Nabe Would Look 'Ridiculous,' Worries Civic Prez

A charter bus arrived in Bayside Hills to transport 30 friends and neighbors to downtown Manhattan on Tuesday—but they weren't gathered for a catered affair.

The bus, chartered by State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, instead brought the group to held by the Board of Standards and Appeals.

All aboard were encouraged to testify before the BSA against the construction of a home, which neighbors say is shoe-horned into an area that for 80 years served as a side yard garden. 

The BSA did not render any decision Tuesday. Paul Bonfilio, the architect representing the owner of the home, will go before the BSA again in four weeks.

Bayside Hills Civic Association President Michael Feiner (speaking) worries that if plans to build on the property adjoining 50-20 216th St. are approved, it would set a precedent to allow for similar developments—which with the other one family homes in .

"We must continue that battle against these developers," said Feiner, adding "or before we know it, our entire neighborhood would look ridiculous."

Check back with Patch for photos and more coverage from the hearing.