You are reading

Rezoning Process to Resume Next Month, Several Queens Projects in Pipeline

A rendering of the proposed Special Flushing Waterfront District (Image Courtesy Hill West Architects)

July 15, 2020 by Allie Griffin

The city planning process that determines whether a piece of land can be rezoned will restart in August, after months of inaction due to the coronavirus.

The Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) is a months-long city review process that determines whether a building is allowed to be constructed in an area that does not conform with zoning code.

There are at least four projects across Queens that are in review and where progress came to a standstill due to the pandemic.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that ULURP will restart next month with the City Planning Commission hosting its first meeting since March.

The commission will review ULURP projects that began the public review process prior to March 16.

The most high-profile project in Queens undergoing review is the proposed development at the Flushing waterfront-– which involves a 13-tower, mixed-use complex consisting of 1,700 apartments, office space and hotels.

The project– approved by Community Board 7 and rejected by the Borough President earlier this year– is about to be reviewed by the City Planning Commission. The project is controversial, with many of its opponents saying that it will push rents up and displace existing residents.

Other projects in review involve the rezoning of land by Luyster Creek in Astoria to make way for a Department of Sanitation garage. In Maspeth, Home Depot has filed plans to develop a six-story self storage facility. Meanwhile, plans are undergoing review for a six story mixed use building at 110-40 Saultell Ave.in Corona.

The Commission will also discuss developments that are expected to begin ULURP in the fall.

Development plans that undergo ULURP must be certified by Dept. of City Planning and then– as the first step– be reviewed by local community boards. They then go before the Borough President, City Planning Commission and the City Council.

The community boards — which do not meet in the summer months — will begin reviewing new ULURP applications in September, de Blasio said.

All City Planning Commission meetings will be held virtually for the foreseeable future, de Blasio said. The first meeting is set for Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. and will be livestreamed for public viewing. A second meeting is set for Aug. 5 at 10 a.m.

The mayor said restarting the review process will help New York City create affordable housing and job opportunities for residents in need.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Brooklyn man indicted for fatal stabbing of Flushing sex worker in 2022: DA

A Queens grand jury indicted a Brooklyn man for the fatal stabbing of a Flushing woman after visiting her apartment for sex in August 2022.

Shao Tong Lian, 41, of Sixth Avenue in Park Slope, was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on Thursday on an indictment charging him with murder in the second degree for the death of 55-year-old Fang Chen at her 41st Avenue home. If convicted, Lian faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.