All articles by Aaron Ginsburg

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

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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Popular Articles

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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NYC bodegas launch campaign against corporation-backed 15-minute grocery delivery

Photo by Clément Falize on Unsplash

January 10, 2022

NYC bodegas launch campaign against corporation-backed 15-minute grocery delivery

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City bodegas and delis are fighting back against 15-minute delivery startups. A group representing local grocers, the Save Mom-and-Pop Business Coalition, rallied on Sunday with elected officials, calling out the venture capitalist-backed services they say threaten the city's small businesses. The rally took place outside of Stop 1 Deli, a Lower East Side bodega located directly across the street from GoPuff, one of the delivery services in question. Delivery services like GoPuff have moved into large spaces on commercial strips, morphing them into warehouses stuffed with groceries and other goods.
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Adams, Hochul will increase police presence in NYC subway system to combat homelessness and crime

Image courtesy of Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

January 7, 2022

Adams, Hochul will increase police presence in NYC subway system to combat homelessness and crime

By Aaron Ginsburg

Commuters will soon see more New York City police officers riding the subway, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday. Hochul and Adams on Thursday laid out a new initiative to tackle homelessness by deploying teams of specially trained Safe Options Support officials. These "SOS" teams will consist of mental health professionals who will work with the city's outreach teams to assist homeless New Yorkers. To combat crime in the subway system, Adams has ordered the mobilization of more officers who will patrol stations and board trains to make visual inspections.
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Hochul announces 14-mile-long ‘Interborough Express,’ connecting Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights

Image courtesy of the MTA

January 6, 2022

Hochul announces 14-mile-long ‘Interborough Express,’ connecting Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights

By Aaron Ginsburg

After decades of speculation and discarded plans, better train access could be on the way for New Yorkers living in Queens and Brooklyn. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced in her 2022 State of the State address plans for the development of the "Interborough Express," a major transit service expansion that would connect the boroughs. The proposed expansion takes the Bay Ridge Branch, a freight rail line that already runs through Brooklyn and Queens, and transforms it into a 14-mile arching track stretching from Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights. The new track would link up to 17 existing subway lines across the two boroughs, as well as provide a connection to the Long Island Rail Road.
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Famed NYC bar Dante opens winter-themed pop-up at the Seaport

Image courtesy of Dante

January 6, 2022

Famed NYC bar Dante opens winter-themed pop-up at the Seaport

By Aaron Ginsburg

North America’s number one bar returns to the Seaport to serve award-winning food and drink in its seasonal pop-up at Pier 17’s Pearl Alley. Guests can enjoy their food and drink alongside live music in a warm, winter-themed setting. The Greenwich Village staple will offer guests signature cocktails and negronis, as well as espresso, coffee, and pastries.
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Leasing begins at 51-story Brooklyn Crossing, Pacific Park’s largest building

Image courtesy of VMI Studio for IF Studio

January 5, 2022

Leasing begins at 51-story Brooklyn Crossing, Pacific Park’s largest building

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Brodsky Organization and Greenland USA on Tuesday announced the beginning of leasing for Brooklyn Crossing, the latest, and currently tallest, addition to Prospect Height’s 22-acre development Pacific Park. Located at 18 Sixth Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Street, the 51-story residential tower offers 858 mixed-income units, ranging from studios to one-to-three bedroom apartments, with 258 of the units to be designated as affordable for middle-income earners. Occupancy is expected this month.
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New Developments

NYC unveils plan for 100% affordable homeownership development in Bed-Stuy

Rendering courtesy of Leong Leong

January 4, 2022

NYC unveils plan for 100% affordable homeownership development in Bed-Stuy

By Aaron Ginsburg

The city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development last week announced their plan for the construction of a 100 percent affordable homeownership development in Bed-Stuy as part of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Housing Plan. HPD, along with Almat Urban and the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, will work to develop the Norma, an 11-story mixed-use development that will bring 44 homeownership opportunities to first-time home buyers. Located on Fulton Street and Howard Avenue, The Norma will offer a mix of condo-style units ranging from one to three bedrooms designated for those with low to moderate household incomes.
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Lottery opens at Williamsburg’s 45-story rental One South First, from $1,550/month

Image courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 3, 2022

Lottery opens at Williamsburg’s 45-story rental One South First, from $1,550/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 89 middle-income apartments in Williamsburg's tallest building, One South First. Developed by Two Trees Management and designed by COOKFOX Architects, One South First is a 45-story mixed-use building developed on the former Domino Sugar Factory site. New Yorkers earning 80, 125, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,550/month studios to $3,169/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

NYC Ferry continues expansion with new Bronx stop in Throgs Neck

NYC Ferry launched service in Throgs Neck in the Bronx with the opening of a new landing at Ferry Point Park. Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

December 29, 2021

NYC Ferry continues expansion with new Bronx stop in Throgs Neck

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday cut the ribbon on a new ferry landing in the Bronx. Located at Ferry Point Park in Throgs Neck, the new landing extends NYC Ferry's Soundview route, which stops on the Upper East Side, Midtown, and the Financial District. With the addition of this new stop, the Soundview route begins at Ferry Point Park, continuing onto stops in Soundview, East 90th Street, 34th Street, Stuyvesant Cove, and Wall Street/Pier 11. The entire route takes a total of 60 minutes.
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Lottery opens for 324 units at world’s largest affordable Passive House, from $388/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 29, 2021

Lottery opens for 324 units at world’s largest affordable Passive House, from $388/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for more than 300 apartments at the world's largest fully affordable Passive House. Sendero Verde is a mixed-use project currently under construction in East Harlem that includes affordable housing, community space, retail, outdoor gardens, and a school. As part of phase one, the 100 percent affordable building designed by Handel Architects is now accepting applications for 324 mixed-income units. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 110 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $388/month studios to $2,524/month three bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

NYC schools will reopen in January with increased Covid testing

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

December 28, 2021

NYC schools will reopen in January with increased Covid testing

By Aaron Ginsburg

Despite a surge in new coronavirus cases, New York City officials said classrooms will reopen after winter break and stay open. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mayor-elect Eric Adams announced on Tuesday public schools will reopen as scheduled on January 3 with new health and safety measures in place, moving away from the remote learning model which many schools across the country have shifted to due to the recent surge in cases. Put together by the de Blasio administration and incoming Adams administration, the “Stay Safe and Stay Open" plan utilizes a massive increase in testing that will allow classrooms to stay open even if students test positive.
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Policy

NYC to invest $75M towards completion of long-awaited Bushwick Inlet Park

Image courtesy of Photographer/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

December 28, 2021

NYC to invest $75M towards completion of long-awaited Bushwick Inlet Park

By Aaron Ginsburg

After 16 years, the 27-acre waterfront park planned for North Brooklyn has taken a major step towards completion. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday that the city has allocated $75 million of its budget for the construction of the final piece of Bushwick Inlet Park. The funding will be for work on the next phases of the park, which begins with the demolition of the CitiStorage warehouse that sits on a parcel of land the city purchased in 2017 but has yet to rebuild.
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164 affordable units available at the Peninsula complex in the South Bronx, from $396/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 27, 2021

164 affordable units available at the Peninsula complex in the South Bronx, from $396/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for more than 160 affordable apartments at a new development in the South Bronx. Developed by Gilbane Development Company, Hudson Companies, and the Mutual Housing Association of New York, Peninsula 1B is a mixed-use building that is part of a project to replace the notorious former Spofford Juvenile Detention Center in Hunts Point. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, and 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments which range from $396/month studios to $2,131/month three-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square to be scaled back because of Covid

Image by Anthony Quintano via Flickr

December 27, 2021

New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square to be scaled back because of Covid

By Aaron Ginsburg

After announcing last month that this year's Times Square New Year's Eve celebration will return to maximum capacity, Mayor Bill de Blasio broke the news on Thursday that the celebration will be scaled back to protect attendees from the Omicron variant. Usually hosting 58,000 guests, the celebratory event will be reduced to 15,000 attendees and include additional safety measures like the use of masks. Those planning on taking part in the celebration must provide full proof of vaccination with photo identification.
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Events & Things To Do

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