Rezoning plans presented

At last week’s public meeting regarding the rezoning of Woodhaven, Richmond Hill and a portion of Ozone Park, residents were given the opportunity to comment on the Department of City Planning’s proposal.
Those in attendance at the Woodhaven forum were given a drafted plan by John Young, director of the Queens Office of City Planning, providing information on the proposed rezoning.
“Rezoning is to protect the existing character as well as focus development on mass transit,” said Brendan Pillar of the Department of City Planning.
The plan would affect a 248-block radius from Park Lane to the north, the Van Wyck Expressway to the east, 103rd Avenue to the south and Eldert Lane to the west.
If completed, the rezoning effort will complement changes that were adopted in 2005 as part of the Kew Gardens-Richmond Hill plan. The rezoning will also help prevent out of character development and direct higher density residential and commercial developments to areas that need it the most.
“I saw the need to do this for other parts of Richmond Hill and Woodhaven,” said Ivan Mrakovcic, chair of Community Board 9, which requested the meeting.
Another informational session will take place on Wednesday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Royal Indian Palace, 118-08 Atlantic Avenue, Richmond Hill. Residents are welcome and encouraged to give their feedback.
“This will give Richmond Hill residents an opportunity to comment as well on the proposal,” said Mary Ann Carey, Community Board 9 district manager.