Prospects for Innovation QNS, the unimaginatively named however humanely conceived
The building workforce of Silverstein Properties, Kaufman-Astoria Studios and Bedrock Real Estate want zoning adjustments to continue with the $2 billion undertaking. It would deliver new flats, retail outlets, cafes, cultural amenities and a public park to 5 blocks of what’s now an under-utilized Astoria backwater.
Queens Brough President Donovan Richards rejected the plan final week, mentioning now all-too-common gripes that it might “significantly” trade the community’s personality, draw higher-income citizens and thus force out present citizens.
Among different adjustments, Richards desires Innovation QNS to make 50% of two,845 flats “reasonably priced” reasonably than 25% because the builders presented.
But Richards has no professional say at the rezoning, which should be authorized or rejected through the City Council.
Sources stated that Council member Julie Won, who represents the district, has requested the builders to undertake Richards’ stipulations.
But there may well be room for compromise. Richards praised lots of the plan’s different options, such because the open public house and neighborhood amenities. The builders in the past scaled down a number of of 12 deliberate constructions amongst different adjustments based on community objections.
Meanwhile, the City Planning Commission is prone to bless the plan within the coming weeks.
The individual lacking from the drama thus far is Mayor Eric Adams, who has
Source Link: https://nypost.com/2022/08/14/nycs-astoria-2b-redevelopment-plan-has-hope-despite-pushback/