations listed have put safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of the virus, including masks and social distancing.
Full list here

City Living

The number of sidewalk sheds in NYC has tripled over past two decades

Image courtesy of Billie Grace Ward on Flickr

January 13, 2022

The number of sidewalk sheds in NYC has tripled over past two decades

By Aaron Ginsburg

Temporary sidewalk sheds are legally required to be installed at any construction site to protect pedestrians from falling debris. While they are seen as a safety necessity, the structures are eyesores that block sunlight and slow foot traffic. In New York City, the total number of sidewalk sheds has tripled over the past two decades, a new report released this week by the Independent Budget Office found. Looking at data from the Department of Buildings, the report found Manhattan was home to the most sidewalk sheds but noted the outer boroughs are starting to catch up.
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Policy

Apply for 44 mixed-income units at new energy-efficient Bronx rental, from $410/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 13, 2022

Apply for 44 mixed-income units at new energy-efficient Bronx rental, from $410/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 44 mixed-income apartments at a new rental project near Fordham University in the Bronx. Developed by the BronxPro Group, Cyrus Place Apartments is an eight-story mixed-use, energy-efficient building designed to meet Passive House standards. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 70, and 80 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $410/month studios to $2,037/month three-bedroom units.
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Affordable Housing

New York’s eviction moratorium will end this week, Hochul confirms

Image courtesy of Mari Small on Unsplash

January 12, 2022

New York’s eviction moratorium will end this week, Hochul confirms

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York's eviction moratorium will not be extended after it expires this weekend, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday. In the meantime, the state’s rent-relief portal will be reopened to give aid to New Yorkers facing eviction. The freeze on evictions was established at the beginning of the Covid pandemic by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to give relief to struggling New Yorkers. Over the past two years, it has been extended multiple times, with Hochul extending it to January 15 during her first week in office.
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Policy

New art exhibit lets you walk through a glowing tunnel in the Garment District

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

January 11, 2022

New art exhibit lets you walk through a glowing tunnel in the Garment District

By Aaron Ginsburg

A small section of Broadway in the Garment District has been transformed into a glowing tunnel. The Garment District Alliance today revealed Passage, an art installation consisting of 20 illuminated circles that form a tunnel for pedestrians to walk through. The art piece is interactive, with each ring radiating light and emitting sound as participants pass by them. Located on Broadway between 39th and 40th Streets, the free immersive art experience will be open to the public until February 13.
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258 middle-income units up for grabs at Brooklyn’s Pacific Park complex, from $1,905/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 11, 2022

258 middle-income units up for grabs at Brooklyn’s Pacific Park complex, from $1,905/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 258 middle-income apartments in a new rental building in Prospect Heights. Designed by Perkins Eastman, Brooklyn Crossing is a 51-story residential tower in Prospect Height’s 22-acre Pacific Park mega-development. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $65,315 for a single person and $167,570 for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,905/month studios to $3,344/month for two bedrooms.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

NY lawmakers introduce ‘Dark Skies Act’ to protect migrating birds and limit light pollution

Photo by Carlos Oliva from Pexels

January 10, 2022

NY lawmakers introduce ‘Dark Skies Act’ to protect migrating birds and limit light pollution

By Aaron Ginsburg

Every year in New York City, tens of thousands of migratory birds are killed after being drawn from their flight paths by the city’s artificial light. To combat this, State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Assembly Member Patricia Fahy last week introduced the “Dark Skies Act,” a bill that aims to prevent the deaths of migratory birds and reduce light pollution. The bill would require the majority of non-essential outdoor lights to be turned off, covered, or switched to motion sensor activation after 11 p.m. Alternatively, lights could be set to shine downwards.
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