46-15 Kissena Blvd. (Google Maps)
Jan. 7, 2019 By Meghan Sackman
A eight-story residential and commercial development could soon be replacing an existing strip mall on Kissena Boulevard.
Kimco Realty Corporation, a New Hyde Park-based developer, has filed an application to rezone the site at 46-15 Kissena Blvd., known as the Birchwood Shopping Center, to bring about “The Kissena Center,” a mixed-use development with 244 apartments.
The project, according to September filings with the city, would also replace the many one-story shops currently at the lot with a community facility, commercial retail space, and a parking lot.
Rendering of the proposed Kissena Center. (S9 Architecture via City Planning Commission)
Floors three to eight of the proposed building form the residential component of the project, which spans approximately 244,000 square feet. About 25 to 30 percent of the housing units, additionally, are designated as affordable.
The second floor space, totaling more than 15,600 square feet, will be taken up a community facility. The ground floor of the development is reserved for commercial space, with just under 58,000 square feet of retail space available.
Below ground, two levels of parking would be carved out for just over 330 spaces meant for both residential and commercial use.
The rezoning application, which seeks to allow for a taller and denser building, is still in its early stages of its months-long public review process, and is expected to make its way to Community Board 7 for review in weeks time.
The developer anticipates that the project, once it passes the review process, will be completed by 2021.
