Two residential towers with retail space, outdoor art and possibly a swimming pool will soon take the place of the 5Pointz graffiti art site in Long Island City. The City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a plan to Convert The Street art mecca.
Developer David Wolkoff expressed a desire to tear down the artist warehouse by the end of the year — and 5Pointz artists are planning a rally in its defense.
Along with a vote for the new development, which will include “some affordable housing,” the commission approved zoning changes for a $1 billion Hallets Point project along the Astoria waterfront. A grand total of 2,600 units are part of the plan, which received commission-level approval today, following Community Board One’s vote of support in May.
Jamaica High School and the Forest Park Carousel were also approved as landmarks, following up on the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s vote to designate the two structures in June. [Brownstoner] — Julie Strickland