I, along many residents in Forest Hills, NY, am deeply concerned about the rezoning application 2023Q0211 proposed for 68-72 & 71-74 Yellowstone Blvd. This development aims to introduce a massive 14-story apartment building to our neighborhood, jeopardizing the essence and character of a close-knit, family-centric community. For decades, this block has been home to Vitelios Marketplace, a local martial arts gym, and a beloved J & D pharmacy. Forest Hills has been home to long-standing small businesses that define this area and contribute to its unique charm. If this rezoning goes through, these beloved establishments will be displaced, and the bustling spirit of our neighborhood will be irreversibly altered.

Rezoning for such luxury developments also threatens to escalate the cost of living. It's not rocket science: luxury buildings affect the macroeconomics of a neighborhood by encouraging higher-end retail and businesses to move in. We’ve seen it in Long Island City. We’ve seen it in Brooklyn—we don’t have to see it in Forest Hills. This proposal is out-of-touch with the true essence of our neighborhood, seeking only to prioritize private interests over the public good. 

Local businesses and residents must come first before any development decisions. Hearing our voices is crucial to retaining the established environment which many consider essential to their lives. We kindly ask the local government and the relevant authorities to reconsider this rezoning proposal and protect the distinctive identity of Forest Hills.

If you share these concerns or value the preservation of our neighborhood's character, please sign this petition. Your support is essential in conveying a collective stance against this rezoning application.