Elmhurst 'high-rise' development stirs worry over gentrification in Queens

Gentrification Looms Over Queens Community as City Pushes for High-Rise Development in Elmhurst

A contentious proposal to rezone a section of Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst has sparked intense backlash from residents, who fear that the plan could exacerbate gentrification and displace long-time Asian American families and small businesses.

At the center of the controversy is a proposed 13-story residential tower on 78-01 Queens Blvd., which would include 79 affordable units. While proponents argue that the development is necessary to address Queens' chronic housing shortage, opponents claim that it would shatter the character of the neighborhood and price out low-income residents.

"We're talking about a community where the majority of buildings are one- and two-family homes or light manufacturing," said Brianna Cea, a member of the Queens Community Board 4. "It's really out of character for this area. One high-rise development can pave the way for more luxury housing, high-end stores that will ultimately price out our Asian American small businesses and elderly residents."

Cea's concerns are echoed by other community members, who point to a lack of affordable housing options in the area. According to data from NYU's Furman Center, 31% of renters in Elmhurst/Corona spend more than 50% of their income on rent – a stark reminder of the shortage.

However, some residents remain open to development, as long as it prioritizes affordability and community needs. Lester Lin, a lifelong resident of Elmhurst who owns several businesses, said that while he's seen his share of neglect and urban blight, new development could be beneficial if done right.

"I'm not complaining about luxury buildings with affordable housing," he said. "When there are cool ones like that, you're bettering the neighborhood because now the streets are cleaner, I have better streetlights, and garbage bins."

As the debate rages on, Queens Councilmember Shekar Krishnan has signaled support for affordable housing but remains non-committal on the rezoning proposal. The city's push for growth in Queens highlights ongoing tensions between displacement and affordability, with even a single residential building serving as a flashpoint in an already contentious community.

In the end, it remains to be seen whether the Elmhurst high-rise development will become a reality – or if it can be tempered to meet the concerns of long-time residents.

omg u feel for these ppl in queens who r worried about gentrification they wanna see affordable housing but at what cost? its like, ur gonna bring in more people and higher rent just 2 accommodate the demand?

i think Lester's perspective is pretty on point tho. if the development prioritizes affordability & community needs, it could actually make a positive impact cleaner streets, better streetlights, garbage bins... yeah that sounds nice.
but at the same time, its hard not 2 see the potential downsides of gentrification - pricing out long-time families & small businesses maybe theres a middle ground that could work? idk

I'm low-key worried about this proposed 13-story tower in Elmhurst . On one hand, I get that Queens is super short on housing and we need more options . But the thing is, this high-rise could be the death nail for all those small Asian American businesses and families who've been here for ages . It's like, if we're gonna gentrify, can't we do it in a way that prioritizes our community needs? Affordable housing, yes . But let's not sacrifice the character of the neighborhood just to make room for luxury condos .

I think what really gets me is how this development will disproportionately affect low-income residents who are already struggling to make ends meet . I mean, 31% of renters in Elmhurst/Corona spend more than 50% of their income on rent? That's wild . So yeah, let's push for affordability and community input – we can't just sweep this under the rug .

What do you guys think? Should this development be allowed to move forward, or do we need to find a different solution ?

"Progress is neither realtime nor linear. It's a curve with its ups and downs." This new proposed high rise in Queens Boulevard has everyone all shook up, from those who think it's a great way to boost the local economy to those who fear it will push out long-time families & small businesses. The question is: can we find a balance between growth & preserving community spirit?

I feel so bad for those families and small businesses who are worried about losing their homes and livelihoods because of this new development. It's like, they're not trying to take away anyone's opportunity, they just want to make some space and get more people moving in, but they don't think about how it will affect the community. And yeah, Queens does have a housing shortage, but that doesn't mean we gotta throw our local character out the window. I hope whoever is in charge can find a way to balance progress with preserving what makes Elmhurst special

Ugh, developers always want to build more condos and make our neighborhoods unrecognizable . Like, I get that there's a housing shortage, but can't we just build like 5-6 units instead of some massive high-rise? It's gonna be so hard for Asian American families and small businesses to keep up with the rising costs. And yeah, I feel you Lester, cleaner streets and better streetlights are cool and all, but what about grandma's rent control?

I don't get why ppl are so against it tho... like, 79 affordable units is a win in my book . And think about all the new shops and restaurants that'll come with it . People are just being dramatic 'bout the high-rise tower... it's not like it's gonna be as tall as the Empire State Building or anything . And what's wrong with some luxury housing? It's not like ppl r poor, they can afford it . And btw, have you seen the state of the subway system lately? We need all the development we can get to make Queens a better place

I'm worried about this gentrification thingy happening in Queens . I mean, I get that cities need to grow and all, but at what cost? We're talkin' about displacin' families and small businesses, like, for real . Lester makes a point about the good side of new development, but it's not just about luxury buildings and clean streets – it's about people's lives . I hope whoever's makin' these decisions can find a way to balance progress with community needs. It's all about findin' that sweet spot where everyone wins .

the whole thing feels super rushed I mean we all know Queens is gonna keep growing but do they have to just shove 13 story buildings everywhere? it's like, affordable housing is one thing but let's not forget about the character of the neighborhood and the small businesses that make it worth living in. i'm not saying we shouldn't build anything new but can't we find a way to balance growth with community needs?

and what really gets me is that this is happening at a time when our affordable housing options are basically non existent 31% of renters in Elmhurst/Corona spend more than 50% of their income on rent - that's like, crazy. so yeah let's get some luxury buildings with affordable housing but let's not forget about the people who actually live there and make this neighborhood worth it

Ugh this gentrification thing is getting outta hand . I mean, I get it, affordable housing is super important but can't we find a way to make it work without ruining the character of the neighborhood? Those one- and two-family homes are what make Elmhurst special .

I'm so worried about those long-time Asian American families and small businesses . It's not just about affordability, it's about community . We need to make sure that whoever gets in on this development is gonna prioritize the residents' needs .

And can we please talk about the lack of affordable housing options in Elmhurst? 31% of renters spend more than half their income on rent? That's crazy . I mean, I've heard of gentrification being a thing, but this feels like a whole different level .

I guess only time will tell if the city is gonna listen to the community or if it's just gonna push forward with the high-rise development . Fingers crossed for Elmhurst!

I just saw this thread about Elmhurst and I have to weigh in. I think the city is worried but also kinda clueless about gentrification. They're all like "we need more housing" without thinking about how it's gonna affect people who've been here for decades. My cousin lives in Astoria and she's seen her rent go up by like 50% just because of new development. It's crazy. I get that the city wants to grow, but can't they find a way to make it work for everyone?

omg this is so sad i feel like we're losing our little community vibes in queens and it's all about making space for big corporate chains... i mean i get that there's a housing shortage but can't we find creative solutions that don't come at the cost of small businesses and seniors? let's work together to make sure that everyone can thrive, not just those who can afford it

I'm low-key freaking out about this situation... Like, I get that Queens needs housing and all, but this is just another example of how gentrification is kicking in. They're gonna price out all these families who've been living there for years and replace them with luxury high-rises that are gonna be empty most of the time. It's not even like they're giving affordable units to those who really need it... 79 units sounds nice, but if they can't guarantee that those units will actually go to low-income residents, then what's the point? And don't even get me started on the small businesses – I've seen how quickly chains come in and push out the local ones. Elmhurst needs to prioritize community over profits

Wow people are really attached to their neighborhood and dont wanna see it change. its interesting how affordability is such an issue now... 31% of renters in Elmhurst/Corona are spending more than 50% of their income on rent which is crazy . I feel for the small business owners who are worried about getting priced out...

I feel so bad for the ppl who's gonna be priced out . I get that we need more affordable housing but let's make sure we prioritize the community too, you know? This high-rise thing might bring in some $$$, but it's gotta be done with heart . We can't just push out our Asian American families and small businesses without a plan B . I'm all for growth but let's grow with our ppl, not on top of them .

Umm so when you say "community character" I'm pretty sure that's just code for "we're afraid of change". Like, come on guys, we've got one-story homes and manufacturing places, what's wrong with a little bit of diversity? And btw, 79 affordable units sounds like a drop in the bucket considering how bad the housing shortage is. I mean, Lester Lin gets it when he says that some development can be good if it's done right... but let's not pretend that just one building is gonna magically solve our issues

I'm like 90% sure this is gonna get out of hand... think about all those low-income Asian American families who've lived there for decades, and now some wealthy investor comes in with a "luxury" building that's just gonna displace them for a fancy new apartment. It's not like the city's got a track record of prioritizing affordability over profits . I mean, come on, 79 affordable units out of a 13-story building? That's just a drop in the bucket. And what's with the community board members who are so quick to shut down development altogether? It's like they're just waiting for something to go wrong... which it probably will .