Waterfront development proposed for Astoria

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.