City Planning Commissioner Amanda M. Burden today announced the beginning of public review for a 229-block rezoning in the Woodhaven and Richmond Hill neighborhoods in central Queens. The proposed rezoning would reinforce the area’s one- and two-family residential character with contextual zoning, and direct new mixed-use development opportunities to major corridors, including Jamaica and Atlantic Avenues. The proposal would also update commercial overlay zones to support economic development along commercial corridors and ensure that business uses won’t encroach on residential uses on area side-streets. The rezoning proposal was crafted in response to concerns raised by Community Board 9, local civic organizations and local elected officials about out-of-character development. Zoning in these neighborhood areas has not been examined since the Zoning Resolution was adopted in 1961.

The rezoning area is generally bounded by Park Lane to the north, 103rd Avenue to the south, Elderts Lane to the west, and the Van Wyck Expressway to the east. The rezoning area has two distinct commercial corridors – Jamaica Avenue and Atlantic Avenue – which are well-served by transit, including the elevated J/Z train above Jamaica Avenue and numerous bus lines.

Queens Community Board 9
Community Boards have an important advisory role in dealing with land use and zoning matters, the City budget, municipal service delivery, and many other matters relating to their communities' welfare. Board 9 is here to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers residing in their community. If you have any problems with your community please feel free to contact us at the numbers below.

New Procedure for Filing Block Party Permit!!
Applications for a street activity permit for a block party are no longer available at the Community Board. Applications must be submitted online and / or the Street Activity Permit office at 100 Gold ST.  Applications must be filed at least 90 days prior to the event. Must be 18 or older and submit a petition signed by 75% of the residents on the affected block to the CB9 District office in order for your application to be approved by the board. The petition must include legible names, signatures and addresses.  If you plan on having amplified sound you must apply for a sound permit at the 102nd Precinct. Follow the link www.nyc.gov/sapo.

This grand statue was designed by sculptor Frederick MacMonnies, the same artist responsible for great public works of art such as the grand arch at Washington Square Park. The sculpture was moved in 1941, by the Parks Department, from City Hall Park to its home at the base of municipal power in Queens.

Community Board No. 9 supports the Rockaway Beach Branch Greenway Committee's application for assistance through the National Park Service Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program. Furthermore, the Board is proud to serve in the role as a partner in promoting and implementing this valuable Greenway.

Community Board No. 9 has supported the Richmond Hill Historical Society in promoting a historic district in Victorian Richmond Hill. The attached map represents the latest version of the proposal. Stay tuned for updates and progress.

A substantial rezoning has been in effect with the support of the Department of City Planning. The impetus of this rezoning was a call from the Kew Gardens Civic Association, Richmond Hill Historical Society, Kew Gardens Improvement Association, and countless residents; all of whom demanded that the zoning be brought into parity with the built environment.