Bayside Hills to Go Viral

Part of a kill campaign that promises “hoopla and clamor,” the Bayside Hills Civic Association has developed a Web-heavy strategy to stave the building of a home they say is too outsized for the neighborhood.

In an Association newsletter that BHCA President Michael Feiner called a “primer” for the cause, he writes, “The equation is simple: like you + emails+ facebook + other social networks + the media + the BHCA + Baysidehillscivic@gmail.com + the other residents of Bayside Hills + all the friends and neighbors + the BHCA +our elected officials + outside supporters…”

The strategic formula went on to include “luck,” finally deducing all the components equaled “…a chance of winning this thing.”

The proposed variance submitted by architect Paul Bonfillio on behalf of landowner does not conform to the R2A zoning. It requires approval by the Board of Standards and Appeals.

While a representative of Bonfilio’s firm has said the home’s cellar will not include a full bathroom, Bayside Hills residents have pointed to a separate entrance designed for the basement, claiming that Forde .

Forde has said the home at 50-20 216th St.—to be built next to a standing house that he owns—would be inhabited by his daughter.

Dozens of neighbors fear that the break in zoning standards would open the door to others wanting to build larger homes, crowding the neighborhood with multiple family dwellings.

The plan has already been rejected by Community Board 11 and Borough President Helen Marshall’s office, and now awaits hearing by the BSA.

Feiner said his organization intends to charter a bus to fill with neighborhood protesters, to head to the BSA hearing, whose date has not yet been publicized.