Here's an update and call to action from Newtown Civic Association.
It's very upsetting that now the developers want to add additional floors, for tax abatement. Housing on top of that monstrosity which will be loading zones and trash is a very bad idea.
As Elmhurst's local civic, we at the Newtown Civic Association would like to inform you of a new development that will be happening in your community. The new development is set for 40-31 82nd Street Elmhurst which was the location of the former Jackson Theater. The Jackson Theater was demolished last year and the developers are moving ahead with their plan but are now asking for a zoning variance to build additional floors of housing.
Currently the zoning is R6 with a Commercial overlay of C1-3 and as of right their plans are 2 floors of commercial/retail and basement of retail along with 7 floors of market rate housing. They are asking for additional floors of housing which is said to be "affordable" but at what rate and affordable to who? They will receive tax incentives because of this. Also please note, they promised a community center in this development but has not reached out to any groups or organizations of the Elmhurst community and is not transparent with what the community center will be used for! Please write an email voicing your concerns to our local Community Board 4.
Some more problematic examples are:
The continued overcrowding of our community, the stress on our overcrowded schools and the affects on our children, the stress and overabundance to our infrastructure, the very small street which it is located has already constant traffic overflowing from Roosevelt Avenue, 82nd street and all the side streets, the driving force of "luxury development" will drive up prices in an already high priced community, the nearby small businesses will suffer, this will all affect the character of the community with our small businesses and low density structures on 82nd Street, and lastly how many malls/retail does Elmhurst need? We have Queens Center Mall, Queens Place Mall that already has a Target and now another Target in Elmhurst on 82nd Street!
***Please include any other concerns you may have and send a email to your local Community Board 4 at
QN04@cb.nyc.gov or a letter to: Community Board 4 46-11 104th St, Corona, NY 11368
The Meetings About this Development:
There will be a rally by another group this Sunday February 25th organized by Queens Neighborhood United, which is being publicized on Facebook. It is from 11am to 1pm, 108-59 Roosevelt Ave. Here is their FB page, they have a post on this development
https://www.facebook.com/QueensNeighborhoodsUnited/There will be a committee vote only on February 27th at the Community Board at the Queens Center Mall Community Room at 6:30pm.
It will come to the full board vote at a Public Meeting Tuesday, March 13th 7:00pm at Elmhurst Hospital Community Room. Testimony is from 7:00pm to 7:30pm for the public to speak about this development. Please attend.
Thank you let is know if you have any questions. Remember this is your community, so speak up!
