Ben Fractenberg

Ben is a visuals editor for THE CITY, where he brings THE CITY’s stories to life through visual journalism and powerful photo essays.

[email protected]
Posted inCovid-19

PHOTOS: Surviving COVID’s Second Year in NYC

For many, 2021 began with renewed hope as the vaccination campaign ramped up and the city slowly reopened. The surging Delta variant, and later, Omicron, complicated the effort.
Posted inJails

PHOTOS: Inside Brooklyn’s Infamous House of Detention Jail

As plans to close chaotic Rikers Island slowly turn, the Atlantic Avenue lockup is already empty and awaiting demolition. THE CITY toured the old jail and found eerie signs of the building’s 65-year history of holding countless detainees.
Posted inNYCHA

De Blasio Promises Repairs to Decrepit and Dangerous Playgrounds

“We need these playgrounds fixed,” he said after THE CITY reported more than one in 10 NYCHA playgrounds are shuttered because of unsafe conditions. Mayoral candidate Eric Adams called for swift repairs. But residents remained skeptical.
Posted inLife

NYC Celebrates Hope and Perseverance With ‘Hometown Heroes’ Parade

The Canyon of Heroes march from the Battery to City Hall honored health care workers, transit workers, food deliverers and other essential workers who kept the city going during the pandemic. It marked New York’s first ticker-tape salute since 2019.