16 The Queens Courier • JUNE 27, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Community boards ok rezoning for East Elmhurst & Corona BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aaltamirano@queenscourier.com Proposed rezoning of parts of East Elmhurst and Corona seems to be on track, with approvals from both Community Boards (CB) 3 and 4. The Department of City Planning received the go-ahead from the boards — a first step since Commissioner Amanda Burden’s June 3 announcement of the beginning of the official public review process of a 127-block rezoning of East Elmhurst and 14 block fronts along Roosevelt Avenue in Corona. The objective of the rezoning is to protect the current character of East Elmhurst’s residential blocks, which are made up of one- and two-family detached, semi-detached and attached homes. “This rezoning, which was developed in close consultation with the community and local elected officials, will protect the cherished one- and two-family composition of this neighborhood,” said Burden. The proposal also looks to update commercial overlays in order to reinforce the main commercial corridors, better reflect current land use trends and constrain commercial incursions onto residential streets. The rezoning will aim to strengthen the character of Astoria Boulevard and help it stand out from residential streets. The 14 block fronts along Roosevelt Avenue that are included in the rezoning proposal will also help increase development in the area. For example it will allow the 82nd Street Partnership’s Jackson Height-Corona Business Map Courtesy NYC Department of City Planning Improvement District to provide services for the merchants and community on the busy strip. “Though currently zoned for residential use, we’re seeing increased commercial activity along the stretch of Roosevelt Avenue from Elmhurst Avenue to 114th Street,” said Seth Taylor, executive director of the 82nd Street Partnership. “The rezoning pairs nicely with the proposed Jackson Heights- Corona BID, which would promote local economic growth and be a positive force for the entire commercial corridor.” The rezoning proposal will now be reviewed by the Borough Board, Borough President, the City Planning Commission and then the City Council. Poll looks at reopening Elmhurst LIRR BY ROSA KIM editorial@queenscourier.com Transit officials are surveying Elmhurst residents to determine the viability of reopening the shuttered LIRR station at Broadway. The station, between Cornish and Whitney Avenues, closed in 1985 due to a decrease in ridership, officials said. But since then, the community’s residential and commercial population has increased. “When this station closed, people thought Elmhurst was done and over with,” said Councilmember Daniel Dromm. “Now, we’re seeing the revitalization of this community.” Congressmember Joseph Crowley said reopening the station would spur economic growth and modernize the city. The mail-in survey asks residents within a half-mile radius of the station 10 questions to gauge potential ridership. The questions cover how often respondents travel to Manhattan, how they usually get there and their likelihood of choosing to ride via LIRR. Transportation Alternatives executive director Paul White said the station would bring first-rate transit service to Elmhurst. If the Elmhurst LIRR station existed, commuters could expect a travel time of 15-16 minutes to get to Penn Station during morning peak hours, according to MTA spokesperson Salvatore Arena. Officials expect the fare during peak hours would be around $8, and $5.75 during off-peak hours. The review process of the potential $30 million project began last year with a walking tour of the neighborhood and a town hall meeting where the response was “tremendous,” according to MTA LIRR president Helena Williams. The MTA expects to have a good sense of potential ridership by the end of the year, though no decisions will be made until 2015, Williams said. Physical Therapy, Acupuncture and Herbal Treatments Your #1 solution for lower back pain, headache and TMJ problems At CNS Rehabilitation Center solutions, our mission is to provide exceptional, progressive and cost effective Rehabilitation services through personalized care that emphasizes functional independence for you. This allows you to recover quickly and resume your normal activities faster than ever before. We strive to provide the highest quality of physical therapy, Acupuncture and herbal treatments services by providing hands on and customized care. ESWT/SHOCKWAVE: Heel Pain Tennis Elbow Shoulder Pain Carpal Tunnel Plantar Fasciitis Spinal Decompression: Back/Neck Pain Disc Herniation Disc Degeneration Sciatica/Radiculitis Spinal Stenosis Acupuncture/ Herbal Treatment: Infertility Stomach Ache Insomnia • Headaches Asthma • Allergies Bells Palsy • Stroke Call CNS Rehabilitation Center or visit us on the web at www.cnsrehabilitation.com 63-60 102ND ST, #G22 REGO PARK, NY 11374 718-896-2011 I wish you all a very happy 4th of July. As we come together as proud Americans to celebrate our freedoms, let us remember those who died in defense of our liberties and enjoy our unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. COUNCIL MEMBER PETER KOO DISTRICT 20 135-27 38 Ave, Suite 388 Flushing, NY 11354 PHONE: 718-888-8747 FAX: 718-888-0331
QC06272013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above