Jason R
Jason R's projects
Recent Activity
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 1 month ago
Your moderation is censorship disguised as enforcement. You use your terms and service to justify censoring our comments.
Supported a comment by M Fattore on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
M Fattore
To the development team--- talk is cheap. If you truly were committed to this neighborhood, you will NOT attempt to recreate Manhattan. I am not in favor of this proposal, it is GROSSLY out of scale for the area. The low profile of the adjacent area is predominantly residential, and predominantly less than six stories. What needs to be acknowledged is the scale of the proposal will incorporate 2 towers taller than Times Square One, seen globally every New Year's Eve as the ball drops. I have been a renter in this area for over 25 years and chose to stay because it is a truly diverse NEIGHBORHOOD, which is NOT Times Square v2, Williamsburg, Manhattan or downtown Brooklyn in character. Most significantly, the project is NOT addressing what is truly needed in the neighborhood and city in general ---TRULY AFFORDABLE housing for the working and middle class families who are the engine upon which the city functions. That means offering way more than the minimum required by MIH zoning, and offering the affordable units IN PERPETUITY. It means the affordable units offered will be offered at less than a 30% share of the monthly income of every renter. It means affordable senior housing units would be offered in addition to the MIH 25% minimum number of affordable units available to the public housing market serving families in need of affordable housing. Anything less is smoke and mirrors, which your entire campaign is built upon.
To the development team--- talk is cheap. If you truly were committed to this neighborhood, you will NOT attempt to recreate Manhattan. I am not in favor of this proposal, it is GROSSLY out of scale for the area. The low profile of the adjacent area is predominantly residential, and predominantly less than six stories. What needs to be acknowledged is the scale of the proposal will incorporate 2 towers taller than Times Square One, seen globally every New Year's Eve as the ball drops. I have been a renter in this area for over 25 years and chose to stay because it is a truly diverse NEIGHBORHOOD, which is NOT Times Square v2, Williamsburg, Manhattan or downtown Brooklyn in character. Most significantly, the project is NOT addressing what is truly needed in the neighborhood and city in general ---TRULY AFFORDABLE housing for the working and middle class families who are the engine upon which the city functions. That means offering way more than the minimum required by MIH zoning, and offering the affordable units IN PERPETUITY. It means the affordable units offered will be offered at less than a 30% share of the monthly income of every renter. It means affordable senior housing units would be offered in addition to the MIH 25% minimum number of affordable units available to the public housing market serving families in need of affordable housing. Anything less is smoke and mirrors, which your entire campaign is built upon.
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
no improvements will be made to any of the surrounding infrastructure, including the power grid and public transportation: the developers do not have to pay for added infrastructure.
Supported a comment by Lisa Chibis-Tapper on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Lisa Chibis-Tapper
I'm worried about adding additional housing without additional infrastructure. We have crowded schools, crowded trains and a crowded hospital in the neighborhood.
I'm worried about adding additional housing without additional infrastructure. We have crowded schools, crowded trains and a crowded hospital in the neighborhood.
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Five towers above 20 stories – the tallest at 27 stories – and multiple others above 10 stories, adding 2800 luxury apartments that are well above market rate.
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
This project will bring huge profits to the developers at the expense of working class neighbors. Billionaires will be getting tax breaks from this project for 30+ years.
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
This project will bring 7000 new residents and a proposed 1300+ parking spaces. This means even more cars clogging up the neighborhood bringing more pollution and less safety to our streets.
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Hey everyone, Innovation QNS is censoring this forum. They are using a platform called courbanize that is flagging posts for poor reasons. It's good that we keep posting here, but keep in mind this isn't the right place to voice opinion. Get in touch with: http://astorianotforsale.org/
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Nutrition & food security
Supported a comment by P-A-T-H AmbA on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
P-A-T-H AmbA
Minimize New Development, Invest Improve Existing Buildings, Surroundings, Safety Security of Every Intersection, Clean, enliven nooks, corners community culture
Minimize New Development, Invest Improve Existing Buildings, Surroundings, Safety Security of Every Intersection, Clean, enliven nooks, corners community culture
Supported a comment by Zora O'Neill on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Zora O'Neill
There's a hardware store literally across the street from where the development would be. There are barbershops all over Astoria. There's an urgent care facility on Steinway. The only thing I shop outside Astoria for is Thai groceries. I don't suppose you'd consider getting one of those?
There's a hardware store literally across the street from where the development would be. There are barbershops all over Astoria. There's an urgent care facility on Steinway. The only thing I shop outside Astoria for is Thai groceries. I don't suppose you'd consider getting one of those?
Supported a comment by Zora O'Neill on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Zora O'Neill
It's perfectly fine the way it is. This level development would only bring in chain businesses, and we don't need those.
It's perfectly fine the way it is. This level development would only bring in chain businesses, and we don't need those.
Supported a comment by Jenn Z on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Jenn Z
I hope so. This is disgusting for our neighborhood and I had no idea this was happening until my friend just told me tonight. Despicable. Build up this neighborhood with what we have. No more houses are being built on condos and co ops reprehensible
I hope so. This is disgusting for our neighborhood and I had no idea this was happening until my friend just told me tonight. Despicable. Build up this neighborhood with what we have. No more houses are being built on condos and co ops reprehensible
Supported a comment by Macartney Morris on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Macartney Morris
this is a mini Hudson Yards that would transform one of the last remaining affordable parts of Astoria left. I understand why the landowners and landlords want this horrible, but no working family or tenant would want this to happen. This is disgusting and we'll fight you just like we fought Amazon.
this is a mini Hudson Yards that would transform one of the last remaining affordable parts of Astoria left. I understand why the landowners and landlords want this horrible, but no working family or tenant would want this to happen. This is disgusting and we'll fight you just like we fought Amazon.
Supported a comment by Ultra Carl on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Ultra Carl
The reason this part of Queens is "underdeveloped" is more because of real estate speculation rather than the lack of space. There are already many empty buildings and storefronts in the area, and owners would rather have an empty space sell at an inflated price so that developers could build homes that very few people can afford.
The reason this part of Queens is "underdeveloped" is more because of real estate speculation rather than the lack of space. There are already many empty buildings and storefronts in the area, and owners would rather have an empty space sell at an inflated price so that developers could build homes that very few people can afford.
Supported a comment by Jackie York on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Jackie York
FYI, we already have a neighborhood where you can live/work/play/shop all within an easy 15-minute walk of where you live. That’s one reason many people love Astoria. The fact that you’d list that as the goal is a sign that you’re not familiar enough with the existing fabric of this neighborhood. You’re assuming/projecting $50M in new spending at existing businesses—but why would new residents shop elsewhere when you’re building new stores in the same complex they’ll live in? What % of new businesses will be chains and big box stores? Which of your new restaurants will be direct competitors to existing restaurants and bars?
FYI, we already have a neighborhood where you can live/work/play/shop all within an easy 15-minute walk of where you live. That’s one reason many people love Astoria. The fact that you’d list that as the goal is a sign that you’re not familiar enough with the existing fabric of this neighborhood. You’re assuming/projecting $50M in new spending at existing businesses—but why would new residents shop elsewhere when you’re building new stores in the same complex they’ll live in? What % of new businesses will be chains and big box stores? Which of your new restaurants will be direct competitors to existing restaurants and bars?
Supported a comment by Deb V on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Deb V
Why not focus on revitalizing the Steinway Street retail strip that is already there rather than adding more retail stores. This project doesn’t make sense. There are vacant storefronts on Steinway St. How tall are the proposed buildings? Two or three stories fit in the area not mega towers. Put in a park not a Disney field. Why is a rep from Queens County Farm commenting on then project. That institution is not in our neighborhood. As far as the Frank Sinatra School- that building blocks a lot is sunshine from the street. Not in favor of this project
Why not focus on revitalizing the Steinway Street retail strip that is already there rather than adding more retail stores. This project doesn’t make sense. There are vacant storefronts on Steinway St. How tall are the proposed buildings? Two or three stories fit in the area not mega towers. Put in a park not a Disney field. Why is a rep from Queens County Farm commenting on then project. That institution is not in our neighborhood. As far as the Frank Sinatra School- that building blocks a lot is sunshine from the street. Not in favor of this project
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
http://astorianotforsale.org/
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Outdoor fitness
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
http://astorianotforsale.org/
Supported a comment by Jon Barash on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Jon Barash
Yes but I do have concerns about the QNS definition of affordable housing. Lately there have been many new developments in the surrounding area that claim to have a percentage of their units allocated to affordable housing but will have income requirements upwards of $80K or 1-Bedroom or are simply still unaffordable by many standards. I hope that the affordable housing at QNS is genuine rather than meeting the bare minimum requirements to check a few boxes.
Yes but I do have concerns about the QNS definition of affordable housing. Lately there have been many new developments in the surrounding area that claim to have a percentage of their units allocated to affordable housing but will have income requirements upwards of $80K or 1-Bedroom or are simply still unaffordable by many standards. I hope that the affordable housing at QNS is genuine rather than meeting the bare minimum requirements to check a few boxes.
Supported a comment by M Fattore on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
M Fattore
The problem with this "vision" is the scale is completely unsupportable in the area. I can see a 10-12 story design concept as the outer limit of development for this area. Not to mention there is already overcrowding on the available transportation. I do not see the developers offering anything to financially underwrite any additional build up of that element alone, let alone traffic increase and a lack of services. Back to the drawing board is required, and a large reduction in the tax abatement to the developers is also called for.
The problem with this "vision" is the scale is completely unsupportable in the area. I can see a 10-12 story design concept as the outer limit of development for this area. Not to mention there is already overcrowding on the available transportation. I do not see the developers offering anything to financially underwrite any additional build up of that element alone, let alone traffic increase and a lack of services. Back to the drawing board is required, and a large reduction in the tax abatement to the developers is also called for.
Supported a comment by Joshua Lombard on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Joshua Lombard
You can't have 2,843 new dwellings! That is a lot in a very small area. That traffic would be horrible for the already run down subways. 27 stories is far too high! We are a community who live in a neighborhood. It fees like a neighborhood because it doesn't have these massive buildings taking up our sky views! It's so nice to walk around Astoria because most things are short, so you still have decent sun. And looking at your drawings the biggest park space you want to add to on Steinway and 35th AVE will not have sun often! In December will barely be any! And the outdoor space you have proposed look more like Hudson Yards then usable park space to chill with your family! We don't have real parks over here. That is needed if you want to build, a real half block uninterrupted park. As for retail space, we have so many on Steinway that are closed! What is going to happen with those? That space? Are those next to be torn down and built sky high? This project is only good for the community with 1/2 the amount of new dwellings, and 50% of them are low income. The buildings can't be over 10-15 stories, you need a full half block solid park space, not only these small broken up spaces that look more like retail.
You can't have 2,843 new dwellings! That is a lot in a very small area. That traffic would be horrible for the already run down subways. 27 stories is far too high! We are a community who live in a neighborhood. It fees like a neighborhood because it doesn't have these massive buildings taking up our sky views! It's so nice to walk around Astoria because most things are short, so you still have decent sun. And looking at your drawings the biggest park space you want to add to on Steinway and 35th AVE will not have sun often! In December will barely be any! And the outdoor space you have proposed look more like Hudson Yards then usable park space to chill with your family! We don't have real parks over here. That is needed if you want to build, a real half block uninterrupted park. As for retail space, we have so many on Steinway that are closed! What is going to happen with those? That space? Are those next to be torn down and built sky high? This project is only good for the community with 1/2 the amount of new dwellings, and 50% of them are low income. The buildings can't be over 10-15 stories, you need a full half block solid park space, not only these small broken up spaces that look more like retail.
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
exactly!! http://astorianotforsale.org/
Supported a comment by M Fattore on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
M Fattore
Of course, but your concept is not the answer, which is why CB1 voted to DISAPPROVE your application to build. IQ has been consistently NONRESPONSIVE to the needs and requests this community--- truly affordable housing, offering 50% (ie 1400 units) of your proposed build allocated to tenant occupancy under the "deeply affordable" definition currently in place. Your team has consistently had no data or response to these questions at your workshop events: Did your team even attempt to adjust the project using R6a, R7, and R8 zoning requested by CB1 Housing for contextual integration into existing community? Are you committed to exclusively using union workers in the build? Are the 1700 promised jobs in "retail and building services" offering salaries above $80K annually? Will there be a preference for current area residents in the affordable housing lottery? What specifics surround the "community partnership" programs: what is the design and structure of each program, how will it be executed? Your project is designed purely for profit and lacks any commitment to corporate responsibility in exchange for the opportunity to make a profit. Simply greed at work-- again.
Of course, but your concept is not the answer, which is why CB1 voted to DISAPPROVE your application to build. IQ has been consistently NONRESPONSIVE to the needs and requests this community--- truly affordable housing, offering 50% (ie 1400 units) of your proposed build allocated to tenant occupancy under the "deeply affordable" definition currently in place. Your team has consistently had no data or response to these questions at your workshop events: Did your team even attempt to adjust the project using R6a, R7, and R8 zoning requested by CB1 Housing for contextual integration into existing community? Are you committed to exclusively using union workers in the build? Are the 1700 promised jobs in "retail and building services" offering salaries above $80K annually? Will there be a preference for current area residents in the affordable housing lottery? What specifics surround the "community partnership" programs: what is the design and structure of each program, how will it be executed? Your project is designed purely for profit and lacks any commitment to corporate responsibility in exchange for the opportunity to make a profit. Simply greed at work-- again.
Supported a comment by Cattherine Wilson on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Cattherine Wilson
If you really cared about the people who live here all of those apartments would be "affordable" 300 one room studios are not going to help. Neither are a bunch of out-priced apartments, that will sit empty for your investors.
If you really cared about the people who live here all of those apartments would be "affordable" 300 one room studios are not going to help. Neither are a bunch of out-priced apartments, that will sit empty for your investors.
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
publicly accessible space IS NOT PUBLIC SPACE. it is a private corporation CONTROLLING space. look at williamsburg look at hudson yards. they want to turn our community into a shopping mall.
Supported a comment by M Fattore on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
M Fattore
Not without a BINDING LEGAL COMMITMENT from the Developers to FUND the additional infrastructure needed to support this idea. That means an EIS is already complete PRIOR to requesting permission to begin. There is NO TRANSPARENCY in the proposed "vision".
Not without a BINDING LEGAL COMMITMENT from the Developers to FUND the additional infrastructure needed to support this idea. That means an EIS is already complete PRIOR to requesting permission to begin. There is NO TRANSPARENCY in the proposed "vision".
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
M Fattore, they will NOT FOLLOW A BINDING LEGAL COMMITMENT. they will pay a fine and walk away. they even have it in their budget.
Commented on Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
this project is a DISASTER. everyone must come together to stop them.
Supported a comment by Benita Sampedro on
Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago
Benita Sampedro
We do not need any of your urbanization projects, we do not need gentrification in Astoria, we do not need five blocks of ugly new buildings, and where we will suddenly need to pay for everything (from parking space to other services that now are free). And your PR is so silly, such a lie, and so unconvincing! Horrible job. Astoria will hate you Innovation QNS
We do not need any of your urbanization projects, we do not need gentrification in Astoria, we do not need five blocks of ugly new buildings, and where we will suddenly need to pay for everything (from parking space to other services that now are free). And your PR is so silly, such a lie, and so unconvincing! Horrible job. Astoria will hate you Innovation QNS
Followed Innovation QNS
1 year, 2 months ago