All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

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.
Details here

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.
See more here

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.
Find out more

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.
Find out more

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.
See inside

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.
Find out more

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.
Find out more

Affordable Housing

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

Streetview of 1214 Dean Street © 2022 Google Maps

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.
See more here

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.
See more here

Popular Articles

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.
Find out more

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.
Find out more

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.
Find out more

Affordable Housing

New ‘Date Night’ at the Met Museum includes live music and drink specials

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

February 18, 2022

New ‘Date Night’ at the Met Museum includes live music and drink specials

By Aaron Ginsburg

Bring your special someone, or come by yourself, to a special date night event hosted by the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere. Every Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., The Metropolitan Museum of Art will host "Date Night at The Met," an evening of live music, drink specials, and art.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

Apply for 125 mixed-income units on Greenpoint’s waterfront, from $1,437/month

Renderings courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

February 18, 2022

Apply for 125 mixed-income units on Greenpoint’s waterfront, from $1,437/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 125 mixed-income units at a new residential tower on the Brooklyn waterfront. Located at 1 Bell Slip in Greenpoint, the 31-story building offers its residents a host of luxury-style amenities and breathtaking views of the city skyline. New Yorkers earning 80, 125, and 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,437/month studios to $3,397/month two-bedrooms.
Find out more

Affordable Housing

See inside the swanky 37th-floor amenity space at Nomad’s Rose Hill tower

All images courtesy of Evan Joseph, unless otherwise noted

February 17, 2022

See inside the swanky 37th-floor amenity space at Nomad’s Rose Hill tower

By Aaron Ginsburg

A brand new amenity space offering residents breathtaking views of New York City and a host of luxurious conveniences has been unveiled at the Rockefeller Group's first-ever residential tower. "Top of the Hill" is on the 37th floor of Rose Hill, a new 45-story Art Deco-style tower in Nomad. Boasting 360-degree city views, the high-floor amenity space also includes a library curated by The Strand, a private dining room, and two covered outdoor lounges.
Take a look

Live like Midge Maisel in this 60s-themed suite at the Plaza, starting at $1,675/night

All images courtesy of The Plaza

February 17, 2022

Live like Midge Maisel in this 60s-themed suite at the Plaza, starting at $1,675/night

By Aaron Ginsburg

With the highly anticipated fourth season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel set to hit Amazon Prime Video this Friday, New York City's iconic Plaza Hotel is giving fans of the show the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Midge Maisel. The Plaza has recreated Midge's aesthetic within a one-bedroom suite, furnished with antiques and accouterments straight from the 1950s and 60s. As part of the event, The Palm Court at The Plaza has created the "Midge Menu," which reimagines the three-tiered afternoon tea tradition and includes NYC classics like pastrami sandwiches on rye, black and white cookies reimagined as macarons, and Nutella babka cheesecake.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

Free walking tour of the Flatiron District explores the neighborhood’s presidential history

Photo by Jermaine Ee on Unsplash

February 16, 2022

Free walking tour of the Flatiron District explores the neighborhood’s presidential history

By Aaron Ginsburg

To celebrate Presidents Day weekend, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is hosting a free special walking tour that explores the connection between U.S. presidents and the rich history of the Flatiron District. On February 20 at 11 a.m., tour guide Mike Kaback will embark on a 90-minute tour with guests, pointing out landmarks and providing context on how former presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant are tied to the historic area.
Find out more

Lottery opens for middle-income units at new Bronx rental near Yankee Stadium, from $1,600/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

February 15, 2022

Lottery opens for middle-income units at new Bronx rental near Yankee Stadium, from $1,600/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 32 middle-income units in a new 10-story residential building in the Bronx. Located at 1073 Summit Avenue in Highbridge, the building is designed by Marin Architects and developed by Stagg Group. New Yorkers earning 120 percent of the area median income, or between $54,858 annually for a single person to $154,680 annually for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the units, priced at $1,600/month for studios, $1,700/month for one-bedrooms, and $1,900/month for two-bedrooms.
Find out more

Affordable Housing

NYC borough presidents call on Adams to plant one million new trees by 2030

Photo of Riverside Park by Momos on Wikimedia

February 14, 2022

NYC borough presidents call on Adams to plant one million new trees by 2030

By Aaron Ginsburg

All five of New York City's borough presidents are calling on Mayor Eric Adams to improve the city's green spaces by planting one million new trees by 2030. During a joint press conference on Monday, Borough Presidents Mark Levine, Antonio Reynoso, Vanessa Gibson, Donovan Richards, and Vito Fossella introduced the "Million More Trees" initiative, a program first started by former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and completed by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2015. Also included as part of the initiative is the goal of increasing the city's tree canopy to 30 percent by 2035.
See more here

NYC cultural landmarks and public libraries will distribute free at-home Covid testing kits

Image courtesy of Gerardo Romo/NYC Council Media Unit on Flickr

February 14, 2022

NYC cultural landmarks and public libraries will distribute free at-home Covid testing kits

By Aaron Ginsburg

The NYC Test & Trace Corps has partnered with 14 city cultural sites and 27 branches of the city's public libraries to hand out free at-home covid-19 testing kits. Starting on February 14, libraries across the city's three branches and cultural sites will be conducting weekly walk-up distributions of the free kits, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis with a limit of one per person.
Find out more about free at-home test kits

Host your next grand event at this $34M Southampton mansion

All images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

February 11, 2022

Host your next grand event at this $34M Southampton mansion

By Aaron Ginsburg

This luxurious Hamptons property contains all the amenities and space anyone could ever need, and more. Located at 63 Duck Pond Lane in Southampton, the nine-bedroom estate has second-floor ocean views and offers a resort-style lifestyle via its heated pools, fitness center, and tennis court. From the massive outdoor LED screen that emerges from underground to the home theater with seats for 16, this mansion is perfect for hosting viewing parties for the Super Bowl, Olympics, or whatever event deserves an audience. The newly-built, two-acre estate is asking for $33,900,000.
Find out more

Distinctive Homes

Apply for 248 mixed-income units at new Passive House tower in the South Bronx, from $362/month

Rendering courtesy of Trinity Financial

February 11, 2022

Apply for 248 mixed-income units at new Passive House tower in the South Bronx, from $362/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 248 mixed-income apartments in the Bronx. Located at 425 Grand Concourse in Mott Haven, the 26-story mixed-use, mixed-income development is designed to meet Passive House standards and is one of the largest to be built in the United States. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 70, 100, and 130 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply for the units, which range from $362/month studios to $2,676/month three-bedrooms.
Find out more

New MCNY photo exhibition is a love letter to NYC

Pablo Delano, “Dancers at Dominican Day Parade,” Midtown, 1994-1995. Museum of the City of New York, 20211.15.15. Courtesy of Pablo Delano

February 11, 2022

New MCNY photo exhibition is a love letter to NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

A photo installation that captures the essence of New York City is opening this month. The Museum of the City of New York will open the new exhibition, "Celebrating the City: Recent Acquisitions from the Joy of Giving Something," on February 18. The series features roughly 100 photographs selected from more than 1,000 that were recently gifted to the East Harlem museum by Joy of Giving Something, a non-profit organization devoted to photography.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

New York lawmakers call for investigation into soaring ConEd bills in NYC

Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash

February 10, 2022

New York lawmakers call for investigation into soaring ConEd bills in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City residents are outraged after receiving electricity bills with astonishing price spikes, some by 300 percent of their normal rate. After receiving hundreds of calls from concerned New Yorkers over their skyrocketing electricity bills, elected officials are calling on the state's Public Service Commission (PSC) to launch an investigation into the sudden price increase among ConEd customers.
See more here

Policy

53
54
55
56
57