All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

The priciest private development in the Bronx opens first residential tower with rents to match

Rendering courtesy of ArX Solutions

March 11, 2022

The priciest private development in the Bronx opens first residential tower with rents to match

The priciest private development in the Bronx opened its first residential tower this week with rents to match. Developed by Brookfield Properties, the $950 million mixed-use Bankside project is one of the largest private investments in Bronx history and sits on 4.3-acres along the Mott Haven waterfront. On Thursday, rents for the market-rate apartments at Third at Bankside were revealed, with prices ranging from $2,455/month for studio apartments to $7,334/month for a three-bedroom unit with a private terrace.
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Project transforming run-down city buildings into ‘green’ affordable housing kicks off in Queens

Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

March 10, 2022

Project transforming run-down city buildings into ‘green’ affordable housing kicks off in Queens

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday announced a milestone has been reached in a major project designed to improve quality of life and tackle the affordable housing crisis in Southeast Queens. Construction has begun on "Habitat Net Zero," a project that will transform 13 run-down buildings owned by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) into 16 green homes for affordable homeownership.
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Sales launch at Brooklyn’s first supertall, condos priced from $875K

Image courtesy of JDS Development Group

March 10, 2022

Sales launch at Brooklyn’s first supertall, condos priced from $875K

By Aaron Ginsburg

Brookyn's first and only supertall tower officially launched sales on Wednesday. Designed by SHoP Architects, the Brooklyn Tower is a 93-story skyscraper standing at 1,066 feet in Downtown Brooklyn. Located at 9 Dekalb Avenue, the building's 150 condo units start on the 53rd floor of the tower at an elevation of 535 feet, providing unparalleled views of the surrounding cityscape. Residences are priced from $875,000 for studios to $8 million for four bedrooms. One-bedrooms start at $1.2 million, two-bedrooms at $2.4 million, three-bedrooms at $2.95 million, and four-bedrooms at $5.9 million.
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Staten Island woman’s collection of over 20,000 Black history artifacts to be auctioned

All images courtesy of Guernsey’s

March 9, 2022

Staten Island woman’s collection of over 20,000 Black history artifacts to be auctioned

By Aaron Ginsburg

Thousands of historical items illustrating the Black experience in America are going up for auction. Compiled over 60 years by former New York City teacher Elizabeth Meaders, the collection is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive, surpassing collections belonging to museums and other private institutions. The Elizabeth Meaders Collection of African American Historical and Cultural Artifacts will be put up for an online auction as a single collection through Guernsey's on March 15.
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Penn Station’s transformation takes next steps with removal of low-hanging beams

All images courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA

March 9, 2022

Penn Station’s transformation takes next steps with removal of low-hanging beams

By Aaron Ginsburg

A major step in the transformation of Penn Station has begun. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Tuesday announced they would begin the removal of seven massive low-hanging beams known as "head knockers," dated structural beams that have limited the height of passageways in Penn Station's Long Island Rail Road Concourse to under 7 feet. The removal of these beams will help project crews reach their goal of increasing the ceiling height to 18 feet across the entire concourse, doubling the width of the 33rd Street corridor to 57 feet, and improving lighting.
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The Met Opera will host benefit concert for Ukraine relief efforts

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

March 8, 2022

The Met Opera will host benefit concert for Ukraine relief efforts

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Opera next week will host a benefit performance to support the people of Ukraine. A Concert for Ukraine will be held on March 14, with all ticket sales and proceeds going to relief efforts in Ukraine. The 70-minute program will be led by Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and feature some of the opera's star soloists. Tickets are $50 and go on sale this Wednesday.
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Events & Things To Do

Study says vaccines prevented 48,000+ Covid deaths in NYC

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

March 7, 2022

Study says vaccines prevented 48,000+ Covid deaths in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

More than 48,000 deaths, 300,000 hospitalizations, and 1.9 million cases have been prevented since the city's Covid-19 vaccination campaign started in December 2020, the New York City Health Department announced on Friday. “COVID-19 vaccines have saved so many lives and prevented an immense amount of suffering," Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, Health Commissioner, said. "Nearly 48,000 New Yorkers will celebrate another birthday this year due to the power of vaccination."
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Policy

Explore hidden gems and lesser-known artists at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library’s new exhibit

All images courtesy of Alfonso Lozano

March 7, 2022

Explore hidden gems and lesser-known artists at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library’s new exhibit

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Hispanic Society Museum & Library has opened a new exhibition that brings attention to the wide variety of art, literature, and history from the Iberian Peninsula and South America. Curated by art historian Dr. Madeleine Haddon, Nuestra Casa: Rediscovering the Treasures of The Hispanic Society Museum & Library features select "hidden gems" from the museum's expansive collection of more than 750,000 pieces, including artworks by El Greco and Goya to masterpieces by lesser-known Latin American artists. The exhibition is open at the Washington Heights museum now through April 17.
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NYC school mask mandate will continue for children under five

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

March 4, 2022

NYC school mask mandate will continue for children under five

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City public school students under the age of five will need to continue wearing masks even though the city's mask mandate in public schools will be lifted on March 7, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Friday. Children under the age of five are still ineligible for vaccination.
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Policy

A luxurious wellness spa is now open on Governors Island

All images courtesy of QC NY

March 4, 2022

A luxurious wellness spa is now open on Governors Island

By Aaron Ginsburg

QC Terme Spas & Resorts' long-anticipated day spa has opened today within three historic buildings on Governors Island. QC NY is the luxury resort brand's first property outside of Europe and features relaxation rooms, themed saunas, Vichy showers, infrared beds, foot baths, hydro jets, steam baths, and other amenities meant to induce bliss. The resort will be the island's first year-round commercial tenant.
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City Living

South Brooklyn Marine Terminal to become one of nation’s largest offshore wind ports

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced an agreement that will transform New York City's South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into one of the country's largest offshore wind ports. As part of the deal made with the city's Economic Development Corporation, Equinor, and the Sustainable South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, L.P., the terminal will become a power interconnection site for the Empire Wind 1 project, with heavy-lift platforms being built on the 39th Street Pier for use as wind turbine staging. The terminal's transformation will help the city meet its climate goal of having 100 percent clean electricity by 2040.
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Port Authority releases mass transit options as possible alternatives to LaGuardia AirTrain project

Rendering courtesy of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

March 3, 2022

Port Authority releases mass transit options as possible alternatives to LaGuardia AirTrain project

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Wednesday released a set of alternative options to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain project, a 1.5-mile elevated rail that would connect the airport with the subway system at Willets Point and link to the Long Island Rail Road. After Gov. Kathy Hochul halted the project last October and urged developers to look for alternate options, Port Authority has come up with 14 alternatives including two subway extensions, five light rail routes, five bus options, a ferry service, and options utilizing "emerging technologies."
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How Planter Rob is growing a community of plant lovers & affordable housing advocates in NYC

All images courtesy of Breaking Ground

March 2, 2022

How Planter Rob is growing a community of plant lovers & affordable housing advocates in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

Plant entrepreneur Robert Jeffery, aka Planter Rob, recently teamed up with New York's largest supportive housing provider Breaking Ground and plant company The Sill to donate nearly 200 houseplants to residents of Edwin's Place, an affordable housing development in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Jeffery has also started his own "Welcome-Home Plants" program; an initiative that aims to cultivate a diverse community of plant lovers who advocate for affordable housing and reap the benefits plant care brings, like a feeling of belonging and accomplishment. As someone who once faced homelessness, Jeffery can speak on the impact plant care had on his life once he was able to have a place for himself. We spoke with Planter Rob on what influenced him to become involved with houseplants, important issues in the plant community, and how he began his work with Breaking Ground and Edwin's Place.
Meet Planter Rob and learn more about his mission

NYC’s first ‘flying theater’ RiseNY opens in Times Square

All images courtesy of Jeremy Daniel

March 2, 2022

NYC’s first ‘flying theater’ RiseNY opens in Times Square

By Aaron Ginsburg

Starting Wednesday, visitors will be able to soar through the sky on an aerial tour of New York City in a flying theater. Located at 160 West 45th Street, RiseNY is a state-of-the-art virtual experience created and produced by Running Subway that takes participants on an exhilarating journey of the city skyline and cultural landmarks. The experience is a three-part journey starting with a film narrated by Jeff Goldblum, taking guests through the recreation of NYC's first subway station and delving into the city's global impact.
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Events & Things To Do

The New York Botanical Garden’s colorful orchid show returns for 19th year

All photos courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden

March 1, 2022

The New York Botanical Garden’s colorful orchid show returns for 19th year

By Aaron Ginsburg

After it was cut short due to the pandemic, the New York Botanical Garden's famed orchid exhibition is returning for its 19th year. Created by lifestyle icon and floral designer Jeff Leatham, The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope transforms the garden's historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a colorful experience reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. The orchid show is open through May 1.
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Events & Things To Do

Brooklyn officials call for end of minimum parking requirements at new developments

Photo courtesy of Mike Petrucci on Unsplash

March 1, 2022

Brooklyn officials call for end of minimum parking requirements at new developments

By Aaron Ginsburg

Brooklyn officials are calling for the end of minimum parking requirements at new construction projects in transit-rich neighborhoods. Currently, developers of most new residential developments in the borough must create off-street parking spaces for both as-of-right and rezoned projects. Officials argue parking minimums disrupt the area by adding congestion, reducing walkability, and producing more carbon emissions. While changing requirements is seen as more of a long-term goal, officials on Monday voiced a temporary solution: asking the Department of City Planning to encourage developers to include special permit applications to waive parking requirements for any residential project subject to rezoning.
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40 middle-income units available at new Fordham Heights rental, from $1,539/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

February 28, 2022

40 middle-income units available at new Fordham Heights rental, from $1,539/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened last week for 40 middle-income apartments at a new residential building in the Bronx. Located at 2065-2067 Ryer Avenue in Fordham Heights, the 12-story building is being developed by the UA Builders Group. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $52,766 annually for a single person to $167,570 for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,539/month studios to $1,878/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

For $1.8M, a ‘Folk Victorian’ style Hudson Valley home once frequented by Gilded Age celebrities

All photos courtesy of Jump Visual for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

February 28, 2022

For $1.8M, a ‘Folk Victorian’ style Hudson Valley home once frequented by Gilded Age celebrities

By Aaron Ginsburg

Once a boarding house frequented by celebrities of the Gilded Age, this 1867 colonial overlooking the Hudson River in Rockland County is on the market. Located at 91 River Road in Grandview, the Limont House, with six bedrooms and five-and-a-half-bathroom, is asking $1,825,000. The property, which includes a separate pool house, sits on the site of a former sandstone quarry and leads to nature trails on the former Erie Rail.
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Distinctive Homes

Adams to end school mask mandate, most indoor vaccine requirements on March 7

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

February 27, 2022

Adams to end school mask mandate, most indoor vaccine requirements on March 7

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City will no longer require masks in public schools or proof of vaccination for indoor dining and entertainment starting March 7 if there is no spike in Covid-19 cases before then, Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday. The announcement comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul lifted the indoor mask mandate statewide for schools. In addition to ending the mask mandate in schools, Adams said the "Key to NYC' initiative, which has required proof of vaccination at restaurants, bars, gyms, and indoor entertainment venues since August, will also be lifted. An official decision is expected on March 4.
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Policy

Hochul says 190 homes at Inwood Tower will remain affordable for next 30 years

Image courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

February 25, 2022

Hochul says 190 homes at Inwood Tower will remain affordable for next 30 years

By Aaron Ginsburg

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced an agreement with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYHCR) to preserve affordability for 30 years for 190 households at Inwood Tower, a Mitchell-Lama cooperative development in Washington Heights. By terms of the agreement, NYHCR will grant the co-op a $7.6 million subsidy loan that the development will use for essential repairs. With this grant, the state has ensured that more than 22,000 Mitchell-Lama apartments remain affordable for low and moderate-income New Yorkers as part of its five-year housing plan.
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Affordable Housing

February 24, 2022

NYC reaches $2.25M settlement with notorious Crown Heights landlord duo

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Eric Adams and New York Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday announced a $2.25 million settlement against Gennaro Brooks-Church and Loretta Gendville, who attempted to illegally evict tenants at their Brooklyn property during the pandemic in violation of the state's moratorium, and reportedly ran an illegal hotel operation over the course of several years. By terms of the settlement, the property located at 1214 Dean Street in Crown Heights will be turned over to the city and transformed into affordable housing, with the previous owners paying $250,000 in fines.
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See the luxury condo towers coming to one of Greenpoint’s remaining waterfront parcels

Images courtesy of SERHANT. New Development. Renderings by Christian Eriksson, Redundant Pixel

February 23, 2022

See the luxury condo towers coming to one of Greenpoint’s remaining waterfront parcels

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new luxury residential project is set to rise on one of Greenpoint's few remaining vacant waterfront parcels. First spotted last month by CityRealty, The Huron is a two-tower condo development featuring 171 units ranging from studios to four bedrooms. Developed by Quadrum Global, the two towers boast eight exposures that maximize waterfront views and 30,000 square feet of amenity space, including an indoor saltwater pool overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
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MTA to test platform barriers at 3 stations in Manhattan and Queens

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

February 23, 2022

MTA to test platform barriers at 3 stations in Manhattan and Queens

By Aaron Ginsburg

After the tragic killing of a subway rider pushed in front of a train earlier this month, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has finally heeded the calls of transit advocates and New Yorkers and will be testing platform doors at three stations in Manhattan and Queens. The MTA will be piloting the barriers at Times Square on the 7 line, at Third Avenue on the L line, and at Sutphin Boulevard/JFK on the E line, as MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber told NY1 Wednesday morning.
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NYC begins effort to ‘harden’ 20 miles of protected bike lanes

Image courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

February 22, 2022

NYC begins effort to ‘harden’ 20 miles of protected bike lanes

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York City Department of Transportation is implementing new strategies to keep cyclists safe while navigating the hectic city streets. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Friday announced the start of a new project that will fortify half of all delineator-protected bike lanes in NYC, which better protects cyclists and keeps lanes clear of vehicles. Originally set to be completed within the first 100 days of Rodriguez's term, as Streetsblog reported, the city now aims to harden 20 of the city's 40 miles of delineator-protected bike lines by the end of 2023.
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Apply for 95 middle-income units at Jamaica rental with sweeping skyline views, from $1,550/month

Images courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

February 22, 2022

Apply for 95 middle-income units at Jamaica rental with sweeping skyline views, from $1,550/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nearly 100 new middle-income units are up for grabs at a new residential tower in Queens. Located at 160-05 Archer Ave in Jamaica, One Archer provides its residents with easy access to Manhattan and a wide variety of amenities, including a rooftop with impressive views. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $54,858 annually for a single person or $167,570 annually for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,550/month studios to $2,345/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

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