By Philip Newman
A rezoning proposal intended to curb out-of-character real estate development in East Elmhurst and Corona is headed down the home stretch.
In its final process, the proposal must now go before the City Planning Commission, the City Council and the mayor before it becomes effective.
Borough President Helen Marshall gave her approval last week, saying she was “very impressed with the proposal, which would prevent commercial development in predominantly residential sections and instead promote such development along the area’s main thoroughfares.
The proposal, developed by the Department of City Planning, would contextually rezone all or part of 127 blocks in East Elmhurst. It would also do the same for a 14-block section of Corona on the south side of Roosevelt Avenue. The plan’s goal is to prevent commercial development from encroaching into resident areas and to encourage such development to take place along the area’s commercial corridors.
Marshall held a hearing on the proposal at Queens Borough Hall June 27. After reviewing testimony and the supporting documentation, Marshall determined that approval of the proposal would be in the best interest in East Elmhurst and Corona and Queens at large.
Community Boards 3 and 4 unanimously approved the proposal in June.
In East Elmhurst, the proposed area to be rezoned is bounded by Grand Central Parkway on the north, 32nd Avenue on the south and on the west by a northward line starting at 91st Street and 32nd Avenue to where it intersects with Grand Central Parkway at 80th Street.
John Young, director of the Queens office of the DCP, said much of the area’s existing residential zoning — R3-2 and R4 — has remained unchanged since 1961. Recent building trends in the area have resulted in demolition of single-family, detached, wooden or masonry residential buildings, he said, and replacement structures have been out of character.
“The area is continuing to grow, but zoning has not changed for more than 50 years,” Young said.
Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) said she was confident the proposal would become a reality.
“Not only will the latest version of the proposed rezoning go a long way in preserving the neighborhood character, but it will also help to reinforce the work I have been doing to better the commercial corridors in my district,” she said.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
