Developer sought variance to build additional 2-family home in flood zone. The developer of three lots located on 130th Street in College Point, Queens, applied to BSA for a variance to construct three, two-family homes on property formerly occupied by the Ariel Rowing and Tennis Club. The developer’s applications represented that a hardship existed due to the lots’ location within a flood zone, which would require that the buildings be constructed on piles and without cellars.

On June 14, 2004, Community Board 7 unanimously disapproved, arguing that a reasonable rate of return could be obtained with an as-of-right use, and the proposed variance would alter the neighborhood character. Borough President Helen Marshall also disapproved, stating that the proposal required three curb cuts, which created a potentially dangerous traffic condition. Marshall recommended that the developer construct two, two-family homes. (read more…)