An 82 block rezoning of the Bayswater and Far Rockaway areas of Queens was approved by the City Council on April 26, 2006. The rezoning was designed to preserve the character of the neighborhoods by promoting lower-density development. R-2 zoning was changed to R1-2, and R3-2, R-4, and R-5 zoning were changed to R3A, R3X, and R4A zoning.
The rezoning was supported by Queens Community District 14 and the Queens Borough President during the City’s public review process, the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP).
The zoning of this area had not been changed since 1961 and according to the Department of City Planning (DCP) more accurately reflects the current character of the neighborhood which is comprised of mostly one and two-family detached houses.