FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2010
CONTACTS:
Stu Loeser/Andrew Brent (Mayor's Office) -- ( 212) 788-2958
Rachaele Raynoff (City Planning) -- (212) 720-3471
STATEMENTS OF MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND CITY PLANNING COMMISSIONER BURDEN ON CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF THE CITY’S ASTORIA REZONING PLAN
Statement of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg:
“Protecting the character of our residential neighborhoods while providing opportunities for mixed-income housing and new job growth have long been priorities of our Administration. The rezoning of Astoria epitomizes both of these goals, strengthening one of our great neighborhoods. We’ve now updated the zoning for more than 8,600 blocks citywide, with more than half of those in Queens. I want to thank Speaker Quinn and the City Council for their partnership. Together, we’ve undertaken the most ambitious planning effort since 1961.”
Statement of City Planning Commissioner Amanda M. Burden:
“Since 2002, at the direction of Mayor Bloomberg, City Planning has been replacing out-of-date zoning in Queens with fine-grained plans that are tailored to fit each unique neighborhood. The Astoria rezoning proposal, which covers nearly 240 blocks and more than 8,300 tax lots, was designed to more closely reflect and strengthen the diverse and distinctive character of this community, channel future growth to wide streets well served by public transit, and promote affordable housing through the Inclusionary Zoning Program.
“We worked in close partnership with Council Member Peter Vallone Jr. to develop this proposal, and received extensive input from Community Board 1, local civic associations and many neighborhood residents who care about Astoria’s future.
“This rezoning will ensure that Astoria, a unique and culturally rich shopping and dining destination, will no longer be threatened by out-of-scale developments, and will remain an appealing community and a lively destination for Queens residents and all New Yorkers.”
For specifics of the zoning proposal or more details on the ULURP time line, please visit the DCP website.
Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning (DCP) promotes strategic growth and development in the City, in part, by initiating comprehensive, consensus-based planning and zoning changes for individual neighborhoods and business districts. It supports the City Planning Commission and each year reviews more than 500 land use applications for actions such as zoning changes and disposition of City property. The Department assists both government agencies and the public by providing policy analysis and technical assistance relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography and public space.
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