Search Results for: Crown Heights

Portraits of 200 Brooklynites on view at Industry City

All photos courtesy of the Free Portrait Project

February 15, 2024

Portraits of 200 Brooklynites on view at Industry City

By Aaron Ginsburg

The portraits and stories of 200 South Brooklyn residents will be on display in Sunset Park later this month as part of the Free Portrait Project. During a year-long residency at Industry City that began in January 2023, artist Rusty Zimmerman selected Brooklynites to be the subjects of oil paintings and share their oral histories. The portraits, which will be given to participants for free, will be on view from Saturday, February 24 through March 25.
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Events & Things To Do

Four new skateparks opening in Brooklyn and the Bronx

Mount Prospect Park in Brooklyn via Wikimedia

January 25, 2024

Four new skateparks opening in Brooklyn and the Bronx

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is working with legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk to develop four new skateparks in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Mayor Eric Adams during his State of the City address on Wednesday announced a partnership with The Skatepark Project, a nonprofit founded by Hawk, to bring four skateparks in communities lacking access to public recreation spaces. The project is being fast-tracked for completion in just three years. The plan involves renovating two existing skateparks, at Brower Park and Bronx Park, and constructing two new ones, at Mount Prospect Park and Soundview Park.
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Architecture And Design

Lunar New Year 2024: How to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in NYC

Photo by Dan Nguyen on Flickr

January 23, 2024

Lunar New Year 2024: How to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

Lunar New Year, the two-week-long festival that ushers in spring and new beginnings, starts on February 10 and runs until February 24. This year marks the Year of the Dragon, which is the fifth animal in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiacs and is said to possess the sharpest sense of self among all other zodiac signs. Ahead, find many ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in New York City, from taking craft lessons from master artisans at the Chinese Institute in America's family festival to attending Chinatown's annual parade and firecracker celebration.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC’s coziest spots to escape the cold weather

Photo courtesy of Black Mountain Wine House

January 18, 2024

NYC’s coziest spots to escape the cold weather

By Aaron Ginsburg

Winter is here, and New Yorkers are hunkering down for the cold and dark months to come. But regardless of how terrible the season can be, New Yorkers still want to go out and do things. Ahead, here are some of the city's coziest places to spend the cold months ahead, from rustic bars with fireplaces to the Koneko cat cafe.
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How to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in NYC

Sing Harlem Choir performs during the 2023 Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at BAM. Photo by Elena Olivo

January 8, 2024

How to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

On the third Monday in January, the nation honors the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. First established in 1983, MLK Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a national day of service. While many Americans have off from school and work, the holiday is seen as a "day on, not a day off," and provides opportunities to volunteer and give back to communities across the five boroughs. Ahead, we've found some ways to celebrate MLK Day in NYC, from volunteer service in Highland Park and Forest Park to listening to performances by the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir.
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Events & Things To Do

25 places to order takeout Thanksgiving dinner in NYC

Photo courtesy of BLACKBARN

November 8, 2023

25 places to order takeout Thanksgiving dinner in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

While Thanksgiving is meant to be a cheerful time full of expressing love for those closest to you, some who host the big dinner dread the hours of preparation that come along with it. Luckily, many New York City restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals for takeout or delivery, allowing New Yorkers to spend more time with friends and family instead of toiling away in the kitchen. Here are a few of the best Turkey Day meal packages, from a traditional Thanksgiving feast from Carmine's and Citarella to smoky twists on turkey at barbecue joints Hill Country, Virgil's, and Blue Smoke.
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Food & Dining

Michelin adds 11 restaurants to its New York dining guide

Photo of Mischa courtesy of Evan Sung.

October 16, 2023

Michelin adds 11 restaurants to its New York dining guide

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Michelin Guide has added 11 new restaurants to its New York dining guide. Located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Hudson Valley, the guide's new additions include Little Myanmar, a Burmese restaurant in the East Village, Peppercorn Station, a Szechuan restaurant in Midtown West, and the Apropos Restaurant at the Abbey Inn, a Mediterranean restaurant in Peekskill. No restaurants in the Bronx, Queens, or Staten Island were included in Michelin's latest update, according to Eater New York.
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Food & Dining

NYC’s Atlantic Avenue rezoning plan calls for 4,000 new homes and more open space

Preliminary vision of Atlantic Avenue looking west. Courtesy of NYC Planning.

September 11, 2023

NYC’s Atlantic Avenue rezoning plan calls for 4,000 new homes and more open space

By Devin Gannon

The city wants to bring 4,000 new apartments to a stretch of Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue currently home to vacant lots and auto shops. The Department of City Planning last week released the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan, a preliminary rezoning framework for 13 blocks of an industrially zoned area that runs through Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Fort Greene, and Bed-Stuy. The rezoning would allow for higher destiny residential and commercial use, with the potential for up to 1,550 income-restricted homes. Following additional community meetings and an environmental review, the proposal could enter the public review process in the spring of next year.
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16 things to do in NYC this Labor Day Weekend

September 1, 2023

16 things to do in NYC this Labor Day Weekend

By Aaron Ginsburg

Labor Day is a holiday spent recognizing American workers. The holiday's history can be traced to New York City in the late 19th century as unions and labor movements gained traction within the working class. Calls for a national holiday resounded amongst laborers, and the first Labor Day Parade was held in Union Square on September 5, 1882. In addition to being a celebration of unions, the holiday also represents the unofficial last weekend of summer. Ahead, find out some of the best ways to celebrate the long weekend in NYC, from attending the historic Labor Day Parade on Fifth Avenue to witnessing "one-wheel madness" at the NYC Unicycle Festival.
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Events & Things To Do

Everything you need to know about this year’s Caribbean Carnival in NYC

Photo by Brian Lin on Flickr

August 31, 2023

Everything you need to know about this year’s Caribbean Carnival in NYC

By Devin Gannon

New York City's West Indian-American Day Carnival and Parade returns to Brooklyn this Labor Day. The festival, which typically attracts over a million spectators, takes over a stretch of Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, celebrating the diversity of Caribbean culture with dancing, elaborate costumes, traditional music, and food.
What you need to know

Events & Things To Do

Redevelopment of historic armory in the Bronx moves forward

Photo courtesy of Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

August 8, 2023

Redevelopment of historic armory in the Bronx moves forward

By Aaron Ginsburg

Plans to redevelop the historic Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx have been revived after nearly three decades of discarded plans. Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday said a request for proposals will be issued next month to develop the landmark, which was built for military use in 1917 and has been largely vacant since the 1990s. In addition to a combined $200 million investment from the city and state, Adams and Hochul unveiled the "Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan," which includes the goals of the project as envisioned by the community and local stakeholders. With proposals due by the end of the year, construction could begin in 2027.
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Policy

NYC libraries to give out 15,000 free books this weekend

The book giveaway from 2022. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

July 28, 2023

NYC libraries to give out 15,000 free books this weekend

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City public libraries are giving away 15,000 books to families this weekend. The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library are gifting the books as part of the annual summer reading and learning programs, which motivate kids and teens to maintain their reading and critical thinking skills while on summer break. The free books will be available on a first-come first-served basis at select library branches on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29.
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Events & Things To Do

The best free museum days in New York City

July 24, 2023

The best free museum days in New York City

When living in one of the most expensive cities in the country, it’s helpful to know the places in New York City that offer discounts and freebies. Thankfully, many of the Big Apple’s world-class museums and galleries offer free admission on certain days, from the tiny Mmuseumm in Chinatown to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Ahead, we've rounded up some of the best free museum days in NYC to let you pinch pennies and get your culture fix at the same time.
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Events & Things To Do

Brower Park Library reopens within the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Photos courtesy of Gregg Richards

July 24, 2023

Brower Park Library reopens within the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Brooklyn Public Library's Brower Park branch has joined forces with another Crown Heights institution: the Brooklyn Children's Museum. After facing a hefty price tag of $5.6 million to make necessary improvements at its existing building, the library instead moved to the ground floor of the museum, according to Patch, with the branch officially open as of last week. Located at 155 Brooklyn Avenue, the library includes a main reading room, a community room, a colorful children's space for both reading and play, as well as an outdoor reading terrace.
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Uncategorized

New photo exhibit explores what ‘home’ means to New Yorkers

Cinthya Santos-Briones “Aerialists,” from the series “Living in Sanctuary” September 25, 2017 Courtesy of the artist

March 6, 2023

New photo exhibit explores what ‘home’ means to New Yorkers

By Devin Gannon

A photo exhibition opening this month examines what it means to make a home in New York City. Museum of the City of New York's New York Now: Home exhibit features the photography and video work of 33 artists who have captured the diverse definition of "home," be it a physical place, feeling, or chosen community. Opening on March 10, the exhibition is the first installation of an ongoing photography series at the museum.
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Events & Things To Do

A pop-up roller disco is opening at Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal Mall

Rendering courtesy of The Roller Wave

February 3, 2023

A pop-up roller disco is opening at Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal Mall

By Devin Gannon

An indoor roller rink is coming to the heart of Brooklyn. Set to open on February 11 at the Atlantic Terminal Mall, The Roller Wave will offer a 24,000-square-foot venue with skating, live performances, DJs, food and beverage options, and an arcade. Founded by NYC native Harry Martin, the Roller Wave is a traveling pop-up roller skating experience. The rink, which will be open through June 4, will be the Roller Wave's first true location.
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Events & Things To Do

Lottery opens for 144 mixed-income units at new Chelsea rental with lots of green space, from $1,329/month

Rendering courtesy of the

February 2, 2023

Lottery opens for 144 mixed-income units at new Chelsea rental with lots of green space, from $1,329/month

By Michelle Cohen

NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development Applications are now being accepted for 144 mixed-income apartments at the currently-under-construction development known as Ruby at 241 West 28th Street in Chelsea. Upon completion later this year, the 25-story mixed-use building will have 480 rental apartments, 8,500 square feet of ground-floor retail, landscaped gardens, and an impressive menu of amenities including rooftop pools, terraces, and lounges. The affordable units are available to New Yorkers earning between 70 and 130 percent of the area median income, or between $48,138 for a single person and $130,046 for a five-person household. Apartments range from $1,329/month for studios to $3,793 for two bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

This New York City artist is painting portraits of 200 South Brooklyn residents for free

All photos courtesy of The Free Portrait Project

January 11, 2023

This New York City artist is painting portraits of 200 South Brooklyn residents for free

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new artist residency will tell the story of South Brooklyn through paintings of its residents. The Free Portrait Project is inviting 200 Brooklynites to be the subject of oil portraits and share their oral histories with the project's founder, artist Rusty Zimmerman. The project, part of a yearlong residency at Sunset Park's Industry City, aims to "promote unity across boundaries" within the community.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC lost over 100,000 rent-stabilized units since 2019, according to report

Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash

December 27, 2022

NYC lost over 100,000 rent-stabilized units since 2019, according to report

By Aaron Ginsburg

Despite a 2019 state law that largely prohibits landlords from deregulating rent-regulated apartments, the number of rent-stabilized units in New York City has dropped significantly, as first reported by The City. These findings indicate that there are potentially thousands of tenants who are currently paying rent that is more than the previously regulated amounts. These tenants also lack the rights given to New Yorkers living in rent-regulated units, like guaranteed lease renewals and restricted rent hikes.
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Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in New York City this year

Photo courtesy of Pig Beach BBQ

November 8, 2022

Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in New York City this year

By Devin Gannon

You can spend more time with friends and family and less time in the kitchen this Thanksgiving by ordering in. There are many New York City restaurants offering Turkey Day meals for takeout and delivery, from a traditional feast with all of the fixings at Bubby's to a Middle Eastern-inspired meal from Edy's Grocer. And don't forget the pie!
Thankful for takeout

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

By Aaron Ginsburg

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

Affordable Housing

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

By Aaron Ginsburg

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.
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Policy

The top spooky and spirited NYC bars to visit this Halloween

Photo courtesy of The Cauldron NYC

October 14, 2022

The top spooky and spirited NYC bars to visit this Halloween

By Devin Gannon

New York City's favorite holiday is back and better than ever, with Halloween traditions and events returning in full force after two years. In addition to the parades, pumpkins, costume contests, and fright fests, many of the city's bars and restaurants transform into spooky dens decked out in eerie decor and serving spirited drinks and ghostly bites. Make the most of Halloween by visiting one of these freakishly festive bars.
Where to sip on spooky spirits

Apply for 23 mixed-income units at new luxury rental in Sunnyside, from $1,197/month

All images courtesy of Modern Spaces

August 4, 2022

Apply for 23 mixed-income units at new luxury rental in Sunnyside, from $1,197/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are now being accepted for 23 mixed-income units at a new luxury rental in Queens. Located at 50-11 Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside, Fifty11 is a nine-story mixed-use building with 75 units, comprised of a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income, or between $43,612 for a single person and $187,330 for a household of five, can apply for the apartments, priced between $1,197/month for studios and $2,850/month for two bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Where to see the final Manhattanhenge of 2022

Photo by Dan Nguyen on Flickr

July 8, 2022

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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