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.
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.
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? 
cleaner streets, better streetlights, garbage bins... yeah that sounds nice. 
maybe theres a middle ground that could work? idk
. 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 
.
. So yeah, let's push for affordability and community input – we can't just sweep this under the rug 
.
?
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?
. 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? 
. 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 
but can't we find a way to make it work without ruining the character of the neighborhood? 
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 
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 
.
or if it's just gonna push forward with the high-rise development 
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 
.