NYC Council Approves Bayside Rezoning After Paladino Reversal Under New Appeals Threat

Overview

• Lawmakers approved rezoning for 217-14 24th Avenue in Bayside, clearing an eight-story project with about 248 apartments, including 55 income-restricted units and 65 long-term care units for seniors.
• Councilmember Vickie Paladino, previously opposed, voted yes to retain negotiating leverage given the Affordable Housing Appeals Board could override a rejection.
• Developers Barone Management and Apex Development Group offered concessions such as additional parking, reduced density, and dropping a plan to open a paper road near the neighboring Bayside Gables community.
• The appeals board—made up of the mayor, Council speaker, and borough president—can advance qualifying projects with support from two members, though it cannot change a project’s scope.
• Separate charter changes shortened land-use review to 90 days through an expedited ELURP track, which a Mott Haven affordable project entered last week, as pro-housing advocates say the reforms are weakening traditional member deference.