Cambria Heights Queens NYC

12/10/2024

City Of Yes seems to not be popular among residents of Cambria Heights.

Here is a thought...is city of yes already here?

Much of what city of yes proposes already exists. Back yard bars/restaurants, sidewalk auto mechanics, illegal basement and garage apartments, businesses operating out of private dwellings. You dont have to look far in Cambria Heights and you will see much if not all of the aforementioned on one block.

What have the laws and elected officials in south east queens done to prevent these things from happening? The answer is not much! Have you ever considered that city of yes might be a good thing..? maybe allowing people to operate how they wish may actually change the city's economy. To see this perspective you have to step outside of your current mindset and think of yourself as a part of a larger ecosystem. Ask yourself why have these type of activities been happening more often in a neighborhood like Cambria Heights? What is happening in the economy that is driving this behavior? What is causing people to rent their basements and garages as living spaces. What is causing people to operate businesses out of their homes illegally? SOMETHING IS DRIVING THIS!

Consider basic economic principles. Here is a reference that may help you figure out why our Community is changing so drastically.

Principles of Economics is a university-level textbook in economics that offers a clear and concise exploration of the most important economic concepts.This book is unapologetically Austrian in its approach. It tackles major economic concepts and topics independently, but in a logical sequence aimed...

03/24/2024

Say NO to "City of Yes" !

For the past three years in a row, many lower-density neighborhoods around New York City have been facing an existential crisis: our own elected officials, particularly Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, believe that our owner-occupied communities don't deserve to exist. Instead, they should be demolished and replaced with high-rise market-rate rental apartment buildings.

This year, Mayor Adams and the Department of City Planning's "City of Yes" - a set of proposals meant to increase development exponentially - are purposefully targeting lower-density areas in order to "free up" our real estate.

Some examples:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) would be allowed on all 1 and 2-family properties, including basement/cellar, attic & garage conversions, and new houses up to 800 square feet in backyards. Transit Oriented Development (TODs) mapped in large parts of R1 through R5 residential zones, targeting 1 and 2-family areas & allowing large apartment buildings on all wide streets and corner properties.
"Town Center" Zoning mapped on all commercial overlays in R1 through R5 zones for high-density apartment complexes on top of street-level retail.

- Basic Zoning Framework changes that would make all buildings larger, denser & taller while cutting back lot sizes, yard setbacks & green space.
-Parking Requirements for all new residential development would be eliminated.

- All properties on every residential block within 100' of a corner would be allowed to have commercial/retail/storefront/office up to 2500 square feet.
-Primary residences would be allowed to have a broad variety of commercial uses applied to 49% of the unit, no maximum square footage and up to 3 employees.

- Manufacturing and *life sciences" would be permitted on all commercial strips; the expansion of "nightlife" throughout the city; and allow commercial development to routinely double in size with a simple permitting process in all neighborhoods.
These changes - and many more - will not foster positive change in our neighborhoods. Instead, it will deregulate our entire land use process and allow high-density residential and commercial development everywhere.
FOR OUR COMMUNITIES TO SURVIVE & THRIVE, SAY NO TO CITY OF YES!

Paul Graziano, Principal - Associated Cultural Resource Consultants. [email protected]
Land Use and Zoning Consultant to Queens Civie Congress. [email protected]

09/11/2021

Say hello to Mr. Ewan Dwyer and Mr. Patrick Biggs. They are the very fabric of what makes our community strong. Without being asked and without seeking recognition these men see the need and answer the call. For many years these men have lived in the community. They have seen many changes. One thing stays consistent however. Their commitment, passion, love and pride in their community. It’s a level of self respect which compels them and many residents of our community to act and do good for others. These men have taken many pictures with family and friends over the years at the Welcome to Cambria Heights sign located at Francis Lewis Blvd. and 121ave. Recently they noticed it looking unkept and out of character with the normal manicured aesthetic that is common place in the Cambria Heights community. So, instead of complaining and waiting for city agency to do as they should, they stepped up and put their tools to work. This story is being told not only in an effort to recognize these two wonderful people, but also to compel you to appreciate your neighbors and the neighborhood in which you live. In unity there is strength.

03/16/2021

Our next Build the Block meeting for Cambria Heights with our NCO Officers Daria Heslin and Joseph Palmese is March 17, 2021 at 7:00pm. This is a Virtual Zoom meeting

02/23/2021

2186-2020 “A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to requiring a comprehensive long-term plan” Take a closer look at this. Public hearing on this is approaching very soon. Follow and check out our Twitter account for the link to the NYC council hearing details.

01/11/2021

Go to our website which is linked in our bio for information on this meeting. We are looking forward to meeting with

12/07/2020

December 10, 2020 7-9pm. Join us via Zoom. Meeting ID: 977 9453 3302 Passcode 283990

10/08/2020

Cambria Heights Civic Association
General Membership Meeting Agenda
**OUR MEETING WILL BE A CONFERENCE CALL MEETING**
October 8, 2020 7pm -9:00pm

Opening Ceremony and Prayer: Mary Lamberth

Police and Public Safety:​ Community Affairs Officers 105 Precinct
NCO Officers 105 Precinct

Treasurer’s Report: Paul Martin

President’s Report: Bryan J. Block

Community Updates:

a. Captain Igor Pinkhasov - New Commanding Officer of 105 Pct.

b. Craig Chin – Department of Transportation (DOT)

c. FREE Telephone Conference Call Info. (720) 740-9640, Access Code: 5401459, Pin Code:3705 #




Open Forum---Community Concerns

Adjournment and Closing Prayer

Refreshments provided by: None at this time
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Upcoming community meetings/events

-Community Board 13, Monday, October 26, 2020 @ 7: 30pm: Meeting will be a virtual/zoom meeting due to COVID-19. Please call 718-464-9700 to confirm information



-105th Precinct Council Meeting: Not scheduled due to COVID-19

09/14/2020

In June of 2020 A powerful march began at Cabbell Park in Cambria Heights and ended at Maranatha Baptist Church. Thank you and all other activists and community organizers that made this such a memorable event. Photo credit

09/12/2020

Dr. Gerald Deas will be here today to reveal this beautiful wall art.

09/12/2020

Wall art in our beautiful neighboring community of St. Albans. 120 Ave. At Farmers Blvd. Underneath the train tracks.