Q&A
Council member questions zoning designation and commercial plans for the development
0:14:18
·
98 sec
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about the reasons for requesting an R6A zoning designation within the C2-3 commercial overlay and asks about plans for the commercial space in the building. Richard Lobel, an attorney, explains the zoning request, and Michael Beavis provides information on the intended commercial tenant.
- The R6A zoning is requested due to the wide street and proximity to local transportation
- An existing R6A zone nearby supports the extension of this zoning designation
- The development will include mandatory inclusionary housing for affordable units
- The commercial space is intended for a local fresh food grocer
Kevin Riley
0:14:18
Could you please explain a bit more why you're requesting a r 6a within the c 2 dash 3 commercial overlay opposed to another zoning district?
Richard Lobel
0:14:27
Short shares.
0:14:28
So I think maybe if you want to put up the area map, if that's possible, to the color map to better demonstrate.
0:14:35
So the existing site conditions are such that there's R6B and R5 districts within the development site in this running area.
0:14:45
So when you have an eighty foot wide street, which is a wide street as per zoning, and particularly one as central to local transportation as this site, the R 6a is seen to be an appropriate site, and we've rezoned many parcels within Queens along wide streets, and even streets that were not as wanted as this to R 6a.
0:15:03
Districts.
0:15:04
That coupled with the fact that there is an existing R6A, you can see to the triangular portion to the northwest of the site.
0:15:11
Really demonstrates that not only the r 6a already within the district, but allows to for an extension of that existing context.
0:15:17
In addition, importantly, the prior R6a within the area was not developed during mandatory and preliminary housing since 2016.
0:15:26
So this R6a would carry with it inclusionary requirement allowing for creation, not merely of units, but also of of permanently affordable units, which is why we think it's entirely appropriate.
Kevin Riley
0:15:38
Does the development company plan to expand the site with acquiring another adjacent property?
0:15:46
No.
0:15:46
No.
0:15:47
K.
0:15:47
What type of businesses do you intend to target for the proposed commercial space in the building?
Michael Beavis
0:15:53
We're looking for a local fresh food grocer.