All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

April 7, 2022

A ‘bookstore crawl’ returns to Brooklyn this month

For the first time since 2019, Brooklyn's bookstores are inviting readers back for a borough-wide book crawl. Starting on April 23 and leading up to Independent Bookstore Day on April 30, those interested can pick up a "Bookstore Crawl Passport" at any of the 21 participating locations and fill out it with stamps and signatures from each bookstore visited for the chance to win a prize.
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Events & Things To Do

Sales launch at Robert A.M. Stern’s waterfront Chelsea condo, two-bedrooms priced from $4M

All images courtesy of Related Companies

April 7, 2022

Sales launch at Robert A.M. Stern’s waterfront Chelsea condo, two-bedrooms priced from $4M

By Aaron Ginsburg

Related Companies on Thursday launched sales at The Cortland, a new 25-story waterfront luxury condo designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) with interiors from Olson Kundig. Located at 555 West 22nd Street in Chelsea, the tower offers residents views of the Hudson River and almost 20,000 square feet of amenity space. While exact pricing for all 144 loft-like residences has not been released yet, a spokesperson for the project said two-bedrooms start at just above $4 million and over $21 million for four bedrooms.
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Brooklyn cafe Winner to open at Prospect Park’s Picnic House this spring

Photo credit: Chadwick Creative Arts; Courtesy of the Prospect Park Alliance

April 6, 2022

Brooklyn cafe Winner to open at Prospect Park’s Picnic House this spring

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new food and drink concession is headed to Brooklyn's Backyard this spring. The Prospect Park Alliance on Wednesday announced Park Slope's Winner will open a new cafe on the lower level of Prospect Park's Picnic House, a charming Colonial Revival-style building in the park's Long Meadow. Offering baked goods, sandwiches, beverages, and picnic meals, Winner will serve parkgoers through December. Service will begin with breakfast and additional hours will be added weekly until Memorial Day when the cafe's regular hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
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Food & Dining

New program offers artists chance to live and work at glamping resort on Governors Island for free

Photo courtesy of Collective Retreats

April 6, 2022

New program offers artists chance to live and work at glamping resort on Governors Island for free

By Aaron Ginsburg

NYC Culture Club and glamping resort Collective Retreats are offering a select number of artists the chance to live and work on Governors Island for free. Under the new artist residency program, six slots are available in 2022, with month-long residencies running from May to October, as first reported by Time Out New York. Preference will be given to artists from outside of the city, but all are welcome to apply.
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City Living

Photo of Threes Brewing in Gowanus, Courtesy of Matt Furman

April 6, 2022

14 NYC breweries with outdoor seating

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is home to a countless number of bars and restaurants where you can get drinks, but there is something special about having a beer at the place where it was made. There is something even more special about enjoying a cold drink outside on a warm day, and many of NYC's breweries have spaces just for the occasion. From Talea Beer Co.'s new rooftop deck with views of Manhattan's skyline to the Bronx Brewery's huge backyard space with live music, here are some of the best breweries in the five boroughs offering outdoor spaces to enjoy the sun alongside a cold beverage.
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Jane’s Walk returns to NYC with in-person tours and focus on four Harlem historic districts

Courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

April 5, 2022

Jane’s Walk returns to NYC with in-person tours and focus on four Harlem historic districts

By Aaron Ginsburg

For the first time since 2019, Jane's Walk NYC will offer in-person tours next month. Presented by the Municipal Art Society of New York, Jane's Walk is a three-day festival of free guided walking tours through iconic New York City neighborhoods. This year, the volunteer-led event, which runs May 6-8, includes walks through four historic districts in Harlem: the Mount Morris Park Historic District, the Central Harlem Historic District, Striver's Row, and the Dorrance Brooks Historic District, designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission last June.
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Council wants additional $3.1B to build up ‘NYC Streets Plan’

Photo by Jim.henderson on Wikimedia

April 5, 2022

Council wants additional $3.1B to build up ‘NYC Streets Plan’

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York City Council is calling on Mayor Eric Adams to allocate an additional $3.1 billion to build more bike lanes, bus lanes, and space for pedestrians. In a response to the mayor's preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2023 published this week, the council said the mayor would not be able to fulfill his campaign promise of building 300 miles of protected bus lanes during his first term due to a lack of funding. According to the council, the increased investment would allow for 500 miles of protected bike lanes, 500 miles of bus lanes, and 38 million square feet of open pedestrian space, according to the Council's proposal.
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Adams takes aim at ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law with new campaign inviting LGBTQ Floridians to NYC

Photo Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 4, 2022

Adams takes aim at ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law with new campaign inviting LGBTQ Floridians to NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City on Monday rolled out a new marketing campaign in Florida inviting the state's LGBTQ community to move to the five boroughs in response to the recent "Don't Say Gay" legislation signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The five ads, which will run across digital billboards and on social media in five cities in the Sunshine State, are meant to highlight the inclusiveness of New York City and take aim at the new legislation, which bans the teaching and conversation of sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten to third grade in the Florida school system. The campaign also comes after DeSantis released an ad showing New Yorkers who moved to Florida.
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Policy

9 sculptures of the world’s most endangered animals unveiled in Greenwich Village

All photos courtesy of Cayla Spatz

April 4, 2022

9 sculptures of the world’s most endangered animals unveiled in Greenwich Village

By Aaron Ginsburg

A public art installation consisting of sculptures representing nine of the world's most endangered animals was unveiled on Friday. Created by husband-and-wife art duo Gillie and Marc, the six-foot-tall sculptures are located within Greenwich Village's Ruth Wittenberg Triangle. Each sculpture is accompanied by a QR code which spectators can scan to learn more about each of the animals as well as donate to the World Wildlife Fund, Gillie and Marc's charity partner. The exhibit will be on display until July 31 when its next location is announced.
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Events & Things To Do

Lottery opens for 185 units at former Jehovah’s Witnesses hotel in Dumbo, from $537/month

Image courtesy of Breaking Ground

April 4, 2022

Lottery opens for 185 units at former Jehovah’s Witnesses hotel in Dumbo, from $537/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 185 mixed-income units at a residential tower in Brooklyn. Located at 90 Sands Street in Dumbo, the 30-story building offers affordable units to those with extremely low to moderate incomes and formerly homeless New Yorkers. Once a hotel owned by the Jehovah's Witnesses, the property was acquired by nonprofit Breaking Ground in 2018 for $170 million and converted into supportive and affordable housing. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 60, 100, and 120 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, priced from $537/month studio apartments to $2,132/month one-bedroom apartments.
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Affordable Housing

New York City projected to see 70% increase in tourism in 2022

By Aaron Ginsburg

After the Covid pandemic brought the city's tourism industry to a near standstill, officials say they expect visitors to return in greater numbers this year. In a new report released this week, NYC & Company, the city's tourism agency, projects that New York City will see a 70 percent increase in tourism in 2022, including approximately 8 million international visitors. However, the city will be missing out on its fasting growing source of tourism, as China is still not permitting its citizens to travel abroad.
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April 1, 2022

NYC sues ‘worst’ landlord who has racked up over 1,900 violations

By Aaron Ginsburg

The city this week filed a lawsuit against landlord Moshe Piller, who has accumulated over 1,900 violations for dangerous conditions across 15 buildings he owns in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday said the purpose of the lawsuit is to pressure Piller to repair his property or face "tens of millions" in civil penalties.
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Policy

Asking $33M, the tallest penthouse on the UES has dramatic archways and three levels of terraces

All images courtesy of March Made for DDG

March 31, 2022

Asking $33M, the tallest penthouse on the UES has dramatic archways and three levels of terraces

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's a chance to own the highest residence in the tallest residential tower on the Upper East Side. Situated at the pinnacle of DDG's condominium at 180 East 88th Street, this duplex penthouse boasts over 5,500 square feet of interior space. Now on the market for $33,000,000, the five-bedroom penthouse flaunts soaring ceiling heights, a sculptural spiral staircase, and an incredible 3,500 square feet of private outdoor space spread across three levels.
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Coney Island’s Luna Park to open this weekend

Photo of Coney Island by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

March 31, 2022

Coney Island’s Luna Park to open this weekend

By Aaron Ginsburg

Coney Island's Luna Park is set to open for the 2022 season on Saturday, April 2. The iconic Brooklyn amusement park is hosting its traditional opening-day ceremonies, including the egg-cream christening of the Cyclone rollercoaster, which is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year. The first 95 rides on the coaster will be free to celebrate this milestone and each lucky rider will receive a free egg cream.
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Events & Things To Do

300-foot-tall Ferris wheel with views of NYC to open at NJ’s American Dream mega-mall

All images courtesy of American Dream

March 30, 2022

300-foot-tall Ferris wheel with views of NYC to open at NJ’s American Dream mega-mall

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Jersey's American Dream mega-mall and Skyviews of America on Wednesday announced the opening date for Dream Wheel, a 300-foot tall Ferris wheel with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and the New Jersey Meadowlands. The Dream Wheel, which can hold 16 passengers at a time during a 30-minute ride, will open to the public on April 13.
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Uncategorized

Museum of Natural History’s new Studio Gang-designed science center to open next winter

Entrance, © Neoscape, Inc.

March 29, 2022

Museum of Natural History’s new Studio Gang-designed science center to open next winter

By Aaron Ginsburg

After years of delays due to legal action, the American Museum of Natural History's Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation has an official opening date. The museum on Monday announced the Gilder Center, a 230,000 square foot architectural wonder designed by Jeanne Gang's Studio Gang, will open to the public next winter. The new center will improve circulation in the museum and help fulfill a 150-year-old vision of creating a continuous campus across four city blocks. It will also provide space for new galleries, educational programs, an expanded library, and a theater.
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New mural in the East Village honors history of Ukraine

All photos courtesy of Mike Krautter

March 28, 2022

New mural in the East Village honors history of Ukraine

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new public art installation was unveiled in the East Village this weekend that aims to show solidarity with Ukraine and its people. Created by New York-based Ukrainian artist Misha Tyutyunik, "Ukraine: A History in Solidarity" depicts a famous monument inspired by the story behind the naming of Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv. A gift from Citizens Bank, the artwork was designed with help from Kyiv residents during Tyutyunik’s time in Ukraine in 2019 and painted on Saturday with help from the public.
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Events & Things To Do

Brooklyn Museum’s free First Saturdays program returns after two years

First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum, April 2017. Photo: Kolin Mendez Photography; courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum

March 25, 2022

Brooklyn Museum’s free First Saturdays program returns after two years

By Aaron Ginsburg

For the first time since March 2020, the Brooklyn Museum's popular First Saturdays program will return next month. The program, which got its start over two decades ago, offers a night of free events, performances, activities, and more, on the first Saturday of every month. The famed program resumes on April 2 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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Events & Things To Do

20 mixed-income units available at ODA’s new Lower East Side rental, from $677/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

March 25, 2022

20 mixed-income units available at ODA’s new Lower East Side rental, from $677/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are currently being accepted for 20 mixed-income units at a new rental on the Lower East Side designed by notable local architects ODA Architecture. Developed by Nexus Building Development Group, the 16-story mid-rise at 171 Chrystie Street features an intricate geometric design and a prime lower Manhattan location. New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income, or between $24,789 for a single person and $108,680 for a household of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $677/month studios to $2,689/month one-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Uber will include NYC’s yellow taxis on its app

Photo by joiseyshowaa on Flickr

March 24, 2022

Uber will include NYC’s yellow taxis on its app

By Aaron Ginsburg

After years of competition, New York City yellow taxis and Uber are joining forces. NYC yellow taxi platform Creative Mobile Technologies (CMT) and Uber on Thursday announced a partnership permitting city taxis to be listed on the popular rideshare app, giving them access to a larger customer base. The combined service is expected to begin in beta this spring and will be made available to riders this summer, according to a press release.
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New report finds neighborhoods in the Bronx lead the city in missed mortgage payments

Photo by Nelson Mejia Jr. on Flickr

March 24, 2022

New report finds neighborhoods in the Bronx lead the city in missed mortgage payments

By Aaron Ginsburg

Two years after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Bronx neighborhoods are leading the city in mortgage delinquency rates, according to a new analysis by the Center for NYC Neighborhoods. Plus, the city's majority Black neighborhoods were most at risk for foreclosures, with these ZIP codes having an average of 8.48 percent of homeowners who had failed to make their mortgage payment for more than 30 days, as first reported by The City.
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Abandoned Art Deco gem Metro Theater to return to the UWS as multi-screen cinema

Photo by Enniferj on Wikimedia

March 23, 2022

Abandoned Art Deco gem Metro Theater to return to the UWS as multi-screen cinema

By Aaron Ginsburg

An 89-year-old Art-Deco movie theater that has sat vacant on the Upper West Side for years has finally been purchased and will be restored to its former glory. The landmarked Metro Theater, abandoned since 2005, was purchased by an unidentified buyer from California who intends to change it into a restaurant theater in which patrons can purchase food and drinks while enjoying their movies, previous owner Albert Bialek told the West Side Rag. The space will also offer restaurant facilities and community meeting rooms on a rental basis.
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City Living

NYC’s Smorgasburg, Queens Night Market announce 2022 opening dates

2018 Smorgasburg; Photo by Scott Lynch

March 23, 2022

NYC’s Smorgasburg, Queens Night Market announce 2022 opening dates

By Aaron Ginsburg

Two foodie favorites are returning to New York City and New Jersey next month. Open-air food markets Smorgasburg and the Queens Night Market have announced opening dates for the 2022 season. Now in its 12th season, Smorgasburg's opening weekend kicks off April 1 near the World Trade Center, with a new Jersey City location operating on Saturdays and the old standby Prospect Park spot on Sundays. The flagship riverside location in Williamsburg will be opening in June due to renovations at Marsha P. Johnson State Park. And Queens Night Market is back at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturdays starting April 16 as part of a special sneak peek, with free admission starting on May 7.
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Lottery opens for 56 rentals in Long Island City’s Dutch Kills neighborhood, from $2,556/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

March 22, 2022

Lottery opens for 56 rentals in Long Island City’s Dutch Kills neighborhood, from $2,556/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are currently being accepted for 56 middle-income apartments in Long Island City. Located at 35-05 30th Street in the micro-neighborhood of Dutch Kills, the Dutch House Apartments is a six-story building featuring a host of amenities and easy access to public transportation. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $87,635 annually for a single person and $167,570 for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $2,556/month studios to $3,166/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

New art installation is a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of Times Square

Rendering of Raúl Cordero’s Public Art Project, The Poem. Courtesy of the artist and Times Square Arts.

March 22, 2022

New art installation is a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of Times Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

Take a moment to escape the hustle and bustle of the city at this new public art installation opening in Times Square. Next month, Times Square Arts will debut Raúl Cordero's The Poem, a large-scale sculptural tower with illuminated text in its interior and cascading foliage on its exterior, reminiscent of a temple sanctuary. Guests step into the artwork and look up through 20 feet of cascading mountain laurel foliage only to see the night sky and the lines of a haiku fixed to the walls. The Poem is on view from April 8 through May 4.
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Events & Things To Do

All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

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