Queens' Elmhurst Neighborhood Sees Intense Backlash to High-Rise Development Proposal Amid Fears of Gentrification.
Community members are up in arms over a proposal to build a 13-story residential tower on Queens Boulevard, citing concerns that the project could fuel gentrification and push out long-time residents. The development, which includes 79 affordable units, has sparked intense opposition from local residents who fear it will lead to an influx of luxury housing, high-end stores, and rising rents.
The proposed rezoning of the area has been met with fierce resistance from Queens Community Board 4, with members voting overwhelmingly against it in June. Despite a housing shortage, including a critical lack of affordable units, board members argue that the project does not align with the character of the neighborhood, which is currently dominated by low-rise homes and light manufacturing.
Critics point to the site's current status as a hub for small businesses and Asian American residents, who are already struggling with rising costs. "Just one high-rise development like this can pave the way for more luxury housing that will ultimately price out our Asian American small businesses and elderly residents," said Brianna Cea, a community board member.
In contrast, developer Andrew Esposito claims to be engaged in talks with local officials and community members to address their concerns. However, his firm's plans have yet to alleviate worries about the impact on the neighborhood's character.
Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, who will preside over the development proposal, has expressed a commitment to ensuring that new housing built in the area prioritizes affordability and community needs. "Elmhurst is very dense – future developments need to include community infrastructure, prioritize green space, and ensure supportive and educational spaces," he said.
Despite concerns about gentrification, some residents remain open to development as long as it addresses existing issues like poverty and crime. Lester Lin, a lifelong Elmhurst resident who owns several businesses, acknowledged the neighborhood's troubled past but expressed hope for positive change. "You had smoke shops and people selling live chickens on the street," he said. "Now you're bettering the neighborhood because now the streets are cleaner."
The controversy highlights ongoing debates in Queens about growth and development, with some residents fighting to preserve the area's character and others advocating for increased housing supply. The Elmhurst/Corona proposal is just one of several high-profile developments currently before the City Council, all vying for attention and scrutiny from a community that is increasingly divided over issues of gentrification, displacement, and affordability.
Community members are up in arms over a proposal to build a 13-story residential tower on Queens Boulevard, citing concerns that the project could fuel gentrification and push out long-time residents. The development, which includes 79 affordable units, has sparked intense opposition from local residents who fear it will lead to an influx of luxury housing, high-end stores, and rising rents.
The proposed rezoning of the area has been met with fierce resistance from Queens Community Board 4, with members voting overwhelmingly against it in June. Despite a housing shortage, including a critical lack of affordable units, board members argue that the project does not align with the character of the neighborhood, which is currently dominated by low-rise homes and light manufacturing.
Critics point to the site's current status as a hub for small businesses and Asian American residents, who are already struggling with rising costs. "Just one high-rise development like this can pave the way for more luxury housing that will ultimately price out our Asian American small businesses and elderly residents," said Brianna Cea, a community board member.
In contrast, developer Andrew Esposito claims to be engaged in talks with local officials and community members to address their concerns. However, his firm's plans have yet to alleviate worries about the impact on the neighborhood's character.
Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, who will preside over the development proposal, has expressed a commitment to ensuring that new housing built in the area prioritizes affordability and community needs. "Elmhurst is very dense – future developments need to include community infrastructure, prioritize green space, and ensure supportive and educational spaces," he said.
Despite concerns about gentrification, some residents remain open to development as long as it addresses existing issues like poverty and crime. Lester Lin, a lifelong Elmhurst resident who owns several businesses, acknowledged the neighborhood's troubled past but expressed hope for positive change. "You had smoke shops and people selling live chickens on the street," he said. "Now you're bettering the neighborhood because now the streets are cleaner."
The controversy highlights ongoing debates in Queens about growth and development, with some residents fighting to preserve the area's character and others advocating for increased housing supply. The Elmhurst/Corona proposal is just one of several high-profile developments currently before the City Council, all vying for attention and scrutiny from a community that is increasingly divided over issues of gentrification, displacement, and affordability.
I think this whole gentrification thing is super complicated and can go both ways. Like, on one hand, Elmhurst does need more affordable housing, especially with all the young families moving in. But at the same time, we don't want to just throw up a bunch of high-end condos and push out the people who have been living here for decades 
. It's like, my grandma used to have her little shop on Queens Blvd and it was super chill. Now I see all these big chain stores moving in and it feels different 
. Developer guy's trying to make it work with affordable units but I'm not sure that's enough 
. Can we just find a balance here? 
small businesses and asian american residents have been here for years and now suddenly they're being pushed out by luxury housing and rising rents? it's not fair 
the community needs affordable units and green spaces, not just fancy high-rises 
. But at the same time, I get why these long-time residents are freaking out about gentrification and losing their community character 
. It's just hard to see how a bunch of luxury high-rises and fancy stores is gonna magically solve poverty and crime in the area 
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. I wish the developers could be more open with their plans and really listen to the community's concerns 
. And on a bigger note, it's time for the City Council to get serious about addressing affordability and gentrification in Queens once and for all 
. It's a catch-22 situation. The community is worried about losing their small businesses and Asian American culture, which is totally understandable. But if they don't allow this development, it'll just lead to even more homelessness and poverty problems in the area 
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. It's not like it's a straightforward issue. There needs to be some compromise and communication between the developers, local officials, and the community 
. I get why people are against this development, it's true, our Asian American communities have been struggling with rising costs for ages. And what really gets me is that there are already affordable units being built in the same project... 79 is not even enough to make a dent in the housing shortage.
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It's a tough spot to be in, but I think we can learn from this controversy and come up with some real solutions that benefit everyone.
but like can't we just compromise? maybe build it with some affordable units & mix in some shops & services for small businesses too? 
also what's wrong with a lil bit of gentrification if it brings in more revenue & jobs to the area? 
i know ppl are worried bout displacin existing residents but we gotta think about the bigger picture, right? 
. I get that we need more affordable housing, but do we have to sacrifice the very character of our neighborhoods for progress? This proposed 13-story tower is just a Band-Aid on a much deeper issue – gentrification. It's like, what's next? A luxury mall on top of an independent Asian market? 
. It's about time we start putting people over profits in this city. But I'm still worried that our voices won't be heard amidst all the noise...