Maria Betchy testifies in opposition citing Broadway Flushing character and deed restrictions
Betchy, a homeowner of four decades, opposes the rezoning as out of character with the area. She cites CB7's disapproval vote, the neighborhood's 1906 planned garden suburb design with perpetual restrictive covenants in deeds, and the Broadway Flushing Homeowners Association's role in preserving the community's historic character.
Beche?
Kevin, you may begin.
Members of the council, the site under review, 158th Street and Northern Boulevard, is a major intersection of Northeast Queens.
The geography and the Port Washington branch of the Long Island Railroad were instrumental in making this intersection as busy as it has become.
Because that railroad right-of-way blocks typical north-south traffic on the Queen Street grid.
This happened because the railroad tracks are sunk below grade at the Murray Hill Station, just 10 blocks west of 158th.
The tracks rise to grade level at 155th Street, and the east-west concrete walls block north-south streets.
At 158, the tracks are carried on a trestle over the street, providing the passage along this route.
East of 158, the tracks again are at grade, and the concrete wall resumes to another trestle.
This makes a funnel of traffic into 158th Street.
On the north side and the south side.
The DOT found that this was so critical that it barred parking from Sanford Avenue to North Avenue.
As you know, the COVID crisis made people register cars in great extensive numbers, and there's more cars on the streets now.
People who buy property in this development will bring their cars with them.
What had been a small shopping area became a destination because there are now three, at least three, dining and drinking establishments.
Between 157 and 158 on the south side of Nolten Boulevard, right across from St.
Andrew's Church.
There's a school between 158 and 157 just north of this project.
There's a mosque, as was indicated, one block south.
These community features
will attract traffic for the foreseeable future.
The surrounding streets are choked with cars, and permitting a building would just exacerbate the problems.
We say, if you want to develop, go to Flushing Airport.
Thank you for your testimony.
Maria, you may begin.
Thank you.
Good afternoon.
My name is Maria Betchy.
I'm a homeowner.
I have been a homeowner in the North Flushing neighborhood of Broadway Flushing for more than four decades.
I stand here opposed to the rezoning application by Northern 158th Street LLC.