Astoria Residential Tower Plans Filed in Queens

Developers have proposed a 20-story project featuring 402 housing units at a Vernon Boulevard site.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Commercial

Isometric editorial illustration of a large residential block, symbolizing urban development and housing density. — Developers at Across the River Realty Development have filed plans for a new 20-story residential tower at 31-29 Vernon Boulevard in Astoria, Queens. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Across the River Realty Development filed plans to construct a 20-story residential tower at 31-29 Vernon Boulevard in Astoria. The project would replace three existing industrial buildings with hundreds of new homes.

Why it matters

The proposal seeks to utilize a zoning change and text amendment to increase the project's height and density, potentially adding significant residential capacity to the Astoria waterfront.

The development plan calls for a 20-story tower including 10,108 square feet of commercial space and 3,069 square feet for community facilities. It includes 26 parking spaces and allocates 100 units to residents earning 60 percent of area median income.

The players

Across the River Realty Development

This real estate development firm is responsible for the proposed residential project on Vernon Boulevard.

New York City Planning Commission

This agency is responsible for reviewing and approving land use applications, including zoning changes and text amendments.

The details

The developers filed their application with the New York City Planning Commission to exceed current height restrictions at the waterfront site. The project is situated near the East River and Socrates Sculpture Park.

The developers filed plans with the Planning Commission on September 23, 2026.

Culture Shift

This development aligns with the citywide push to increase housing density near waterfront corridors. The project follows the requirements set by the city's Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program by designating 100 units for lower-income residents.

Residents in the area can expect shifts in the neighborhood landscape if the 20-story project gains approval. The inclusion of commercial and community space may provide new local services for the Astoria community.

The takeaway

The proposed tower highlights the ongoing transition of Astoria's industrial waterfront into high-density residential housing. Future developments in the area will likely continue to face similar zoning discussions regarding height and density.