18 The QUEE NS Courier • NOVEMBER 20, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com City to begin studying western part of Flushing for residential development BY ERIC JANKIEWICZ ericjankiewicz@queenscourier.com/@EricJankiewicz The city is looking into rezoning the western part of Flushing for redevelopment and affordable housing, according to a city council hearing. The Department of City Planning will launch a study from the westernmost part of Flushing to Prince Street and Northern Boulevard to Roosevelt Avenue. The area is largely industrial and most of it hugs Flushing Creek’s bank. Developers have been interested in the area for many years, including The Flushing Willets Point Corona Local Development Corporation, which received a $1.5 million state grant to clean up the polluted waters of Flushing Creek. The plan is part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s pledge to construct or preserve 200,000 affordable apartments. And Flushing was selected, along with other areas in New York City, as a possible candidate for housing development that would include mandatory affordable housing. “The plan is to create a comprehensively planned community,” said Alexa Rosa, a consultant for the organization that received the state grant. The city planning department will begin reaching out to the many stakeholders in the area for the possible rezoning, according to a spokesman for Councilman Peter Koo. The process could take years to complete. “We definitely need more affordable housing,” the spokesman said. “And that would be welcomed, if that’s what’s actually going to happening.” “We’re cautiously optimistic about it,” he added. “Because we are excited about it, but we don’t want to fully support something when the details aren’t there.” He continued, “Everybody has to be treated fairly.” THE COURIER/Photo by Eric Janliewicz WINNER 3 YEARS IN A ROW PROTECT YOUR AIR CONDITIONER THIS WINTER! BIRD’S NESTS, DIRT, DEBRIS AND HARSH CONDITIONS CAN ALL DAMAGE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER! WINTER STORAGE Includes Complete Overhaul • Remove Unit From Window or Wall Sleeve (Finally clean those dirty windows & NO MORE DRAFTS!) • Steam Clean Coils With High Powered Steam Jenny (If leak found in coil, we will repair the leak and recharge the system with new refrigerant.) • Check Refrigerant System • Chemical Clean Coils w/Acid Wash • Oil The Fan Motor / Check Electrical System • Return Unit & Re-Install With Silicone Caulking Mention This Ad & Receive $10 OFF Each A/C 2481 47th St Astoria, NY 11103 (718) 726-7120 www.aceairnyc.com 53rd
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