Patch:

ASTORIA, QUEENS — The transformative Innovation QNS development was rejected by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards on Thursday, who said it would cause an "influx of new residents" that would change the character of Astoria and threaten to displace existing residents.

The eagerly awaited decision is only a non-binding recommendation, but could still influence the fate of the controversial project, which will now go before the City Planning Commission before a likely final vote by the City Council.

Richards's recommendation is the latest blow for the project, which is facing skepticism from the local Council member and opposition from the neighborhood community board.

Read the full article here: https://patch.com/new-york/astoria-long-island-city/huge-innovation-qns-rezoning-gets-thumbs-down-borough-president