This is what I wrote in to the community board, and it articulates my response to the previous comments on this thread:
To the Members of Community Board 3,
As a citizen of Jackson Heights, I am writing to you to voice my concern regarding the proposal to add four stories to the property located at 84-11 37th Avenue. One of the many reasons I love my neighborhood is for its architectural character, and I appreciate the protections imparted by the neighborhood's designation as a Historic District. My concern regarding the property in question is not only the impact the addition would have on the building itself, but, more importantly, on the precedent it would set. If additional stories are allowed to be built on this one-story corner property, it opens the floodgates for development on other similar properties within the district. Jackson Heights was landmarked not only for its architectural style, but also for its planning, scale, and sense of place. A smattering of new, taller development would be counter to the very reason this neighborhood was recognized by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in the first place.
I urge you not to support this proposal, and ask that my comments be shared with all members of the board.
Thank you.