By Joe Anuta
Developers for the RKO Keith’s Theatre in downtown Flushing received clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration this week to build a 16-story mixed-use building around the former movie house’s landmarked lobby.
After the federal agency gave the project the green light in January, a detractor filed paperwork at the 11th hour and put the roughly $160 million project on hold.
But the FAA sent a letter to the detractor, Christian Kellberg, Monday alerting him that his objections have been overruled, which was a relief to developer Patrick Thompson.
“I am now free to finalize and complete the financing with the current partners and banks, and will begin constructing in the very near future,” Thompson said in a statement.
Kellberg, who lives in Virginia but has made presentations in Queens against the construction of the mixed-use building, could not be reached for comment.
The FAA’s approval is valid until Oct. 30, 2013, which means that Thompson must begin construction by then or go through the approval process all over again.
Reach reporter Joe Anuta by e-mail at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
