Development News for Queens, New York

Community Board Proposes Funding for Land Use Consultant and Reviews Development Applications

The committee discussed capital and expense budget items, including hiring additional building inspectors and funding a Ravenswood framework study. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the need for a dedicated land use consultant or city planner for each community board, which was proposed as an expense item. This role would support community boards in navigating complex land use issues, especially with term limits and the lack of land use expertise among board members. Multiple members and committees expressed strong support for this idea, suggesting it could be funded through the community board's budget, council member allocations, or other multi-pronged approaches. The council member's office indicated that priorities for the next fiscal year (FY28) should be communicated by December. The committee also reviewed three 'as of right' UAP applications for new residential developments, noting concerns about lack of transparency regarding unit distribution and the developers' potential lack of engagement with the community board. The discussion also touched upon the "City of Yes" and UAP impacts, and the need for consulting work to understand these changes. The committee agreed to incorporate the consultant need into the expense budget and potentially coordinate with other community boards to advocate for this position.

Ravenswood CLT Seeks Support for Brownfield Opportunity Area Application to Gain Community Control of DSNY Site

Lorenzo Brea, a member of the Ravenswood Community Land Trust (CLT), presented the organization's mission and work, focusing on acquiring the DSNY sanitation garage site at 35th Avenue and 21st Street for community control. The CLT, founded in 2020 by Ravenswood residents, aims to gain community control over neighborhood properties that are underused or harmful. The site was promised for relocation in 2017, with initial intentions for affordable housing, but community engagement revealed a preference for other uses. The CLT has incorporated, achieved 501c3 status, and is seeking community board support for a Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) application to the New York State Department of State. This funding would support site identification, inventory, and preliminary analysis of the Ravenswood area, with a focus on the sanitation garage site. The CLT presented historical context of structural racism, redlining, and environmental injustice in Ravenswood. Viable uses identified through community feedback include a community hub with basketball arenas, dance halls, elder/youth education and recreation, small business opportunities, community kitchens, greenhouses, and gardens. The immediate need is a community board resolution of support for the BOA application by July 31st. The CLT emphasized that this funding is for analysis and organizing, not immediate site reuse, but hopes to identify the area as a brownfield opportunity zone.

Variance Reinstatement Sought for Long-Standing Auto Repair Shop

Alexia Landsman, representing the applicant, requested the reinstatement of a 1949 variance for an auto repair shop and garage at 3429 and 3431 31st Street, located in an R5 zoning district. The variance had expired in June 2005. The applicant seeks a waiver of board rules, as the variance lapsed more than 10 years prior. The lapse occurred due to the owner's passing and his sons' misunderstanding of the Certificate of Occupancy. The business has operated continuously since 1949, with the same use maintained by different tenants. To gain reinstatement, the applicant must prove continuous use since 2005, substantial prejudice if not granted (i.e., the business would be non-compliant and potentially illegal), and neighborhood character justification. The applicant highlighted that the area is adjacent to another auto shop and under a train line, with nearby manufacturing, parking, and commercial uses, arguing for compatibility despite the R5 zoning. The presentation included maps and photos of the site and surrounding uses. The request is for administrative formalities to keep the small business operating.