Silverstein, Kaufman, BedRock seek zoning changes for 2.7M sf project in Astoria

Silverstein Properties, Kaufman Astoria Studios, and BedRock Real Estate Partners are seeking a zoning map amendment, zoning text amendments, and special permits to develop a 2.7-million-square-foot mixed-use project in Astoria, Queens.

The developers released their plans for the $2 billion project, known as Innovation QNS, years ago and are now moving forward with the zoning filing.

Even before making the plans public, there were years of dialogue with neighborhood civic leaders, cultural institutions, small businesses, non-profits and residents.

According to the filing, the development site will span five blocks and is bounded by 35th Avenue, 43rd Street, Northern Boulevard, 36th Avenue, and 37th Street in Astoria.

The developers seek a zoning map amendment from M1-1 and C4-2A to M1-4/R7X, M1-4/R7-3, M1-4/R9, and M1-4/R9-1, zoning text amendments, and large scale general development special permits for bulk and use modifications to facilitate the development.

The plans for the development involve creating two acres of open space, an arts and culture hub, a potential grammar school site, 200,000 square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment, health and wellness facilities, 2,845 mixed-income apartments, and 250,000 square feet of space for small businesses, startups and nonprofits.

Below is a rendering of the proposed development from Silverstein Properties.