The western strip of Austin Street, in Forest Hills, is a bustling commercial area where massive chains like Barnes & Nobles and The Gap co-exist with smaller outlets such as Piu Bello Gelato and Austin Jeans. And while the streets are constantly humming with shoppers and diners, the low heights of buildings is potentially threatened by the possibility of a multi-story residential development going up.

But city planners are now presenting a plan to protect the current atmosphere along Austin Street and other parts of Forest Hills. “We think it’s a necessary update to bring us into the 21st century,” said Leslie Brown, president of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce.

The 10 blocks being rezoned are generally bounded by Queens Boulevard to the north, Long Island Rail Road to the south, Ascan Avenue to the east and Yellowstone Boulevard to the west. In particular, the proposal will protect a vibrant stretch of Austin Street from multi-story residential development, preserving the small-shop nature of the strip.

Under the proposed Forest Hills District, buildings on the south side of Austin Street would be limited to 40 feet, or three stories, while buildings on the north side would be limited to 70 feet, or six stories. The district would allow the staggering of building heights as it moves north from Austin Street to Queens Boulevard, where buildings would be able to reach 150 feet.

Brown said the proposed district’s main purpose is to bring the zoning up to date with the nature of the area. In the 1960s, the city zoned much of the area to reflect the prevalence of automotive uses, including repair shops and gas stations. Some of the current zonings allow mixed use buildings with no fixed height limits.

However, many of those old automotive businesses have transformed into successful retail businesses and restaurants, forming a vibrant commercial hub for both Forest Hills and neighboring communities. Barbara Stuchinski, president of the Forest Hills Community and Civic Association, said the proposed district was necessary, though she doubted the area would be threatened by development anytime soon. “In this economic climate I don’t think anyone has to worry about development,” she said. Community Board 6 will hear the city’s plan and make a recommendation during its regular meeting on Oct. 22.

Source: Queens Chronicle