FAR ROCKAWAY — The local community board approved the city's $91 million rezoning plan for downtown Far Rockaway, pushing the revitalization proposal forward.
Councilman Donovan Richards, who has pushed for the much-needed investment into the area, praised Community Board 14 for its "historic vote of confidence that shows the community is ready for a better Far Rockaway."
"We look forward to continuing our work with the City to ensure this is the strongest plan for the Far Rockaway community," he said in a statement, adding that he'd make sure community voices are heard throughout the process.
The board approved the plan, albeit with conditions that include lowering the maximum development height, adding project labor and community benefits agreements for developers and considering improvements to infrastructure, according to City Limits.
The city's "roadmap for action" plan, first announced as part of the mayor's State of the City address last year, has yet to be fully fleshed out. But plans could include upgrading community centers, finding ways to attract more businesses and installing new benches as well as new storm sewers and catch basins. Officials have also called for a new school or hospital to be considered.
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Per the city's Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, the vote will move on to the Queens Borough President's office within the next 30 days. It will then go to the City Planning Commission and City Council.
The final vote will be from Mayor Bill de Blasio, who announced the initial $91 million investment into the area during his 2016 State of the City address.
