Community Corner
Bayside Hills Civic to BSA: It Shall Not Pass!
Local civic rallies community opposition to zoning variance.
The Bayside Hills Civic Association is not taking an application for a zoning variance at 50-20 216th St. lightly.
The Civic Association will be hosting a meeting Tuesday regarding a forthcoming hearing of the Board of Standards and Appeals to discuss strategy for opposing the variance.
Despite fierce opposition, developer Paul Bonfilio is moving forward with an application for a property that would permit the building of a second house on a property that already has one property on it, according to BHCA president Michael Feiner.
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Under the ULURP process, the BSA has final decision-making power to approve the application.
Local elected officials have stood firm in opposing the variance. State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, said “
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Coucilman Dan Halloran, R-Whitestone, also blasted the proposed zoning variance.
Concerns about altering the streetscape of Bayside abound. Civic leaders like chairman of Community Board 11 Jerry Iannece said “the house will not be in sync with the neighborhood.” He added, “He’s asking to create a second structure!”
According to Feiner, "The [BSA] historically sides with developers…and after careful analysis it is our position that a variance should not be granted.”
Invitations have been sent to all elected officials and community organizations.
The BHCA is strongly encouraging everyone to attend.