New York City Council has finally approved the $2 billion mixed-use development project in Astoria after two years of its unveiling and weeks of uncertainty. The Innovation QNS project, spanning five blocks in the neighborhood, is expected to create approximately 3,190 apartments, office space, retail shops, an arts and culture hub, and open space. The massive project is a joint venture of Silverstein Properties, BedRock Real Estate Partners, and Kaufman Astoria Studios, featuring buildings by ODA New York.
The project had received opposition from Julie Won, a progressive local council member. Won opposed the plan for not providing enough affordable housing, especially for people from lower income levels. The council rule allowed Won to single-handedly veto the rezoning and kill the development. The initial proposal included around 2,700 apartments, of which 700 apartments were permanently affordable and senior. Won demanded increased affordable units, and the developers increased the affordability allocation to 45%, or 1,436 affordable units out of 3,190 units.
On Monday, the day before the vote, having secured the additional affordable housing from developers, Won shifted from opposition to support. However, the negotiations have led to the removal of the office component from the project. This has raised concerns on the impact on the massing and design of the buildings as well as the network of open spaces. However, the extensive project has been welcomed by numerous reports as it will create thousands of apartments in a city with a severe housing shortage.
Although the project’s construction was initially targeted to begin in 2023, the entire project is expected to be completed in ten years. The first phase will focus on two of the three eastern blocks, which are currently home to parking lots, warehouses, auto repair shops, and a pool hall. The final project will feature the involvement of the historic Kaufman Astoria Studios, reflecting the arts and culture hub.
The approval of the Innovation QNS mixed-use development project is a significant milestone that will bring changes to Astoria’s neighborhood. Despite the developer’s initial opposition, negotiations have led to the increase of affordable housing units. However, the removal of the office component of the project has raised concerns, and it is unclear how it will impact the project’s overall design and massing. Nonetheless, the project’s approval will create job opportunities and address the city’s severe housing shortage.
