Proposed Rezoning May Bring Affordable Housing and Businesses Near Hallets Cove

Cityland, which offers “in-depth coverage of land use applications undergoing public review in New York City,” recently shared news of a proposed rezoning at the Astoria Riverfront (along Vernon Blvd between Broadway, 10th and 11th Streets).

According to the piece, the application by Cipico Construction Inc. hopes to develop three mixed-use buildings which will include: new housing, local retail, food and beverage businesses, and community facilities. A one-story garage and warehouse currently occupy the space. In addition, the proposal can be seen directly in a City Planning Commission document here.

To clarify, the blueprint of where the project will be constructed is currently zoned for residential use. Therefore, the rezoning will allow taller buildings (in some parts up to 145 feet), increased floor area, and commercial or mixed use.

The three buildings will cover 315,966 square feet, and will bring 330 housing units, 92 of which will be permanently affordable because of Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH).

The buildings will also have:

• A Community Facility Space
• An Underground Parking Garage
• 11,236 Square Feet of Ground Floor Commercial Space
• Access to 15,900 Square Feet of Private Open Space for Building Residents
• A Public, Landscaped Open Space at the Southwest Corner of the Block at 10th Street and 33rd Road

Over the last few board meetings, some recommendations the board made included adding more affordable housing units (which Cipico did), working with building trades and service unions, and Noguchi Museum concerns over the buildings’ aesthetic impact on their outdoor sculpture garden (the company will plant evergreens for year-round screening).

The City Council will vote on the application at a later date–we’ll let you know when they do!

What do you think? Are you glad more development is taking place down in the quieter part of Astoria? More local businesses and restaurants will hopefully occupy the space. Or do you want it to stay low-key?

3 Comments

Michael October 10th, 2019

It is inevitable, but I absolutely RESENT and DETEST the unimagintive and clearly on-the-cheap design. They hired a cheap architect and it shows. Noguchi Museum should take an aggressive lead against this hideousness. It is a blight. At least do something new and daring. Honor the spirit of the neighborhoods creativity!!!!!!

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Kathy Burke October 10th, 2019

This will have an impact on the community in a negative way. More cars on the road, more people in public transportation. Impact on local graces to keep shelves stocked. Impact on schools, more children in classrooms. This is happening in other neighborhoods in Astoria. I feel it is about money. Money for investors, money for the city. It is not about the quality of life in Astoria.

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Joe meegan October 10th, 2019

You are correct. The political hacks who run the city (into the ground) care only about money, including campaign “donations.”

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