ASTORIA — The City Planning Commission approved zoning changes that will clear the way for the massive and controversial Astoria Cove housing complex.
Ten out of 13 commissioners approved the entire project proposal on Monday afternoon. The City Council now has about two months to hold a public hearing and vote on the project, which is set to be built on 26th Avenue between 4th and 9th streets.
The Astoria Cove plan, which the developers said will not involve public subsidies, features five mixed-used buildings with nearly 1,700 apartments on the waterfront of Astoria’s Hallets Point.
The project, which will be constructed over 10 years, also includes 54,000 square feet of retail space, an elementary school, a children’s play area and 84,000 square feet of public open space.
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and Queens Community Board 1 recently objected the project, asking the developers to include more than the 345 affordable units currently planned.
Twenty percent of the entire project is set to be affordable, according to the developers' attorney. But the community board asked that at least 35 percent of the project be allocated for affordable housing.
Local officials have also said they wanted the massive housing complex to come with more public transportation services.
Following Monday's vote, the 2030 Astoria Developers, the investors behind the project, issued a press release thanking the City Planning Commission for their decision and ensuring that they would continue to work with local leaders and residents to make sure their project is beneficial for everyone.
2030 Astoria Developers, who lauded the decision, had to apply for zoning changes for the project, with buildings expected to rise six to 32 stories.
If approved by the City Council, Astoria Cove would be the second largest housing development on the Astoria waterfront.
Another project by Lincoln Equities Group, approved last year, is set to bring 2,000 apartments to Hallets Point.
