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Councilor Julie Wong (Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media Unit) testifies at the Commission’s hearing on zoning and franchising on Wednesday.
October 20, 2022 Christian Murray
The innovation QNS development took center stage at City Hall on Wednesday, where elected officials, business leaders and residents participated in a large-scale proposal at public hearings held by the Commission on Zoning and Franchising.
Few of the arguments for and against the 2,800-unit multi-use proposal, which occupies five blocks near Steinway Street and 35th Street, were not new.
City councilor Julie Wong said the proposed development would not provide enough affordable housing and that the project in its current form would push up neighborhood rents and force locals out of their homes. .
The innovation QNS development will be located five blocks near Steinway Street and 35th Street.
Meanwhile, supporters of the project, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, said developers had committed to set aside 40% of the units (1,100 apartments) for affordable housing. This is an opportunity that should not be wasted.
The development will be on land primarily used for warehouse space, large retail stores and dedicated parking.
Richards said at the hearing, “We are in the middle of a housing crisis in Queens. If you’re trying to settle for parking and £2 parking during a housing crisis, I’d be daunted. .
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards testifies at the Commission on Zoning and Franchising hearings on Wednesday. (Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media Unit)
Richards was initially against the project, but the developers (Silverstein Properties, BedRock Real Estate Partners, and Kaufman Astoria Studios) pledged to increase the number of affordable units from 25% to 40%. I changed my mind sometimes.
But Won said developers won’t fund all 1,100, some of which will be borne by taxpayers, and a 40% offer isn’t enough. Additionally, the 40% figure is not guaranteed.
Currently, 25% of the affordable units are funded by developers, with the remaining 15% covered by taxpayers through unsecured city grants.
BedRock principal Jay Martin said at the hearing that he has not yet received a commitment from the city to fund some of the affordable units.
Won asks developers to commit to securing 55% of the units at an affordable price.
Rendering presented to Community Board 1 Land Use and Zoning Committee on June 1 (screenshot)
There was a tense moment between Wong and Richards during the hearing.
Richards criticized Wong for requiring that 55% of the units be affordable, and said the two had informally agreed to negotiate 40% affordable.
“I know you just got here,” he said. “I support the city councilor and her community outreach, but at the end of the day, rubber has to hit the road.”
Wong argues that the way to address the shortage of affordable housing is to build more, which is what she claims. said it was a figure she believed developers should fund.
Many Astorian residents agreed with Mr. Wong and voiced their opposition to the project at public hearings.
My community wants Innovation QNS to be 55% affordable. I think the solution to the affordable housing crisis is simple. Building more affordable housing. As cities, we should no longer allow luxury development to overtake the construction of affordable housing. pic.twitter.com/qPaNmhPCGM
— Council Member Julie Wong (@CMJulieWon) October 19, 2022
Proponents of the project tended to be local business and non-profit leaders as well as trade union representatives.
The hearing was held Wednesday morning after a duel rally was held on the steps of City Hall.
A rally in support of the project was organized by two major labor unions (32BJ SEIU and Laborers Local 79) and included Richards and Bishop Mitchell Taylor, leader of the nonprofit Urban Upbound.
Meanwhile, a rally against the project was led by Wong and attended by public advocate Jumaan Williams, Congressman Nidia Velázquez, and local groups.
The committee can vote on Innovation QNS proposals as early as next week. The proposal will then be followed by a Council-wide vote by November 21st.
of #queenschoose affordable housing over truck warehouses.
proud to join me @32BJSEIU, @local79nyc Brothers and sisters from other unions who gathered at City Hall this morning said in unison: Innovation QNS is required. https://t.co/xXe9m2cl0S pic.twitter.com/LZ3Rvg1JzW
— Queens President Donovan Richards (@QnsBPRichards) October 19, 2022
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