With so many embracing Astoria, new housing is needed to accommodate them. To that end, in fall 2022, the City Council approved a rezoning amendment required to allow mega-development Halletts North to take shape on a former industrial site on the Astoria waterfront. The three towers — one measuring 22 stories, one measuring 31 stories, and one measuring 35 stories — are planned to contain 1,340 new housing units. A total of 335 units will be designated as permanently affordable to those earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI); of these, 268 will be affordable to those earning below 50% of the AMI.

In addition to the new housing units, Halletts North will include 3,600 square feet of local retail space, 21,500 square feet of community facility space, a 525-car garage, and a new waterfront park and promenade. Additionally, in deference to the realities of climate change, the builders plan to raise the site’s grade to protect it from storm surges and flooding. Construction of the first phase is expected to commence in 2023, and completion is estimated for 2028.

Until then, prospective residents certainly have options in Astoria. It is certainly possible to find a single-family home here, but Ms. Colasuonno cautions that most of these are older homes in need of renovation. Additionally, a multi-family building boomlet is catering to buyers and renters alike. We take a look at the most interesting new developments to rise in Astoria, as well as submarkets like Ditmars/Steinway, Dutch Kills, Astoria Heights, and Hallett's Cove.