By Phil Corso
Community Board 11 will vote during its November meeting on whether or not a controversial developer can finish four homes currently being constructed in Bayside, the board said.
According to CB 11 officials, the board will vote Nov. 5 following a public on whether or not to grant a variance to Tommy Huang, ultimately allowing him to complete properties being built at 39-39 223rd St. and 39-01, 39-15 and 39-19 Mia Drive near the Cross Island Parkway in Bayside.
The properties have been mostly finished and the developer has asked for a variance to complete the work.
The community board’s East Flushing/North Bayside Committee, chaired by Christine Haider, has advised against the variance’s approval, citing violations at the property, according to District Manager Susan Seinfeld.
In past discussions with the developer concerning the Bayside properties, CB 11 officials have spoken out against Huang, citing his history as reasons why he should not be building in the community.
The violations date as far back as 2004 and stem from accusations of unsafe working conditions, according to the DOB.
Huang, the developer for the property, did not return calls seeking comment.
The city Department of Buildings said the property at 39-39 223rd St., which includes a 22,859-square-foot zoning lot in Bayside, has received 93 complaints and 46 different violations.
Based on the variance application, the properties were built in accordance with a stipulation from the Buildings Department that the development would be considered a through lot, which requires a road to be built on the other side.
In the board’s Nov. 5 monthly meeting, members will take part in a public hearing to consider whether or not to approve a variance that would allow the developer not to comply with backyard requirements typical for projects of that size.
The Buildings Department had withdrawn its permits for the Huang houses after an earlier case found that a similar property was not found to be a through lot. Now, Huang needs the variance that says he does not need to construct a yard in the rear of the property or else he must remove a portion of one of the four homes being built, CB 11 said.
Huang has been considered a controversial developer in the borough after he was convicted in 1999 for causing an oil spill in the basement of the landmarked RKO Keith’s Theatre in Flushing, which he bought in 1986.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
