By: 8:00 am on October 3 Additional renderings have been revealed for Utopia Living, a two-skyscraper residential complex at 71-12 Park Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills Designed by DSM Design Group and developed by Marx Development Center the 1.28-million-square-foot project consists of a pair of 42- and 50-story structures rising from a shared podium and will yield 850 units along with an extensive collection of amenities The property is located along Parsons Boulevard between 71st and 72nd Avenues The new renderings and above figures reflect the confirmed current iteration of the project which has undergone revisions that led to some ambiguity surrounding its scope and design The towers are shown clad in matching façades composed of floor-to-ceiling windows framed by irregular grids of light gray metal paneling This scheme is interrupted at several intervals by sections of sheer glass with black mullions The buildings’ ground floors are connected by a low-rise podium surrounded by a landscaped plaza and the towers culminate in metal-paneled crowns Utopia Living Towers at 71-12 Park Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills Amenities are planned to include indoor and outdoor swimming pools and lobby lounge with complimentary coffee bar There will also be a children’s playroom the building will feature a full floor dedicated to executive offices and collaborative spaces The property also plans to offer residents complementary shuttle service to nearby subway stations Utopia Living is being developed under the EB-5 immigrant investor program which grants foreign nationals permanent stay in the United States in exchange for investment in a U.S The visa was executed through Manhattan Regional Center Both DSM Design Group and Manhattan Regional Center are subsidiary companies of Marx Development Group The project is targeting a completion date in 2028 Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates Like YIMBY on Facebook Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews That’s a lot of density in a location that is quite far from any transit The question is whether they want to attract younger or older residents If younger there will have to be plenty of garage space The proposal isn’t adjacent to rail but there is plenty of bus service Not too shabby of a design and definitely better than solid glass walls like Kushner’s Journal Square towers or the crop of new glass highrises in LIC Because we are in an extreme housing shortage If you have to ask why then maybe this blog isn’t for you Yes but usually this sort of development is paired with transit access is going to flood that part of Queens with even more cars There is a very real affordable housing shortage And if you spew that crap about how building more expensive housing will bring down the overall cost then I’m afraid that you’re beyond stupid There’s out of scale and then there’s this. a bit of the English countryside in the midst of New York City Why on earth would you want to put these there This is nowhere near the Kew Gardens you’re envisioning and separated from this by a few major roads and one major highway (the Grand Central) There’s nothing charming about the immediate neighborhood Kew Gardens certainly isn’t ‘Manhattan’ but these buildings look better than just about anything going up in Manhattan. Except for the RAMSA and some of the SLCE stuff this is the area we used to call the junk yard It was a waste land full of garbage dumped by the city they will have to do a considerable amount of abatement and removal Should be interesting to see it’s progress as they are calling it (Flushing in old money…) isn’t Long Island City… never will be And what about completing the building on Vleigh Place that has been sitting there for years All airports must adhere to specific obstruction clearance criteria that can affect flight operations That criteria spans an area much larger than people would suspect this building at this location might not be approved by the FAA or result in impacting flights from LGA or JFK would change flight paths and noise to communities If that was the case these plans would have never advanced to this stage It’s public knowledge where in Queens heights are subject to FAA-mandated regulations in Flushing and weirdly also LIC (hence we’ll never get an LIC supertall) Definitely an improved design from the previous version But I’m really surprised something this tall is allowed Brooklyn caps highrises at about 13 stories in lowrise neighborhoods If this project is in a special taller zone it makes no sense being so far from a subway station But logic and the NY building departments rarely meet Those archaic height caps are always one rezoning away from being lifted (and already have been in many parts of Brooklyn) Yeah but those neighborhoods have rail access This would be like building a 50 story building in Mill Basin I’m wagering the reason this development is allowed to be this tall is because the interior of the lot is so big Zoning and FAR work on a pretty straight forward formula whereas if the mass of the building is focused on a relatively small footprint inside a relatively large lot it can become quite tall unless there is a blanket height restriction for the area in the zoning code An obvious unfortunate outcome of the same zoning and FAR code is that it encourages this tall shaft/setback empty space outcome And ironically if this tall project was instead wrapped on the sides with contextual and height matching structure that more or less mimicked the neighboring buildings the sheer “out of place” height of the towers coming out of the center of the large lot could go almost unnoticed Another clear reason why the DOB FAR and setback codes need to be modified to allow common sense and aesthetically pleasing solutions Building looks great but whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy is this being built????? Kew Gardens was one of several early 20th century housing projects in Queens along with Forest Hills Gardens and Jackson Heights “Kew Garden Hills” was something of a real estate ploy to use the name of a desirable area The construction site falls outside the aircraft obstruction zone of LGA Downtown Flushing could never have buildings this tall due to its proximity to LGA I think Queens is ready for another high density “downtown” district and the area around Flushing is a great place to do it Public transit expansion must be a part of this Kew Gardens has the Queens Blvd Subways and the LIRR This location doesn’t have anything except for a few bus lines that can be assembled to be a beautiful tall: Thanks Glad I read the comments first and didn’t feel bad for thinking “yeah it looks nice but why would they put it there where it is completely out of context to the surrounding area” I live across from where this will be built and the parking is already horrendous its Not Kew Gardwn Hills; its Flushing south The post office is right across the street from the police station there isn’t a housing shortgage in the area per se..there are still new developements around here This should located along Queens Blvd in Forrest Hills where big apartment buildings are typically placed The facade looks like a big Hodge Podge of mistakes-Too many designs shoved together The infrastructure cannot sustain this enormous about of people How in the hell did it get passed community boards It will add thousands more people to the small neighborhood where parking is already limited environmental issues of thousands of cars driving in and out every day I am not even mentioning the sand and dust from the huge construction pit (already there) now blowing inside our apartments windowsills are covered with it and we breath it in I am fighting with this monster construction since November last year The NYC Building disapproved the plan as of 10/9/24 the builder received permits to do excavating which do not name the future construction of the 50 stories the work is going on full swing with a disapproved plan We need more affordable places and not high price high rent buildings which will increase the rent in the buildings around and will make the life of the community much harder ga('send', 'event', 'beautyofblock', 'Impression', 'https://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Standard_336x280-100-2.jpg', { nonInteraction: true }); ADVERTISEMENT ga('send', 'event', 'PCRichards Builders Division', 'Impression', 'https://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PCR_Beko_Compact_YIMB_336x280.jpg', { nonInteraction: true }); ga('send', 'event', 'yimby+', 'Impression', 'https://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image.png', { nonInteraction: true }); Follow on Instagram var sb_instagram_js_options = {"font_method":"svg","placeholder":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/instagram-feed\/img\/placeholder.png","resized_url":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sb-instagram-feed-images\/","ajax_url":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; © COPYRIGHT New York YIMBY® LLC YIMBY IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF NIKOLAI FEDAK / NEW YORK YIMBY LLC An early rendering of what is planned to be a nearly 50-story apartment complex in the residential Kew Gardens Hills neighborhood.  Photo via Atria Builders LLC  A major developer has plans to build two nearly 50-story towers in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Central Queens – but locals want no part of it Marx Development Group aims to construct a two-tower complex which will be as high as 47-stories – or 572-feet tall – between Parsons Boulevard and Park Avenue in the generally low-density suburban-eque community of Kew Gardens Hills While the project is still missing some needed permits according to Department of Buildings documents the dual-tower skyscraper is an as-of-right project and can be constructed without a potentially lengthy rezoning process locals and elected officials in the neighborhood nonetheless want the project halted The lot for the building is nestled amongst several low-density blocks characterized by two- to three-story apartment buildings It is directly between an assisted living facility which the developer also owns; an office building which houses the office of Assemblymember Sam Berger; and the NYPD’s 107th Precinct The majority of the area is listed as an R6 zone according to the Department of City planning would not require the developer to undergo any kind of rezoning process a potentially lengthy procedure that would require approval from the local community board The lot has long been owned by MDG subsidiary Atria Builders LLC and the company has been working to file permits for the building since 2019 the tower’s construction is not fully approved the application is missing what is called a zoning diagram a document that proves the builders plan to use the building solely for its allowed zoning use – in this case the developer has approved permits to do preliminary ground work at the site Negative community response to the building began to pick up when housing outlet New York YIMBY published an article on Oct reporting that the owners are beginning the development process New York YIMBY also reported that the structure would bring 800 units over the property’s 1.1 million square feet and around 27,000 square feet for community facility space It is currently unclear if – or how much – affordable housing the building would include “It will be a disaster,” said Sorolle Idels a local Jewish leader and community board member making it unbelievably more congested…This is a big fat mess.” Idels said that even though the developers were not required to come before the community board to pitch the project she believes they should have at least given them a heads up giving the project’s size and scale “This absolutely went under the radar with no input from the community board or the community,” she said How do you build a skyscraper and not get the community input?” City Councilmember Jim Gennaro said that while the project is still in its preliminary stages he wants to work with the developer to make sure community concerns are addressed “My job is to bring the community and the developer together to work out common sense accommodations work on people's concerns and expect some consideration and some acquiescence to the community's concern,” Gennaro told the Eagle “I think it's in the developer's best interest to be neighborly and be attentive to community concerns,” he added “Nothing has been approved by the DOB as of this date We're going to get out there and we're going to mix it up.” The block in Kew Gardens Hill where a developer wants to put two towers higher than 500 feet.  Screenshot via Google Maps neighbors are already complaining about the limited work the developers are doing now at the site many about the construction causing the shaking of neighboring homes “Excavation is causing the entire building to shake like an earthquake,” a complaint filed in September said pictures are falling off the wall and cracks are appearing around the windows One recent complaint – related to a safety manager not being on site – led to a stop work order at the site that lasted six days All but one of the complaints are considered resolved by DOB The developer did not respond to a request for comment the developer’s representative listed on their DOB filings declined to comment when contacted by the Eagle Home / Law / Crime / Politics / Communities / Voices / All Stories / Who We Are / Terms and Conditions Appeals FOIL Immigration Specialist LEOW Civic Awareness Community Engagement Office of Immigrant Affairs Youth Empowerment Criminal Court Intake and Assessments Rehabilitation 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their home and a storefront in the Dominican Republic The couple is also alleged to have paid truck drivers to divert products bound for retailers such as Sephora and Ulta Beauty from manufacturer warehouses directly to locations under their control Among the charges brought against the defendants is fostering the sale of stolen goods the first time this newly adopted crime has been charged in New York District Attorney Katz said: “These arrests once again prove that consumers should be extremely careful about buying items on social media or from unfamiliar vendors take great care to know the genesis of the products you are buying the defendants ran a widespread fencing operation that offered stolen merchandise for sale far below retail prices Through locations in Queens County and the Dominican Republic this crew sold more than $2 million in stolen merchandise in a two-year period This marks the first time in New York anyone has been charged for the crime of fostering the sale of stolen goods a new measure passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Hochul to stop the sale of stolen goods through both online platforms and brick-and-mortar locations We thank the governor for her leadership on this issue and our partners at the New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigations New York for their work on this ongoing investigation.” Governor Kathy Hochul said: “New Yorkers are sick and tired of the retail theft that has been plaguing our businesses and communities – I promised we would fight it head on and now we are seeing results we gave law enforcement and store owners the tools and support needed to help meet this challenge and today with our partner District Attorney Katz we’re taking down a massive retail theft ring stretching from New York City to Maryland to the Dominican Republic Keeping New Yorkers safe is my number one priority and as we enter the holiday shopping season we will continue focusing our efforts to ensure people feel safe walking into stores and business owners can focus on serving their customers instead of locking up everyday items like toothpaste and deodorant.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G James said: “Retail theft not only financially impacts a business but also presents peril to business owners I want to thank District Attorney Katz and her staff for her collaboration on this case and Governor Hochul for providing the support and resources necessary to carry out these arrests The State Police remains fully engaged on this issue and will not tolerate the actions of individuals responsible for stealing tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise victimizing both retailers and the public.” HSI New York Special Agent in Charge William S Walker said: “Organized retail theft is far from a victimless crime Estimates show the average American family pays over $500 annually in additional costs due to the impact of organized retail crime The HSI New York Border Enforcement Security Task Force’s Trade Enforcement and Interdiction Group is integrated within the city’s ports and beyond with the unwavering goal of keeping New Yorkers safe from threats seen and unseen Today’s announcement is the result of HSI’s continued collaboration with New York State Police the Queens District Attorney’s Office and serves as a stark reminder that when something seems too good to be true all of 75th Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills; and Johanny Almonte Reyes were arraigned on charges of criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree four counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree three counts of attempted criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree and four counts of fostering the sale of stolen goods The defendants are due back in court on January 15 and face up to 8 1/3 years to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top charge Guzman is additionally charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree three counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree and petit larceny and faces up to 8 1/3 years to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top charge that according to the charges and investigation Cristopher Guzman and Yvelisse Guzman Batista purchased large quantities of stolen retail cosmetic goods designer clothing and accessories from numerous theft crews that stole from retailers up and down the East Coast They also organized the large-scale theft of merchandise directly from manufactures before it was distributed to retail outlets Johanny Almonte Reyes and Tiffany Leon Fuentes assisted in the operation The defendants received approximately $50,000 worth of stolen goods per week for which they paid the theft crews approximately 10 to 15% of retail value The goods were then catalogued and sold in New York through online advertisements as well as from a brick-and-mortar boutique called Yvelisse Fashion in Santiago New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigations New York launched an investigation Members of the law enforcement team conducted an undercover operation into the defendants’ activities at their home and an apartment in Fresh Meadows Undercover investigators conducted three controlled sales of purported stolen goods to the couple including beauty products and perfume They sold a total of $22,926 in merchandise and were paid $3,711 or 16% of the retail value during those operations the Guzmans made numerous requests of the undercover investigators to steal certain products based on the high demand from their buyers An undercover operative also allegedly made a controlled purchase of merchandise from the Guzmans after contacting them through a social media page The operative was directed to the Guzmans’ residence and then sent to the basement which was set up as a retail store with shelves of merchandise Among the items purchased by the undercover operative was perfume which had been sold to the couple by the first undercover operatives for $20 combined with information provided by retail partners was observed on video stealing from retail establishments and then arriving at the alleged fencing location in Fresh Meadows to sell those stolen goods to the Guzmans with the assistance of Santana and Reyes removing $1,600 worth of makeup concealer and other products from Ulta Beauty in Chester she was seen carrying a large bag into the Guzmans’ alleged fencing location Fuentes was allegedly seen on video removing $1,718 worth of cosmetics from Ulta Beauty in Towson she was seen taking a large bag to the Guzmans’ fencing location a large quantity of products with a retail value of more than $795,000 was taken from the warehouse of Sol de Janeiro by delivery trucks that were destined for retailers Ulta Beauty and Sephora The products never arrived at their intended destinations The Guzmans are alleged to have paid the delivery drivers to bring the products directly to them the Guzmans made 279 payments to 51 different individuals totaling $230,041.98 The payees were designated as “vendedora,” a Spanish term meaning female seller or vendor a term that the Guzmans are alleged to have used to refer to the theft crew members Ledgers and other notebooks recovered at the search warrant locations further showed hundreds of other similar payments dating back to at least 2021 The operation is estimated to have taken in $2 million in sales two years in order to ship the stolen merchandise to the Dominican Republic storefront video surveillance showed large blue plastic barrels being delivered and then picked up from the Guzmans’ Fresh Meadows location which had bills of lading noting that they contained “cosmetics and makeup” and were destined for the Dominican Republic were stopped at the Red Hook port on November 6 by Homeland Security Investigations New York Two additional barrels also containing cosmetics and makeup were stopped on November 13 A court-authorized search warrant executed at the Guzmans’ home and a third location in Briarwood on November 22 resulted in the seizure of: The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit including members of the Governor’s Retail Theft Task Force under the supervision of Major Samuel P Spezio along with members of the Queens District Attorney’s Detective Bureau under the supervision of Sergeant David Moore and under the overall supervision of the Chief Investigator of the Detective Bureau Robert LaPollo as well as personnel from the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Border Enforcement Security Task Force’s Trade Enforcement and Interdiction Group and Customs and Border Protection American Eagle and Victoria’s Secret assisted in the investigation Chief of the District Attorney’s Crime Strategies and Intelligence Bureau are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Intelligence Analysts Bushra Ahmed and Senior Intelligence Analyst Victoria Filipe under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney of Investigations Gerard A **Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty To learn more about the full range of services available to you, visit the resources section Disclaimer To learn more about the QCDA Website Accessibility Statement, visit the accessibility page By submitting the above I agree to the privacy policy and terms of use of JTA.org Inside one of the seasonal markets that appear in Jewish neighborhoods in New York City ahead of Sukkot My longtime friend Toby and I have a cherished post-Yom Kippur tradition: Every year we hop in my car and head to Kew Gardens Hills — the Queens neighborhood not too far from where I grew up in Forest Hills — to do some extremely seasonal shopping on Main Street No, we’re not getting ready for Halloween, nor are we stocking up ahead of Thanksgiving. Instead, we’re heading to one of the most unique, temporary Jewish spaces in the city: a pop-up market that sells etrogs, the citrus fruit that is one of the four species that Jews hold and shake during the weeklong harvest holiday of Sukkot Such temporary etrog markets pop up in select Jewish neighborhoods across the city including in Borough Park and Williamsburg in Brooklyn While many Jews who purchase etrogs do so through their synagogues selecting an etrog at these pop-ups is a time-honored tradition Of the four species needed for the holiday — which also includes a lulav (palm) branch flanked by three myrtle and two willow branches — the etrog is the star of the show and its perceived value constitutes the cost of the complete set rectangular tables lining the sidewalk in front of Seasons Kosher Supermarket The heart of the action is just a few blocks away each containing a single etrog nestled in foam with prices ranging from $25 for small damaged etrogs meant for children’s play to larger specimens that can cost hundreds of dollars there were almost 20 — are typically staffed by yeshiva students mostly teens but some as young as 11 or 12 The students clearly have their strokes down singing out to prospective customers: “Do you need an etrog Come see what I have!” Wandering from table to table it’s easy to forget for a moment that it’s actually 2024 when anyone can purchase almost anything online (including lulav and etrog sets from Amazon almost like we’re visiting a bazaar in an Old World shtetl Toby and I proceed from one seller to the next in search of the best deal Toby is my “Brooklyn muscle” — she won’t hesitate to bargain with merchants of any age or size I find myself gravitating towards the etrogs in the $60 to $75 range; they’re plumper and smoother than the least expensive offerings It doesn’t take long before the eager young sellers ask me my price range to move the sale along we all know each other,” a seller named David Mirzayev who was working alongside two young nephews told the New York Jewish Week’s Lily Lester Although some tables are set up before Yom Kippur, the high season for the etrog hunt is between Yom Kippur and the first night of Sukkot the kids are behind the tables every day except Shabbat “Most — 85% —are off from [school] Yom Kippur through Sukkot,” Daniel Izhakov a 17-year-old student at the Jewish Institute of Queens tells me explaining the youth involvement in the market A post shared by The New York Jewish Week (@nyjewishweek) proudly shares that he earns 15% to 20% of each sale — plus a bonus — while his 14-year-old brother Daniel tells me that children as young as 9 or 10 sell etrogs at markets elsewhere in the city Hiski Mierov runs Sukkah & Esrog Empire with a partner out of a vacant storefront they rent on Main Street He tells me that the kids who manage his tables do so for “chesed hours” (community service) and tips “The parents drop them off — they have no school; this is better than playing video games,” he said treat them like a wholesaler and they owe me a certain amount over cost And they get a free lunch at my restaurant Meirov claims to be the only seller offering “free pitom insurance,” promising to replace any etrog whose small tip protrusion is broken off before the holiday rendering it not kosher to perform the mitzvah of waving the etrog in the sukkah Much like diamond shoppers look out for “the 4cs” to determine quality discerning etrog customers have specific characteristics and standards they seek detailing what shoppers should keep in mind But Izahahkov also spoke of “teami,” meaning “to my taste” — meaning that finding the “perfect” etrog is a personal decision “You know if you have a Michelin [restaurant] and you pay a lot There is a purity concern for more discriminating customers who look for certifications of kashrut from rabbis they trust and require their etrogs to be “Chazon Ish” — a reference to an early 20th-century rabbi who once proclaimed upon spotting a perfect specimen “This is an etrog.” The term today describes an etrog that is free from suspicion of graft implanting or cross-breeding “Chazon Ish ones are from Yemen or Morocco — the seeds are not mixed with other citrus,” explains a 16-year-old seller named Jacob $450 etrog about the size of a football — he calls it “the big one from Yemen.” He explains that the Moroccan ones he sells “are just raised in a different environment.” Both countries of origin have experienced complications in the last year. Yemen has been embroiled in the regional war against Israel through the Houthis, an Islamist group based there. And Morocco experienced a devastating earthquake just before the etrog harvest last year which has had ramifications for this year’s crop The consensus at the tables is that green etrogs are acceptable I’ve never seen a synagogue use a green etrog during Sukkot it will 100% ripen by yontiff,” using the Yiddish word for holiday While some of the etrog sellers temporarily rent vacant commercial space As I looked down the tables at the hundreds of etrogs on offer, I couldn’t help but wonder what happens to the unsold ones. Jacob says that about 10% go back to the original seller, and the rest are thrown out. Mierov, however, sells the leftovers for a dollar each to those who want to make etrog jam or tea “The best thing after [the holiday] is my mom’s jam,” a 12-year-old seller named Jonathan tells me Toby and I had been wandering among the tables for about 20 minutes I had considered a decent prospect at one table Another one had caught my eye but it wasn’t fragrant enough Our search finally ends when Toby motions me toward a table featuring a four-inch radiant yellow etrog that felt smooth on top She gently rubs the rind to release its citrusy aroma and passes it to me delighting in how it fits perfectly in my hand The seller quickly counters with $35 — a deal He and his partner compile the accompanying pieces which include a holder and ties made from palm branches which are placed around the lulav to stop its fronds from flaring out wildly especially when the owner is shaking it as part of the prayer ritual The kids invite me to select the lulav of my choice which fits snugly in a foam cut-out etrog-shaped space inside its cardboard box “Thank you and chag sameach,” the sellers say We then make our way down the street back to the car and we’re already looking forward to returning next year The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today I accept the Privacy Policy By: 7:30 am on October 2 Work is set to begin on a new mixed-use skyscraper complex at 71-12 Park Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills the project will comprise two towers rising from a shared podium and could potentially span over 1.1 million square feet According to the developer’s website the structures will stand 47 stories and yield 800 apartments permits filed in 2019 detail a 50-story tower designed by DSM Design Group that rises 572 feet and comprises 853 units and 26,946 square feet of community facility space Situated on a vacant lot adjacent to the New York Police Department 107th Precinct the mid-block site is bordered by Parsons Boulevard to the west and Park Avenue to the east Recent permits were filed for ground work to begin Image of building according the poster placed on the work site Renderings on the developer’s site depict a glassy tower made up of multiple volumes stacked at alternating angles over a glass cube podium the rendering on the construction board shows two L-shaped towers Their façades are composed of floor-to-ceiling glass framed with an irregular grid of paneling It’s unclear which design will be built Site of 71-12 Park Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills 71-12 Park Avenue is expected to be completed in 2028 The patterned towers make the podium look painfully plain There are many high density areas in NYC that aren’t adjacent to rail This should hopefully please all the size queens But that base really is terrible and a complete affront to the neighborhood And apparently NYC needs 623 more dirty cars on the streets Queens and Brooklyn are determined to become parking lots Good for Kew Gardens!..These buildings look more like Manhattan ‘trophy towers’..Go Queens Note: this is technically Kew Gardens Hills It will be a few blocks away from Queens College It fits right in more luxury apartments and how many rent stabilized What’s getting built is the updated design on the construction fence and it looks great Fingers crossed the design on the construction fence is the one we will see built Probably could use 100+ more parking spaces and project really needs a commercial overlay along Parsons Blvd so they can have some active ground floor uses These buildings do not fit in with the general character of Kew Gardens They are much too tall and their architecture is very jagged I would not like to have these buildings here Is this really going to fit in with this neighborhood Great views from the apartment cs but a real middle finger to the neighbors The “Manhattanization” of central Queens begins Zero subway access at or near this location ! ALREADY OVERCROWDED BUS stops and routes by this location No road capacity for the the hundreds of cars this skyscraper with add to neighborhood streets No space on the street for the delivery trucks coming to this location making money for the developer (and politicians who approved this neighborhood-busting green-destroying vanity project) Or are the developers counting on getting lucrative “emergency” contracts from city government to house prisoners there An “emergency” homeless shelter there if this is genuinely planned as residential housing it would be a disaster for its residents and for current residents on neighboring blocks This skyscraper has already OVER capacity buses nearby scaled buildings with none of the subway access Why does new housing send some into nervous breakdowns residential neighborhood with a mix of apartment buildings The area is known for its peaceful environment making it a desirable place for families and individuals looking for a quieter part of New York City modern skyscraper like 71-12 Park Avenue could bring a fresh While the new development is a departure from the traditional architecture in the area it could inspire further growth and modernization potentially attracting new businesses and amenities This could enhance the local economy and provide more opportunities for residents it’s essential to balance this growth with the community’s existing charm and character ensuring that the neighborhood’s unique qualities are preserved The stacked showing its height on separation it’s been a glassy tower but podium looked pale at this moment: Thanks Only about 20 stories higher than the permitted zoning for Kew Gardens The City should have never approved this project The new skyscraper complex at 71-12 Park Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills combines beauty with sustainability modern design elements such as clean lines and energy-efficient systems ensure sustainability and smart building technologies contribute to its eco-friendly credentials With ample public spaces and elegant design this development promises to be both an architectural and environmental beacon in Queens What part of this development excites you the most Long Island City and Brooklyn have been buzzing with development and innovation With ambitious projects like the one at 71-12 Park Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills setting the bar high these areas are bound to keep pushing the envelope in modern architecture and sustainability It’s an exciting time for the NYC skyline to evolve with such vibrant and eco-friendly buildings The future looks bright for these boroughs Didn’t know about it and I’m just down the street Someone in zoning got paid off really well The stacked box look for skyscrapers is becoming trite and uninspired The first couple of “stacked” buildings that are going up across the world are enough Crazy parking ratios on these buildings–.over 0.7 spaces per unit This really doesn’t fit in with the character of the neighborhood What would really be nice is a nice big park and maybe a community garden/greenhouse I don’t like how developers or officials keep changing the name of areas to suit them Follow on Instagram var sb_instagram_js_options = {"font_method":"svg","placeholder":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/instagram-feed\/img\/placeholder.png","resized_url":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sb-instagram-feed-images\/","ajax_url":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; © COPYRIGHT New York YIMBY® LLC, YIMBY IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF NIKOLAI FEDAK / NEW YORK YIMBY LLC, 2025 Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations A Queens woman who allegedly killed her building’s superintendent over a possible rent dispute is facing 25 years to life in prison if convicted of a murder charge prosecutors brought on Thursday according to the district attorney’s office Sandra Coto-Navarro, 48, was arrested in connection with the death of Jose Portillo, 55, whom police discovered dead and wrapped in garbage bags under a bed in Coto-Navarro’s apartment in Kew Gardens Hills on Tuesday. Police and prosecutors said Portillo had entered the unit that morning to collect unpaid rent on the landlord's behalf. Coto-Navarro faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence, according to the Queens DA’s office. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges, prosecutors said. A judge ordered her held until her next court appearance, which was scheduled for Friday. Her attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Queens DA Melinda Katz called Portillo’s death “heinous” and added that Coto-Navarro is accused of trying to dismember his body and bleach the bedroom where it was found. “This is not the way a civilized society operates,” Katz said in a statement. Jose Portillo, who police say was found dead in an apartment in Queens on Jan. 14, 2025, is pictured in a photo posted to social media. According to prosecutors, Portillo’s coworkers grew worried about him on Tuesday evening after not hearing from him all day. When police arrived at the home on 70th Avenue and 137th Street around 5 p.m. to conduct a wellness check, Coto-Navarro initially said she had paid Portillo $23,000 and he had left, prosecutors alleged. When pressed further, she eventually indicated that Portillo’s body was under the bed, court documents state. NYPD officers then saw what appeared to be the shape of a human body wrapped in clothing and black garbage bags, according to the DA’s office. Prosecutors said the officers also noticed a mop, a strong smell of bleach, and what appeared to be blood in the bedroom. Authorities deemed the incident a homicide two days after the grim discovery. The city medical examiner’s office said Portillo died in part from blunt force trauma to his head, which had been inflicted by a heavy object. This story has been updated with additional information. Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected]. The decision marks the second time a court has rejected the Trump administration’s attempts to move Khalil’s case to a Louisiana court. Waldemar Alverio also faces five years of post-release supervision after injuring two people and firing into nearby buildings. Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily. Gothamist is a website about New York City news 2024) – A serious vehicle collision occurred early Wednesday morning on the Van Wyck Expressway North near Kew Gardens Hills The collision led to a significant vehicle fire that prompted urgent warnings for extreme caution in the area The incident was first reported around 12:39 AM and captured widespread attention due to its severity one of which became fully engulfed in flames shortly after the impact The front end of the burning car was smashed against another vehicle and the intensity of the fire caused loud pops likely from the vehicle’s tires or fuel tank the flames began to spread to the second car creating a hazardous situation on the expressway. Eyewitness accounts describe the cars as being severely damaged with the white vehicle being the most affected as the fire consumed its driver’s seat area other vehicles continued to pass the scene had not yet caught fire at the time but was in close contact with the burning car raising concerns about a potential explosion had not yet arrived on the scene when the incident was first reported The unusual positioning of the vehicles—despite the expressway’s one-way direction—suggests that the collision may have been head-on although details remain unclear. Witnesses are urging drivers to avoid the area and use extreme caution as the situation remains dangerous obtaining compensation becomes a more attainable goal.With a proven record of success in court and nearly 40 years of experience is dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome for clients in personal injury cases. MetroLaw offers free consultations Bronx, NY (January 24, 2024) – A fatal traffic accident was reported to police in the Bronx on the... read more Hudson Co, NJ (May 2, 2025) – A two-vehicle crash caused injuries Friday evening, May 2, on the southbound... read more East New York, NY (May 29, 2023) – Several victims were left injured following a major MTA bus crash... read more Bronx, NY (July 28, 2023) – Police in the Bronx responded to the scene of an injury crash in... read more Stafford, NJ (July 21, 2023) – A 19-year-old woman from Stafford lost her life in a fatal traffic accident... read more Newark, NJ (February 25, 2025) – A two-car collision occurred on Tuesday afternoon, February 25, on Interstate 280 Eastbound... read more Brick, NJ (July 15, 2024) – A traffic accident ended in injuries in Brick on Friday, July 12. At... read more Ramsey, NJ (November 30, 2022) – Two people lost their lives in a car crash in Ramsey on Tuesday,... read more Manhattan, NY (September 26, 2024) – A major two-vehicle collision occurred earlier today at the intersection of Center Road... read more Notes: Outside sources were used in the creation of this post including news bulletins and first-hand accounts of the accident and injuries involved the details of the accident presented have not been independently verified If you identify any false information in the story or want the post removed and we will correct the information or remove the post Disclaimer: As a member of the local community we at Metro Law strive to improve the overall safety and quality of life for everyone who lives in our beloved state We are extremely saddened by these accidents We hope awareness of these dangers allows our community to take precautions and avoid these accidents This information is not medical or legal advice We wish only the best and quickest recovery to all those involved in the accident The photos depicted in this post are not from the actual accident scene Former President Donald Trump saw major gains in Queens on Tuesday (map on right) when compared to his 2022 performance (map on left) in his home borough. Maps via Center for Urban Research/CUNY Graduate Center Just as he did across the entirety of the U.S on Tuesday night during his decisive comeback victory former President Donald Trump made major gains in Queens Though Vice President Kamala Harris ultimately won around 68 percent of the vote in Queens Trump gained votes in nearly every election district in the borough Trump performed around 10.5 percentage points better in Queens than he did in 2020 Only the Bronx saw a greater shift in support of the former president in New York City Though Trump’s gains in Queens were not exactly out of step with his performance nationally on Tuesday they are particularly shocking given the borough’s attempts to distance itself over the past eight years from its former resident Trump not only beat out his 2020 totals in areas of Queens he won four years ago but he flipped districts in Queens that voted solidly for President Joe Biden Trump did not win a single election district in Corona all of which are home to large populations of Latino and immigrant voters he won six election districts in the area and made double digit percentage point gains in dozens of others He also made double-digit gains in dozens of districts in Woodhaven where he spent the earliest years of his life Trump additionally saw boosts in areas of Queens he won in 2020 winning them again even more decisively this week He received double-digit increases in Jewish communities in Kew Gardens Hills In Queens’ most consistently conservative areas Howard Beach and the western portion of the Rockaway Peninsula Trump gained anywhere from five to 15 percentage points in most election districts who did not campaign in New York City during the 16 weeks she was officially running for president performed better than Biden’s 2020 campaign in only a handful of districts in Queens Harris won 89 percent of the vote after Biden won around 84 percent of the vote there in 2020 Harris also outperformed Biden’s 2020 results in several election districts in Long Island City all of which saw significant increases in the total number of votes cast there this week when compared to the last presidential race It all amounted to what could be an alarming trend for elected officials in the overwhelmingly Democratic borough or if I were a local official running for office next year I'd be very careful in portions of Queens,” Hank Sheinkopf Whether or not Trump’s gains in Queens grow over the next four years remains unclear The vote totals in even the most conservative parts of Queens – a borough where Democrats outnumber Republicans seven to one – were not enough to push Republicans running for local office over the edge on Tuesday And while Sheinkopf said the shift could play a role in next year’s mayoral contest – which will likely feature a handful of progressive candidates running against an embattled and somewhat conservative Mayor Eric Adams – it’s hard to say whether or not it holds until the presidential election in 2028 “It all depends on the conditions of the four years,” Sheinkopf said “Five minutes in politics is 20 years in anything else.” KEW GARDENS HILLS, N.Y. — A Queens man was indicted on charges of attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession in connection with a November parking dispute that led to the shooting of two men outside his Kew Gardens Hills home allegedly fired multiple shots at Jignesh Patel according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz The victims sustained gunshot wounds to the foot and knee “This was a completely senseless act of violence, and the two victims will now carry injuries for the rest of their lives,” Katz said in a statement. “My office is committed to removing illegal guns from our communities.” The confrontation reportedly began when Rodriguez exited a black Acura MDX on 79th Avenue to argue with the two men who were double-parked outside their vehicle Investigators recovered five shell casings at the scene faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted before Queens Supreme Court Justice Toni Cimino The incident underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence and disputes escalating into physical harm in residential neighborhoods © 2008-2025 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker 2025 at 11:40 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The city’s medical examiner’s office will determine the cause of death NY — A 55-year-old man who was found dead under a bed and stuffed inside a garbage bag in a Queens apartment has been identified Police discovered the body of Jose Portillo in an apartment at 137-17 70th Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills around 5 p.m Tuesday after being called to perform a welfare check The victim was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS, Patch previously reported. The city’s medical examiner’s office will determine the cause of death Police had been questioning two people who lived in the apartment No charges have been filed as of Thursday morning Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. — A Queens woman has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly killing her building superintendent who had entered her Kew Gardens Hills apartment to collect overdue rent Sandra Coto-Navarro, 48, is accused of murdering 55-year-old Jose Portillo, whose body was discovered by police wrapped in garbage bags and hidden under a bed in her apartment. Portillo had reportedly gone to Coto-Navarro’s residence on Tuesday around 8:40 a.m. to collect unpaid rent on behalf of the landlord. “This was a gruesome murder,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “As alleged, the defendant not only murdered the superintendent trying to collect rent, but attempted to dismember the lifeless victim, wrapped his body in black garbage bags and tried bleaching the area. Now, a life has been lost and a family is in upheaval because the defendant allegedly chose to resolve a rent dispute with violence.” Authorities said Portillo’s coworkers contacted the NYPD around 5:00 p.m. after he failed to return to work and was unreachable by phone. Police reviewed building surveillance footage, which reportedly showed Portillo entering but never leaving Coto-Navarro’s apartment. Upon entering the apartment, officers found Portillo’s body under the bed, along with a strong smell of bleach and evidence of blood near the bed and dresser. The Medical Examiner’s Office determined Portillo suffered multiple blunt force injuries to the head and had a bag placed over his head, causing his death. Post-mortem injuries included sharp force wounds to his neck and leg. Coto-Navarro was arraigned late Thursday night before Queens Criminal Court Judge Vidya Pappachan on charges of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal possession of a weapon. She was remanded into custody and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted. © 2008-2025 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. All rights reserved. A man who was found dead and wrapped in plastic bags under a bed in a Queens apartment on Tuesday had gone in to collect rent and never emerged, police officials said on Thursday. NYPD officials said they were investigating whether a dispute over late rent had anything to do with the death of 55-year-old Jose Portillo, whose body was discovered around 5 p.m. Tuesday by officers conducting a wellness check at a home on 70th Avenue and 137th Street in Kew Gardens Hills. Portillo’s body was located under a bed, with one garbage bag covering the top half of his body and another covering the bottom half, according to police. Neighbors in the row of homes on 70th Avenue identified him as their longtime super. The city medical examiner’s office was working to figure out Portillo’s cause of death, police officials said. Detectives on Thursday were still questioning the two people who lived in the apartment where he was found, but no charges had been filed. Family members of Portillo said over the phone on Wednesday they were too distraught to speak about the case and did not have much information about what had happened. At the scene on Wednesday, neighbors said they were shocked by the incident, and said they had seen Portillo working around the buildings only days before. “I always thought my block was relatively safe, you know?” said Jasmin Halil, who has lived in the building for about four years. She said the Portillo’s death made her “very nervous.” Rosemarie Sanks, a more-than-50-year resident of the property, said her upstairs neighbors told her the super had died, but she did not know how. “It’s a sad, sad situation, really,” she said. This is a developing story based on preliminary information from police and has been updated. Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected]. The stunt featured a live Mariachi band at the Upper West Side school's entrance. It's sparked a debate about racism and how the students behind the prank should be held accountable. A City Council measure up for consideration would gradually lift caps on vendor permits and licenses. Anti-Israel protesters descended on Congregation Charm Circle in Queens New York on Sunday to protest a sale of Israeli real… Anti-Israel protesters target a synagogue in Queens New York on Sunday to protest a sale of Israeli real estate despite the synagogue changing the location of the sale the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation and Al-Awda The Palestine Right to Return Coalition announced that they were planning to protest a sale of Israeli real estate in Kew Garden Hills They did not name a specific synagogue to protest outside of synagogues in the immediate vicinity of the location they provided Instagram post by the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation and Al-Awda The Palestine Right to Return Coalition for an anti-Israel protest “Every time these illegal sales take place, we will give them no peace and a protest will follow each time, until liberation and return,” read the caption of the social media post announcing the demonstration “Across the US and Canada realtors continue to sell stolen PALESTINIAN [sic] property on settlements that are illegal under International law.” The post then included an inverted red triangle followed by the message: “As the genocide on Palestinians continues we call for a complete end to the settler-colonial project of Israel and its goal of expansion.” The inverted red triangle has become a common symbol at pro-Hamas rallies and anti-Israel protests that ravaged Western university campuses in recent months the Palestinian terrorist group that rules Gaza has used inverted red triangles in its propaganda videos to indicate Israeli targets about to be attacked According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) “the red triangle is now used to represent Hamas itself and glorify its use of violence.” Queens Shmira – a Jewish neighborhood safety group – announced that the real-estate sale had been moved to a different venue According to a statement from Queens Shmira the venue “has since changed to accommodate a larger audience and will NOT be taking place at Congregation Charm Circle.” “The protesters’ intention is to intimidate and we will not be intimidated,” the statement added The protest spilled over to a nearby basketball court where pro-Palestinian demonstrators could be seen shoving the counter-protesters The New York City Police Department (NYPD) attempted to de-escalate the situation but there were no reports of arrests being made Local politicians took to X/Twitter to express outrage over the anti-Israel protests targeting a synagogue “The event changed venues but the protesters didn’t care, harassing Jews for the crime of going to pray,” New York State Assemblymember Sam Berger, who represents Kew Garden Hills, wrote on X/Twitter condemned the demonstration on social media “The events that took place outside of Congregation Charm Circle in Kew Gardens Hills are deeply concerning,” she posted “Harassing people outside of their house of worship is unacceptable While everyone in the US has the right to protest The protest at Congregation Charm Circle come only four weeks after the violent anti-Israel demonstration outside of Adas Torah synagogue in the heavily-Jewish Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles Anti-Israel demonstrators outside the Adas Torah synagogue in the heavily-Jewish Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles Demonstrators swarmed the synagogue to protest the sale of Israeli real estate taking place inside the building The protests quickly descended into violence as anti-Israel protesters were caught on video shoving and screaming at those attempting to defend the synagogue The skirmishes spilled out into the greater community as anti-Israel protesters targeted and in some cases vandalized Jewish-owned businesses The violence received widespread condemnation “I’m appalled by the scenes outside of Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles Intimidating Jewish congregants is dangerous and un-American,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement on the chaos “Americans have a right to peaceful protest But blocking access to a house of worship — and engaging in violence — is never acceptable.” Since Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, antisemitism has skyrocketed globally to record levels amid the ensuing war in Gaza. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a report in April showing antisemitic incidents in the US rose 140 percent last year Most of the outrages occurred after Hamas’ atrocities across southern Israel last October Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Contact: Dan Leibel 718-391-1251 NY – The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) joined Queens Public Library President Dennis Walcott and community stakeholders today to celebrate the completion of the newly renovated Kew Gardens Hills Library at 72-33 Vleigh Place in Queens A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the reopening of the 51-year-old library which underwent an $8.1 million renovation that expanded the facility and made it fully ADA-accessible The project increased the size of the library by 3,000-square-feet to 11,660-square-feet The building has also been upgraded with state-of-the-art electrical temperature control and fire protection systems Its large windows allow for natural light to enter deep into the building which reduces the building’s carbon footprint the building is certified LEED Silver for environmental sustainability and has a new green roof that helps shrink energy costs and better manages stormwater runoff “The Kew Garden Hills Library is a valuable resource for the community as it promotes sustainability and equity within the neighborhood providing access to educational tools for children and adults,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio “The building’s unique design gives the community a landmark with character which residents can turn to as a hub of education and opportunity Libraries are essential to the collective growth of our City as they enable individuals to expand their understandings of the world and of each other We thank the Queens Library system for their partnership.” "We’ve developed a collection and are offering services that recognize the needs of a diverse and dynamic community and live up to the ideals expressed by this outstanding renovation and expansion,” said Queens Library President and CEO Dennis M “We are grateful to everyone who worked so hard to deliver a library that will inspire our customers to learn "The reopening of the Kew Gardens Hills library is long overdue and marks an important moment for our community,” said City Councilmember Rory I the Kew Gardens Hills library will truly be a state-of-the-art building and an innovative environmentally friendly design I am thrilled that children and adults in our community will once again be able to take advantage of the vast educational resources available at the Kew Gardens Hills library." In addition to being one of the City’s most sustainable libraries the Kew Gardens Hills branch offers a unique architectural design which welcomes the community incorporating materials such as metal tiles a polycarbonate ceiling and glass fiber paneling The interior of the space was outfitted with partitions to allow for work spaces In response to requests from the community and the Queens Library System DDC constructed a nearby “swing space” to provide uninterrupted library service for residents during construction The library’s intricate design can be attributed to DDC’s Guiding Principles Kew Gardens Hills Library was designed to incorporate all of those elements with active design and community engagement as additional priorities Consultants for the project included Work Architecture Co. Midtown HVAC Enterprises and Q&Y Electric Co NYC is a trademark and service mark of the City of New York Privacy Policy. Terms of Use.  Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInNEW YORK (WABC) - Police say a New York woman killed her apartment building’s superintendent when he tried to collect late rent tampering with physical evidence and criminal possession of a weapon in connection to the death of 55-year-old Jose Portillo the superintendent at a Kew Gardens Hills apartment building in Queens Officials believe Portillo was hit on the head and stabbed in the neck and leg They found his body in garbage bags stuffed under a bed Wednesday The medical examiner said Portillo’s cause of death was homicidal violence Officials say Navarro and her husband hadn’t paid rent in years and owed about $24,000 Navarro’s husband told police where to find Portillo’s remains He’s not facing charges because surveillance video shows he was at work all day and only came home 20 minutes before police arrived Neighbors say Portillo started as the building’s gardener and worked his way up to become the superintendent He was described as a friendly and reliable man who would stop to talk to people A copy of the famous American bell can be found inside a bank which itself is modeled after Independence Hall You don't have to go to Philadelphia to see a Liberty Bell Lundy and Queens County Bank President Joseph Upton cut a ribbon opening the newest branch of the Queens County Savings Bank in Kew Gardens Hills This bank was unlike any other in New York City because it was built as a replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia—Liberty Bell and all Capitalizing on the revival of colonial history quill pens like the ones used by the Founding Fathers to sign important documents in the original Independence Hall were given away during opening day celebrations along with golden metal keychains stamped with an image of the building or a Volutpe powder compact with a custom image of the building on the front If you opened a savings account on opening day you could take home a pen and pencil kit.  The bank was designed by architect Harold O Micheal Perlman writes that Marshall Construction built it for $250,000 that would be over 2 million dollars adjusted for inflation and the back of the building faces the Dutch-named Vleigh Place told me it was Kew Gardens Hills’ first bank The New York Times reported that the bell tower rises one hundred feet “Dominating the neighborhood.” When I lived on 73rd Terrace I could see the tower with the weathervane from my bedroom window According to the National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form the Queen's County Savings Bank is located on the highest point in Kew Gardens Hills which further boosts the height of its tower But do not look for a bell in the tower; the replica of the Liberty Bell is in the bank's lobby I remember tapping the bell with a coin or looking under it to see the clapper as a young child The National Park Service writes that the bell is about four feet in diameter and weighs about one ton Just as the bank building is not an exact replica of the historic building in Philadelphia You will notice in the photo above that the famous crack is missing I remember these images hanging behind the tellers when I opened my first bank account with just five dollars It was before the time of protective enclosures for the tellers.  The bank also housed the Queensborough Public Library for a time the library housed an exhibition space for the Queens County Historical Society before it was moved to another location. In 2005 the Queens County Savings Bank was added to the National Register of Historic Places (Left) The Real Independence Hall, photo by Mys 721tx via Wikimedia Commons, (Right) The Queens Replica, Photo by Ben Hagen This unique building was not the first replica of Independence Hall built in Queens. During the 1939/40 New York World's Fair held at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park there was a replica of Independence Hall in the Pennsylvania Pavillon According to the Museum of the City of New York Philadelphia's Independence Hall replica was located at the Pennsylvania exhibit the bank became more than a financial institution but neighbors also caught up with recent events in its lobby It was a place where you knew the tellers on a first-name basis the bell tower was something to look for before the advent of GPS and it was a familiar landmark that signaled that you were indeed home. The bank was part of the community The same can be said of the small parcel of land next door Adjacent to the bank but not owned by the bank is what is today known as Freedom Square Park. When I was a kid, it was rumored that the name came from Eleanor Roosevelt the site of Victory Gardens during World War II a gas station was slated for the small parcel of land New York City eventually acquired the small parcel of land and designed a park there in 1957 The park was dedicated in 1960 and named Freedom Square in honor of Theodor Herzl the founder of modern Zionism—not Eleanor Roosevelt The Queens County Savings Bank helped finance the park by donating $25,000 dollars for its construction and maintenance Freedom Square became a gathering place for community citizens People bought their hot coffee from Willie’s Luncheonette and sat on the benches talking someone would spread bread crumbs for the pigeons I remember playing in Freedom Square and using it as a shortcut.   The Queens County Savings Bank has been the Flagstar Bank for the last twenty-five years but older neighborhood citizens still call it by its old name it will always be the Queens County Savings Bank When I visit family and friends in Kew Gardens Hills the bank's spire greets me like an old friend from a bygone era during my childhood People still gather in the shade of the trees of Freedom Square and still feed the birds and the squirrels that call the park home The vision of the Queens County Savings Bank was passed on to a new generation Next, check out the Replica of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Connecticut! AJ Schenkman is an award-winning NYS author who has written several books and publications on various historical topics. His most recent publication is a children's book on Franklin Roosevelt. Welcome back! You've successfully signed in. You've successfully subscribed to Untapped New York. Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in. Success! Your billing info has been updated. The library was already a key institution in the diverse community of Kew Gardens Hills, and it boasts some of the best attendance and circulation figures of any library nationwide. Community members’ dedicated advocacy was pivotal in supporting a design that has provided the library with needed facilities and has given it a physical presence in keeping with institution’s importance.  © Bruce DamonteThe project began as the renovation and 3,000-square-foot expansion of an existing Lindsey library from 1966. Its volume is still visible in the completed library. However, structural upgrades and new interior detailing have all but replaced the preexisting building with a new 10,000-square-foot space.  © Bruce DamonteThe façade is made from custom glass fiber–reinforced concrete panels curtain-like pattern of vertical folds creates a play of light and shadow and softens the primarily glassy exterior large exterior windows provide direct natural light while south- and east-facing clerestory windows provide indirect light that bounces off of the exposed concrete of the lifted facade Not only expressive and functional but also structural this concrete band acts as a 200-foot-long beam to support the green roof without interrupting the open interior Two columns are the only supports for this beam You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email 2024 at 10:30 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Voter's ballot will look different depending on where you reside in the city NY — Election Day is finally here as New Yorkers will decide on the presidential election and a number of important state races Voters can search for their polling site by visiting the city's board of elections website and inputting their address Voter's ballot will look different depending on where you reside in the city. To view who's on your ballot, you can visit this page and plug in the address where you’re registered to vote South Ozone Park and the Rockaway Peninsula) 7th Congressional District (Long Island City an Amendment: Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy A "YES" vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution A "NO" vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution This proposal would amend the City Charter to expand and clarify the Department of Sanitation’s power to clean streets and other City property and require disposal of waste in containers Voting “Yes” will expand and clarify the Department of Sanitation’s power to clean streets and other City property and require disposal of waste in containers a Question: Additional Estimates of the Cost of Proposed Laws and Updates to Budget Deadlines This proposal would amend the City Charter to require fiscal analysis from the Council before hearings and votes on laws Voting “Yes” would amend the City Charter to require additional fiscal analysis prior to hearings and votes on local laws a Question: More Notice and Time Before Votes on Public Safety Legislation This proposal would require additional public notice and time before the City Council votes on laws respecting the public safety operations of the Police Voting “Yes” will require additional notice and time before the Council votes on laws respecting public safety operations of the Police This proposal would amend the City Charter to require more detail in the annual assessment of City facilities mandate that facility needs inform capital planning Voting “Yes” would require more detail when assessing maintenance needs of City facilities a Question: Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) This proposal would amend the City Charter to establish the Chief Business Diversity Officer (CBDO) authorize the Mayor to designate the office that issues film permits Voting “Yes” would establish the CBDO to support MWBEs