WOODHAVEN — More than 200 blocks in central Queens will get the first rezoning in decades, after the City Council approved it Wednesday.
The Woodhaven and Richmond Hill rezoning was crafted in response to concerns raised by Community Board 9 and local elected officials who were trying to prevent overdevelopment and preserve the area’s character with its one and two family homes.
The new zoning, covering 229 blocks, will allow for larger construction along the commercial areas on Jamaica and Atlantic Avenues.
“The neighborhoods have seen their populations grow in recent years but due to antiquated zoning, they are experiencing growth in the wrong places,” said Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden in a statement at the beginning of public review process in February.
“Numerous homes have been demolished and replaced with out-of-character buildings, while major corridors that have access to transit and can accommodate growth have not seen development opportunities.”
The rezoning area is bounded by Park Lane to the north, 103rd Avenue to the south, Eldert Lane to the west, and the Van Wyck Expressway to the east.
