By Katy GAgnon
A proposal for a new hotel on Northern Boulevard in Bayside is sparking concern and criticism from some civic leaders.
“It's just another big building where we don't need it,” said Frank Skala, the Bayside Civic Association president.
The proposal for the hotel, which would be built at 211-08 Northern Blvd., first came to light last month during a meeting with City Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside), the property's owner Seungho Kim and a handful of community leaders. The meeting, which took place at Avella's Bayside office, was held at the property's owner bidding in an attempt to gauge the community's reaction to the proposal, Avella said. He called the discussion “a very good step.”
Those who oppose the hotel question how it will affect parking and congestion in the crowded neighborhood.
“The more cars you bring in, the less [parking] spots you have,” Skala said.
Mandingo Tshaka, who attended the meeting and lives near the proposed site, plans to petition with other homeowners in the area opposing the hotel.
Detailed plans on the project were not available as of press time. Victor Han, the project's architect, declined to comment.
According to Avella, plans for the proposed hotel are very preliminary and the property's owner has yet to submit an application to the city Department of Buildings.
Avella said he plans to hold another meeting with the property owners and owners of neighboring properties and civic leaders in the coming weeks.
The issue would be brought before Community Board 11, which would vote and issue an advisory decision to the city Board of Standards and Appeals, which would then decide whether to grant the property owners the variance.
The proposal has some community members wondering why another hotel is needed in Bayside.
“Who's going to come to hang out here in Bayside? There's nothing here to see,” asked Skala.
The proposed hotel would mark the fourth hotel in Bayside. There are now three hotels on Northern Boulevard: the Adria Hotel, the Anchor Motor Inn and the Ramada Inn.
Reach reporter Katy Gagnon by e-mail at kgagnon@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 Ext 174.
