A proposal for a stretch of industrial waterfront in Astoria called
Halletts Point would bring seven mixed-use towers to the area, some as
tall as 32 stories. Developer Lincoln Equities submitted a land-use
review application to the Department of City Planning last week for the
project, which needs to go through the public review process. The
development would also include a supermarket, retail and restaurants,
amenities that residents say Halletts Point lacks, and it would create
new parks that connect to other nearby public spaces. Construction could
start in the fall of 2010. City Council member Peter Vallone Jr. said
the area is in need of development, and that he has already negotiated
with the developer to reduce the size of the planned towers. Vallone is
also pushing for a bank and school on the site. [more]