Jamaica Hill Community Association

Queens Borough President Recommendation

APPLICATION: ULURP #070314 ZMQ, 070315 ZRQ

Community Board: Q8 & Q12
DOCKET DESCRIPTION

IN THE MATTER OF an application, submitted by the Department of City Planning, pursuant to Sections 197-c and 201 of the NYC Charter for an amendment of the Zoning Map, Section Nos. 14d, 15a, 15b and 18c affecting all or portions of 368 blocks within an area generally bounded by the Van Wyck Expressway, Hillside Avenue, 191st Street, Liberty Avenue, 180th Street, 178th Street, Brinkerhoff Avenue, Merrick Boulevard, Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Liberty Avenue.

The areas are proposed to be rezoned by eliminating C1-2 and C2-2 Districts from within existing R3-2, R4, R5 and R6 Districts, by changing R2, R3-2, R4, R5, R6, C4-2, C4-6, C6-1, C6-1A, C8-1, M1-1 and M1-5 Districts to R1-2, R3A, R3X, R4-1, R5, R5D, R6A, R7A, R7X, C4-3A, C4-4A, C4-5X, C6-2, C6-3, C6-4, M1-1. M1-2, and M1-4, by establishing C1-3, C1-4, C2-3 and C2-4 Districts within an existing R3-2 and R5 Districts and proposed R5D, R6A, R7A and R7X, and by establishing a Special Downtown Jamaica District, in the Borough of Queens. (Related applications: CO70158 MMQ, CO70316 HUQ, CO70317 HCQ, CO70318PPQ, CO70322 HDQ)

PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing was held at Queens Borough Hall in Room 213 at 120-55 Queens Boulevard on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. pursuant to Section 82(5) of the New York City Charter and was duly advertised in the manner specified in Section 197-c (i) of the New York City Charter. The applicant made a presentation. There were eighteen (18) speakers in favor and twenty-one (21) against. The hearing was closed.
CONSIDERATION
Subsequent to a review of the application and consideration of testimony received at the public hearing, the following issues and impacts have been identified:
The Department of City Planning has proposed this rezoning application in support of the Jamaica Development Plan. The plan consists of several related actions that would rezone the area, establish the Jamaica Urban Renewal Area, create the Jamaica Gateway Urban Renewal Plan, create a Special Downtown Jamaica District, a street demapping and disposition of certain properties.;
For over thirty years, there has been an ongoing effort at all levels of government to invest in the revitalization of Jamaica. These efforts include removal of the Jamaica Avenue elevated track, construction of various government buildings and location of agencies and offices, and encouragement of private investment and development in the area. This plan is part of the continuing commitment to improve Jamaica and the areas around it;
Community Board 8 (CB 8) disapproved this application by a vote of thirty-six (36) against, none (0) in favor or abstaining at a public hearing held on March 14, 2007. Several issues were raised by CB 8, these included: increased densities and heights on Hillside Avenue, accuracy of data provided in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, concerns about the ability of the infrastructure to support increased population.;
Community Board 12 (CB 12) did not vote on this application at a public hearing held on April 11, 2007. Concerns about the ability of the infrastructure to accommodate increased development, exacerbation of existing flooding problems, increased height of the water table due to closure of Jamaica Water Supply, economic participation and opportunities for area residents were raised at the CB 12 hearing.;
From the start of the study phase of this project, the Queens Office of the Department of City Planning has made a tremendous effort in reaching out to all of the elected officials, community boards, civic associations and other affected parties, and made numerous presentations on their findings and draft proposals.

RECOMMENDATION

The Jamaica Development Plan is a major undertaking encompassing 368 blocks mostly in Community District 12 and also affecting Community District 8 along the district boundary line on Hillside Avenue. The members of both community boards have given much time and thought at meetings and public hearings before speaking loudly and clearly about their concerns with the plan.

Market forces and the last major rezoning of the area in 1961 have brought us to our present conditions of unattractive blocks with substandard economic activity, open auto related uses and run down buildings. Another issue is the concentration in Downtown Jamaica of city facilities for individuals and families in need of help. The answer is not to rezone the area and once again simply leaving it to market conditions or the good intentions of private developers to make Jamaica better.

At this point, we have a real opportunity to respond meaningfully to the concerns raised. And, to make some changes beyond the zoning that would give residents a real sense of ownership and pride in their mixed income neighborhood. Lately, many new schools have been opened that exemplify the kind of good planning and thoughtful design that we need in Jamaica. We should also be thinking about how to make ownership for young families and professionals, city workers and elder residents a real option in multigenerational housing. Accomplishing those goals we could only leave Jamaica a far more beautiful place than it is now.


Based on the above consideration, I hereby recommend conditional approval of this application. The conditions of approval are as follows:

Creation of a team of design consultants who would work with all stakeholders (area residents, civic associations, elected officials and city agencies) to study and make recommendations for storefront and streetscape improvements along the entire length of Hillside Avenue between the Van Wyck Expressway and 191st Street. Such findings would include items such as attractive entryways for residential buildings and median improvements that would include tree plantings and landscaping to increase green space as identified in Plan NYC 1030. This group would also work on funding and implementation of the findings of the study.;
Formation of a task force consisting of city agencies (i.e. DCP, DEP, DOT, HPD, EDC, SCA...), affected elected officials and the Community Boards to oversee planning and implementation of infrastructure projects, and enhancement of city services and transportation. The task force would meet on an ongoing regular basis to address any issues or impacts that may arise as a result of the Jamaica Development Plan.;
The proposed R7A zoning on Hillside Avenue from Midland Parkway and 180th Street east to 191st Street should be modified to allow buildings that would reflect the height and density of the existing buildings. The proposed R7X areas to the west of Midland Parkway and 180th Street should be reevaluated and modified with more appropriate zoning in relation to the existing building heights and densities. The overall concern is that the entire length of Hillside Avenue should not be a wall of uniformly tall buildings. The building heights should be varied creating an interesting skyline with a sense of openness.;
Units built with inclusionary housing floor area bonuses should only be allowed on the same site as the market rate units. This would assure that there is a real mix of incomes in new housing developments and that all residents of the buildings would share the amenities provided. Affordable units provided offsite would only reinforce separation and the lack of interaction between groups.;
Modification of the Alternative Zoning Text regarding the Special Downtown Jamaica District for specific sites within the special district. Section 115-224 should be amended to allow a maximum height of 290 feet on Blocks 9998 and 9999. SPECIAL BULK REGULATIONS Section 115-20, should be amended by adding a waiver for properties adjacent to rail road embankments from the required 30 feet rear yard set back on Blocks 9998 and 9999. Development on these parcels would be restricted without these text amendments to the special district.;
City investment to acquire parcels of property (Block 9998 Lots 109, 110) for use as a public parking garage in the proposed Jamaica Gateway Urban Renewal Area to support the proposed Station Plaza development around the Air Train Station. A shortage of parking already exists in this area. New parking will assure the success of the new Station Plaza development.;
Economic opportunities should be made available for the residents of Community District 12 to provide goods and services during construction of the proposed international Merchandise Mart and retail stores. Upon completion, employment opportunities should be made available to residents of Community District 12. Notification of such opportunities before and after construction should be made to Community Board 12, affected elected officials and the Borough President's Office