REAL ESTATE Former LIC cigar factory could be converted for residential use BY LIAM LA GUERRE being that the site is zoned for residential use, according [email protected]/@LiamLaGuerre to the real estate fi rm. “The pace of development in Long Island City is showing Another old factory building in Long Island City is up no signs of slowing,” said Evan Daniel, executive vice for grabs and could see a residential conversion. president of Modern Spaces’ commercial division. “Not Real estate fi rm Modern Spaces announced on only does this property enjoy a current high occupancy, Thursday that its commercial properties division is but with the R5 zoning and accessory lot, it holds a great marketing the former DeNobili Cigar Factory at 35-11 deal of promise for a residential conversion.” 9th St. The four-story building was recently renovated Daniel is marketing the property with Edward and is “ideally positioned for residential conversion” DiTomasso. The building has a total of 102,670 square feet and was constructed in 1896. It has potentially attractive features if it were to be converted for residential use, including 20-foot ceilings, exposed beams, hardwood fl oors and arched windows. The former cigar factory currently has 57 commercial units and two cell towers. There is also an adjacent vacant lot connected to the site at 35-31 9th St., which has more than 6,000 buildable square feet. Photo courtesy of Modern Spaces City Planning extends public comment period for mayor’s citywide rezoning plan BY LIAM LA GUERRE units will be built over the Sunnyside Yards in [email protected]/@LiamLaGuerre Long Island City, an idea that has also taken heat from residents and elected offi cials. The citywide rezoning proposal is a signifi cant part The citywide proposal targets changing zoning of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to create or preserve regulations to encourage the construction of more 200,000 affordable housing units citywide in 10 years. affordable and senior housing as well as improve the The Department of City Planning is giving residents look and quality of buildings. more time to express concerns about Mayor Bill de Part of the proposal would, for example, reduce Blasio’s citywide rezoning plan, following criticisms at parking requirements for buildings in neighborhoods a recent public hearing. with public transit options or that have low car ownership, The public comment period was originally scheduled which will help lower construction costs; the to end on April 6 but has been extended to April 30 for report claims this would reduce costs for housing. the proposal, Zoning for Quality and Affordability, which The plan also seeks to ease rules that shape buildings is a signifi cant part of Blasio’s plan to create or preserve and allow more design fl exibility for developers 200,000 affordable housing units citywide in 10 years. in high-density areas by increasing height maximums De Blasio hopes more than 11,250 of those affordable in many areas up to 15 feet and reducing setback requirements. This could help developers to create bigger buildings with higher fl oor-to-fl oor heights and better layouts. However, critics at the public hearing on March 25 have said that there hasn’t been enough publicizing of the plan. Residents fear that larger buildings will be built in some historic neighborhoods that have fought for strict contextual zoning regulations to protect the character of the areas, such as Jackson Heights. Some also criticized that since many buildings will have only 20 percent affordable housing to meet city subsidy programs, mostly market-rate or luxury units will be built through the housing initiative. Following the public comment period, the city planning will produce amendments to the proposal and another round of public review will begin.
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