College Point Residents Fear Displacement as LaGuardia Airport Housing Plan Takes Flight

Published in House and Home on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 7:48 GMT by New York Post
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The quiet, historic neighborhood of College Point, Queens, is bracing for a potential upheaval as the Port Authority’s ambitious plan to build housing near LaGuardia Airport moves forward. The project, intended to address New York City's severe housing shortage and provide affordable options for airport workers, has ignited fierce opposition from residents who fear displacement, increased traffic congestion, and irreversible damage to their community’s character.

The Port Authority proposes constructing up to 1,700 apartments on a parcel of land currently occupied by the Flushing Airport car service lot, located at the edge of College Point. The plan is part of a larger $4 billion overhaul of LaGuardia Airport, aiming to create a more modern and efficient transportation hub while also contributing to regional housing goals. While proponents tout the project as a win-win – providing much-needed affordable housing and boosting local economic activity – residents paint a picture of a community under siege.

The core concern revolves around affordability and who will actually benefit from these new units. The Port Authority’s definition of “affordable” is being heavily scrutinized, with many residents arguing that the proposed income brackets still place rents out of reach for many airport workers and long-time College Point residents. Critics point to a history of similar projects where promises of affordability were not fully realized, leading to gentrification and displacement of existing communities.

“They’re calling it affordable housing, but who can actually afford it?” asks Maria Rodriguez, a third-generation College Point resident and spokesperson for the Coalition to Protect College Point (CPCP). “The income limits they're proposing are still too high for many of the people who work at LaGuardia. We’re worried this will just attract wealthier individuals, driving up property values and forcing long-time residents out.”

Beyond affordability concerns, traffic is a major point of contention. College Point already struggles with significant congestion during peak hours, and the addition of hundreds, if not thousands, of new residents is expected to exacerbate the problem. The narrow, winding roads that characterize the neighborhood are ill-equipped to handle increased vehicle volume, leading to fears of gridlock and safety hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Our streets were never designed for this kind of density,” explains Robert Miller, a local business owner. “Adding hundreds of cars will make it impossible to get around. It’s going to be chaos.”

The project's impact on the neighborhood's historic character is also a significant worry. College Point boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century, with well-preserved colonial architecture and a strong sense of community identity. Residents fear that the modern, high-density housing will clash with the existing aesthetic and erode the unique charm that makes College Point so special.

“This isn’t just about buildings; it's about preserving our history and our way of life,” says Sarah Chen, a local historian. “College Point is more than just a location on a map; it’s a community with deep roots and traditions. We don’t want to see that lost.”

The Port Authority has attempted to address some of these concerns through proposed mitigation measures, including traffic studies, infrastructure improvements, and design guidelines aimed at preserving the neighborhood's character. However, many residents remain unconvinced, arguing that these measures are insufficient to offset the negative impacts of such a large-scale development. They point to previous promises made by the Port Authority that were not kept during earlier phases of the LaGuardia Airport renovation.

The CPCP and other community groups have been actively organizing protests, attending public hearings, and lobbying local officials to oppose the project or demand significant revisions. They are advocating for a more comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts on College Point, as well as stricter affordability requirements and stronger protections for existing residents.

Councilmember Linda Lee, representing the district that includes College Point, has expressed concerns about the plan and is working with community members to ensure their voices are heard. She emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach that prioritizes the needs of long-time residents and preserves the neighborhood’s unique character.

The future of the housing project remains uncertain. The Port Authority insists it is committed to addressing community concerns and creating a development that benefits both airport workers and College Point residents. However, with opposition mounting and anxieties high, the path forward will require careful negotiation, compromise, and a genuine commitment to preserving the heart and soul of this historic Queens neighborhood. The fight for College Point’s future is far from over, and its outcome will likely set a precedent for how large-scale development projects are handled in other New York City communities facing similar pressures.

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College Point Residents Fear Displacement as LaGuardia Airport Housing Plan Takes Flight