Overdevelopment has radically altered the traditional appearance and character of our neighborhoods. Illegal construction, non−compliance with zoning rules and poor construction quality is compounded with our failure to landmark historic buildings.
The results are increased population density, overloading community resources, congestion, pollution, parking and mass transit service problems. Schools are overcrowded and public utilities and services overburdened. Our tranquil neighborhoods’ beauty is being destroyed. This epidemic has reached such proportions that few issues cry out for government action more than overdevelopment in Queens.
In essence, how can we enforce and promulgate laws relating to zoning infractions, illegal conversions, McMansions, lack of landmarking historic districts, concreting lawns, out−of−character structures, permanent fencing, tear−downs and self−certification by engineers and architects?”
The Department of City Planning, in consultation with the borough president’s Zoning Task Force, is supposedly conducting borough neighborhood zoning studies with the goal of preventing further overdevelopment.
But why, after four years, are we still waiting for city action? Do we have to wait until the monstrosities completely overwhelm our neighborhoods? Why has it been stalled by the Department of City Planning over the last several years?
Clearly, the DCP and city Department of Buildings have dropped the ball. The city needs to complete the downzoning Phase II process and preserve historic landmarks.
Albert Baldeo
Ozone Park
