A big okay for Silvercup expansion

In a 37-2 vote, Community Board No. 2 approved Silvercup Studios’ eight applications for special permits and zoning amendments for their $1 billion expansion in Long Island City. At the community board meeting, the film studio executives also answered questions about the “Silvercup West” plans, which include eight studios and two towers with over 1,000 apartments and an office building.
Silvercup President Stuart Match Suna told community board leaders and local residents that the company planned for the apartments to be priced at the going market rate but would look into providing affordable units.
Suna also told the 100-member audience that thousands of permanent jobs would be created with the expansion.
Residents asked about traffic congestion and a possible cultural center, which could be built at the two-million-square-foot site.
A public hearing will be held at the Borough President’s office on Thursday, April 27 and then studio officials will have to meet with the Department of City Planning later this spring.