Council advances Queens Boulevard (Elmhurst) rezoning with affordable units and new community pool

Summary

The Council advanced the 7801 Queens Boulevard rezoning in Elmhurst on Nov. 12, which sponsors say will deliver 314 apartments (about 79 permanently affordable at 55% AMI), a 15,000 sq ft community space including a district pool managed by Common Point, public open space and union construction commitments.

On Nov. 12 the New York City Council advanced the 7801 Queens Boulevard rezoning for Elmhurst, a sponsor described as a historic win that will guarantee a mix of housing, community space and infrastructure improvements.

Council Member Shekhar Krishnan, who introduced the measure on the floor, highlighted the project’s components: 314 apartments including approximately 79 permanently affordable units at 55 percent of area median income, a 15,000 square‑foot community space that will include the district’s first community swimming pool and facilities managed by Common Point, and 5,000 square feet of publicly accessible open space. Krishnan emphasized union labor commitments for construction.

Supporters framed the rezoning as addressing displacement pressures in Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and broader Queens neighborhoods and said the package was negotiated to secure affordability and community benefits.

Next steps: as with other land‑use actions taken on the general orders calendar, the council’s action advances the project through required land‑use review and agency referrals.