| On August 14, 2008 the City Council adopted the Rockaway Neighborhoods Rezoning changes as proposed. The zoning changes are now in effect. |
The Department of City Planning has proposed a comprehensive rezoning strategy for
280 blocks of the Rockaway Peninsula extending more than six miles in Queens Community District 14.
Over the past century, the Rockaway Peninsula has evolved from a summertime destination to a series of unique and varied oceanfront communities. In the last several years, the neighborhoods of the Rockaways have witnessed a rapid increase in new development, buoyed by the success of the Arverne-by-the-Sea project and the desirability of living at or near the city’s oceanfront. Much of the development, however, has been out of context with the existing neighborhoods due to outdated zoning that is largely unchanged from 1961. As a result, the neighborhoods have been threatened by new developments which are inconsistent with the prevailing scale, density and built character.
The proposed contextual rezoning changes aim to reinforce and protect the special character of the five Rockaway neighborhoods: Rockaway Park, Rockaway Beach, Somerville, Edgemere and Far Rockaway. The proposal would protect the low-scale of the peninsula’s distinctive housing stock, including nearly 200 of the Rockaway’s famed bungalows, as well as many blocks containing one-and two-family homes. The proposal would also provide for moderate retail and housing opportunities in select locations near transit and establish new regulations to address parking demand generated by new development.
The proposal, which has been developed with extensive outreach from elected officials, Community Board 14, and local civic associations, would:
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Establish a low-scale framework to protect and reinforce established building scale in areas primarily containing one- and two-family homes, including the Rockaway's emblematic oceanside bungalows;
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Ensure the provision of much needed front and side yards, street trees and sidewalk planting strips;
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Address community concerns for additional accessory parking requirements in auto dependent locations;
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Provide zoning flexibility for residents to enlarge one-family homes in Far Rockaway;
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Facilitate a mix of residential and commercial activities in select locations to strengthen existing contexts along wide streets and in areas close to transit.
View the slide show presentation.
The proposal builds upon contextual zoning changes in the Rockaway Park community approved in November 1989, the Far Rockaway/Mott Creek community approved in September 2005 and the Bayswater neighborhood approved in April 2006.
Bungalows in Rockaway Park on B. 109th Street within existing R5 district.
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B. 116th Street corridor in Rockaway Park within existing R5/C1-2 district.
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Bungalows on B. 25th Street in Far Rockaway in existing R6 district.
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Out-of-character development in Far Rockaway on B. 26th Street in existing R6 district
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