A new affordable housing opportunity has opened in Astoria with the launch an housing lottery for an eight-story residential building located at 11–14 35th Avenue. The development includes 50 income-restricted apartments available to households earning 70–130% of Area Median Income (AMI). Units include 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with modern finishes, washers and dryers, and access to amenities such as a gym, coworking space, children’s playroom, outdoor terraces, and a sundeck. Monthly rents start at $1,913 for one-bedrooms and $2,279 for two-bedrooms. Applications must be submitted through NYC Housing Connect and are due by February 9, 2026. Applicants must meet income and household size requirements to be eligible.

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Understanding the Upcoming NYC Charter Ballot Initiatives: What’s at Stake for Housing and the Future of Our City This year’s election is not just about choosing a new Mayor, tt’s about reshaping the very structure of how New York City governs and builds its future. Voters will be deciding on the most significant updates to the NYC Charter since 1989, with proposals that could redefine how housing is planned, approved, and developed across all five boroughs. At a time when affordability is at a critical tipping point, these ballot measures have the potential to directly impact renters, homeowners, small businesses, and entire neighborhoods for decades to come. To ensure our community is informed, we hosted a special presentation and panel discussion featuring experts deeply involved in the Charter Revision process and housing advocacy. We also feature a presentation by by en Guttman, new Director of the QEDC discussing Queens Economic Development. NYC Charter Ballot Initiative Featured Speakers John Mangin – Representative, 2025 NYC Charter Revision CommissionExplaining the proposed Charter changes and what they mean for local governance Perris Straughter, AICP – Assistant Commissioner for Planning & Development, NYC City CouncilOffering insight into how these proposals could affect housing policy and city planning Jeremy Parkin – Advocate, “Yes on Affordable Housing”Making the case for why Charter changes are necessary to address the housing crisis Why This Matters New York is facing one of the most severe housing affordability challenges in its history. Rising rents, limited inventory, and stalled development have created pressure across communities. These Charter ballot proposals could: Change how housing projects are approved Affect local input and zoning powers Influence long-term affordability strategies Reshape the balance of power between the Mayor, City Council, and local communities This is not a routine vote — it is a turning point that...

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A new residential project is in the works Astoria’s waterfront. Permits have been filed for a four-story building at 21–69 Shore Boulevard, between 21st Drive and Ditmars Boulevard. According to city filings, the development will stand 45 feet tall and provide 11,712 square feet of residential space. Plans call for nine residences, each averaging about 1,300 square feet. The steel-framed building will also include a cellar and a 21-foot rear yard, adding private outdoor space to the design. The project is being developed by Aryeh Assouline of Impact Builders Corp., with Bahram Tehrani of Best Engineering Technology Design listed as the architect. At this stage, no demolition permits have been filed, and the developer has not announced an estimated completion date. Read more here.

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Homeowners can now apply to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) thanks to the City of Yes legislation, the citywide zoning overhaul passed in December 2024. This plan can allow more than 82,000 new homes over the next 15 years with AUDs potentially being 40% of that total. There are a few major restrictions, however: no ground-floor or basement ADUs in flood-prone areas, no backyard ADUs in certain low-rise districts, and a one-story limit on all ADUs. City Planning Director Dan Garodnick emphasized that “ADUs are a proven housing solution across the country, and now, homeowners in New York will have the opportunity to add one to their property right here in the five boroughs.” While backyard and basement apartments already exist in many neighborhoods, most were unpermitted and had saftey issues. Previously, building one legally required navigating waivers or zoning changes. At the same time, the city has been slow to implement a separate law that would let homeowners bring existing illegal basement units up to code. Although that program officially began in June, officials admit it is still not operational. For Astoria and neighborhoods across Queens, ADUs could bring new housing opportunities — but the impact will depend on how the city enforces safety measures and how quickly programs are rolled out. You can read more in a recent Crains here or see the City’s press release.

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A new housing lottery recently launched for 21 affordable units at 21-07 Astoria Blvd. where rents start at $2,900 for studios, $3,200 for one-bedrooms, and $3,500 for two-bedrooms. The deadline to apply is November 3, 2025. To apply you can simply visit NYC Housing Connect Website. Interested residents can apply here.

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OANA has released a new op-ed that shares its support for the OneLIC rezoning plan, emphasizing the need to prioritize 100% deeply affordable housing on public land. In it we outline key recommendations to ensure equitable development and community benefits across Western Queens. You can read the op-ed PDF here. This op-ed has also been published in the National Herald and the Queens Gazette.

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Permits have been filed for a new nine-story residential building at the vacant lot at 30-11 12th Street, between 30th Road and 30th Avenue. The project will span 94,000 sq ft and include 124 residential units, averaging about 761 sq ft per unit. Samuel Teitelbaum of Palm Tree Consulting Inc. is listed as the owner, and Nikolai Katz will be the architect for this project. No completion date has been announced. This development reflects the consistent residential growth in Astoria and is located in the perfect area just minutes from the Ferry, playground and Sculpture Park. Read more here.  

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A new affordable housing lottery is now open for 26-18 4th Street in Hallets Point. Five one-bedroom units are available at $2,075/month for those earning between $78,000 and $116,640, which is 80% of AMI. The new development will include the following amenities:In-unit washer/dryer, smart heating/cooling, rooftop terrace, bike storage, covered parking, and pet-friendly policies. Applications Those interested must apply by July 3rd through NYC Housing Connect. If you’re looking for a quality apartment near the waterfront, this is a great opportunity to check out!

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The Department of City Planning (DCP) just released a new op-ed celebrating one year of success since the adoption of City of Yes. Since the city’s modernized zoning changes went into effect in June 2024, nearly 9,000 new storefront businesses have opened—including bakeries, maker spaces, arcades, and more—some in spaces that would have remained empty under the old rules. That includes over 500 previously vacant storefronts that are now home to local businesses. This important zoning update is already making a difference across NYC. According to the op-ed retail vacancy is down and job numbers are up—especially mixed-use districts like Astoria. City of Yes is helping shape a future where NYC’s economy reflects its creativity, resilience, and diversity—and we’re proud to see that future taking shape. Read the full op-ed here.

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The public review process (ULURP) for the OneLIC Neighborhood Plan has officially begun, and it’s time for Astoria residents to make their voices heard. The plan proposes nearly 15,000 new housing units — including 4,000 permanently affordable — over 14,000 new jobs, and 3.5 million square feet of new commercial and industrial space. It also calls for expanded public access to the LIC waterfront, from Gantry Plaza to Queensbridge Park. This is the fifth major neighborhood rezoning under the Adams administration and follows two years of community input. As part of the ULURP process, Queens Community Boards 1 and 2 and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards will issue recommendations before a final City Council vote. You can give your input at: OneLIC Public Hearing Wednesday, May 21 6:00–9:00 p.m. LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Ave OANA encourages residents to attend and speak up. Let’s ensure this plan reflects equitable, sustainable growth driven by real community input.

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