Commission down-zones another Queens neighborhood. On April 13, 2005, the Planning Commission approved another of the Bloomberg administration’s down-zoning initiatives by rezoning 40 blocks of Kissena Park, a small residential neighborhood directly north of its namesake, the 235-acre Kissena Park.

The down-zoning, commenced at the urging of the Kissena Park Civic Association, would be the first rezoning plan passed since 1961 in this predominately one and two-family home residential neighborhood. Designed to match the context of the area’s buildings, the action proposed replacing the current R3-2 zoning with three districts (R2, R3A and R3X) that would generally limit future development to one and two-family homes on all 40 blocks. The current zoning allows rowhouse and large apartment development. The proposal would impact an area generally bound by 45th and 46th Avenues and Parson Boulevard to the east, Rose Avenue and Colden Street to the south and Mulberry Avenue, Union Street and Kissena Boulevard to the west.

No one opposed the rezoning at the March 30, 2005 Commission hearing and the Commission unanimously approved, finding the action necessary to protect Kissena Park’s character and low density.

ULURP Process The Planning Commission, as lead agency, issued a negative declaration on December 6, 2004. Community Board 7 and Borough President Helen Marshall approved. City Council review is pending.

CPC: Kissena Park Rezoning (C 050195 ZMQ – map amendment) (April 13, 2005). CITYADMIN